dating cultural differences

Disclaimer: This is just a huge culture difference many volunteers have noticed. There are many outstanding men here in Zambia.

Dating here. Welp, let me tell you. I have not.

Mu Zambia traditionally men are supposed to be very forward and to come off strong. They know what they want and they are going to get it. On the flip-side: girls are supposed to refuse the man even when she wants him and finally submit in the end.

Ku America we all know when a girl says, "No" she means, "Don't even look at me."

Can you see the struggle?

Basically, I met a guy that seems like he could be super cool and let's try to be friends. He WhatsApps me and we start a conversation. By the end of week one with out a shadow of a doubt he has sent some creepy message coming off way too strong about building a future together, send me a picture of you ________ (fill in the blank with whatever you like) or his deep love.

Homeboy. Calm down. You just killed anything there might have been.

But maybe, you are willing to give him a second chance. You throw out the, "I'm just looking for a friend line," or send him a picture of your dog instead. (Remember what I told you about what men are like traditionally here.)

Another few weeks go by and it is like the wedding is already planned. All you need to do is walk down the aisle and say yes. The man is so forward. He talks of deep affections, marriage, future, names for your kids together and you name it.

So, I shut it down: "Sorry sir. You are creeping me out. You should have tried the friend route." Just like that.

It makes me wonder... maybe I am too American?

God bless their sweet spirits and forward selves. It is an adjustment for me. Maybe I am in the wrong?

year one

My first year of PC is done now. I haven't been a volunteer for a year yet. That time will come in August. It is just amazing how time has flown. Everyone says for a mission it is the first year that takes forever to pass and the second year flies. Well, the first year flew and so I am afraid to blink my eyes and see the second year pass.

What is happening here?

I am still teaching every single day. I love my pupils. I am really getting to know each and every one of them. I have been trying to go to their homes and see where they live. This is really giving me a chance to see what their lives are like and why they are the way they are. We got 6 new students this term. The numbers are up to 95. When it comes to grading books and papers it feels like 300 pupils. It takes so long.

The pen-pal program is happening with their friends in Washington State thanks to Cassie Henderson (Kevin Forsell's mom). The kids here LOVE it. I have never seen them so excited to understand and want to write English. As you would expect, the mail system is super slow but I have tried to convince the post men to hurry it up a bit. In the letters some of the pupils mentioned that they like baseball and softball. The natural thing for me to do was teach the pupils baseball. My friend, Robert, came and it was a success. The girls were killing it and he boys struggled a little.

Next week I am headed to Pre-Service Training to help train the new volunteers that flew in this week. It is crazy that I am not apart of the youngest bunch and people are going to look to me for advice. I am excited to hear all their crazy questions. I know that I had a ton when  I first got to country.

As for church things... eh. Let's just leave it at that.

I have started the LONG haul on a water project. I mean I could just round up Peace Corps grants and have this taken care of in American time but I am really trying to use the Government of Zambia to do their job. It is such a long process and so many different people to talk to but it is slowing trucking forward. The Peace Corps goal is subtainible development. I am trying my hardest towards that.
In my encounters with government officials they have mentioned making Mikunku into a high school. I put in an application and we will see where that will go. Water is my priority.

The cold season is upon me. Let me tell you, I don't remember the last time I was this cold. Maybe in Idaho? It is cold.

GLOW club is great. I love the girls. We just had an awesome session on HIV/AIDS. Every time I teach about HIV/AIDS I understand it so much better. Before Zambia I had no real idea what HIV/AIDS was. Back to GLOW club... The girls are awesome. In the next two weeks we are going to make re-usable pads out of chitenge and learn how to bake bread on a braiser.

My dog is huge. My chicken is basically my host family's. My cat needs attention 24-7. That is life. It is sunset season, as I have said before, and everyday it is breath taking. I am so glad I am awake at 5:30 everyday to see that sunrise. Come and visit. I would love to have you.

Nalimutemwa. Noba, Nshafuluka ku Amelika.  Ndetemwa mu Zambia. Nakwata insansa sana muno.