Pics =D

Myself and my fellow teachers at Dwasulu Community Day Secondary School! I don't *always* look this tired, I swear.


My form 1 students - well, most of them anyways :)

this building houses our staff room (left) and library (more bats than books in that one).

oh, the children. the children! We call them "iwes" here (ee-ways) - means "you" in an impolite way.

Moi! Just checkin' in!

More updates to come - for now life continues as normal. The rains have come and Malawians rightfully rejoice. Hope all is well with everybody at home!

Found! Another picture

Just a quickie to post an additional picture of myself wielding a hoe and sweat soaked by 630 AM in our homestay village. Thought y'all'd like it.

PICTURES! Finally!

This is a collage I made to keep myself busy at site for a few days. You can't really tell what an awesome drawer I am, but I swear - I AM.

Myself and Country Director Dale Mosier (Left) and the American Ambassador to Malawi. Yes that's a hand made African dress and, yes, I rocked it.

Gardening! A fellow teacher took this for me.

I *just* got to Lilongwe and I'm starved so that's it for now. Hope you all enjoy - leave me some comment love.

My best thoughts to the families of Tim W and Jenn C.

New Address!

Hey all -
here's my new address:

Me, PCV

c/o Dwasulu CDSS

PO Box 10

Ngala, Dwangwa

Malawi

AFRICA

I've been at my new site since Friday and, other than the wind scorpions (look them up, they're GOD AWFUL), I'm really happy! I'm only about 1-2K from the beach and a lovely Lodge where I can occassionally spoil myself with cold beverages and/or food. My new headmaster is a great guy and the villagers have welcomed me very nicely overall. I'm not yet sure what I"ll be teaching but hey, that's part of the adventure. School starts 5 January 2009! I'll be in Lilongwe for New Years Eve so I'll be back online then. Right now I'm in Nkota-kota boma visiting my friend Carolyn. Send me love =) I expect lots of mail from those of you who have not slacked (i.e., everybody but my parents).

As you shiver and brace yourself against those cold winter gales, just think of me, in my tanktop and sunburn, sitting on the beach, soaking my feet, and looking two years into the future =D

Change of Plans

Please disregard previous post and hold all mail! I will not be in Thyolo / Khonjeni for various reasons. I may be going to a different site in Nkotakota tomorrow. I will update you as soon as possible - watch for comments on this post as I may ask somebody state side to update you all there since I won't be getting to the internet for awhile again. Send good thoughts my way!

NEW ADDRESS

SO Here's my new address:
Me, PCV (swearing in / making it official tomorrow)
PO BOX 28
Khonjeni, Malawi
AFRICA

My Phone number is 09 514 472 - from the states I believe you dial 0112659514472. Ask my parents, Shameen, my sister, or Maureen if you can't figure it out.

I won't be living in Khonjeni, so don't come stalking around there, but that's where my mail will go.
To all at the NCUA: thanks for the good wishes and I hope you'll enjoy a fabulous Holiday Party this December.
To my family and friends: I've received one Birthday card for mail in the last month. This is pathetic. You all ought to be ashamed! Now that you have my new address I'll accept no excuses for lack of mail. GET ON IT! ;)

To everybody: Training is over and I'm swearing in tomorrow. This is a mindwarp. In just two days I'll be at site, fending completely for myself. I'm sorry I haven't yet uploaded pictures but if you're on facebook search around for Malawi PST 2008 Education and you'll see some after you friend the appropriate people, whom I cannot list here. In other news: I have a broken teeth. Rocks in the rice. Hoo ray! Also, to be brief, I love and miss you all and think of home probably a little too often. I hope you're all gearing up for a fabulous BIRTHmas season and staying warm. Please keep in touch as best you can - you have no idea how it brightens my day to hear anything from home.
Lots of love,
Moi / Mimi / Ine / choose your pronoun

Alive and Well!

Quickly, as there is limited time on the internet. I am alive and well and nearly finished with Homestay. I'll find out in about 2 weeks where I'll be stationed for the next two years. I can't post pictures right now but I will, I promise! It's hot season here and the rains are on their way. I'm living in a round, mud hut with a thatched roof and staying with a family of a mom, dad, 2 bros, and a sister or 3 depending on who you ask. It's fun! I'm learning the language and have hitch hiked, been eating goat and NSIMA, and other fun african things like carrying water on the head, etc. I'm getting mail from some of you - SLOWLY. Be sure to put "AFRICA" on the bottom of my address, otherwise it goes towards MALAYSIA. I have sent mail to a lot of you but postage ain't cheap so don't feel hurt if you haven't gotten anything.
I miss everybody a great deal and think of you all often. Send me love!!!!