Zikomo!

There is a lot for me to be thankful for today. We had our first language and culture lesson, and learned SO MUCH. The man (Chris) who works at the house where we are staying told us of his sister-in-law who could come teach us Nyanga (most common tribal language spoken in Zambia). She (Nancy) came today and turns out she is a primary school teacher for CHILDREN WHO HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS! Can you believe it? She sat and talked with us for a long time about how special education works in Zambia and how children with disabilities are treated and understood in this culture. It was so wonderful to hear her heart- it gives me lots of hope for all that could come from our relationship with her. So many people to meet, so many things to learn, so many blessings to share...

On top of that, she was a wonderful language teacher- very patient with us, mezungas (whites), and very encouraging when we would occasionally pronounce words correctly! We worked out a class schedule, and so with time, we will hopefully begin to be able communicate with people in the preferred, more common language (and not simply speak in English all the time). As we walked to the bus stop with her, she encouraged us to greet our neighbors using our newly-learned phrases- we did, and they responded with very surprised-looking smiles.

Another reason to be thankful- our internet is finally working at home! Communication will now be more regular (and therefore, posts more regular) about what is going on here. For example- I can tell you about fun day trips we take to places like tropical gardens and crocodile farms; where we went for Eric's birthday yesterday. I can tell you about very interesting trips to the local city market (if you're picturing the Charlottesville City Market- you are WAY off. think allies that are 10 times more narrow, anything you could (n)ever want to buy such as second-hand jeans, rusty car parts, and freshly fried (eye-balls intact) fishes, and beautiful Zambian men and women all around). I can tell you all about how much of a spectacle we are in this city- judging by the way we constantly stop traffic, workers, and pedestrians everywhere we go, it seems safe to say that kids with special needs REALLY do not go out at all.

Here are some fun pics we have from our time so far-

A very sleepy Mollie on the flight

Special Hope Network does Heathrow

Apparently, Eric and I both like blue oxfords, black vests, and Cokes

Don't worry, we didn't bring too much stuff...

Sam and Mollie at the Croc Farm (that is indeed a fig tree behind them- I love figs)

Eric and Maggie in front of our gardenia and hibiscus bushes

Holly with our very own baby fig (did I mention I love figs?), meyer lemon, and avocado trees!!!

Zikomo (thank you), O Lord, for this life you are letting me live, may it be unto You, Your honor, and Your fame.