Hello from Zambia

I am so happy to write this to you. Just to be on the Internet right now I have to buy minutes and I'm not sure how much I bought; I just know it's 50000 kwacha, which is about 10 US dollars.

My stay here thus far has been wonderful. Bonnie has been SO incredibly helpful. I am blessed to be in her home. She is so quick to think of others and I feel comfortable asking her anything or telling her any of my hesitations or misunderstandings. Her housemate, Swazi, is also amazing. She is a sweetheart. The language barrier still remains, despite the fact that I am not on a phone. Their accent is so deep; I feel bad, but I've asked so many Zambians to repeat themselves in the last 2 days. I hope I become more accustomed to it. Swazi also says I have an accent, which is weird to hear. She says Bonnie & I's accent differs mainly because I talk faster. Hah. I need to remember to slow down. :)

Today, I visited the school for the first time, as well the children. I cannot find the words to express how much joy has filled my heart. I have a deep love growing in me for these children. Their smiles are precious. It's cute; they are very interested in Bonnie & I because we're white - as most Zambians are. They play with our hair and touch our skin. Today, a few children were asking me what the moles and freckles on my body were. It never hit me that they don't have very many visible marks on their body.

I also met Doug Hayes and his family - the pastor/leader of Covenant Mercies, as well as Zicky - Wilbroad's wife today. Zambian women greet each other with an "air kiss" on each of their cheeks, and men with a weird sort of handshake. I just noticed it today, and began to greet women in the Zambian way, but have yet to figure out the men's handshake... it may just be a few men, not all. Basically, I am just following Bonnie and trying to pick up on everything she does. I want the people of Zambia to feel as though I am trying to be a part of their culture, rather than a spectator. Their culture intrigues me; I can't wait to learn more. Thus far, I have learned a few phrases they say differently than us. To erase a chalkboard is to "rub it", chips = "crispus", fries = "chips", cookies = "biscuits", a period at the end of a sentence = "full stop", white woman = "muzungu", to move = "to shift", elevator= "lift"

My bedroom is cozy, and it doesn't really get too cold at night. My room looks so pretty with the flowing mosquito net, although I have yet to see a mosquito or many bugs, in fact. It's crazy. The water here goes on and off throughout the day. Today, I took my first hot bath since I landed. And by bath, I mean I sat in the bathtub and used a small container to pour water on me. :) It was definitely a new experience. As much as I tried to not expect certain things, I couldn't help it. During the day, it is mid 70s (although they speak in celsius, which is weird because I do not recall how to convert - hah). I am content with short sleeves and a skirt on. Most Zambians wear long sleeves, or a jacket. They call this cold, but I think it rather pleasant. :)

Please be praying the the love of Christ would shine through me. I want to be quick to reach out to others and see their heart, rather than their outer appearance or seemingly cold exterior. Please also pray that the Lord would give me words of encouragement for Bonnie. The expectations on Bonnie in the Zambian education are fairly high, but rather confusing to her, as well as myself, as an American teacher. Their method can best be compared to "survival of the fittest". They tend to move at a high level, despite the kid's lack of understanding. I am encouraged because I already feel like God is using me. I feel as though I have been able to be ears to listen to Bonnie's concerns as a teacher - we've talked for nearly two hours yesterday and an hour after school today. I was also able to pull a small group during math today to help the struggling students. It is so much work for her and she has such a deep desire for her students to succeed. Her heart to serve reminds me of the Jesus we serve. :) It has definitely challenged me, and it's only been a mere 30 hours.