These last few months of training have been amazing. I have had major ups and downs and have done and experienced things that have expanded my mind in directions that I never thought possible--and I still have two more years to go!!!
The first photo above is of me and my host family in Chongwe, Lusaka (minus my host dad and older host bro). We all look a little creepy...but pay no attention. This is who I stayed with for the 9 weeks of training. They are amazing people and are always up for a good laugh (usually laughing at me) and smiles. I moved out a few days ago, but plan on keeping in touch during the rest of my stay in Zambia.
Below is a photo I took at the one of the waterfalls in Luapula during second site visit. It was amazing to swim in the water and jump off the falls. I even did my I-never-practice-back-flip. (not twice, didn't want to push my luck)
Here is another photo of our group after swear-in. It's an amazing group of people (now down to 40) who are all extremely excited and enthusiastic about being here. I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone and sharing good times. It's awesome to learn new things from such an intelligent bunch of folks, and I'm excited to make some visits over the next few years.
Please don't think that this is one extended vacation--because it's not--but yesterday we went to the another waterfall site where we were able to swim(and jump) and enjoy the beautiful HOT weather. Luapula is an amazing province with so much to offer. There are beautiful falls and lakes, and there truly is no shortage of water in Luapula for this land-locked nation. Let's just say that it has helped me get over my fear of heights, although that fear also quickly passed after paragliding in India, so it may be more appropriate to say my "respect for heights." (there might be a photo of me jumping on facebook that a friend is posting--so check it out)
A few weeks ago during a hike through the burnt land of Luapula, we were shown these rock paintings. These were just discovered less than a year ago, and the land owners have yet to determine when they were made. Apparently they are very similar to those in Malawi and other surrounding areas. It was surreal to see something so amazing that hasn't been put up in a tourist book. The photo below is just one of the many I took. I am hoping to be able to post those at a later date.
So I am running out of time but I hope you all at home and around the world are enjoying life! The blog post title is named after one of my favorite quotes that i've heard since I've been here. This is an amazing place!
