Freebirds: It's Not Normal

Hanging out with kids in Adams village! This is after a flash mob dance party!

1/20/11

My village!

The sun is peaking through its partly cloudy sky watching me as I hitch a ride on a canter truck to move into my village for the first time. Across from me I see my past- a Zambian boy wearing a shirt from Freebirds, a burrito shop in Austin Texas. Memories run rampant of my life in Austin and how drastically different it is here. Many people over the past three months said, “Wow! You’re really doing what you have been dreaming of forever!” Then I realize, “It’s not normal.” Ironically that’s also the slogan for Freebirds.

I have always said dream big… just didn’t realize those big dreams would lead to an even bigger reality! I have been in Africa for almost 2 weeks and can’t think of any place I’d rather be.  Looking up for even just one minute I see chickens being chased by barefoot kids squealing with laughter, women socializing while pulling water up from the well, and thatch hut roofs forcing me to the realization- I’m in Africa! I am overwhelmed with excitement as we approach my new home- Luamala Village!

The view from my window in my room!

Adam spinning the brazzer to get the coals hot!

There is something raw and powerful, yet simplistic about life here. People here listen to the wind… it is the weather forecaster. I have learned how to cook over a brazzer (a metal stove heated by charcoal.) After an hour of cooking, a rewarding meal is made. Usually it is n’shima: cornmeal made into a consistency of potatoes. It is made twice a day and eaten with everything, such as mushrooms or cassava leaves. Showers are with a bucket and a cup. Nights are seen in candlelight and more stars than I thought could be seen. It’s magical being so close with just the basic necessities of life!

First night in the village! Adam teaching me how to cook meals!

The kids taking me around my village!

  

Going out in the town of Solwezi, Zambia for my birthday with some of the Peacecorps people!