Zambian People

It was a wonderful day in the classroom with even more new experiences.  The teachers surprised us with an authentic Zambian lunch including Nshima (their staple food) and chicken.  Nshima is a cross between grits and hard mashed potatoes.  You eat it with your hands after rolling it into a ball.  Considering we are covered in classroom germs and dirt with no running water, eating without utensils is a bit shocking and uncomfortable for us.  Of course, we couldn't offend our hosts after going to all the trouble to prepare a lovely lunch.  The head teacher even told us, "In Zambia, you know you're welcome when somebody kills and cooks a chicken for you," and she meant it.  It was surprisingly delicious! I'm very impressed with the Zambian people, teachers and students.
Irene and I are working well together.  While I teach in English, she translates things that are difficult to understand into Nyanja.  We are settling into a good rhythm as we support one another.  Today the classroom ran smoothly as we established classroom rules, procedures and expectations.   We're working on lessons to improve literacy.  The children are eager to read and soak in everything they are given while applying themselves whole-heartedly to their work.  While I'm reading stories to them, they are attentive as if they are in a trance.   It amazes me throughout the day how joyful, hard-working and content these children seem to be.  They are covered in dirt and wearing the same filthy clothes each day.  Additionally, they go without food, beds, comfortable homes (electricity and water) and they give 110% in the classroom like they are your typical students.  I'm telling you they are amazing!!!  I suspect this group would be at the very top of the class given the opportunities Americans enjoy.  

Thank you for the prayers and wonderful messages of encouragement.  I'm missing home, family and many comforts.  As an introvert who craves time alone, it is a stretch for me to be in a house with 10 people 24/7 for 3 weeks.  It is a wonderful group and we are having so much fun!  I've laughed more in the last week than I have in years.   I better get back to work!  The other teachers hard at work and I'm being a slacker.  The rooster will be waking us before you know it.  (I'm not kidding.)