Adventures in Africa

THE CONTENTS OF THIS WEBSITE ARE MINE PERSONALLY AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY POSITION OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OR THE PEACE CORPS

Name:
Location: Mozambique

I will be in Mozambique with the Peace Corps for the next 27 months. While in Africa, I will periodically post thoughts about my experiences so anyone interested can keep tabs on my happenings.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Hi everyone. Just checking in.
All is well in Vilanculos. We are at the end of our first trimester. Next week is vacation for the students, while the teachers work on getting all the final grades for the semester in. I can’t believe the first trimester is already over. Time really flies here. I have been here for over 6 months now and I don’t know where the time went. I guess that is a good sign… I’m still really happy and love it here.
The town has really bounced back from the cyclone. My school is pretty much fixed, although there are a few smaller jobs still to be done. The rest of the town is looking a lot better too. The electricity was restored to people’s houses, they have opened most of the stores back up. It is even starting to get green again. The trees and many of the houses have a bit of a slant in them from the winds though, just so we don’t forget.
Teaching after the cyclone was a little hectic. I lost a lot of time so I’m behind in the curriculum, but I think it’s the same story with all the teachers. I am going to get my soccer team started (or at least try to) this coming semester. I don’t have much time during the week because of classes, but I am going to try to organize games and practices on the weekends. I have already gotten a lot of interest from my students, both boys and girls, so we’ll see what we can put together. I already go over to the school a lot to play pick-up games with the students, but we haven’t actually organized anything formal yet. My friend who lives in a town an hour north of here, in Inhassoro, is starting teams as well. We hope to have our teams play each other a couple of times a year once we get things going. The transportation is a little tricky but we will figure it out. I was sent a ton of soccer balls by people back home in CT. It was amazing. I kept 5 balls for myself and the rest were distributed to other volunteers in the southern region of Mozambique. I was instantly popular in Vilanculos as soon kids started figuring out that I had the balls. The students are so appreciative, and playing keeps them busy and out of trouble. I have also heard that more balls and even cleats and shin guards are being collected to be sent here. Thanks to all who are helping out and donating these supplies. I will get pictures out ASAP so everyone can see the kids that are benefiting from these gifts.
In other news, my sitemate and I figured out that our oven is gas, so we have been able to start cooking cookies, brownies, pizza, and other yummy things. My life just keeps getting better. I have brownies waiting for me right now that I am going to run home to. Take care, and send me an email if you get a chance. I have access to the internet now on a regular basis, so I can be a better correspondent. Até ja!