We’ve been in Zambia for about 3 weeks now. Either we are getting used to the heat or the start of the rains has begun to cool things down. We do a lot of walking here. Every day to and from the office, sometimes a few trips each day. We have already had some challenging times here. Sometimes a minor miscommunication can lead to a big blow up. But things seem to big back on track.
The people of Zambia are incredible. I love walking the streets and saying hi to everyone we pass. Yesterday we went for a jog in the morning. Everyone is looking at us as we run, we stand out. At one point we were running past a young boy on his way to school, he was maybe 10 years old. And after I thought we passed him I looked beside me, and he is running alongside us. He was no idea who we are, just wanted to jog with us. Where else in the world do you see that. When we go out into the community you might just be walking with some care workers and when you turn around there are like 20 children following you. They love to yell out “Mizungu” when they see you, which means white person and sometimes they just go crazy. Kids will say “How are you?” then you say, “Fine. How are you?” and they say “Fine” and they laugh hysterically.
I got an SMS last night that my Uncle Kevin passed away. That is the last message you are expecting when you are sitting in Zambia. I can’t stop thinking about the family. Uncle Kevin loved to laugh and joke and I will miss that. My thoughts are all in Victoria right now. These are the times it is so difficult to be on the other side of the world. I wish I could be there to support my family. There is a lot of down time here to just sit and think. Sometimes that can be a challenge. We love you all and miss you.

-T