Back to the Village

It's now Thursday, around noon. I have absolutely nothing new or inspiring to contribute. I did, however, manage to sneak away from 'school' and hitch a ride to the internet cafe. And by hitch a ride, I mean I politely filled out a vehicle request form and asked for permission. Most of the group headed to the baa (bar), but what does any responsible sorority girl do after spring break? Detox. This week is for family, reflection, and frantically figuring out how to light a portable stove without singing off my eyebrows.

I'm getting sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer next Wednesday. My mama and I will be in matching African garb and trust me, we will be hot. While we're discussing wardrobes, I might as well give you a brief anatomy lesson. The wowowo (big bootay) is prized here and regarded as far superior to the American dream of a great rack. Therefore, I am fairly certain that my skirt will be very, VERY tight. I'm talking waddle-to-move tight. Don't worry too much about the visual, I will take a photo shoot from all angles. If some of you haven't received the memo yet, I don't actually have an ass. Perhaps this is why I've only received 3 marriage proposals?

On another amusing note...while on shadow in Iringa, quite a few male 'well-wishers' stopped in to linger/solicit/oogle. One man, after watching me 'cook' in silence for about 30 minutes finally contributed in perfect English, "Clearly, you have had no experience in this area." I responded, "You are absolutely right, would you like to give it a try?" Silence. This whole cooking business may prove to be a tough learning curve. Still, with a village full of potentially doting mamas, I think I'm going to be alright.

Not too much else to add. The trip from Dar back to Chanzuru was uneventful. I have been pouring over my People magazines and even had some quality time reading about Angelina and Brad with my family by lantern light post din. I will REALLY, REALLY miss them.

This will be my last post for at least a week. I move out of my homestay Monday and leave for Njombe on Wednesday. We'll spend a night in town setting up a PO Box and buying some necessities. Then it's TIME! Wooohooo. I'm thinking about getting a pet. Pehaps a cat to save me from nasty rodents. I know my family is rolling their eyes right now. Not only do I hate cats, I haven't the slightest idea of how to care for one. Nor am I all too thrilled about having a poop box inside my house. The whole idea of pet maintence, flea removal, and potty training is quite underwhelming, but at the end of the day, I think having another pulse in the house would be great for morale. Just stay posted...it may be a phase.

Finally, thanks everyone for your comments, letters, and texts. They make me beam with happiness. I definitely-no questions asked-have THE GREATEST, MOST SUPPORTIVE, friends and family in the entire world. In the next month please make a concerted effort to eat at Mongollian BBQ, wear really tall stilettos, and oh, I don't know, buy a really jazzy frivolous accessory. I hear we're in some sort of recession, so think of it as contributing to the economy on my behalf. Really, when you look at it that way, you're just being patriotic.

Love to everyone!

Katie