Greetings from Zambia! We just finished training in Lusaka. We did receive some great information about how we can work in our villages. We also had a counterpart (local villager who we work with) join us for some of the training. It is a great opportunity for a local Zambian learn more about what the Peace Corps is all about. Especially that we are not in country to give away things but to educate and impart knowledge so that our projects are sustainable. Bob and I are excited because on Jan 27 we will take some vacation days and visit Livingstone which is home to Victoria Falls and also take our first Safari at Chobe National Park in Botswana. Hopefully we will see some real African Wildlife.

Since we were gone from our village for the Christmas and New Years holiday it was a bit distressing to return and have the villagers ask "give us New Years or Christmas". Meaning they want something. This time of year people lack food and money so it is tough.

Thanks to those who have sent packages. We surely appreciated your kindness. We have enjoyed the treats and I have started to share some of the books with the children. They are so happy to color or look at pictures of things they never have the opportunity to see. It is sad but even though they are supposed to learn English in school, someone in 8th grade has a hard time reading primary books. And what they do read, they don't understand the stories, they just read words.

The village is beginning to feel like home more and more. We have met many people and now many use our names which is a lot better than being called "Mazungo" which basically means person who speaks English or white person.

We will let you know how our trip goes! Don't forget to send us mail, we love letters and promise to write back