So much to be thankful for...

it another thanksgiving overseas; always so strange to celebrate here, because the weather is anything but thanksgiving like. but there is so much to be thankful for, here and now more than anywhere and anytime!

first of all, i am really, really thankful that i had the chance to go to Mozambique. what an absolutely amazing and magical place, really unlike any place that i have ever been. we left on wednesday afternoon and drove until sunset, and then again all day thursday to arrive to the bridge that crosses to Ilha de Mozambique at 8pm. the bridge is about 3 km long, and it was a new moon, so half way across, we stopped and turned off our lights and just star gazed. that moment made the 20 hour drive completely worth it; since i have left northern namibia, i have never been in a place so dark and still that the stars are so vivid and clear. i missed it, and i miss it again already. we arrived at the coolest little guest house. ate more than my fair share of fresh camerones and deliriously fell asleep.

was so happy to wake up the next morning to the sights of the island. a former capital of moz, the island is a very interesting combination of portuguese, arabic and african architecture, culture and art. we spent that day just wandering the streets, checking out every little corner (which is possible since it is only 2.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide) with two young guys who served as our guides and i was wide eyed through the whole bit. luckily, one of our travel companion's, Helen's, father is portuguese and so she speaks fluently and served as our translator. it certainly added depth to the whole experience.

the only drawback to the island is that there is not good sanitation (i will say no more) and so its not advisable to swim just there in the ocean. so on the second day, we hired a sail boat ($30 for the whole day) to take us to another island. wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! the winds were low, so it took us 4 hours to get there, but it was so relaxing, that i would have guessed that we were only on the boat for an hour or two. we had the island to our selves and the water was so clear that even in the parts where i could not touch, i could see every grain of sand on the bottom. we stayed for a while, slept, swam, played frisbee, and headed back for a sunset cruise.

we had to leave (sniff, sniff) on sunday lunch, but that morning, Helen and i went to a small catholic church on the island (maybe 50 people). the mass was 2.5 hours long, and at least 2 hours of that was singing. i didn't understand a word, and it really didn't matter, it was beautiful. at the communion, the two choirs formed a circle in front of the alter, and just danced and danced.

and then back in the car, for another day in a half. i never really anticipated that 40 hours and 3 days of driving would make 2 and a half days worth it, but i would do it again. even the drive on the treacherous roads were so surrounded by pretty scenery. cha bwino!

so other things to be thankful for, well i was thinking today how at last thanksgiving, i wasn't even considering to come back to Africa, and how this opportunity came up so about so fast, that i didn't have much time to think about it, but i am really thankful that i came. i already feel like i have learned enough to make this journey worth it, and i hope that i can make a contribution to match that. but with that realization, i am also thankful to have friends and family that have been so supportive of me and this experience, both because they knew it was important to my work and education but also because it is important to me as an individual. i know that i am really lucky to have that and do not take this for granted.

i am off now for the traditional thanksgiving pig pickin' at the ambassador's house. i suppose pigs are easier to find in Malawi than turkeys. and well i've never been one to complain about eating a pig pickin', so why start now. all the best to yall on this holiday.

The rain is raining..

OK, i am literally out the door to Mozambique (belated birthday/going away for a friend trip), but i have been so struck by how beautiful Malawi is, every bit - the places, the people- that i couldn't leave without sharing a few photos with you. (especially because i am scared that the Malawi photos will be trumped by the Mozambigue photos, because i have heard the spot we are headed to is amazing.)

Things here have been great! lots of stories, and i will update you all soon. But by far the best is two friends who have been in the adoption process for 2 years, on Monday, found out that there was a child for them to adopt, brought him home the same day, and then later to our house. Chisomo is by far the most beautiful thing i have seen this week!

Ode to thirty...

another birthday here and gone. but is it really? some might celebrate with a special day, or week, but alas, as the people i care about are spread across the globe, and the time to do things scattered, i would like to welcome you all to the year of the thirty.

so far the celebration is off to a good start; i got a WONDERFUL package from the family on friday (thanks!!) and then saturday was pure indulgence, starting with a "spa day" of a hair cut, massage and pedicure (i love living in Africa, my feet don't). followed by a wine, cheese and chocolate party for eight fantastic women at my house. it served a dual purpose, not just a chance to celebrate life, but also a chance to get to know one another better. well, and to eat and drink lots, too. that night, we joined up with some other folks and went to an outdoor party at a neighborhood bar. sunday was my day, and i loved the no agenda day - the first in a long time. but perhaps the best was arriving to work to a long list of birthday emails, even a b-day video from my bestest boston friends who go together our neighborhood bar to sing for me! AND some calls... well, i certainly feel very special, and very connected even over the distance...thanks to you all.

and for the rest of the year of the thirty? well, i will take it as it comes. i am having a joint b-day party with some of my Malawian colleagues next weekend, and there is a five day road trip to Mozambique in a few weeks. then a hike up mount Mulanje and trip to Zanzibar, then...

cha bwino!