With my trip to Zambia looming two weeks from tomorrow, I figured I better set up this blog I've been telling you about! Hopefully I'll be able to keep this periodically updated for the four months that I am there.
Of course I've been dreaming of safari's since I was a child (no doubt due to that fabulous Wild Thornberry's Show!) But it became a very serious goal after I read the Poisonwood Bible (by Barbara Kingsolver) sometime at the beginning of High school. If you've read it, you may wonder why it would create such a burning desire to leave the comfort of American life for a comparatively more strenuous one in Africa. The truth is: that book spurred my interest. From the day I finished it, I have been learning (from any book and anyone who will teach me) about what happened on this particular Continent. In fact, my personal diary contains a giant red line that signifies a division in my life: Before the Poisonwood bible and After the Poisonwood Bible. And I am almost sure that it is about to contain another line: Before Zambia and After Zambia.
If you don't already know, I am going to be working in an orphanage called Ubumi in Kitwe, Zambia. Incidentally, I will not be doing missionary work but will be trying (to the best of my ability) to be an open minded and loving friend and teacher to the children there. One of my biggest goals is to give them competitive communication and technological skills that they may use to find a well paying job and to function in our ever growing global society. I hope my gusto in this plan doesn't fizzle when I get there. I'm sure it's not going to be easy. I guess we'll find out.
In seemingly unrelated news, if you know her, Katie Eppley is coming home today from Nicaragua. For now, all my excitement and energy is pouring into her return!
good bye for now.
peace,
Vidya
