We'll, I've arrived in Lusaka after 27 hrs of flying - but oddly feel like my trip has yet to start. While the flying is behind me, I still feel swept up in American ex-pat life - and have not experienced the challenges that I had expected. I am staying with my professional contact, Donna, who lives in a beautiful house in the Kabolunga neighborhood in Lusaka- which might as well be called ex-patriot-ville. The houses are all surrounded by walls - and the only way to recognize one house from another is to recognize the gate that the gate-boy opens.
Tomorrow the project officially begins - I have meetings with a member of the ministry of health and will start my project arrangements. For now, I am left to wonder about this place -to wonder what it is like beyond protected walls.
Yesterday I ventured out to a tame market with everything from knit plastic tote bags made from recycled plastic, to traditional African print fabrics, to gem-stone rings worth hundreds of dollars. Very few people hassled me. Only one street kid followed me to ask for money. What an interesting place...
My challenge will certainly be to strike a balance between who I am (American, student, midwife) and where I am. I am excited nonetheless to be here, and look forward to what the next 10 weeks has to offer.
1 comment:
I am so excited to hear from you. I have been checking your blog everyday. It sounds exciting. Good luck today! Warmly, gina
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