in conclusion?`

Many things have happened since my tearful post last week - and besides my sore throat today, I'm feeling much better.  

1. The organization paid the fee. I had nothing to do with the decision. They will meet today - so my fingers are crossed that it's a yes, and I will have to spend more time ruminating on the meaning of the on the un-ethical behavior of the Ethics committee.  

2.  I spent a night dancing to Congolese Rhumba at one of the few dance clubs here in Lusaka. One of the people who came dancing with us is a new friend Nathan - who happens to be  a Zambian wedding choreographer. He tried his best to teach me his moves (picture a slowed down and more controlled version of west-Africa dance).  It was a great evening - better still because of the un-sexuality of the dance floor. It was mostly young men - showing of their moves for each other - completely un-self-conscious and ready to bust a move at every song. Quite a refreshing change from the bop-your-head-to-the-beat style of may American men. 

3.  We conducted a training for our two fantastic research assistants. They are both experienced Zambian midwives who had great advice on the phrasing of questions.  We met outside, and ate insheema (a local maize mush) with a delicious vegetable called "rape" (not kidding) - which is like, if not exactly, Swiss Chard.  Once this project gets rolling, they will be a joy to work with.

4. I got a letter of permission from the Ministry of Health to pilot the data collection tools.  Yeah. One accomplishment. This morning I took the tool to the director of the hospital, who was at another meeting and will not be around until tomorrow. Argh. Stymied again.  "Don't worry," my friend Masuka said.  "You'll get used to the Zambian slowness. You people always do."

Hopefully tomorrow.....