So this is the night before posting – that means tomorrow I will move in to my village as a sworn in PCV. 35 of us became official Volunteers last Friday morning at a lovely ceremony at the Ambassadors in Lusaka. This involved us really standing and repeating the same oath as Obama (except I wont execute the office of the President…) I wore a kitenge dress I had tailoried and am very proud of, and I was asked to give the Kikaonde part of our speech. Actually, the zipper on the skirt was poor quality, and 10 minutes before, it totally broke! Thanks AK for those safety pins @ Christmas – they were a lifesaver.
So tomorrow I will move to my village in Mufumbwe district. (time for Google maps!) No, not the same district I think I wrote before. I am 2nd generation (meaning 1 PCV before me) and am really thrilled to finally be moving in and getting to know my neighbors and my way around. Yes, I will be still using a kimbusu, bucket bath, and will be carrying all my own water. My water is actually quite close or I might have to bribe the little iwes (kids) to help!
So: now please mail all those letters and packages of yummy stuff to:
Beth Dickey/PCV
POBox 130050
Mufumbwe, Zambia Africa.
Skype will work too -it’s the cheapest way to call. Country Code: 260 my number: 0976665957 There’s actually a funny story w/ my phone but you’ll have to call or write to hear about it! 
Sorry, there are no pictures, but I will try in my next post, which should be early June. We are in the community entry phase for the next 3 months, but I will be coming to Solwezi, the capital of NW province, in June for our bi-yearly meeting.
Training was very good, but sometimes VERY slow. Nevertheless I enjoyed myself. My host family was great -my brother just called this evening to say hi actually. They were a huge help in my learning Kaonde. 2 days before our swearing-in we held a great cultural ceremony for all of our families and cooked massive amounts of American food to share with them. Good times.
Ok, so I am finishing this so I can not push my internet luck. Thanks for all the letters – keep writing! For reference, flat rate boxes are the best deal, and I will take any old magazines, food that is just-add-water, spices, and pictures of you doing fun things. Don’t forget captions! I have alot of wall space in my hut!
bmjd
Ahhh. news at last! In your own words! I love it! Mail and packages will be forthcoming, of course!
YAAAAAYYYY!!!! your post made my day
I am so glad you are doing well. Sounds like you are mastering the language and everything!!
O-town is same ‘old/same ‘old. Summer vacation is just around the corner for us, and hopefully I will have something more interesting to tell you.
I think about you a lot. just so you know. you are missed.
I am proud of all your accomplishments Beth. I mailed a package last Saturday the 26 April. Supposed to arrive in 2 weeks, so the postal clerk said. Also a letter on the 28th April. 28 is a good day for me, in four months I will be 86.
One thing you will like is the primer book of stars. Keep it because I may want it back some day. (Yes I is an Injun giver). Keep up the good work and stay healthy youngster….Love from Grandpa C and Grandma L.
BMJD!!!!
CONGRATS on getting sworn in as an official volunteer! Yeah!!
I just got done writing you a letter and came on to find your address and was DELIGHTED to see not only your new address, but a new post!!(So now you can disregard some of my questions in the letter since they have now been answered. oops!)
Sending lots and lots and lots of love from Iowa!!
SSCG
Hey Beth–thanks for the fabulous letters! I keep rereading them–they are so entertaining! You are a great writer and it makes me feel like I am part of your big adventure.
Letters from TSTD and myself are enroute!
Love, Joc
oh no!!! I just mailed letters to your old address…. oops… I hope they still get there!!
I really hope you post soon. I really miss my friend Beth