Greetings from my house in Copperbelt province! I want to do a quick post of a small story if mine which was published in the oh-not-so-formal PC Zambia newsletter. This is a belated post.
My favorite success story of this quarter revolves around one day’s conversstion in my cooking shelter. I have a loyal group of boys who spend time with me, play cards, practice English and math, and drink hot chocolate. One day I had a friend visit. This friend works for the small mine in Mufumbwe district. After he left, these loyal boys wanted to discuss HIVAIDS with me. They wanted to sit me down and warn me about how much HIV is at the mine and that I should be careful. (Mines in Zambia do have a higher infection rate)
This particular instance made me know for sure that the boys cared about me, listen when I try to mentor them, and I know I’ve reached a greet level of integration into my community. I was really affirmed by this interaction as for it cementing my belief that I’ve made an impact in this village: Kamabuta.
I was very proud of these boys and what they already knew about the dangers of HIV and methods for prevention. I took full advantage of the opportunity tictalk more about HIV, and the importance of being faithful to their partners.
I keep a very detailed calendar of each days highlights. That day was labelled “best boys night conversation ever.” It was a great day.
Enjoy. Mwende mutende.
Stay tuned for updates from town life, and how I eat my meals from Cecil Rhodes’ old table. Yeah, be jealous.
I remember you telling us about this- it’s fantastic! I hope you get to visit those very special boys this year : )