Traveling and Teaching: Living and Learning: Don't Blink

Not only is the title of this post a reference to one of my favorite episodes of Doctor Who, it is also how I'm starting to feel about my time left in Malawi.

I have roughly four months left in the Warm Heart and I'm trying to live it up as much as possible.

Let me give you a quick recap of the last month or so:

I celebrated my birthday on the 12th of December at Maji Zuwa. James, Matt, and I ate my favorite meal, Chicken Chipati Tacos (with CHEESE!), and had a few glasses of wine. It was relaxed and comfortable: just the way I like it! James made a card and everyone at Maji Zuwa signed their birthday wishes for me. It's now hanging on my wall at the house.

I also received a great birthday package from mom and dad that included my very own special birthday cake: vanilla wafers and vanilla icing :)

The fact that Christmas came so fast blew my mind a little. Living in Malawi, you just don't get the same type of hype that comes from living in the states. There are no Christmas commercials or special catalogs. No decorations or talk of Santa. I spent the holiday at Maji Zuwa and on Christmas Eve we were provided with a chicken dinner thanks to America, a Spanish volunteer with Latitude, and her mother who was visiting from Spain for the holiday. On Christmas day I watched White Christmas and hung out with some fellow volunteers in the sand at Maji Zuwa.
School began on January 6th. I'm adjusting to living on my own since Carly's departure and so far so good. I've enjoyed the solitude, something in which my inner introvert relishes. Although I miss Carly (and Sami and Aaron), I'm enjoying this new adventure of being on my own in Khwawa.

Lusubilo, my neighbor that helps out a lot, has been quite busy with school lately. She's standard 8, which means that she will be writing her national exams for entrance into secondary school. She still likes to come around to see what I'm cooking or to see if I need any water drawn from the bore hole. Her brother Owen also likes to come over a lot. His main joy comes from watching me attempt to build fires in the rainy season.

I've started my search for teaching positions. I've been looking mainly in the Dayton area but also keeping my eye on any positions in Cincinnati. I've applied to one school so far and I'm hopeful that things continue to go smoothly on that front.

Special shout-out to Sharon for helping with my resume and cover letter!

Packages have been coming in! I received two from my parents around the time of my brithday (one was meant for Thanksgiving...) and so far I've gotten one from Grandma Bev and one from Phyllis and Larry Burton and their Sunday school class at FUMC. My friend at the post office tells me that I have three waiting for me, so when I get back to my house I will make the trip to pick them up. Thanks to everyone who has sent something! I have really enjoyed seeing what everyone puts in their packages. My favorite things so far have been the large jar of Nutella, a block of Velveeta, and all the candy!