In the Lap of Luxury

I am in the lap of luxury. I have half a kilo of gouda in my backpack, next to my dove soap. I am using satellite internet and looking at a pool from my window. It’s been month’s since I’ve looked out a window that has glass! I am sitting in a fancy fancy Bwana boarding school. They have tennis courts, a swimming pool and a rock climbing wall.

I love my life in the village. Everyday I wake up and am thrilled with my life. I play with my puppy (his name is Winston and we are in love), study my Bemba, cook amazing food, ride my bike and hang out with my family. Provincials was extremely fun, we had a toga theme. The new country director went to the Solwezi house where they had a Bloods and Crips theme and wore a Tupac shirt. I heart her.

My family is super nice. They feed me all the time. We exchange dishes maybe 5 times a week. Which is cool. I get to eat what I want and I get to eat with them too. It’s nice.

I wake up every morning and am very happy to be here. There are some things that are very frustrating in the village, but life is really good. It’s not lonely and it’s definitely not boring. I get to talk to my mom almost everyday and I am surrounded by people who are wonderful. Two weeks ago I went to the Cilamushi Festival where I sat next to the woman running for vice president and a few seats down from the First Lady Madame Mwanawasa and watched topless 15 year old girls dance a puberty ceremony.

I also have a phone and everyone shouyld text me all the time. My number is 099620578. I think the country code is 26. I am sorry that I cannot get back to individual emails. Even though I have the luxury of using amazingly fast internet right now I have other time constraints. The hot season is beginning and I don't want to be on my bicycle when it is scorching hot. Andrew I am so sorry you aren't doing well. My thoughts are with you and I hope for a quick recovery.

So my new address is
Laura Eloyan
US Peace Corps
PO Box 840038
Central Province
Mkushi, Zambia

Let know how you are doing and send me a letter. It's probably a more reliable means of getting to me than internet. I will post more pictures soon of my house, my fmaily, my puppy and of a bunch of kids in togas. I miss you all!