I arrived in Zambia last Monday. Last Wednesday, I attended the office prayer retreat, and Thursday was my first day here in the IJM Zambia field office.

Working as a professional in a developing country is a new experience for me. It’s challenging, not because it is developing, but because I am in a different role here. I am used to working in a law office, especially an office dealing with property law. And I am used to traveling to developing countries, but I had not combined the two until now. I have to reconcile two parts of myself that have always remained separate. I did not realize I would be faced with that challenge until last week’s workshop.

Last Friday, I traveled to a compound to help out with one of our workshops where we go into communities to teach the women about their property rights, and inform them of rape and defilement laws (and what to do if it happens). During the afternoon, the dirt field outside of the church filled with children playing soccer. That was one of my favorite parts of traveling to Mexico—playing in the dirt with a bunch of kids. :) There was a moment when I wanted to run towards them, but then I realized that I was wearing a suit and working as a legal intern. I could not leave my responsibilities to go play. So this is what it’s like to grow up. I think I will handle it much better now that I recognize that desire and my differing role here.

On Saturday, my roommates and I spent the afternoon at the Zambia Field Office Director’s house. She has many children, and the youngest child (age 6) became my buddy. He must have known how much I missed kids and hugs, because he glued himself to me. God takes care of His children, and gives us what we need. I’m thankful for Chikwana (I don’t know how to spell his name), and I think I’m adjusting to my new role quite well.

I want to make sure that I maximize all of my time here, but I’m also discovering that I will have to return another time with a different agenda. I haven’t even left, and I already want to plan a trip to return—maybe not to Zambia specifically, but Africa for sure. Looking forward to another trip allows me to focus on the legal work that needs to be done, because I know I can always come back to live in the bush. :)

UPDATE: Power Outage

In my last post I mentioned that the their was a blackout in Lusaka. Turns out that the entire country was blacked out for over 12 hours. There was no electricity in all of Zambia Monday night.

Maybe I'm demented, but I think that's awesome. :)

No Power? No Problem.

Last night, shortly after dinner the power went out. By that, I mean the whole city was out of power until about 10 am. So what else could my roommates and I do but light candles, eat Dove chocolate, and watch Twilight on my Mac (battery power)? Twilight the movie has become the central comedy of our little casa. I never knew Edward Cullen could provide such hilarious entertainment. There is one point when he says "hello," and he sounds just like an ESL student who recently learned his first phrase of English. I think we played that scene about 7 times, and could still barely hear him over our laughter. It's kind of like Family Guy, when you think the scene is going to end but it keeps on going. For instance, when Peter hurts himself and goes "ow. ow. ow..." for 90 seconds straight. Just when you think you couldn't play a scene anymore, you play it 2 more times.

So that is the extent of my African adventure—making Twilight jokes.

Lusaka is a unique place. Most people think, "You're going to Africa! You're going to live in the bush!" Hardly. On my next visit to this continent I would love to have a more rural adventure. However, I am working as a professional and live in the capital city, where everyone complains about traffic, just like back home. It reminds me of a Mexican city, in that it is urban, the roads are shoddy, and there is a lot of dirt due to the dry season. Children in my area don't play in the streets; they wear uniforms, and go to school. You cannot walk to a market (except Sundays), but you can take a taxi to the grocery store, or go to the bar/club across the street (which we have yet to attempt).

I live in a flat, which is modern. However, as stated, we have gone without power, and the majority of my showers have been cold. You may think, "It's Africa; a cold shower must feel good in that heat." Another misconception. It's winter here in Zambia, which is a temperate climate. The days are the right degree of warm, but the nights drop down to the 50s.

Although this post may sound unpleasant, I love it here. I make note of the differences, because I find them humorous and entertaining. Recalling my experiences makes me laugh, and I appreciate being able to empathize with the people around me.

It is still my goal to make it out to a village before I leave, and I may be able to make it happen. We shall see. In the meantime, I am going to Livingstone over the 4th of July (for 5 days). I will see Victoria Falls (hopefully while flying a microlight plane/hang glider thing), safari in Botswana, bungee jump in no man's land (if I muster up the courage), and either river board or raft the Zambezi (unless I decided to fly to Uganda and raft the Nile with Grace!!).

So that will be my vacation, but I assure you that I do lots of legal work in the office, from 8-5 (or 8 to 17, as they say here). :-D

I will write about my work in the office and my visit to a compound eventually....

So I'm in Zambia....

....and I'm really awful at blogging. I'll try again later.

"If any vampires show up, I'm sending them to Ally's room. She likes that kind of stuff." -Kate (one of my roommates after we watched Twilight).

“We try so hard not to die that sometimes we forget to appreciate life.” –thespillcanvas

I have some things to write, but I think I have to pass them through Head Quarters first, so stay tuned. Maybe I'll come back.