Life continues here in Mozambique. The days and weeks are as busy as ever so I haven't had much time to blog. This week is also a busy one. In addition to the normal classes, sessions, and activities, we also have some special events this week. Wednesday is the 4th of July so we are planning a party to celebrate. Thursday afternoon we have oral language exams and Friday is the day we've been waiting for recently. Friday afternoon we learn our site placements for the two years following swearing-in in August. I didn't submit any preferences or requests so it'll be interesting to see where I'm going to end up.

Here are some highlights from the past few weeks.

Cascatas (waterfalls)

We made the 14km roundtrip walk/hike to the local waterfalls. Along the way, we passed by beautiful views and enjoyed talking to each other. Upon arriving at the waterfalls we were met with a beautiful view. A little past the waterfalls a few of us ventured farther and came across a dam. On the way back we took a different route home which had us climb a small mountain which provided even better views of the surrounding area. I'm definitely looking forward to going back another time.

Game Nights

We've had several game nights thus far which have been a great way to just relax and have fun with fellow trainees.

Taco Night and Calamidade Ball

One Friday night we had a taco night and Calamadade Ball. What is Calamidade? Think of it as "Goodwill". Everyone went to Shoprite and purchased an outfit or piece of clothing for the dance. The night was full of delicious Mexican food, friends, music, and dancing.

Maputo (the capital of Mozambique)

The morning after the Calamidade Ball we went to Maputo, the capital, for the first time for free time. We formed small groups based on what we wanted to do (eat, shop, relax, etc.). I awoke at 3:45 am and met up with my group to catch our first chapa experience in the country. A chapa is a common form of transportation in Mozambique. It consists of a 15-passenger style van that is overpacked (typically 18-25 people plus bags, chickens, goats, etc.). After a 1-2 hour journey, we arrived in Maputo and began to explore the city. We ate breakfast and then headed to the local art fair/market. After looking around we ate lunch before heading back to Namaacha. I decided to have a cheeseburger because I don't know the next time I'll get a quality burger.

Mozambican Independence Day Ceremony

June 25th is Mozambique's independence day from Portugal. I awoke and after eating breakfast (bread and peanut butter), met up with my language class before heading to a plaza for an independence day ceremony. It was nice to see a local ceremony and be able to celebrate Mozambique's independence from Portugal.

World Cup

Since we are in Africa, the World Cup is very popular. Needless to say, I've been watching a lot of soccer (futebol) either at home with my host family or at local bars and restaurants with my fellow trainees and volunteers. We even are doing a World Cup bracket tournament!

Cooking Exchange

Last Friday we took part in a cultural exchange regarding food. Within our language classes, we prepared an American dish for our host families and they prepared a Mozambican dish. Initially, we were going to make macaroni and cheese but we were unable to find any cheese in the city. So, we ended up making macaroni with an avocado cream paste. Our families went all out, as they always do, and made chicken, shima, rice, salad, cake, couve, etc. It was a great day filled with lots of cooking and delicious food!

Surprise Birthday Party

Upon arriving home Saturday night, taking a shower, and settling in, my mãe informed me that we were going to a surprise birthday party later. After getting redressed, we made the short 5-minute walk to the party. It was a surprise birthday party for my sister-in-law's mom (also a fellow trainees host mãe). We arrived moments before the birthday-girl and upon her arrival, the large group of friends and family erupted into cheers, dancing, and singing. The night was filled with a lot of delicious food, dancing, music, singing, family, and friends. It was great to see what a birthday party might look like in Mozambique and see more of the beautiful culture I'm still learning more about daily.

Friends

In just one short month, some of the relationships with my fellow trainees in my cohort have turned into amazing friendships. Being 8,000+ miles away from home in a foreign country isn't the easiest but it's these friends that make it possible and worthwhile! I look forward to these friendships continuing to grow as well as all the relationships I'll be forming in the next two years.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer in the United States and enjoys their 4th of July!