- Recently independent from
- Recovering from a civil war
- One of the poorest countries in the world
- Currency = metical (27 meticais to 1 US dollar)
- High illiteracy (but improving); general lack of teachers
- High malaria and HIV/AIDs rates
- Tourism is increasing (beautiful beaches! Good thing sunbathing is my most favorite activity in the entire world)
- Main religions = Christianity and Islam
- Transitioning from socialism to capitalism
- Very welcoming and friendly!
On Wednesday we experienced a whirlwind of emotions as our destinies were disclosed to us, e.g. we found out the sites where we will be living for the next two years. Here is everything I currently know about my new future home (Nauela, in the Zambezia province):
- Small community
- No electricity in the house
- No running water
- Teaching physics (#&%!?!) in a high school
- New site; I’ll be only Peace Corps Volunteer working there for now
- In the mountains = not too hot!
- High teen pregnancy rate
- Living in my own house, but on the family compound of a woman who works at the school and her husband
When I learn more I will correct any misinformation I may have given you. Who knows, maybe upon arrival I’ll discover an outdoor Jacuzzi with jets, a walk-in freezer to store my ice cream, and a toaster oven. But until then, I will be mentally prepared for more bucket baths, charcoal, and candlelight dinners. And I will take Balancing and Carrying Jugs of Water on the Head 101 from my sisters.
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