The first two weeks of official peace corps service came with many small frustrations and then a large reminder that I shouldn't allow these mishaps to control my mood. One week ago we lost two members of our group to a car accident - please send positive and supportive thought vibes to their families, and then take a minute to appreciate and acknowledge the people you love.

Random News

I attended a Mozambican wedding
reception! I know it’s sudden and I didn’t invite any of you, but I assure you
I am making good choices, and you will all love my new spouse. The most
eventful event of that event was that I wore a skirt for the first time here,
and everyone was shocked (not speechless – they verbally made it clear that
they were shocked), and complimented me on finally not wearing the clothes of
men.

After the party, I changed back into my
jeans.

Mana Stephan's new family

My host family is so big, I don’t even know the names of all
my brothers and sisters. For the first month or so I didn’t even know who
actually lived in the house and who was married to whom, and who birthed which
children. Actually, I still don’t know all these things. And I have been here
for more than 2 months. I can’t keep track of my own family, how am I going to
learn the names of all my students?!? Anyone got any name tips?

Crazy little host neices and nephews

Mamá and Papá make a living working in their machamba (field)
and attending church. Can you see the family resemblance?

Jairra (above middle) likes to make funny faces

something about his face doesn't seem exactly right...

Brothers: Tony, not really sure what he does, Jeckson and
Joaquim work and go to school. Sisters: Brigida and Marta (married to Tony and
Jeckson), who take care of the house and food, and Gilda (above), who goes to
work I would estimate about 60 hours a week, and is in high school (but is
around my age).

sister's daughter Elisa

Bonding moments with family: introducing them to poprocks
and nose glasses, practicing capoeira (like a mix of dancing and fighting, shown
above), making chilled greeze and cinnamon rolls (Aunt Jo would be proud!), getting
the frisbee stuck on the roof, teaching how to play Egyptian Ratscrew, going
for passears (walks) and runs with my brothers, shelling peanuts with my dad.

explanation of title: my siblings call me "Mana Stephan," which is Portuguese for "Sister Stephanie." I think I will change my name to Stefania, which is easier for the Portuguese tongue.

family update: my host sister gave birth to a baby girl the day after I moved out of the house and across the country. Someday I will meet her!