Mexican in Mozambique

"Ojalá podamos tener el coraje de estar solos y la valentía de arriesgarnos a estar juntos…" -Eduardo Galeano

 Mamabear & me as a babybear ^___^ Distrito Federal, México 1989 or 1990 (?) *sorry for cropping you out, brotherbear.   Mamabear and I   M é rida, Yucatan April 2012  Aunque este muy lejos, espero que sepas que siempre te llevo en mis pensamientos. I don't know what else I can say that I haven't already said to you... pero sabes que tú eres todo para m í . Te quiero, Mam í . Fel í z d í a de las Madres <3 " And there's no way I can pay you back But my plan is to show you that I understand You are appreciated "

Oi! Greetings to our future MOZ 20ers from Mozambique! My name is Wendy and I am part of Moz18. May is here, which means that you will be in country at the end of the month! Exciting, neh?! I know most of you might be stressing about what to pack (most of us were) so I’ve compiled some list of things I wished that I had brought with me, things I wish I hadn’t bothered with, and things I was really glad to have brought with me. I’m hoping that this helps you with your own packing After arriving in country most of us agreed that : We all brought way too many clothes!  Save the space for other things. The clothes we brought were too “professional.” Most of the guys in my group lament bringing an entire suit. They have never worn it and probably never will. Business casual is much more laxed in Moz. Think: Khakis & polos (perhaps some long sleeve button downs) for men. The same goes for ladies too- but long skirts can be thrown into this (w/ or w/out leggings; ...

Coming back from a beach weekend is always tough. Thankfully, work is picking up and there are things to be done. April 24h: My site mate, Anna, and I attended a lunch with the director of USAID for Mozambique. Although brief, the lunch was cool. The director was very friendly and inquired about the work that we are doing here in Moz. His team was also very friendly and urged us to contact them when we are down in Maputo. With the USAID Mission Director, Dr. Alex Dickie Federico is the Science, Technology and Biodiversity Adviser April 25 th : for World Malaria Day, I carried out an activity with the OVCs from Lemusica. Here is the link to that post . April 26 th : The Chitown crew and I threw a small going away BBQ for our friend Doug. Doug is the Canadian VSO here in Chitown and tomorrow he will be returning home. I am deeply saddened by Doug’s departure as he has grown to be my best friend here in Chitown throughout the last few months. Douggi...

After (happily) surviving two back to back conferences, I traveled down to Vilankulo for a beach get away with a handful of volunteers. In the following days, a massive influx of MOZ PCVs would meet down in Vil for an annual tradition. It was awesome to get together with my fellow PCVs for a fun-filled weekend of beach lounging, dancing, and hanging out. Here are some of my favorite pictures:   Vilankulo, Inhambane Showing our respects during the National Anthem Let the games begin! Northeners Action shot! Moz18! got mad love for the BGC (Black Girl Club) <3 ahaha Redeans & I, honorary members of the BGC straight West Coastin' <3 My girl, Queshiaaaa !<3 Thomas Puddy! Dylie! Shaneyyyy! COEÇÃO! Repeat Regional Champs! Mexican Delegation in session! Until we meet again, Vil!

We are nearing the end of April and things on this side of the world are more are less the same with a few minor adjustments. First and foremost: the weather is cooling down (thankfully)! Lately, the averages are around a cool 70 degrees (yes, that’s right- 70 degrees is considered cool in my world now. Africa will do that to you). I’ve been able to use blankets (a thick blanket, at that!) when I go to sleep and I’ve even been wearing sweat pants to bed! It’s pretty remarkable. Let’s see… it’s also cool enough that I can wear my lion mane (hair) down without feeling like I’m going to suffocate under it (curly/frizzy hair girls- you know what I’m talking about). Aside from these wonderful climate changes, there’s been a lot happening… here is my photo recap: April 4 th : I celebrated my 25 th birthday with a group of friends here in “Chitown” (first birthday here in Africa, yeeaaaabudddy!). A few days before hand, I actually found out that my friend Carolyn’s bday was als...