You want me to do what? In front of . . . ?

So we've mentioned that the PC loves to remind us that "the PCVs' safety and security are the PC's primary concern." (That's how they justify keeping us on such a short leash - they have to know every time we leave site. Grrr.) You must therefore have immediately guessed that this picture shows the relay race among the trainees in which each demonstrated the 6 steps in proper usage (and let's not forget about disposal) of both the male and female  (!!) (yeah, me too.) condom. (1st step: check expiration date; I don't recall the print being so small, back in the day. Had to take my glasses off, and squint. Didn't notice any of them having to do that. Never did find the date on the grape flavored condom; banana had bigger print.)  This followed a graphic 1 1/2 hour discussion of STDs. (Did they plan to have that the day we take our weekly malaria tablet, triggering some REALLY vivid Meflaquine dreams? thanks, I'm fine now.)  Proving that age, sagacity, and experience are no match for youthful vigor, or luck , or something, neither KUF's group nor Sipho's won the race. 

But we still feel well protected. Thank you PC.  And I didn't make the mistake many of these girls did, of reaching around behind the female condom (pictured. But she's holding it upside down) to pull it into place; if you're wondering - no, that's not anatomically  possible. (Lyn, this blog's for you.)

  We returned Friday from seeing our permanent site, and we both felt a little dismayed.  Although it looks as if the work for each of us will be rewarding, the house is tiny, constantly inundated with dust and chicken and dog debris, and will need to be completely furnished, with the nearest shopping miles away and no ability to use a car. Some PCVs got furnished multiple-room houses with views and indoor  plumbing, and one has a washing machine!  I was mildly grousing to 2 of the trainees whom I like a lot and they said: but you have electricity!  And your water is right there - they each will have to carry water in a wheelbarrow several hundred yards from a river, and will be much more remote than we are.   And then they went on to talk about how excited they are about their work. 

  These kids are extraordinary. Makes me feel kind of humble. 

    Sunday was mostly I scheduled. As I was doing some wash the Make (Mom) in our homestead, who has been extremely kind and welcoming to us, was headed off to church with her youngest grandson. 

  

   Nomphumolelo is amazing. She has perfect pitch with people, especially the women.  The reason her language skills are advancing so well is, partly, that she takes the time to greet and visit with people. They love her and welcome her into their lives and she's very clever about making things work.