Closing of Service

So I arrived here in Lusaka a couple of days ago to tie up all of my lose ends and tomorrow I'll 'ring out.' Ringing out is the symbolic ending of one's service where we bang a metal rod on an old car wheel. What better way to commemorate one's two years of service than with a percussive beating of something commonly found in junk yards around the United States. Although I jest, it's oddly appropriate for this country.

The last couple of days I've been running around trying to get signatures from all the appropriate people to vouch that I've turned in my medical kit, water filter, quarterly reports, etc. I've also feverishly been typing up my Description of Service and Completion of Service reports (10 pgs total). Then I even got to write my own letter of recommendation. Needless to say, future schools or employers will be thoroughly impressed with my Peace Corps service because my letter of reco is so complimentary.

Aside getting blood drawn, TB tests, malaria tests, and the like from the medical office, I also got a cardboard container the size of a tall boy beer can. The contents of the can are three glass vials containing some mystery fluid, three popsicle sticks, and some toilet paper. It reminds me of the pine box car kit that you get in Boy Scouts. 'What does one do with these materials,' you ask. Well, the medical office needs three separate poo samples. So now each time I poo (up to three times) I have to collect a 'sample' and put it in the little glass jar inside my carboard cylinder. That's strange in and of itself, but since nature can call at any time of the day, I have to carry my cylinder with me. For the last two days I've been walking around everywhere and have butt mud samples in my manly hip pack. You may call it a fanny pack, but I prefer the masculine version.

Something for the Ladies

Since I've been away for so long, perhaps there are some women wondering what they've been missing out on. Below is a picture of myself, and my buddies Marcus and Jeremy. This was taken last year on Christmas. I've lost the beard since then, but not the attitude. Enjoy!

Bon Voyage, Village

I am successfully moved out of my village now. Yesterday afternoon the Peace Corps vehicle came to the house and I moved out for the last time. It was very sad, but I'm excited to get on with the travels. I've yet to actually purchase plane tickets, but as of now the plan is Mozambique for a week and a half, followed by Swaziland for a few days, then the mountainous country of Lesotho for a week or so, followed by a month or so of laying on a beach in South Africa. Hooray! If any of you have a slow September of October, feel free to meet up with me along the way. Cape Town is supposed to be one of the most beautiful cities on the entire planet Earth. I reckon I may return home around Halloween or so. But as with everything concerning me, all plans are subject to change.

It's weird saying goodbye to people in the village because I've made some good friends. I would like to potentially come back some time, but funds may be a problem along the way. I have just been saying, "Goodbye, we'll meet someday in heaven, perhaps." It is an odd sentence to make.

If you would like to see pictures from my parent's visit, click here to see my father's photo gallery.

I am looking forward to returning home and seeing everyone in about two months time now. Stay well and I'll see you then.