Friday, July 18, 2008

Walala Wasala, "you snooze you lose"

A foreign concept here due to the symphony of animal sounds the Africa night brings. Don't let that give you romantic notions of roaring lions and trumpeting elephants. No my friends, even lions wouldn't tread on the ground of these barnyard animals gone bad. After a night of lunar serenades, the dawn generally breaks with a climactic encore, featuring none other than Pavarati, the warbling rooster; who seems to have swallowed a new bag of marbles every night. Thus the daily soundtack ensues, and what a joyful compilation it is. Today we shop for the food we begin cooking for ourselves tomorrow. Though we've enjoyed the immersion into the local maize cuisine, we look foward to the freedom ou own stove povides. One of the most delightful discoveries we've made here in the Likotapeni. What some of you westerners would recognize as the beloved avocado, only 3x's the size and 1/8 the price, or free if your family grows them along with fresh bananas and oranges. GLORIOUS!! Oh, the little joys of life!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

So life has been slowly but surely moving along. We are now with our host training families, enjoying learning all that Swaziland has to offer. Language has proven to be an obstacle to overcome but with hard work and dedication will no doubt make it's way into our brains. Our family is amazing. Hilary has learned to wash the clothes and cook all the traditional swazi meals. Jay has integrated quite well into Swazi male life, especially in partaking in Swazi cuisine, cow head. Only males are allowed to enjoy this delicacy (Hilary was not dissappointed at this fact). We have loved recieving all your letters and emails. They are extremely encouraging. After training we will have more time to elaborate on life so please bear with us for the next 5 weeks. If you would like to send mail, send it to the following...
Hilary Jackson, PCV
P.O. Box 2797
Mbabane H100
Swaziland, AFRICA
you could also put Jay Jackson...

We love you all and miss you! Keep us in your prayers as you are in ours!
Hilary and Jay