Chimoio- Land of Awkward interations and Overeating..

For the past few days I’ve been living in a world of awkward at our “supervisor conference.” All of the education volunteers for the central region of Moz and our school directors have been at a 48 hour-long pow-wow attempting to explain what exactly Peace Corps is and why US and Mozambican education systems are different.  I have a feeling that Helen and I lucked out seeing as our director is SUPER into this (he’s been taking notes and pictures like crazy).  However, this has been completely exhausting… the language barrier, the age difference, the cultural differences.  Exhausting!  Needless to say, the most “mental” relaxation comes at snack times and meals.  Hence, the constant overeating.

Oh and add to the “stress list” the fact that two days ago, I changed my name.  I’m not sure if I mentioned this or not, but Mozambican can NOT say Audrey.  It comes out something like “wahdd raa”… which, is not Audrey.  And seeing as Audrey does not have a Portuguese translation, we’re going with Caroline.  So as of now, my name is Carolina.  Mozambicans can say Carolina, and in fact, they seem to remember it.  The struggle here is that I don’t really answer to Carolina… BUT I did better today than I did yesterday.

 And tomorrow the awkward shock continues when we move to our sites.  This is officially the beginning in my new home!!  Chengadeia (my director…yeah try to pronounce that name) is helping Helen and I get settled into our new house – which is conveniently located close to his home too. So after an exhausting FULL day on a bus tomorrow (like, 13 hours) I will (hopefully) arrive in Moatize.  To a house that only has 2 bed frames (yes, no mattresses), one table, and six chairs. 

Wish Us Luck in Moatize!!!