November Recap

So it turns out that trying to be a "blogger" while experiencing continuous power/wifi outages is a little complicated. Yes, this is somewhat of an excuse, but it's also our reality. Here's a short post to update you on what's been going on with us during the month of November...

- We had a visitor from the US of A come to see what Water 282 is all about. We spent all of our time out in the field showing him new boreholes, surveying of new villages, sanitation & hygiene training, and one great celebration! We also couldn't let him come to Zambia without going on a safari so we did that too.

Our initial visit to a 2015 village with our visitor

- World Toilet Day was November 19th. It just so happened on that day we got to celebrate with Water 282's first two villages that are now ODF (open defecation free). We use the same standard requirements set by UNICEF which mean every household has a latrine, 2 hand washing stations, dish rack & rubbish pit. This is a BIG DEAL!!! And we could not have been more excited and proud of the villagers who worked so hard to accomplish this. It was an awesome celebration where, yes, Jacob & I both did a little dancing :).

A typical latrine (bathroom) in a village

- Thanksgiving! This was my first major holiday away from my family in the states. While I missed them TERRIBLY, we got to enjoy the day with some wonderful friends here in Zambia. It really helped to have such a loving community of friends here who we are extremely thankful for. We gathered around a beautiful table of delicious food, thanked God for all our many blessings, filled our belly's, enjoyed fellowship, played games then got a great night's sleep ;).

Thanksgiving Dinner

- and, lastly, the Iron Bowl. ROLL TIDE!!!!! (need I say more)

My morning cranberry juice in my celebratory cup ;). 

Tomorrow we are off on our last work trip of 2014. It's crazy to think that we have already been in Zambia for 6 months. It's been an incredible (tough at times) 6 months. We miss all of you so much and hope you guys all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Love,

Libby