Every third or fourth Friday of each month there is an ex-pat supper in Choma. Since I am isolated out in Sikalongo, I have only been able to go to one of these events. So in for the March supper, I decided to ride my bike the 40 km (about 25 miles) to Choma after school on Friday. It only took 2.5 hours, which, as my host mom pointed out after I got back,"Oh, that only took half an hour longer than the public transport."
However before I went, several Sikalongans were skeptical that I could do it. My host father thought it would be okay if I went on Friday and came back on Saturday, which is what I did. (Mark attended also and we stayed overnight at Ron and Erma's) My host mom however, was not as convinced. She didn't come out and say it, but I could tell she didn't think it was a good idea and Cliff just flat told me, "You can't manage." haha. That was all the motivation I needed. Several other teachers have been surprised that a Muguwa (white person) could cycle all that way. haha. Anyway, the ride was well worth it as the food was fantastic and I also really appreciated singing hymns IN ENGLISH!

On April 3rd, I completed my 23rd revolution of the sun. To celebrate, Siggi and Mark paid a surprise visit to Sikalongo and my host family bought me a piece of birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday to me. I really appreciated this gesture because for the first time I felt like a part of the family.

Well, I just wanted to give a brief update as I am in Lusaka waiting for my family to arrive this evening!