Our ten weeks of training have passed quickly and this is already our last week before we swear in on Tuesday and depart for our destinations of service across this large nation. Since this also means the end of our stays with our host families here in our training site, we held a large celebration to say thank you and good-bye. The families slaughtered a cow for the occasion and consumed an entire Land Cruiser-load of firewood in wood preparation. Also, as a surprise, all the host families presented us with African type clothes tailored from colorful local cloth. It wasn´t that much of a surprise for Luc since our host mom had sent him to the tailor to be measured! But it was a very nice gift and it was fun all wearing matching prints. Like all Mozambican events we began with formalities, including speeches, thank yous and certificates, and ended with eating, music, dancing and cake. Many of the volunteers are eager to get started in their sites. Living so fully immersed with a family in a foreign culture is difficult for some of our colleagues, especially with communication difficulties, tummy trouble, changing weather, leaky roofs and a general lack of control over our physical conditions and daily scheduling. But most people have learned a lot from the experience and enjoyed it. We have really enjoyed our time here and are sad to leave our family, the delicious food and overall hospitality. We hope to return and visit when possible, although we know it will be difficult given the great distance that will separate us once we depart to site.
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