Here's the Big Speech

Ben and President Sata do lunch...

Ben and Lizzy go to the State House

This past Friday (October 21st) we were fortunate enough to visit the State House, the Zambian version of the White House. For Ben, it was a dream come true, exactly the type of thing he always wanted to be a part of. It started by taking a convoy of American Embassy vehicles (the ones that have the little American flags) through the streets of Lusaka. Coming to the gates of this magnificent looking palace, gave this surreal feeling that you can't put into words. Ben was then escorted by the head of Public Affairs of the Embassy inside the President's house where all the dignitaries were seated, and shown to his seat front and center of the ceremony. Soon after the President and the American Ambassador walk in, with all the pomp and circumstance you would expect. After a few remarks to the invited guests and press, Ben and the rest of his training class went outside to the courtyard for a photo opportunity (which ended up on the front page of the three daily papers). 
After the picture taking the group then exited through the back to where the President's military band began playing their version of 'Hail to the Chief' and had lunch outside under a large beautifully decorated tent. Both of us sat at the table with the head of the UN mission, the chief of the economic section at the embassy, Head of Public Affairs, and a highly ranked Air Force official. During lunch, Ben was called up to front and gave a speech in Bemba to the President, and presented a pin to him, which he ended up putting on him. The speech went well, and Ben did not prick him when pinning him. All told there were about 250 people present, mainly Ambassadors from other countries, American embassy workers, and press. It was undoubtedly the pinnacle of our professional lives, and a moment which we will never forget. 
It was only the third time in the fifty year history of the Peace Corps, that Peace Corps was invited to an official state lunch or dinner. This was the first State Lunch thrown by the new President, Michael Sata. The only unfortunate part was we were not allowed to take in cameras, so we do not have any pictures, although we do hope to get some from the American Embassy, and various Zambian media outlets. It should also be noted that the American Ambassador (Mark Storella) who we met two weeks ago at Lizzy's swear-in, along with the Embassy workers, did a fantastic job of helping to organize the event. 


Times of Zambia
Daily Mail
The Post - Note, the headline does not match the article

Lizzy is an Official PC Volunteer

Painting nails with my host family :)

My Ba Mayo and Ba Taata, Blessing is the baby on the left with my Ba Mayo, she also lived on the compound, the other baby is a random my Ba Taata just thought would be a nice added touch to the picture.

Hanging out with the kiddos:  David, Edward and Jenny



Swearing in!



It's official.

On October 7th, I said goodbye to my wonderful host family that I have spent the last three months living with and was sworn in from Peace Corps Trainee to Peace Corps Volunteer at the US Ambassador's house.  This is when most people move to there villages which they will be living in for the next 2 years.  However, since Ben still had two weeks more of training I was able to move with him and his host family.  He swears in October 21st at the President of Zambia's house (post to come!) and then we too will be off to the village of Kanona. 

Exciting Couple of Weeks

I think it's safe to say it has been an exciting couple of weeks here in Zambia. Our three greatest fears are snakes, male predators, and car accidents all of which came to greet us.
The excitement began two weeks ago when on the final leg of a six hour car ride, the vehicle carrying Ben flipped taking a turn (see below). Fortunately, Ben made it out with nothing more than a few cuts and bruises, but three of the passengers were taken to the hospital for a week; everyone is now healthy and back at training. Kudos to the Peace Corps for quickly sending staff to be the first responders.
One week later, at about one in the morning Lizzy was woken up by a man peering through her window yelling that he wanted her. Lizzy was able to scream and scare away the intruder, and luckily nothing more came about. Lizzy's host Dad was kind enough to sleep outside of her hut for the remainder of the night.
And this leaves us with the snake. Ben was recently up at our permanent site in Kanona, when after dinner he went inside his hut and peering about with his flashlight noticed a tarantula on the wall. Having to face the music, Ben grabbed a shoe and killed the spider, on his way outside to throw the spider away, he was greeted by a Puff Adder snake, just a few steps from the hut. Instinctively, Ben screamed like a little girl, and the neighbor came over and swiftly killed the snake with a stick.

We are both very fortunate to have had such good outcomes, and such great people around us. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and well wishes to help keep us safe.



Photos courtesy of PCT Ben Frigo-Vaz