settling in

Drinking lots and lots of water.  Changing Elijah's clothing six times each day -- either due to food (he insists on feeding himself, you can imagine the result!) or leaky nappy or playing in the mud.  Juggling household duties while carrying one or sometimes both of my small children.  Staggering naptimes so that Ketzia falls asleep first so that I can put Elijah in bed while it's quiet -- otherwise, if she's making noise or needing attention, he won't settle  Sweating constantly.  Trying to catch up on the endless pile of dirty laundry.  Being reminded again of how dirty things get here in Zambia.  Unpacking.  Trying to find time to sort, organize and put away everything that has been unpacked.  Hanging the laundry out to dry, and then bringing it all back in again when a storm comes through in the afternoon.  Listening to African rains on our metal roof.  Comforting both of my very small children when a terrifying lightning storm came through and a bolt struck very close to our house.  Thankful for electric pedestal fans which make sleeping in the heat more comfortable.  Being amazed at how strong Ketzia is and how fast she is growing.  Restocking my kitchen cupboards.  Eying the chocolate stored in the freezer, which I brought from the States, which is supposed to last me until October.  Welcoming our colleague, Marjanne, back to Zambia (she arrived on Thursday).  Meeting new friends and renewing old acquaintances.  Reassured that I have not lost my Chinyanja and people are just as impressed that I can manage a few phrases as they were when I left!  Finding friends for Elijah and inviting them over to play outside together.  Hiring men to slash the high grass which has overgrown the College in our absence (it took them 4 days).  Thankful that the men who were slashing killed a huge puff adder which was in the field behind our house (but worried that it was there in the first place).  Furnishing our two guest rooms in anticipation of visitors coming next month and throughout this year.  Getting our new (well, new to us) washing machine hooked up in our kitchen. Ordering our dining table and chairs which are being made by the local carpenter.  Thankful for the provision of a 4-piece living room set which we are buying from other missionaries in another part of  Zambia and which we should be getting within the next few weeks.  Trying to figure out the College finances.  Getting the battery recharged for the College vehicle which wouldn't start.  Thankful that finally we got the issues with the internet sorted so that we can be in contact with the rest of the world again.  Thinking that it's very cool that Zambia won the Africa Cup, against all odds, and feeling the patriotic fervor surrounding us as Zambians are decked out in their national colors in celebration.  Sorting out the lecturing schedule for this term and looking over the material to be taught.  Arranging for the guest house to be cleaned for our incoming guest lecturer.  Conducting interviews of prospective incoming students.  Looking forward to the start of the term on Tuesday!  Just a few of the things we've been doing this week.  Thanks for your prayers.