Small World

Reid and I went down to the Peace Corps offices today in Windhoek and met with one of the APCDs (educ. program director). We had met her at Andrew Harris' dinner party. She had indicated that she might be helpful in hooking us up with a language trainer so that we might learn one of the local tribal languages called Oshiwambo. She was very helpful. We learned that there are seven dialects of the language. We're hoping that we can at least learn a few expressions and greetings in only one of the dialects so that when we travel about the country we won't be seen completely as tourists.

Selma also showed us around the offices and introduced us to various members of the staff. Among the people working there, we came across a certain LeJeune Lockett. LeJeune works as the health director. Well of course with a name like that we knew there must be a Louisiana connection. LeJeune's dad works at Southern and her family lives in Baton Rouge. Although, she hasn't actually lived in Louisiana, she owns a house in Port Allen. Go figure! Her dad is originally from Jeannerette just a couple of miles from my hometown of St. Martinville. We had a wonderful conversation with her and are still in awe over how small the world really is.

Emma had show and tell today at school and took a "tin" of Tony Chachere's to show her classmates. Her teacher was in awe that she spoke so much since she had been quiet as a mouse being the new kid on the block. She told all of her friends about gumbo and crawfish. She said that when you eat gumbo you want to go for more because it's so good, but you can't because you're too full. She also mentioned to her entire class that Reid and I argued in Wal-Mart about bringing Tony's in the luggage. She quoted her father, "Just how much of this stuff do we really need anyway?" Of course, I insisted and managed to bring two industrial size cans. Given that we don't really know what we're eating half the time--meat-wise, I think we're all grateful for the Tony's!