I've posted pictures since writing this post so I would like to make a few comments. The kids wanted to help me with my laundry... this was not forced labor. Having a few nephews and nieces of my own I recognize the need to appropriately limit such enthusiastic assistance. For example, I'm ok with and even humored by the above 'sweater stretch' method of drying as well as the clothes that get dragged on the ground before making it onto the line (they're short I totally understand)... but in an effort to be somewhat time efficient I do as much as I can alone and then let them step in for the rest. I miss these kids. I think the pic ax picture would make a great cover for a safety manual... and finally - Mt Mulanje is gorgeous - imagine seeing it in person!!!

It's Tuesday and I come home on Friday... so this is probably the last post until I come back and post all the amazing pics, etc. Anyways, this past weekend has been amazing and it's a bit sad to be leaving. Still, I'm ready to just wrap up a few things and come back home. My friend Betsy has been in town (usually up in Dowa just north of Lilongwe). We staying in her NGO's team house. That was a different world and the minute I went in I felt like a billionaire. I think you would not be all that impressed, but a few weeks in the village and scattered lodges changes your perspective on what you should appreciate as amazing and this was beyond amazing. I had some chicken foot yesterday. It's not too bad, but really not much to it. It looks crazy, but if you can get past the fact that you're knawing on a claw, it's fine.

So, I watched a few evenings of the Olympics and caught up on a few bits of news that I had no idea about - Pakistan, Russia/Georgia. Betsy was also awesome. Since we've both been living in villages and have some similar experiences we find each others stories hillarious. I'm not so sure you'll react the same way, but that's ok, I can tell them to you anyways. Betsy is a nutritionist intern - almost an MS and almost an RD.

Thanks for reading if you still are. I notice there are no more comments, but that's fine. I recognize that this has been really sporatic. Have a great week. I really hope to be home on Saturday... which I will be unless a conection problem leaves me chillin' in Addis for an extra day. Let's hope I can postpone my Ethiopian adventures to another trip. I'm almost ready to be chillin' in Boston, and I think 2 more days will do the trick. See you all soon!