The work and the weekend

Well today it felt a little like I knew what I was doing, which is a relatively rare feeling these past couple of weeks. I was able to get a few reports out and have take a tour of the laboratory (which is nothing like anything I have ever worked in).

Reports are the bulk of what I am responsible for it turns out. I suppose that it could be worse though. I could be in Lusaka chained to an evil ZEHRP. Speaking of, it looks like it is a good thing that we got out of there when we did because they are tanking pretty hard in Lusaka right now.

Here is the view from my little perch in Whiskeytown Lake Park. It really is beautiful here!

Now that I am beginning to get my head around the things that I need to have done on a regular basis I can begin to feel out the need for new initiatives and areas that I can begin to expand or hone.

I get to be a real live epidemiologist!

I am looking forward to the weekend and getting some furniture in my batcave. I will get you some pictures of my place this weekend for sure. Still need to get myself a camera other than my phone but, that is low on the list right now.

Hope that you all are enjoying a terrific weekend!

All is just dandy over here!

Clever Title

It is now in writing. I will be running away to the west coast in just a few short weeks. Officially working as an epidemiologist in Redding, CA I will be responsible for ten counties studying communicable disease and teaching data collection, analysis, and intervention strategies to public health workers.

The details of what actually do in the day-to-day will be relayed just as soon as I settle in. Saying adios to Texas on September 6th and looking to start in Shasta County on the 12th. Still have to get the specifics figured, i.e. house/apt, furniture, directions, etc. A man needs a good map and though I have visited I am far from well acquainted with the area. There are a few beautiful park/reserves surrounding the little town.

Skiing is a quick 45 minute trip to Mount Shasta, the beach is a couple hours west through he redwoods, kyacking, climbing, hiking, camping, biking are all handy at Whiskeytown Lake Park just a few minutes down the road. I will look to get a road bike right away as there are amble bike lanes and the office is not too far from anywhere that I would live in town. With the weather there it is likely that I will be able to bike at least eight months a year. I was told that it rarely, if ever snows which is good news for my car, I think. It will not be required that I get an all wheel drive vehicle.

Other than preparing for this next exciting step in the journey I have been hanging out with friends and family as much as possible. I have to make up for the last year of being totally inaccessible. Still have a few trip to make here and there but, I have some time and it is really amazing because I can breath easy knowing that I have a job and will soon contribute to society again as a working stiff again.

Went on a heck of a bike ride with my brother last week. They have really put a lot into those trails around downtown Houston. It was a blast seeing/realizing/appreciating what a developed world big city looks like. Bike is not so useful a mode of transport in the heat that we have been experiencing though. Good grief, I was drenched by the time we got back.

I love driving! The two thousand mile trek to North Cali may do a number on that but, for now I am really enjoying running my car all over this great, albeit hot, state of ours.

Visited with Carey, Dr. Shipp, and Dr. Sweeney this past week. They are psyched about my move and have promised to come visit though. Ol Doctor Venkatraj wants me to work on a project with him before I leave. I hope that we have enough time to get it done. It is dealing with breast cancer cell lines, chemotheaputic agents/treatments, and mRNA concentration via florescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technology (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19562726/Single%20cell%20RNA%20insitu%202.pdf).

Back in the world of technology with an iPhone. Not sure how people make it without those clever little machines. The Nokia brick did ok for a bit but, it can't compete with the world at your fingertips.

In retrospect I learned an unbelievable bit about life this past year. There are tough times. Life is now. I am not as good at reading people as I thought. Skepticism can be really handy. God is good no matter where you are. I love America.

Apologies for the chaos of this wandering post but, I had lots to catch you up on and no outline to work from. I do hope this post finds you very well. Blessings to you on this beautiful Sunday.

Fine and dandy like sour candy

Here I are doing things that I could forty days ago.

1. Sitting in a comfortable cafe with stable, fast wifi, people around me that understand my English, with a car right outside to take me wherever I want.

2. Reading publications for a project with Dr. Venkatraj (V) (on that fast internet connection)

3. Ordered the new Mac OS ONLINE!

4. Visited Carl and Sandy Williamson of Calvary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Texas. Wonderfully refreshing getting to talk to folks with the same beliefs who have seen the same things that I have. It was a tremendous blessing.

5. Talked with Dr. V about a new project in his office. Got to talk a little about what I believe. He is open but, he is open to everything so it is a tough one to get through. Will keep working though, the Lord keeps he and I close for a reason I know it.

6. There are only old people here in College Station in the Summer... oh no...

7. Get to go home here in a bit to my family and just chill, throw horseshoes, watch a dumb movie on TV, or whatever else Huntsville dares to offer.

This time here in between is beautiful. I get to try and catch up with those that I missed out on a year of life with before I take off to rebuild in Redding. Oh ya, that is all but done now. Lots of prayer and lots of talking to folks who know has made me very comfortable with that decision.

The Journey will continue but, hopefully I will get into the habit of posting more pictures on this next leg. Should be filled with early mornings on lofty peaks and sunsets on the lake.

All is, well, see title. Have a beautifully blessed Weekend!

No car

Must be the Africa in me but, I was really relieved to drop that rental car off and be on foot. One less thing to keep up with. Certainly not new to the idea of walking being the main mode of transportation. You know Kahler and I talked a bit and now the mentality that the Kiwis (Reece and Chris) had in utilized public transportation is much better understood. Though, I can admit that the rail system here had me dumbfounded for a few minutes. Learned something important. Read everything, you will always be able to find your way. Traded some crack head my twenty for his ten and two fives. Mean to tell you that I unloaded those quick, pretty sure that it was counterfeit or marked or something.

Forgive me though, I am jumping ahead a bit. Let's rewind to where I left off. Headed for the meet and greet at the office with Beth and Brandy. The meeting and lunch went well. It is a relatively small department with five folks (as best I could tell). Brandy with two epidemiologists and two analysts. This is new to me, I have not been any where that separated those those jobs. In my mind that is what the epidemiologist does but, I am certainly not complaining. They showed me the office that would be mine. Pretty sweet with a big window and a small meeting table apart from the big corner desk with a new desktop and laptop.

They apparently had trouble before with the epidemiologists comfort/ability to present to the other county health departments. Makes perfect sense as I was really the only one doing the talking in the conference room where we ate. That bit should be a piece of cake though I will check that until I see if there is some really good reason, I suppose the other health departments could employ rabid zombies, I can't say that I have given a presentation to that undead lot before.

Wrapped up lunch and headed with Beth to Whiskeytown Lake Park. There is a beautiful lake and beaches all around. You can camp and climb and kyack and other stuff that I don't know about or can't think of. Then back to the house where we prepared a big flank steak, grilled veggies, and brown rice. It was really tasty though I wished that I could have used some smoked salt that she had to make a brine with lemon to help out the squash and zucchini, oh well.

Then ducked out to the River City Cafe or a cup of coffee and to read a bit. It is so pleasant in the evenings, I sat outside and get this, didn't sweat! That is a pretty big deal as it is impossible in Texas. I have been trying to process and synthesize some over-arching statement about me impressions of the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency however, I have yet to come up with anything accurate enough.I will continue pondering and let loose the results when they are ready.

The next morning I had planned to take it easy and cruise out of Redding early as I had heard that the traffic in Oakland and the Bay Area begins at 2:00. What hours do these people work? I didn't believe it.... then I stopped and traveled three miles in half an hour. Kill me. I didn't get out of Redding because Pam called from the Health Department and said that my fingerprints came back and I was cleared to go and get my physical and drug screening. I thanked my generous hostess and got on the road to the regional medical center where I kid you not, I was a premiere human specimen, all digits accounted for and on top of that I could count them all by myself!

I escaped the clinic with a splendid bill of health and hopped on I-5 for a piece. The drive, though long, was much more enjoyable in the daytime when I could see all of the Cali terrain, mountains, lakes, and other bits unique to this part of the country. The little rental got good mileage and I turned it in thirty minutes before it was due. The first plan was to have enough time to drop by my inn and leave my bags so I just had to carry myself through the transportation system. No luck there but, it was no real hiccup in the end, I packed light.

Made it to home for the night, enjoyed a shower and hit the streets to find some grub as I was famished. Found a Burger King, Subway, McDonalds, Starbucks and Popeyes's. Reminded myself that I was in a new and fun part of the world and I should find something that I can only get here. There After passing a few options, I landed at XOLO La Taqueria (they had me at taqueria) and enjoyed all the life out of a few tacos.

Not ready to go back to my room just yet, I continued to wander. There is a place right around the corner from the little Washington Inn called the Pacific Brewing Company. Settled down at the bar and watched a few minutes of the Portland v LA MLS game. Had Pacific Brew's Imperial Stout and Extra Pale Ale. Two very opposite ends of the spectrum, both great in their own respect. Met a fella who operates a company called Honeydrop. He just got a contract to shelve his products in Nor Cal While Foods stores. Interesting conversation with him about bees and Africa.

Got back to my room and after skyping a little, I hit the hay. Got up this morning knowing that I wanted to hit this little cafe called Tully's that I had seen last night. That is where I am now with a cup of tea (because I like to be unpredictable sometimes). It was an absolute zoo in here with the morning rush hitting around 9:00. I didn't envy the barista a bit, been there.

will be going back to my home away from home in a few minutes to plan out the rest of the day. Want to minimize how far I have to travel on foot with all my gear. Think I will visit the City Center area maybe and then head to the airport.

the architecture here is really neat. I have enjoyed walking around and just looking up at all the buildings. There are some really neat old structures here. On the way back from dinner last night I found a really cool looking old building that I am sure Chris could make look awesome with his camera. Wishing that I had a nice SLR even if it would make me that guy walking aimlessly snapping pictures of what is everyday life for everyone else. I can deal with that.

Have a fantastic day everyone. Here's to a safe and uneventful trip back to Texas. Brother, you are too cool for school coming to pick me up so late from the airport tonight. Stay classy planet earth

Redding

I am here. Sitting in a little coffee shop in Redding, California.

Flight:
Went without a hitch. Dad got me to Hobby in plenty of time and the plane was on time. It was a packed out flight though. Captain said that there were 137 seats and 140 people booked, so get cozy. Got hosed with a middle seat because of the boarding order and free reign seating but, I landed between two very civil and courteous folks. Got to read some, drifted off for a bit, ate some pretzels (the chronology there is off, just a list in no particular order) and braced for land (just kidding). The connection at LAX was smooth, I didn't even have enough time to finish my cup of coffee though before we took off. I had intended to email and blog from there but, there was no luck with internet access the terminal I was in. Got to Oakland and had quite a hike to the rental department where they didn't have the car that I wanted. They gave me a Dodge Charger and even though it was nice, I don't want to eat that gas and it is a big body so I went in and had them change it to a Ford Fusion, if James Bond can drive one I figure I am not above it. I did, nearly knock a hole in the floorboard looking for the clutch though.

Loooooooooooooooooong, drive to Redding. Made it in around midnight. Beth, was fabulous and introduced me to her pup, Bingo who visited me a few times last night. No AC needed in the evenings, there was just a breeze coming through my open window, pretty flippin' sweet.

Felt like a criminal getting fingerprinted and now I am about to head back to meet Beth and go to the little meet and greet lunch that the health department has set up for me. Oh ya, mom, forgot my belt. I feel like that guy, you know... the one that forgets to put a belt on. They will understand, right? Anyway, I will give all of you, my wonderful readers, another update this evening. Have a beautiful day and make an awesome memory, I will let you know what mine is later.

I realized

I am the guy that was beating me out of jobs that I was interested in a couple years ago. It is much better to be on this end. It just takes a little time I reckon. There is no substitute for the clock rotations.

Today is a good day, lots of thinking and a few to-do items ticked off the mental list.

Hoping that this short entry finds you very well. I will give more details on the above, soon.

All is well

In other news

Had a terrific time hanging out with Katy and Kahler the past couple days despite the monumental project they started in remodeling the main bathroom at Kahler's parents place. They did a beautiful job, I am pretty sure that you can find, or will find very soon, pictorial documentation of it's vastness/grandeur on Katy's blog.

Kahler and I pulled the toilet in preparation for laying the tile floor however, I must say the expectation of the re-install was grossly underestimated. We were on round four when I ran away from it. Godspeed with the new flange my friend. It was just really good to be with my fabulous friends again. We can make stupid allusions to ridiculous things in Zambia with no need for explanation. Needless to say Mrs. Stone was floored when she set eyes on her new bathroom.

Turns out that Grout is much more forgiving than thin set. This was a distinction that I, only recently, became aware of. I was awakened to Kahler shutting the door as he left to mix up a new batch of thin set. He was doing this because this morning when he entered the freshly tiled bathroom found that five or six of the tiles did not seat. He lifted them and chiseled out the mess underneath and had a couple new tiles laid. He was happy to hand the trowel off and I finished the other four, fingers crossed that those bad boys stay down as the grout is now applied and sealed. Katy definitely was not on the sideline while we were doing this either. She painted and repainted baseboards, did a major amount of touch up on all of the walls, stripped the shower caulk out, painted cabinets, and lots of other things that I can't remember.

At Five today I called Ms. Isola of the Shasta County Health Department and we chatted a bit about the position there. It looks like I have to find a way to get to California for finger printing and more background check stuff. They really want to make sure that I am not a criminal. I hope that I don't disappoint.

I am going to follow up with profs at SRPH and seek advice from the usual sources, Uncle Bill, my folks, brother and Jennah, Dr. Rene, Dr. Sweeney, and pray a lot about it. Seems like a pretty awesome wide open door however, ZEHRP appeared the same way. I got taken by that one for sure.

Will make a point, of course, to keep you up-to-date with the decisions and developments with the Cali job, thank you all very much for your prayers and encouragement.

I am blessed and all is very well. I pray that it is the same for all of you, my wonderful readers.

ZamJake in America

The job in California is certainly still on the table. I have not heard in a couple of days but, now I am blaming that on the mandatory background check. It could be that they have already filled the spot however, judging by the interest that the invested in me I would be a little surprised if they just let me drop off. There is no saying for sure though.

I am actually sitting in Muldoons (a little coffee house) in College Station. Same place, just different people. I am in College Station to visit my old profs and academic acquaintances for advice, PhD programs, and job opportunities. All the same great folks are there and happy to see me back in one piece.

The visit was very promising though and I enjoyed explaining my adventures to old friends. You have to embellish the stories a little bit right? If I don't take some story telling license it just wouldn't be as much fun to listen to me talk. Here I suppose I am only half fooling myself that with the most effective hyperbole at best I probably only have about four and a half minutes before time is up. I can get up to Feb. in that time frame but, I am hopeful that I will have it up to snuff after a few more attempts.

There is nothing quite like 'ol CS in the summertime. The roads are manageable and the campus is clad with international students (at least more noticeably, than usual).

Still a few folks that I need to catch up with here is CS so I will definitely be back soon but, getting down to see my brother and Jennah is more important right now. Will go and speak with the powers that be with the University of Houston School of Public Health and the business school (for Chris). Hopefully one of us can find some promise there whether it be with a PhD program for me or MBA for him.

It is hot here in Texas! Holy smokes, North Cali would not be a bad change of scenery in that aspect. Was told a few time today at A&M that I would fir righ tin as my hair has gotten long and shaggy again. Apparently there are some hippie tendencies in my blood. Mom, Dad, which one of you was it? Or did it skip a generation?

Well there we go. I just got done talking to Wes, an old buddy here in CS. He is feeling the oldness a little too. All the folks that he went to school with are gone and he is married trying to figure out what the Lord has next for him. I know that I have been missing those conversations, that was great to get to catch up a little.

Ok, well I am off to Houston now. I will keep you updated if I hear anything from Cali, Denver (contacted a recruiter there), SRPH, or any other that I might not have on the radar yet. Have a blessed day, all is well here in Jake's little world. Trying to kill ZamJake one baby step at a time.

Back in the swing

Fighting a little jet lag headache and sore throat but, I am back in the proverbial Texas saddle.

Job Update: Decided against spending a substantial sum to get there. Made the decision however, I was a little disappointed that such an opportunity could not be realized. Well all reservations were relieved when I received an email this morning asking if I might be available for a Skype interview in order to maintain my candidacy. They are still working out he details on that end.

Can't wait to update you with the results of that meeting. For better or for worse I am thankful that I am still able to be considered for the position.

Will update again soon. Have a terrific day.

Also, thank you to everyone that met me in the airport and prayed for my trip back. I am so happy to be home.

Congrats, Katy on making it until Kahler got back!

At last, the day that would never come

Here I am in JoBurg, 2 July, 2011 on my way back. It was more difficult than I thought it would be to say goodbye to Mike, Lindy and Claire at the airport. Though the same is certain for the lab techs as well. They will definitely be remembered.

So here I am as the sun begins to set in the evening of the second of July, two thousand and eleven. It is still mid morning back home and I am drinking coffee as a tribute (not that I wouldn’t drink a cup even it is were two in the morning back home… In this instance I find myself searching too broadly for poetry). My trusty MacBook managed the year in Zambia like a champ and keeps me company here as I wait for the connection to Heathrow Airport.

I am looking back on my time in Zambia trying with little success to separate that blasted project from the country itself. I don’t know how to do it. Perhaps if I were to come back at a later date, in a different capacity, or at least (which goes without saying) with another initiative I would be able to snag the perspective that doesn’t loath the place that housed the operation that taxed and tested me beyond my limits. As it stands however, short of wanting everyone to get to see the majestic Victoria Falls, there is no way that I can be pumped about anyone heading to this/that part of Africa.

It is hard to believe the extremes that I have seen. Here in the Tembo Airport I am enjoying a cup of, comparatively sublime, filtered coffee with flock of paper Mache geese lamps just above me while there are those that will never see anything like this and are more than thankful for the instant (Ricoffy) coffee in the mug with the broken handle. As I have said before though it is better to have this explicit dichotomy bolster a thankful heart than guilt.

Of course, there is the sort of lifestyle awareness that inevitably accompanies such an experience. I am enthusiastic about looking up opportunities that the lab techs might be able to exploit. The programs are there and have been and I might have been one to look dimly on them once; however, if they are going to continue I would rather see them support individuals that I know deserve a legitimate shot.

Struck up a conversation with a Zambian fella on the plane (Lusaka to JoBurg). He was an electrical engineer that is currently working in South Africa. We chatted about his background, family, career, education, and politics of Zambia. I accidently have a decent knowledge about that place (or at least enough to keep up an hour long conversation), what do I use that for now? I reckon I will iron that one out soon enough.

Oh, I had one last adventure before I was able to escape my year-past motherland. My bags were miserably overweight. The allotment is two bags at 23kg (~50lbs) each. Well I heaved them on the scale and the larger of the two tipped the scale at 32.1kg and the smaller at 25.4kg. Ok, now what? How much is it for an overweight bag? Mr. Banda informed me it was one hundred U.S. per bag. Well… Alright then, I have to go throw a bunch of stuff away. I removed myself from the queue to sort out this dilemma.

Mike, Lindy, and Claire are not yet gone as there is a place on the stairs where you can watch folks get checked through. I tried my darnedest to explain, through a very naive version of sign language, the details of the situation. Aha! I will just take a hit for a hundred bucks and move a couple kilos into the one that is already past obese. I rearrange and march back up to the counter. Sure enough the one is good to go at 22.3kg and the other weighed in at a whopping 37kg. Fella then decides to inform me that they do not take bags over 30kg. Brilliant! Next idea.

I exited the holding pen and explained the predicament to Mike and Lindy. They know the drill. May not have told you about a terrific couple that has been staying the past couple weeks with the Howard’s. Carl and his wife Sandy are from Cleveland, Texas where he is the head of Calvary Baptist Church and she is an elementary school counselor. All that to say that they will be returning to Cleveland very soon and would be able to take some of the heavier items of mine back with them where I can just pay them a visit and pick up my ten kilogram of wooden hippo, dress pants, and a couple coats.

Once again, I am thankful for the relationships that I have been able to develop and for the patience to make it through that without exploding. After the fiasco I managed to weigh in at 23.1kg the third time around. Mr. Banda was too tired at this point to put up a fight for the 0.1kg.

Turns out I am ripped… or, more likely I was tapping some hundred dollar adrenaline trying to fool the scale by tossing that hefty bag on the conveyor, ha.

It’s all done now though and I sit here with my violin and messenger bag happy as I can be considering the flight time remaining. The sun has gone down now and I see the lights of the baggage-mobiles scurrying here and there. Hoping that mine makes it where it needs to be. The flittering green and red luminescence from the monster birds waiting to take off to who knows where are proof that I am leaving Africa for real and I will be home soon.

Going to pay for my three-dollar (16 rand) cup of coffee and mosy around the shops here to spend the time I have left. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as I am sure that they are the only reason that I have gotten this far and I am trusting them to finish me off to sweet Aggieland.

All is just dang dandy.

3 July, 2011, DFW Airport, I made it but, it was important apparently that it not be easy. My flight from Johannesburg was delayed four hours. I was told that it was necessary for them to change planes as the intended failed inspection. I reckon that set back might have been a blessing in disguise because the key is that I am sitting in Dallas right now.

Sorry Mom, Dad, Brother, and Jennah, despite my catch me if you can run through the Dallas airport and cutting to the front of every line/lane/queue I made it to the gate only to watch my plane pushing back. I will be there four hours later than scheduled.

Going to try and recount the more interesting bits of this long flight back if I can. There was a group of us in the JoBurg Airport trying desperately to sort out this pickle we found ourselves in with three connections still pending. With a little… persuasion, (ya, that’s what it was) I convinced the South African Airways fella to let me update my itinerary. I was there with Amy and her group bound for Texas as well. Amy was really quiet and intrinsically the worrying sort (ahem, mom, thanks for teaching me how to work with that). She appreciated my ‘calming spirit’ and followed me around from gate to gate as we made our way through JoBurg, to Heathrow and off to Dallas.

Brother, can you believe that they had The Glenlivet on the plane? It beat the heck out of the Johnny Walker that I had on the previous leg. Might have taken advantage of that, you know, persuation and waiting until they look the other direction when they pass by pushing the little beverage cart.

Sis, you need to come to Victoria Falls. I know that I have said it before but, for real. I want you guys to see it and you to get some more stamps in that passport of yours.

It feel like it has been ages since I have been in America. I know that I was just here in December but, I am feeling to difference more intensely this time. Katy, I am sure that you can relate very well. It is going to take some time, I think, before I fit back in or at least until I feel that I fit in.

Everything is a comparison; just as it was when I arrived in Zambia. This time it is just working in the reverse.

Can’t wait to get on this last little puddle jumper and find my way back to my comfortable bed and my amazing family. It has been a long time coming but here I am. I have learned so much and, as expected, hind-sight says that the year was well spent and that I have experience that few with my pedigree ever get to realize. The details will come. I reckon I am too sleep deprived now to make any deep or insightful over-arching intellectualities concerning lab work over the past year in a developing country.

All is a bit blurry but, the sleep should solve that nicely. All smiles over here, will be there in a matter of hours now.

FLY

On a plane in thirty minutes. Was pretty sure this day would never come. But it has and all is just as near perfect as it can be. Can't wait to see you all again soon.

I am alive!

Saw lions, spent the night in the bush. Had a marvelous time!

Saw the falls again and got drenched. It was terrific!

Just finished my day before the day before at work. One more to go and nothing could be better.

I will be seeing your faces for real so soon.

There are folks here that I am going to miss but, these folks know those folks probably miss me too and if given the choice it is a given.

All is fabulous

Service 'engineer'

Still cracks me up that they call people that have done something half-way technical at any point in their lives an 'engineer'. Today I called about a service contract. Normal thing, the Zambian voice on the other end says what before I am finished speaking and makes me want to scream but, I hold it together and finally get the information that I need.

Call Nchimunya... really? Can't believe that guy did not understand why I could not understand what the eff he was saying. Got that one mastered and gave her a call. Looks like the 'engineer' whose superpower is to bring a thin piece of wire and unplug the sample aspirator will nto be available until tomorrow or the next day. What that means is that they are on vacation for the next month. Oh well. Thought I would share that little story from my day.

I did get make some progress concerning the lab readiness for the GCLP audit which starts tomorrow and goes through Saturday. Also, I came home to a bed that was made up and a laundry basket full of clean clothes. Can't complain there!

Looking on the bright side and trying not to go blind! Hope that you all had a blessed day.

Everything's jake

Winding Down

Per Jennah's wise council I will try to update more often though it may be less exhaustive.

The days are unbelievably busy of late. It is great, however, a bit exhausting. Dr. Hunter arrived last night. It is good though it is even more important to get things done now. I want him to know how much work we have poured into this place. It looks like things are on the upswing now as well. Good news is always more fun to deliver.

It is cooling off here. Wearing shorts in the evenings is a thing of the past. I do love the cool clear days though. Will certainly see the value in it when I hit the intense heat of my Texas. It doesn’t matter; I can’t wait to get back. I will melt with everyone else.

I get to switch gears from American food conservation and ration it out so that I leave nothing. Hello mac and cheese every evening this week. Beginning to take inventory as I look around my room. It is fun as I was pretty sure not three months ago that this time would never get here.

The guard at IAVI asked me to write a letter of recommendation for him to get another job. I told him I would however; I probably need to let him know that I can only reached to vouch for his character a little longer.

I got some encouraging feedback from the interview that I had this past Thursday evening. Looks like I might get to take the trip over there and interview in person not long after I get back stateside. Excited to see if that is the direction I will be heading next. It would be a long way from home if I had not spent the past year on another continent.

Total eclipse tonight over here in Africa. Will try and snag a picture and add to my post tomorrow.

A very happy Wednesday to all!

All is well

The Ideal

Sweet Texas, great job, amazing family, Jessica Alba single and head over heels, shooting tin cans off a saw horse, Shiner Boch, Dad's venison, rooftop with my brother and sis, driving my car, three-day weekend vacations, fantastic PhD program, new friends, sausage egg and cheese McMuffin, Shipley's kolaches, fast internet, iPhones, old friends, people just magically understanding what this past year has been without me having to try and explain... That will work for starters.

Just the other day in the bus on the way to Ndola I looked out the window and realized, as if I had forgotten, I am in Africa. This is the place that people dream of visiting and it is where I live. I live in Africa. I have sen things and been a part of a more global community. I have shared life and laughter with these people.

I had an interview this morning for a job with the Shasta County Health Department in Redding, California (way northern Cali). It was a bit sketchy on the cell phone a world away and I don't know for sure how I did but, that they would even consider me for the first interview in encouraging. If I get the second interview it will not be until July 7th or 8th and they said that they would be happy to work with me there. That was encouraging though I am not holding my breath. The Lord continues to provide for me in the most perfect way.

I am sorry that I have not been in touch. Between Dr. Allen being here, the new students, and my job consistently asking more than I can give I have been distant. Know that I do miss you and I can't wait to get back. There are a few things that might bring me back here short term. It is possible that I will be able to work a consultant job with the Zambian Pop Council. Jacquee, my old flatmate, may need a laboratory rep for a training that she will be involved with. It will be a fun, CV building job, most importantly ZEHRP-free.

Will try to keep you updated. There are things that I see on a daily basis and think, I should write about that but, I don't. My goal is to bring together the little tidbits that make the experience more real to you guys and make for more complete memories for me later on down the road.

May be headed to Cape Town in a couple weeks! Pretty pumped about that. It is a heck of a trip but, I am confident that it will be well worth it.

All is well. Hang in there just a few more weeks. There are only four links left on Katy's chain, one burns tomorrow.

Life is Now

It has been far too long. With Kahler and Katy leaving, then with the new Summer students coming to the project, and work as usual I have not used time to blog as much as I should. I want to remember the things that are happening now. I have actually had an amazing time with the Summer students from Emory. Even if I

1. Kahler and Katy left

a. This confirms my earlier suspicions that there is no way that I could have made it this whole time without them.

2. Summer students came from Emory to work at the project, some for practicum/thesis work and others just because they can.

a. Has been a great time meeting these new people.
b. Much needed social option while Mike and Lindy are gone.

3. The weekends have been a party, has been nice to get out and shut the ‘ol noodle off for a little bit.

a. First, house party with Chad and John
b. Second, News Café with Hannah and John
c. Polo Grill with John, Nancy, Lasha, Meryl, Hannah, and Paul
d. Fourth (last night), Paint Party at Mr. Pete’s.

4. Kahler gets back

This week should fly by as we have Jana in from the HIL again and there is yet much to be done in the way of preparation for the GCLP audit.

I will be visiting Ndola next weekend just for fun. Really looking forward to the change of scenery and getting to hang out with new folks.

I have lots more details on all of this but, the main thing to note for now is that all is well and I (apart from ZEHRP) and enjoying life!

Miss you all very much.

Jennah: I still want to hear about Aberdeen
Ma & Pa: what do you think about Stella?
Brother: I can't wait to get back there

You might have heard me dream once or twice before, I tend toward imagining the perfect situation. It is definitely me but, I realize that looking a few years ahead can keep you from enjoying the now. Now on to making the most of now

Man Vs. Machine

In the left corner we have the reigning champ Vitalab (The Beast) Selectra E blood chemistry instrument and opposite The Beast we have the lean Jesse Pry who just won’t let Selectra enjoy the crown.

After nearly three weeks with this machine, I feel that I know it well however, it is still not enough to come p with any decent theories as to why it continues to misbehave. There are now quite a few healthy brains allocating a good deal of time to the issues that we are having with the control/calibrators/sample results. It is very strange being the go-to when it comes to this technologic tragedy. When I give some suspicion as to what I think might be the problem, I am told, ‘I think you are right, try that’. Takes me a minute and I usually ask if they have any other ideas because, well if this one doesn’t work then it was really all my doing, ha.

It is refreshing getting results though. Even if those results are from a malfunctioning machine that I can’t begin to explain. There is something to show for the work that I am doing, other than just an impressive number of sent emails. Of course the correspondence has its place and there are times that I enjoy this as well but, I welcome the change of scenery.

Speaking of changing scenery. Tonight I went with the gang to watch Thor. The posse has gained some members lately. Just met a fourth year med student from UAB that just got into Zambia to work with CIDRZ. He showed up at our Bible study with a guy that Kahler has been talking to about options in Zambia named Brad. I started talking to Tyler on Sunday evening about what he has experienced in Zambia in the past week or two that he has been here. I could certainly relate with the alone and isolated feelings that he was alluding to. Made me even more thankful for Katy and Kahler. They have been here with me through everything and I don’t think I would have made it without them. Now this guy will be fine. He is only here for a few months and has already been surrounded with a group of neat folks.

Another fella came in to work with Family Legacy, John. A great guy that is here for the summer but looking to raise support to be here on a full time basis with the ministry. Joe and Melissa joined as well. They are a couple that works with the Billy Graham Project/Mission. Then there is, of course, the core made up of Megan, Claire, Ellen, Katy, Kahler and myself.

It is neat getting to talk to the CLS and IAVI folks in South Africa. They have said several times now that they want to bring me there and take me out for a drink as they have been with me trying to find reasons that the chemistry readings. They are great folks that will certainly be good contacts for me in the future should I stray away from that beloved states again.

This post will be a day late as there is no internet in the flat four that I call my house, and has not been for the past two nights. I will have to haul the lappy to IAVI to connect unless they make some magic happen by lunch tomorrow.

Oh man, something made me laugh hard today after work. Our poor day guard for the IAVI sight, Mr. Milton has apparently been exposed to some sort of pesticide that has taken a wicked toll on his voice. I left this afternoon to run over to Main Site and grab my things before they shut down and locked my bag inside. On the way out I said so long to Milton and told him where I was going and he squeaked out ok, Mr. Jake, see you tomorrow in a voice that I can only compare the female mice in Disney’s Cinderella. It was unbelievable that those sounds were coming out a man. I do feel sorry for him but, I was taken aback and had to fight the giggles until I made it out of sight.

Well I pray that you all are well and that your voices are just a fantastic as I remember. Have a beautiful day, I so wish that I could bring what we have here to Texas. It is still just nothing short of ideal outside. Can’t wait for the weekend!
All is well

It's MAY

For the life of me I cannot remember that it is May and no longer April. This remains an issue as I am required to put the date on every result slip leaving the lab. It might also have something to do with the difficulty I have with confusing the 'M' months. I, of course, have absolutely no issues with it being May instead of April.

The weather has been nothing short of splendid as of late. I mean really beautiful, highs of 80 and lows of 60, overcast. These are those amazing days where it remains overcast but never rains and despite my suspicions of it leaving and being a hundred degrees again, it lingers. And I am so thankful.

Something about this weather transports me back to Texas in November where holidays are around the corner and, even though it will likely be 93 degrees the next day, you feel the break on the way and see the decorations going up all over. The whole world just seems a little more friendly. Reminds me of when my Brother and I went back and visited Granger land, where we grew up.

Work is just cruising along. Charlotte, from CLS, has been here all day and we spent the day troubleshooting the blood chemistry analyzer. We didn't make huge strides but, at least this way I do not have to be the one to try and convince them that we are doing all that we can to get the machine up and running. Charlotte is phenomenal to work with. I would not mind working a job like hers. She travels and gets to come and fix things. Though today with that instrument naked she was really worried that it wouldn't work when it was rebuilt but, I gave her a hand and all is operational though, it has not yet been confirmed as worthy for validation.

Tomorrow is a new day and we will pick up where we left off and see if we can make it happen. It is much more fun fixing things than it is sending emails though I know that is certainly has it's place and is important, it is just not as gratifying.

Jennah, I am looking forward to seeing the manly sheets for the guest room!

Thanks to all for your prayers and notes/emails. The Lord is Good and all is well.

Have a super afternoon!

Sittin’ on the porch of my flat, wastin’ time

Imagine Otis Redding singing it, it's much better.

It is a Good Friday indeed. In that is more than enough hope to get through any trials that I might face here or anywhere.

The three day work week was much longer that the hours which made it up. An admirable amount of work was done That we have Tyronza from the Copperbelt has been great in that Kahler and I are now free to do other things that we know have needed attention but, just have not reached high enough on the priority list to warrant any focus. There is, of course, a learning curve and we will be bringing her up to speed on the specifics for the remainder of our time.

We completed a mock run for the vaccine trial, that we will begin screening for in a couple of weeks, yesterday. The lab did well and save not being supplied with the proper paperwork it was perfect. They used my blood, again, for the testing. I think the techs just get a kick out of stabbing the boss. Patricia was especially anxious and claimed the phlebotomy bench for this mock run. It was more bearable as this screening visit does not require PBMC isolation and thus did not require as much as the time previous. This time it was five only 5mL serum separator tubes and two 4mL ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes.

All was fine and dandy until on the last tube the IV clotted and I couldn’t handle the fishing that was going to be required to clear the needle so I asked her to pull it out and I got stabbed a second time in the opposite arm. She was unbelievably sad that she had to stick me again and I assured her that I was not angry. So HIV rapid testing was done, good news, I am negative, and blood chemistry and haematology results will follow next week.

This morning I awoke earlier than I had intended to help Ty shut down the liquid nitrogen plant that was screaming over at the IAVI site. Then I saw Kahler and Katy off as they are going on a little adventure to Lake Kariba with Ellen and her pup. At 10:00 I mosied down to the Emmesdale Market to get something for breakfast. It is interesting how much different that walk seems to me now. It is more a duty now than leisure though I still appreciate the uniqueness of the scene/s.

The lady that normally only grunts at me actually said hello this morning! That was a victory, I have no idea what was different but, I got a ‘good morning, how are you?’ for the first time ever. I picked up a few drinks and two little loaves of sweet bread and returned to the flat. Made a cup of tea, toasted a few slices of the bread, and sat down here on the porch to listen to The Tale of Two Cities and write you this little blog.

 This is what my computer sees right now. Easy ladies, I'm taken. haha

Praying that you are restored, refreshed, and re-hopend (that’s a new one) as we are thankful for the sacrifice and victory that was made for us. Not my will but, Yours Lord. There is much I have learned over here from being very ok with not taking a shower to allowing my naturally extraverted nature be content with a very introverted lifestyle. I have so much to be thankful for. Have a wonderful Good Friday and a blessed Easter.

Miss you all.

A few things

1. Persistence (Thank you Uncle Bill)

2. Physical Sustainance (Thank you Mom and Pa)

3. Frustration (Thank you ZEHRP)

4. Beautiful Weather (Thank you Africa)

5. Hope (Thank you Jesus)

This past week a few unique things happen.

I was walking from Main site back over to IAVI. I had made my way over to check the stock room for something and stood outside and talked with Kahler for a bit. While we were talking Florance asked if I would mind taking some blood collection tubes back with me. Of course, I would and I made my way down the dirt alley that separates Vubu from Mwembelelo. On the way there were two little Indian girls skipping along. They saw me and stopped to ask what it was that I was carrying. I began to try and explain that I work at a clinic and we use these to test if people are sick.

She looked at me, with absolutely no idea or interest in what I was trying to explain. She asked me if I was selling them and I said, 'oh no, these are for the lab, you wouldn't want one of these' they said ok, smiled and continued on. I, a little disappointed in my ability to relate what it is that I do looked down at the tubes. I saw the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes bring purple tops and smiled. They were pretty and they wanted to know if they could have one. Man, if the Lord ever blesses me with a daughter I will be SO lost.

Tyronza, the lab director who basically does everything at the Ndola site, is relocating to Lusaka to help out with the B002 HIV vaccine trial. So far no word on whether or not there are any interns lined up to take over for Kahler and I. It will be a real shame if they do not let us pass on as much as possible before we leave. It makes apparent the tragic under-estimation of what we have learned this past year.

I, however, am not so disappointed. The way they run this thing I secretly, though it shows in no way in my ten hour work days, want to see the work of this Emory-based irritable tyrant burn. As I shared the other night in small group, it is difficult to work as unto the Lord when I so badly want to see the work of one that does not appreciate the fact that any success was built on intern backs shatter. I will continue to do my work as best I can, because I don't know any other way, and survive the next few months. Persistence.

As for nutrients, my folks have me covered. I received two packages today with all sorts of tasty things. Thanks you so much. They also sent some entertainment items that are just about vital when you are tired of reading and need to shut the 'ol noodle down. Towela, one of the laboratory technicians wanted an external hard drive so I ordered it and they sent that as well. She will be pumped to get it. Technology is at least twice, if not three or four, times more over here.

A long weekend is on the way making tomorrow our Friday. I had tentative plans to make way for South Africa but, as you have all heard before traveling is incredibly expensive over here so I will be making the most here in Lusaka. I have lots to read and many hours of sleep to catch up on. Maybe I can write a few blogs that I have been meaning to catch up on as well.

Praying that you all are well. Can't wait to see you, have a super day.

Going to make it

Immune

Despite my work being about as frustrating as I am equipped to stand all is well. It is time for me to get accept to the idea that the rest of my time with this project will not be ideal. This however, will not steal my joy.

The temperature is beginning to drop so that I only need to turn my fan on low when I go to bed. I am told that the wet season is over. It was not so true to it's name in my mind. I expected to be swimming to work. There were a few days where the water did rise but, so far as continued/non-stop rains Lusaka could not deliver.

It is interesting to see how the Zambians bundle up when the temperature drops below 15 C or so. They gear up like they are tackling Everest. I have heard that they are not as able to regulate body temperature because they are carried on their mother's back for the first two years of life. It is an intriguing theory.

I finally tried the IAVI nshima that I have heard so much about. I was wondering how something that is supposed to taste like nothing could get any better. Turns out it is the consistency and the temperature that makes it good or not so good. So if it melts your fingerprints off and doesn't stick so badly that you get third degree burns sue to the afore mentioned then it good nshima. Good or bad it is my palate that makes the decisions and I could really go for some curly fries.

We are going to be getting some company soon in the way of new interns and student visitors (kids from Emory finishing up their master's work and are interested in global health). They are bring back Michelle and the current lab director at the Ndola site. There is plenty to do. Emory is so terribly behind when it comes to the site here yet, they insist on calling the shots and installing mandates that make zero logical sense. Focusing on the good means ignoring many aspects of my job. There is good there of course but, it is buried.

Africa, it's not you, it's ZEHRP.

I pray this blog finds you well. That chain in the living room with weeks until I hop a plane keeps getting shorter, proof that I am headed in the right direction. Like the engine that could, I will make it.

All will be grand

God Bless you all, He has certainly blessed me. 

At least I have my health

We have a visitor (Jana) in from the Human Immunology Lab (HIL) in London. She is here to train on the specifics of peripheral blood monoclonal cells (PBMCs) isolation. This is a process that the lab does on a daily basis and consumes a great many work hours. They are not only difficult to run but, extremely important to our parent/funding bodies, Emory and IAVI.

Well today Jana needed a sample to demonstrate how PBMCs should be run. She and the techs, mainly Oscar and Towela, decided that the best source of blood would be me, with my over-sized return circulatory plumbing. They got their wish and I forced my body to cope with 64mL less blood than I had when I awoke.

It turns out that I am in pretty good shape so far as my cellular health. They found a terrific cell viability of 15.26x10^6 and were able to isolate a great concentration of cells. I told Jen, who, now jokingly, refers to me as Chuck Norris. I am quite far from that kind of greatness but, I certainly did not discourage such a prestigious nickname. Might have told them to hang onto that blood because I am pretty sure that it cures all disease.

I forgot to mention another nickname that I picked up a few weeks ago from Parry. He said that I reminded him of General Custer from the American Westerns. Quite sure it has to do with the mustache, ha. I have been called more things in my nine months here than in the rest of my life.

Kahler and I have been feeling the heat more than ever from the Emory side. Combined with the consistent want for communication from the IAVI, CLS, HIL side, you have jobs for at least five members of management. There is just Kahler and I though doing more than we can to try and keep them all satisfied. Our work lives are consumed with data errors from years past, validating equipment for the vaccine trial, and the myriad other day-to-day items.

On a lighter note, Katy reminded her with her last blog comment that I ate carbonated yogurt. That's right folks I put actively bubbling yogurt in my body. Kahler said that I am now ready to be a dad because they are supposed to have the ability to act as a human food disposal. Turns out that the carbonation is due to the fact that the cell cultures are not deactivated in yogurt over here, which is actually good for you but, is a significant limitation to shelf life. So I ate a few bites and decided that it was probably not for the best. I went out to tell Katy and Kahler and forgot that I had left the container on the counter until I heard Katy say 'oh my gosh!' My yogurt was climbing out of it's cup. Africa Wins Again

Tonight was interesting, to be sure. We went into the Mexican place for dinner and drinks. After a delightful dinner we sat talking when we were interrupted by a thoroughly toasted South African fella that I am quite sure would have chosen to not have grace us with his presence had Katy not been around. He quite fancied her I reckon, he only asked her name six times I think. His buddy, who was equally destroyed, decided I was his friend and had a ball sputtering half sentences and trailing off in curses. It was entertaining at first but, became frustrating as they did not pick up on every social cue I can think to send that we were tired of their presence and they should return to their table.

After calling Joseph and escaping the drunken dynamic duo we agreed to go on an errand with Joseph before returning to the flats. It turned out to be a ton of fun. We traveled just a half km or so south-ish (I think) down Zambezi Rd. to a compound called Mungwa (or something to that effect) where Joseph's in-laws lived. His in-laws were looking after his two little ones Wayne (6yrs) and Brandon (2yrs). We took the chance to meet his family and experience some new cultural traditions. It is a sign of respect to kneel when you come to the residence of your in-laws or your elders. His wife is number six of nine children. Holy smokes, right.

On the way in it was neat to hear a choir singing and the drum being played. Katy hit it right on when she said that this is the Africa that she loves. It is a dirty, crowded little compound but, teeming with life and personality that is quite unique to this continent.

One more day until the weekend. We are tearing another link off the chain and K&K are getting pumped about heading for Dusty and Sarah's wedding here in a little over a month. I pray that you all are enjoying your Friday afternoon and have an adventure this weekend. I miss you all so much. Know that I am well, breathing, and healthy. Thank you all for staying in touch and being here even when you can't be. It means more than you know.

Breathing

Survive vs. delight. I guess I can combine the two and take joy in my survival. I mean after all there are entire television series about people surviving in the wild. I think that the cameramen would fall asleep on my African adventure though. Email, walk to the lab, talk to the techs, back to desk, email, check the logs, email, repeat.

Mrs. Cummins, you are right the vaccine trial is exciting and it is neat to be on the edge of the medicine. Though I am not involved in the capacity that I wish I was. I get to read about how the vaccine works and understand the science behind the endeavor, which is neat, however, the more I think about it, the more I wish that I was a part of the invention rather than just applying the genius of another lab team. It is not that I do not recognize the opportunity, only that I am getting to know myself a little better in so far as the pieces of this project in which I find genuine interest.

Uncle Bill, it's posts like your last that keep me from giving up over here. So. Thank you. You are an inspiration for me to continue learning and seeking the knowledge to make me more effective in my work here.

Before I forget I should document something that happen this past week. Fairly certain that Heather nearly died laughing when I told her the story. Kahler, Katy and I were in town (Northmead market area). Kahler and I hopped out at an ATM to grab some cash. As I am maneuvering a massive puddle that Joseph parked in a fella washing his car next to us (likely the reason for the puddle as I look back) pointed at my eyebrow ring and said 'you a bad gangsta'. Needless to say Kahler and I looked at each other and laughed. Maybe John Wayne is less 'gangsta' than I am but, other than that I think the list is short.

By the seventh of this month I will know whether I am able to return early July or late. Either way, I will make it. It's about the breathing, surviving, and hope in the fact that there are no mistakes.

Pap, that little devotional that you sent me was pretty great. Basically, people like my Pa, brother, and I are really terrible at doing nothing. If there is a problem I am going to try and fix it. If I don't know how something is supposed to work I want to figure it out.

There is much to be said for patience. This skill has been honed from nothing over the recent years, with a good deal, I feel, having taken place in my relatively short time here. Being content is waiting for what is coming is next is much simpler to say. It is certainly not as hopeless as all of this it's just very honestly how I am feeling.

Focus on the good. Mr. Cummins said it well, I am here for a reason and though it is more difficult than the alternative it is something that I do not regret. I have been thinking about the nutshell explanation of my experience here.

Maybe I can liken it to climbing a mountain or hiking a trail. That mountain doesn't look too bad until you are just about half way and coping with that, 'what the blank was I thinking?' You buckle down, press on, and reach the top because you are physically able given the drive you possess to see it through. After you have defeated that sucker you get on that flat ground again with a tremendous respect and appreciation for that bit of rock. You cursed it on the way up though.

I don't think that it is something that anyone can learn vicariously nor, if they could fast forward to the hindsight perspective, would they want to. For myself that 'what was I thinking?' has made me much more dependent and thankful that our Lord is sovereign.

Zambia and ZEHRP have taught me lessons that I will not soon forget. I am praying for the wisdom to get done what I need to before I leave and grace to do what I should despite the leadership that doesn't see it.

Brother, it was so good getting to talk to you this weekend. I really miss you guys a lot. For the first time I believed that someone knew what I was going through over here, thank you for that.

So here's to the next two or three months watching the season change, meeting people, developing friendships, being a part of a promising HIV vaccine trial, living with a house-keeper, and soaking up the good here in Africa. There will be rough parts but I will make it to the top and praise the Lord for the strength He gave me to get there.

This bad gangsta will keep on breathing.

Epic: to the end of the tunnel

01Apr11
Email Sent: 27
Email Received: 57

Today was just that good. Week has been tough but, the end is close.

Looks like I will be here longer than I would like. Unappreciated and bored to tears, it is a killer combo. Focus on the good stuff though and all will just keep floating on.

Good stuff- I got a good deal done today at work.
Good stuff- Every plant here has flowers and they all smell great
Good stuff- I have two friends over here that mean the world to me
Good stuff- I am getting international experience
Good stuff- This is a unique journey that I will remember forever (this maybe good and bad, haha)

Hope that all is well I will write details soon. It has been a long day. God bless you wonderful readers

Work and the like

These last few days have been unlike any days i have had here at ZEHRP to date. There is work, there is hard work, challenging work, an then there are days like these. You know those days where you look up and are genuinely shocked at the clock? It is great in a way and then it is difficult because there is still much to complete.

We had been working with, Paramesh, an extremely knowledgeable guy with some wit to keep bordem. He made me laugh when he asked if Kahler and I drank and when we responded that we do he was disappointed that we did not let him know that sooner so he could have gotten us something from the airport (the good stuff is much cheaper there).

Today was the second day of the 'site initiation visit' (SIV) where representatives (including Parry) from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. There is so much to to remember and so much protocol to see to. The difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that we are in Zambia and what you can expect some to understand or figure out it mortally wounded. I have said before that there is just a very different way of thinking allowed to run rampant (I am striving to keep from conveying the negative connotation though I don't think that you can appreciate the cultural inequalities without a bit of hyperbole tossed in the dialogue).

I am honestly slightly nervous about the site hand-off. When Kahler and I check out, the places to look for direction will be almost strictly paperwork. They are intelligent but, without having looked at the stacks or protocol it could get hairy. I would like to pretend that I don't care but, this clinical vaccine trial is a really neat thing and I have learned very much.

The 'and the like' in the title comes in here. I got to talking to Parry about how he got to where he is. Kahler and I had already agreed to probe him about what it is like to work for IAVI in an effort to plant some seeds that might bear some useful building blocks in the future. Having first-hand experience with a trial initiation can't hurt my chances.

Parry has done a little of everything it turns out. He ran into the same issues that I have in looking for decent jobs, chiefly being that just about every organization is interested only in senior management and/or there is a strict requirement on five years of experience. I cannot, for the life of me, decode the mystery of finding these early career experience positions. Someone please let me know if you figure it out.

At the end of today I was glad that the day was over but, for the first time in quite some time was also satisfied with the amount of work that I was able to accomplish. There is always more but, with Parry around there is little to do other than work.

I am looking forward to tomorrow a little more than I have in the past. It does not hurt a thing that I am going to get to eat a great meal at the Howard's with my favorite Ameri-Zams, Claire, Ellen, Truitt, Cindy, and of course my un-equalled in fabulousness, flat mates.

Well I submitted my request to leave in mid-May and it has been met with... nothing, nothing at all. I talked to one of the girls that works for Dr. Allen in Atlanta (who just turned in her resignation after three and half years of not being real happy, I guess sometimes you just get stuck, I cannot identify with this, I exercise the 'ol wings when I am pushed). At worst she is miffed and I can't depend on her for a good letter of recommendation. At best she says good luck, go get 'em. At this point the worst seems all too doable.

So lots of words here but, all is well. Here are a few pictures from this last weekend. Have a great day! ...I wanted to add pictures but, I am going to have to tweak them a bit so far as quality is concerned because the connection over here will have no part in uploading a 3.5mb image. Will be soon, I assure you they will be great (Katy is pretty legit).

This past weekend

Wow! It is pretty amazing you can do with a few great friends and a few extra bucks. It was a weekend of firsts to be sure. Absolutely a fantastic break to the past weeks and one that I will need to remember in those to come.

Firsts:

1. Crocodile burger at the Riverfront restaurant: Tastes a little like a cross between fish and chicken with the texture of fibrous rubber (silly string-esque jerky). Not great, but, check it off the list.

2. Absolutely stunning sunset: On the deck of the David Livingstone Lodge with a Castle and terrific conversation about an amazing day. Looked like a scene out of a movie but, it was there, very tactfully creating a memory that I cannot soon forget.

3. Lunar rainbow: Can't even begin to tell you how amazing this was. It turns out that we picked an evening when the moon was as close as it has been to the earth in twenty-five years (Uncle Bill, you can verify this one). You just need to see it.

4. Vic Falls roar: I have been there before in the dry and the falls were very impressive however; this time when they were full, the raw power of the wonder was seen in it's fullness. There is a torrent of spray swirling around in, what feels to be, every direction. I was soaked to the teeth but, would have had it no other way. It felt like a water park, there is no use trying to stay dry and in the end it's not as much fun if you don't get drenched.

5. Zimbabwe: Set foot in Zim though I didn't get a stamp in my passport.

6. Bungee jumped over the Zambezi River: This was probably the most exhilarating thing that I have ever done in my life. It was absolutely incredible. 111m fall over the raging river. Again, this is one for which my words do little justice. Reece, Claire, and I did the 'Big Air Combo' which included the bungee, an enormous swing, and a zip line across the gorge from Zam to Zim.

I am convinced that there is really no way to be prepared for the jump. I was pumped and stepped to the edge and, in my very right mind, hurling myself off the edge. I remember thinking that it was awesome and as I twisted around and looked at the under-side of the bridge my mind rapidly switched to all-out 'what on earth have you done?!' mode. All fun evacuated and I was left with pure terror in the face of, what was certain, to be my doom. The bungee jostled a bit and brought my rigid body to a stop and tossed me back up in the air. Just as soon as the velocity began to peel that terror dissolved into elation and it was immediately ranked as just about the most fun I have ever had. The swing was much the same way though, I can say that I was a bit more prepared for the abrupt emotional transitions on the second round.

Don't you worry, Mom, all is well. There are a few more things that I would like to detail. But, it is getting late and this week is going to be a doozie. It was amazing to have Reece here last week. He is a cool cat and it was lame to have to take him back to the airport. I will write again soon. Have a fabulous day. All is dandy

Lunar bow

Got to see something amazing tonight with new and old friends. Reece, Ellen, Claire, Katy, Kahler and I all packed up this morning and headed for Vic Falls. made it safe and sound. Ate dinner and made for the park.


Met some other friend at the falls too which was neat, it actually feels like we have been around these parts for a while now. Pretty exciting.


I will post pictures as soon as I get them from Katy. Sincerely, praying that all is well and that you enjoy the life out of your weekend. Miss you all very much and wish I could warp you over here to see this terrific place.

All is well

No Webs

Hey there,

I would like to write a long blog and let you know everything that has been going on but, it really wouldn't take that long. It has been busy and boring at the same time. I worked through the two holidays that we had this past week, Friday and Saturday. This way I am able to take this Friday and Saturday off and spend some time with Reece who flies in late this evening.

Working, no internet, church group of friends and the flats to ourselves as all of the other interns left town for the long weekend. Still looking at Capetown maybe with Megan and Claire over the long Easter break though I don't know that I will be able to hack that flight.

For those of you in school or working at school, I hope that you enjoy your Spring Break!

I got an encouraging note back from Dr. Allen about not renewing my contract. That is a bit of good, and undoubtedly unexpected, news.

Vic Falls this next weekend! Thinking that I can drag Reece or one of the girls with me on the bungee jump, I am pretty pumped about that. There will be video, don't you worry. Also, it is exciting that we will not have to take the bus as Ellen coming and is going to let me drive. Can't beat that.

Well I am going to get back to fixing errors in the serum database, kill me. I can see the end now and will let you know the return date soon, I hope.

All is well

Did the time change back home?

Application

Application: it's what makes the knowing count.

Employment, academics, electronics, etc. The application is nothing until it is reviewed or opened. Here I have been writing cover letters and filling our forms and double/triple checking everything. I think that this is important because I want to have a plan.

I have a buddy, Reece, that is coming to visit here in a week. We both finished our master's degrees just recently, he in civil engineering and me, well you know. He accepted a one year contract to work in Australia. Other than the fact that he is about a million times better with numbers we have a good bit in common.

He and I both have a significant other that we are far from, we are not exactly crazy about the job that we are working and we have come to this point where we haave to figure out where to go next. I like to think that this is not isolated to myself and my mate from New Zealand. This is one of those points where you get to find out what you really want and where it is you wnat to be when it's all done.

Well I have it half-way sorted out. I know what I really want. That other half is going to fall into place regardless of how much I worry about it. I will continue to look for the openings but, I am in Zambia. I have an incredible family and group of friends that care about me. With them I am not alone in my hopes and dreams. Faith in a God that knows exactly what is going on all the time and cares about me more than anyone ever could doesn't hurt anything either.

So here's to the unknown future.

Let me point out a few happy times:
1. Sundays are awesome, this last one was no exception. Picked up by Ellen and Claire (I will try and snag a picture of some of these folks for you sometime soon) and off to church, lunch at a great Indian (dots) food place, home for a quick nap, to the Baptist Mission House for Bible study, and finally hand and foot with the gang at Mike and Lindy's.

2. Success at work today! Kahler and I made a run to the airport to try and clear a package through an inept/broken customs system. There were two consignments in which we were interested. We were told that only one was prepared. I asked enough questions to get the boss man to tell us, in shiort, that he had lost the paperwork... neat. The one that we got was very important however, and so the half-victory was enough to call the trip a success.

3. That little blue bird was snacking on the critters exposed due to the freshly cut grass at main site.

4. I have been here eight months. Wow

5. Encouraging words from friends and family plus, great contact with previous professors and professional contacts. I still have a few left to contact. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Primm are fantastic though and the compassion/concern that they have for me, a former student, is pretty spectacular.

You see, everything is going to be just exactly according to plan if I can 'apply' what I know. I know that no matter how much I want to be I am not always going to be in control of my future. In those times I need to have faith and pray that the efforts that I make are in line with his plan.

It might be easy to look at this and say, wow, he is kind of pawning off his failure as part of a higher plan that he can do nothing about. I assure you however, that I went through that scenario. No matter how you slice that it, the above can't account for the joy that I have in what the future has in store for me. Only if I were crazy and/or delusional. I will let you be the judge of that.

All is well and all will be just fantastic. I am sure of it.

Alternate route engage

This was a tough week. I got news that I was not accepted into the program that I wanted. In my head I can't think of a reason why. I also can't think of a way that anything could work more perfectly. I am one of those guys that can set priorities quickly and stick with them until the end. Well when I was blessed with the opportunity to meet a wonderful girl my Jenga tower of priorities fell and I built it again.

So the time line is a bit different than I had in mind.

At church this morning I got to talk to the fella that presented the message (it rotates). He told me something that I knew but, have a bad habit of forgetting. You have to not be sure of something to have faith in it. I know that the Lord is in control and that worrying will prove to be of zero benefit. I am building and forming other options and I have a wonderful support group here and across the world. That wonderful girl has been well... wonderful. My family is always there, no matter what happens, I am so grateful. Katy made me a fantastic dinner and we all talked about all of the other options.

My personality is such that I become paralyzed when things don't go according to plan. I know, I know I claim that I am not a planner but, it turns out that there are goals and dreams that I have sub-conscience plans to achieve. I am well aware that everything will go exactly as it should in sync with the Master Planner but, man let me tell you, saying it is one thing, the doing... well, I will let you know.

It works out ok though cause you know when that tower falls those bottom pieces don't really go any where. That foundation is the same each time I get a little anxious and try and take thing on my own.

So here I go, one block at a time figuring out what this next year holds for me. I am looking seriously at mid-May to return. I will look to get on with a laboratory for the summer and try to get a publication or two out the door along with additional experience. Like I said, the goals are the same, it's just that time line that took a knock.

Please don't worry, I'm not. I am really doing well. I am exploring new options and have a peace even in the not knowing for sure. All is well because the stuff that really matters isn't wrapped up in any particular program, it happens where ever you are.

I will certainly keep you updated on new opportunities and options. They are definitely there, I just haven't found all of them yet.

A little more light

It was an interesting Sunday to be sure. Church this morning at South City with a 'bring & braai' afterward. Needless to say, this was my first bring & braai. I did what I figure any good Texan would do and loaded a chunk of cow and a bag of chex mix in my pack and hopped in Ellen's Everest (a much more solid version of a Ford Explorer, made in Taiwan which I realize does not make a whole heap of sense but, that is beside the point) and headed for the church.

The message was really good. It concerned tithing, priorities, and faith. It is an interesting phenomenon that the more you have the less you are likely to give. This of course is not true for all but, for the majority, the trend is undoubted. After the service there was a baptism and coffee before we headed over for the BBQ/braai. The South Africans wanted to think that they had something on the those southerns from the states. Kahler and I put them where they belong and there was no more questioning our skills with the kill and the flame.

We set up a little picnic area and had a feast. It was an interesting experience. Definitely worth it though and it gave us a chance to meet a few more folks at the church.After finishing up and saying our goodbyes we headed back to the flat for a little nap before we took a trip to Dr. Conkling's house for some American Idol, a soccer match, lasagna, good coffee, and some great conversation. I learned some pretty exciting things actually. I will tell you what I mean if it comes to fruition. For now just know that there are some new opportunities.

We were missed at Hand and Foot tonight, naturally. It was really good to get to catch up with Dr. Conkling though. I got to chat with Heather, for a bit before I finished up this little discourse.

ZEHRP is just as crazy as ever but, I am smiling. I am happy and I am digging thinking about what the Lord has in store for my future. I am enjoying being in Lusaka just as much as I did when I first landed; back when all things were new and interesting. Realizing how important it is to capture all the memories that I can of this place because I will be back soon and regret having not hung on the the good times more carefully.

I have started a little devotional that Mom and Pap sent in this past parcel. It is a neat take on Lewis's Narnia tales and Tolkein's Lord of the Rings trilogy. There is a part in all of us that wants a challenge, that wants there to be a place where you can see your foe and do battle. For Christians the final battle has already been won but, we still wear the armor because the aftermath left a lion seeking those for whom he may devour. I am looking forward to the rest of the book but, I thought that little bit about the fight/journey (because it is never easy to get where you actually want to be) being compared to the believers walk was pretty neat.

Nothing incredibly noteworthy has happen at work save the usual business of trying to keep one's head above the rising tide. Your emails, prayers, packages, and Skype conversations have been my pontoons and I thank you so much for them.

 

This is a picture of all the goodies that I got from my amazing fam. I'm gonna live!

Red Espresso: Made from rooibos tea, not nearly as exciting as I had hoped but, still something to check off the list.

ZamWelder: This thing was a piece of work. Main thing is, just give it some room.

I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready to start this week like it was on purpose. Miss you all and will try very hard to keep in touch better. All is fine and dandy like sour candy

BRB

I have not forgotten, I do miss writing and telling what is going on. Promise to catch up soon. Know that all is well.

Brother & Jennah: you guys are amazing, I have a picture of my treasure trove of goodies that you and the folks have sent me. Miss you guys a lot

Mom & Pap: the packages made it, thank you so much. You guys are making my time here or at least my diet, 100% doable.

Contracts and Audits

It’s been a while. My apologies. I think that is a word that I have gotten to type/speak all too often lately. I’m sorry… it can mean so many things. In this case in means that I regret I have not had time to write and keep the people that mean so much to me up to date on the happenings here in Zambia/Lusaka/ZEHRP/…

I am going to try and go back to where I left off and bring you back up to speed.

The IAVI visitors came last Thursday and Friday. It made for REALLY long days from, 8-7ish. It was the best kind of long it could be though, I think. The techs benefitted very much from the sessions that were presented and it gave Kahler and I a chance to see the areas that we needed to work on so far as staff training. I am sorry that we were not aware before.

There are some things that I forget are so intuitive to us as Americans that just do not jive with the staff, especially when it comes to technology. It made me wish that I knew nothing about computers watching a couple of the guys fumble through even the most basic functions (i.e. creating a folder, moving files, fie typing). It looks like a little fundamentals personal computer session is in order. I am sorry that I didn’t recognize the electronic data organization issues sooner.

There were three visitors, Sunita, Parry, and Tony. They were all very nice and know a lot about what they do. Tony looked like Javier Bardem, Sunita looked a little like an Indian Drew Barrymore, and Parry looked like that I imagine Apu from The Simpsons would look like in real life. They all said that I look like… well they didn’t’ really but, you all know who I was going to say, haha. They were fun to have around though and a very welcome break from the monotony. I’m sorry they don’t come more often.

After wishing safe travel to our guests, and we shut things down on Saturday, we headed off to Mike and Lindy’s house where we settled in for the weekend. Kahler and I have nearly beat Mario Brothers and have done nothing but hum that catchy tune all week. It could be worse I guess… Spice Girls? I am sorry that I now have ‘If you wanna be my lover, you got to get with my friends, make it last forever, friendship never ends…’ dang it.

We had an audit this week and the whirlwind of preparation ensued as expected. There is so much to get done and so many things to make sure are in order before these audits that is just about dizzying to think about. We took some pretty hard knocks and the majority of it was due to things that are completely out of our control. It is not fun to feel like your hands are tied and there is a gun to your head saying you are linked to malagrugrous [your welcome, Heather ;) ] workmanship. There is a bit more that I would like to say here but, I will save that for a less public forum. I am sorry that I can’t find the silver lining in these situations.

Kahler and I stayed in the office until 9:30 or so on Tuesday night (Charlotte, the auditor was due Wednesday morning). Kahler was working on the temperature records and tying up some other loose ends while I was doing battle with SAS (Statistical Analysis Software) to see that the manifest for the 31 box heterosexual transmission shipment, set to go out Wednesday morning, was ready. We managed to get things close to where we wanted them and shut the lights off. I am sorry that I don’t like working late.

Charlotte, really Is delightful to work with. She did the previous back in September/October. She did find a good many findings though none were classified as major. That is always a relief when you can make it through an audit with no major breaches. However, there is more than enough for us to clean up over the next few weeks before the next auditor makes his rounds. I am sorry that I could not make the hard work that the technicians do look better for the one time where we have our quality quantified.

Now, the audit is done and there is a day between myself and the weekend and I am pretty sure that I am going to make it. I have lots to look forward to. There are at least two boxes from brother and Jennah and maybe a couple of parcels from mom and pap as well as one from Mrs. C! I am pretty pumped. I am sorry if I do not make it clear how much those packages mean to me. Thank you so much.

I went out this evening to the new restaurant/coffee shop, called Mugg and Bean, in Manda Hill with John and Jen. They met up with some other folks there to talk about a trip to Mozambique during the Easter break. I just went for some coffee and a little social exposure as that is something I miss more than I can relay. I got questioned a few times about how many times I have been to Mugg and Bean because the staff there all knew me. Katy, Kahler and I had been there one time before last week and I talked to a few people but I had no idea I made such an impression. John pointed at a girl that was wearing a Texas shirt that walked in just behind me. It was Megan, fightin’ Texas Aggie class of ‘06! She and Claire had run away to chill at the new ex-pat hang out too. I sat and chatted with them for a while. It turns out that I might have a chance to travel with them to JoBurg during the long Easter weekend and enjoy a little holiday at a really nice hotel down there that Megan was able to get rooms in through a former employer, for free!  I am sorry that I am not able to hang out with these people whenever I want, big bummer not having transportation.

I am sorry that this has rambled on for so long! I pray that you all are well. We are looking at just a touch over four months before I make that sweet walk on the tarmac to the little plane bound for home. To take me to my brother and sis, my folks, to the C’s, my friends, girlfriend, and the TBD PhD program.

Oh ya, got offered my opportunity to stay a second year… not sure how I want to break that yet. The decision is made I just want to deliver it the right way.

Have a blessed weekend! Miss you all but, I will see you soon

Getting around

There has been a lot to do at the project this week with Dr. Allen around. She is trying to make sure that the site is running as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, one week windows don't always allow you the time necessary to understand the system and why it has come to a given point or end.

The Embassy of Ireland in Lusaka was great! Met Mrs. Nickoli Brenen and spoke a bit about the project. I, unfortunately, did not get a chance to meet Mr. Cotter, the Irish ambassador but, maybe next time. I listened more than anything as the piece of the project that was being discussed is not one that I am terribly familiar with. Just sat back and enjoyed a cup of coffee and try and keep the practicing of my fake Irish accent internalized as best I could.

Took a ride to the other side of town and visited the Scandinavian Embassy next. These embassies are so nice! It was a really great experience getting to see the grounds and talk to others far away from their home to be here in Zambia. It was strange. The representative that received us through the gate recognized me immediately and said that we had met at a World Bank debate. It could be that I am just that memorable (i.e. Brad Pitt) or I really look like somebody who really gets around in Lusaka. Maybe the same guy from the chemist? So long as he keeps a clean reputation this is pretty awesome.

I don't know what it is but, it really seemed at both embassies that, the representatives were talking to me more than Dr. Allen and Yi-Ling. I have no idea what it was. Maybe they were just more comfortable talking to me or they thought that I was more important than I am? Who knows, it was just worth noting.

After the embassy visits all of the interns traveled with Dr. Allen out to Lilayi Lodge just south of town for lunch. A few of us hopped on a Land Cruiser for a ride to see some animals. Got to check off a few critters that I have not seen yet. A wildabeast, dyker antelope, and a casabe antelope were among the others that I have seen before, zebra, impala, warthogs... Kahler, Katy and I ran away from the group for a little while to play on a swing that we had seen on the way back from the truck. It was a fun afternoon despite getting stuck in some pretty horrific traffic on the way back.

It was a good thing that we got some fun squeezed into the weekend because the lecture we got last night (Dr. Allen's de-briefing) was a stab in the eye to all of us that feel like we are running ragged. It was a 'do you job' because this place is falling apart talk. I just wanted to stand up and say well, we you didn't have to come over here to learn that tidbit, any of us could have told you and saved you the trip. She did bring up a few good points and we will give her suggestions a shot to be sure however, we all feel a bit like we are drowning and her speech did little to encourage any of us to sign on for another year.

Today was training day so Kahler and I put together a program and left it to the techs to make it happen. We checked in on them a few times and found them doing a fabulous job as usual. I wish that she could have seen these guys in action. It makes you want to scream when someone pokes their head in and demands that everything change because of what they have been seeing in the past eleven minutes. I am not bitter, just a little frustrated with work. I am home now however and all is well.

 I think that I have a few bits of footage from the game drive, I will try to get those cleaned up and posted soon. Well, I am off to see if I can make this violin sound less like a dying banshee and work on an abstract or two. Hope that you read this and find yourself in the middle of a favorable work week. You folks in Texas stay warm!

All is well