begining of training

hey all, so we are finally in our community based training villages, which means i have no electricity or running water and my main communication through out the day to my host mother comprises of ehhhh (meaning yes) and bua hampe (repeat) and eh-eh (which for me means "i don't have clue what you are saying woman!). other than that things are going good. it is a little chilly here, but they think it is freezing so hopefully this is the worst of winter right now (around 60 during the day and 30 at night) it sure beats st. louis winters, however i can't wait for the heat!!
my host family is very nice however it is very awkward for me how they constantly wait on me and serve me before everyone else, i guess it is kind of a big deal for them to have me stay in their home, but none the less a little uncomfortable for me. on the up side the children here are sooo funny, they are always waving at us and saying "lumela ausi" (hello sister in sesotho). also i have yet to come across any really sad looking children, all the babies are fat and kids healthy, which is fantastic, but i'm sure the worst is yet to come.
speaking on health, i think i may be one of those cases where you actually get fat when you come to africa, all they feed me is papa (cooked cornmeal) and fat infused cabbage with fried chicken, and a ton of it too. so i can say good bye to losing some weight. i generally eat with the host family and last night my host mother made me dress up in traditional basotho clothing, which i have also provided a picture of for your entertainment.
going off that my host family has given me my sesotho name "Ntabiseng Semethe." the first name means "we rejoice because we have a little girl" and the surname is simply smith. my host mother always tells me that i need to get fatter but i'm i keep trying to tell her that it is not good to be fat, but she still loads my plate up. her name is 'Masala and my two host sisters' names are Lienketeng and Mohlekheto. both of which are a little shy yet but very nice and Lienketeng is a rockin' rummy player! anywho i'd love to get emails and hear how everyone is doing, also make sure to check out my pictures. and sorry my blog is so sporadic there are so many things to say and literally no time to do it!!! love you all and miss you a ton!!