There are some bittersweet changes that are happening in my life.
In August I had a very drunk man come to my compound and try to force me into my hut, he came back a few days later and left bruises on my arms where he had grabbed me. And he came back yet another day. Each time I was able to get away from him.
In late August, I went to the In-service training and filled out a Safety and Security report on the incidents.
In late October S&S called me and told me to pack, that they would come and get me, take me to the Prov. House in Solwezi and do a S&S review of my village. I loaded my personal belongings and waited for the cruiser to come and get me. I spend the next 2 1/2 weeks in Solwezi while they assessed my village, had a phone counseling sessions with someone in DC and did a review of the incidents with S&S.
The assessment of my village proved to be good, I was to receive a new door, as mine was not in good shape, have locks put on my windows and would have someone watch out for me. It was determined that it was okay for me to go back to my village as the man that had done this was in prison for domestic violence with his family. There are 2 kinds of prisons here, one is a secure one and one is more of a voluntary one, where you can leave when you want. I'm not sure which one he was in.
I was taken back to Kowama on the 8th. A new door was installed and secured. I played with my little brothers that were happy to have me back. I was happy to find out that Krona had had her kittens 5 days before. She had 4 survive, one didn't. I got her settled in my house with her babies and was enjoying playing with them. Everything seemed to be back to normal.
Late that night a man pried open one of my windows and kept calling for me to come out. I was finally able to make him leave, but couldn't rouse my family to come over by yelling, using my whistle or by phone. I called S&S and they told me to stay in my house.
In the morning S&S had finally reach my BaTata and he came over to check on me. I was fine, but it had been a very sleepless night. The Chairman and his (beat the crap out of someone) vigilante committee came over all carrying guns, to see if I could tell them who it was. S&S called and told me to come to Solwezi now! I packed my stuff again, the Committee loaded me into the back of the local "police" car and took me to the tarmac, and stayed with me until I was loaded on the mini bus. It was a long ride back to Solwezi, but I had a whole seat to myself and napped.
Today is the 12th. I rode back in the cruiser to Kowama to pack up the rest of my house, I will not be going back this time, as the village is a S&S risk. It was bittersweet. I was able to say goodbye to my sister Rhoda, and the boys. My BaTata was surprised when I gave him a hug. Zambians do not show emotion, but they all said they were sad to see me leave. My Bamama and the 2 little girls are in Solwezi, so I will try to meet up with them to say goodbye.
I will spend some time at the Prov. House until a new site is chosen and ready for me to move in. I will be working with a couple of PCVs here with their projects in the area.
I was able to bring Krona and the babies, so they will go with me to a new site.
It's hard to think that I have to start over again, but being safe is a very important part of our lives here. I am in good spirits and looking forward to a new site and new counterparts to work with and a new family to get to know.
