Merilee in Michigan

Greetings to all from snowy Michigan...I am glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Congrats Kelly, Jess, and Tommy on the school acceptances! (and I suppose props go to John for pulling himself away from the beaches of South Africa to head up to Zimbabwe).

I have now been in Traverse City for over three months. I have been substitute teaching, which is an interesting experience since my youngest brother is still in high school (I always get the "do you have a brother?" question at the beginning of class). This week the kids are all hyped up about spring break. They give me a sympathetic look when I tell them that I am not going on spring break...and I stare back with this "yeah, whatever, I've been to Africa whih is way cooler than Florida" look. One day I actually told a student that she was lucky to have a chair; with her IPOD in her hands she had been complaining about how their school had "nothing."
Two afternoons a week I teach after-school Spanish classes to elementary school students, which has been a great opportuniy for me to focus on my espanol.

The languageship himself, Harlan Young, came to visit me in Traverse City a few weeks ago. He can vouch for what a great vacation destination T.C. is. I had fun making him cross country ski, walk out on the frozen ice to see the ice fishermen, and build a snowman. My family thought he was fabulous (and a little bit nutty for choosing to take the greyhound across the country...on the upside, I think that it made them realize that maybe I am not so crazy after all). Visitors are welcome. But, be forwarned that my Dad will show you off as "one of our friends from Africa" to pretty much everyone who will listen.

I have pulled on the traditional wear a few times for school presentations. The students are really intrigued by everything...and in Traverse City they are really fascinated by the whole concept of hair extensions. Every time I show the pictures I am amazed by how beautiful Malawi is and, like Tommy's recent reminiscence of the smell of urine and intense sun, I wish I could transport these kids for a few moments so that they could take in all of the sensations--good and bad alike. I do set up some stations and it is always amusing to watch the students try to pound maize and wash clothes by hand.

Well, I miss you all very much (on a cold day like today I am also missing Nkhata Bay!). Wishing you all the best.
Khalani makola, Merilee