I thought I edited my post this morning, but it was published before I finished posting. Bear with me here. There is more from my conversation with Jake that I'd like to share.
First off he sounds like he is really enjoying this experience and said he has no regrets. HE said he is doing well emotionally, but the physical challenges are difficult. HE is 5000 feet above sea level, so he has had to adjust to the change in altitude. The sun is strong an dhe has already burned and peeled. His diet is limited, but it didn't seem as bad as I expected. For breakfast he eats bread with honey or peanutbutter. Lunch and dinner consist of rice, vegetables and meat(goat) or fish. He mentioned that there were pumpkin fields. We talked mostly about his projects and his host family.
HE said the children have amazing smiles. Most of them are barefoot and wearing torn clothing. They enjoy listening to him play the harmonica in the evening. I even heard him speaking to one the children. It sounded like "BOoga booga Doo". He told me the women collect wood daily and carry back to the village on their heads.
It sounds like he will be working on some interesting projects while he is there. He has learned how to make mud ovens and will teach the people in his village. HE and his host fathe ralready made one together. This will help cut down on the use of wood. He will also be teaching them ways to become more resourceful. He said he will be teaching people how to dry fruits so they can sell them in the city markets.
WE also talked about sending him some things that he could use. HE mentioned AA and AAA batteries, magzines, hand sanitizer, ziploc bags, hard candies, granola bars, protein bars, peanutbutter and tea. Any food like soup, hot cereal, hot chocolate, that he can add boiled water to would be great. He does not have to pay a tax on any packages received in the first 6 months, so sending him something sooner than later is a good idea. HE makes only 19 dollars a month. This may not seem like a lot to us, but he is rich compared to others.
He also said that the number Califon Dad posted is his phone number for the duration of his stay. You can call him anytime, but may not always get through. Be patient, keep trying because eventually you'll speak with him.
Jessica
Posted by jess at March 23, 2004 03:42 PM