We spoke to Jake today as he was travelling north to Zolokere. He and some other volunteers stopped in a transit house run by the staff of the Peace Corps and they were about to enjoy some burritos. It sounded also like there may have been some local beverages involved. The transit house is located in Msuzu, which is a small city that is much cleaner than others, but still rather glum by our standards.
Jake was selected by the staff to deliver the address at the swearing in ceremony and advised that it was to be delivered in english and his new tongue; tumbuka. We all know he'll do well, as always.
He tells us that he will try to get on the internet this week, and will peruse the website. He's really looking forward to it, and I can tell you that without a doubt that it will bring a tear to his eyes. Thanks to all of you out there in cyberspace.
We will spend a few days visiting with the current volunteer couple in his new outpost and then return to training down south again.
Malawi Jake believes that any real impact he makes will be on a personal level with a few good people, just as he managed to do in Lithuania. Hope springs eternal with Jake, so I know that he will succeed using his own tried methods.
Bye for now.
Califon Dad
jake!
burritos and local beverages. sounds like malawi isn't so different than southern california. its been good hearing your voice on the phone and getting updates from everyone. i keep thinking about your life over there, it sounds very difficult but rewarding. when things get tough and you miss the comforts of home keep heart that your leading a life worth living. its so easy to fall into a groove and keep doing things as usual. to pick up your roots and move to a new world to learn about a new culture is something most people wish they could do. its nice to know someone with the gumption to do it.
much love jake. good luck on your speech.
donny
Posted by: donny at April 12, 2004 04:37 PMHey Jake:
Good luck with the address you'll be giving and also with all of your new challenges. Sounds like you're doing great and already accomplishing good things. Very interested in hearing all of your news and stories and learning about Malawi and her people. I let Brian and Nate know about this site and am sure they are reading it along with lots of others.
Be well.
Uncle Jim
Posted by: Uncle Jim at April 12, 2004 06:22 PMHey Jacob!! Enjoyed speaking with you Easter Sunday. It's so nice to hear your voice. Gracie keeps asking "You talk to Uncle Jake"? You're inspiration to all of us. Good luck with your speech. I hope someday we'll be able to hear it. Jessica
Posted by: Jessica at April 13, 2004 01:49 AMHola Jake,
Great being in touch-peace corps stuff sounds familiar-how is the malawi experience different.is the approach to training, placement,ect.the same? I learned at this late stage of life how important good water is as I was up on the highest coastal peak in northern california (King's Peak)missed a trail and suddenly found myself without water.Dehydration is very much a reality so please keep that in mind under the african sun and that your water is uncontaminated.Mine was an interesting experience that turned out well in the end and I know that the health people must have informed you well but I have to say the last few days were an eye opener for me and my relation with good water.
Stay well,
Gerald
Labas Jokubai(Hi Jacob)! I remember PC swearing in ceremony in Lithuania and Im shure it will make the same great impression in Malawi as it was here. We were looking at those nice women and men who left their comforts at home and decided to spend 2 years of their lifes here, to have their share in it, learn our language...and our hearts filled up with love and respect for them.It heartened up us very much to work for our country also.
One of the reasons why Jake was and still is loved and respected here he has learned Lithuanian language perfectly (he is realy very good at languages:) and participated in our life naturally. Jake we remember very often our travel by boats on the river with you:) you didnt refuse this travel:) it was great.
So we wish you best luck in Malawi, Jake.
Sitting at the Easter table we also talked about you and your new country Malawi. We even made a bet who knows more about this far country and I took a prize- trip to Vilnius to the theatre:)thanks you and thanks this website.
Jacob is here in our herats.
sorry it must to be "Jacob is here in our hearts"
Love to all
Irena
Jaker!
Not a day passes without thoughts of you entering my mind. Sometimes I consider the challenges you are facing, sometimes I think of the rewards you will reap. Most often I just think back to some memory or moment we had together and I giggle to myself. I never thought one of my biggest heros would be one of my best friends. You are changing the way we all think about life! I'm sending you love and ocean breezes from all your friends in California!
Posted by: san - d buff at April 16, 2004 09:27 PM