Commencement

Consistent with normal rainy season weather patterns, our graduation ceremony yesterday began with a brilliant, shining blue sky and ended with a torrential downpour. In a matter of an hour or so. Gotta love it. But after 10 weeks of arduous training, even the pounding rain was a welcome sign to herald the occasion. We signed-in officially as Volunteers (awkward on Zambian national TV) after hearing speeches delivered by the language leaders. Richard recited his from memory (way to go!), and Christina and Andrew read the speech Wyatt had prepared for the occasion.

Our ceremony concluded with a small memorial service for Wyatt. There was laughter and there were tears, and though his chair sat empty in the front row somehow I think he was there.

The Northern Province group decided to stay in Lusaka for the holiday. We're driving up to Kasama on Friday, and then getting posted thereafter. I'll probably be at site on Sunday. It is a little sad having the group break away, but it is time to set out on our own.