Be prepared when you decide to join us here: There is no good way to get to Africa. I suppose it could be argued that it's simply a matter of distance, but there are a few other factors, human in nature, that could be altered. And now, with new airline regulations, there are way more of those human factors in play. For instance, should you decide to fly from Washington D.C. or Atlanta, your 17-hour flight will include a one-hour stop, on the tarmac, in Senegal. Now, how hard would it be to let people off the plane for that one hour? During that time, with no passengers, the plane could be searched (which happens with us on it--no small feat as we all take all our carry-ons out of the overhead compartments and from under the seats, while standing in the aisles), and the plane could be cleaned and disinfected, which also happens with us standing in the aisles. I'm sure there are very good reasons for this (not really!), but I suspect the primary cause is a lack of concern for the humans who make the flight necessary, namely those of us paying for those very expensive tickets.
A chilly morning where Jen spent the night in Johannesburg.
Flying through Europe can seem like a far better deal in that, while it takes a little longer, one is allowed to get off the plane in some appealing city and at least walk around the airport. However, luggage restrictions and security concerns have taken the fun out of that option. Lines are appallingly long at security, immigration, passport control, and baggage handling. Restrictions for personal luggage are now one carry-on bag weighing 22 pounds and one checked bag weighing 44 pounds! A suitcase built to sustain the damage inflicted by air travel will easily weigh a quarter of that. Combine this with the fact that no liquid items--including toiletries and personal care products--can go in carry-on; computers weighing 5-6 pounds must, along with anything else you don't want stolen from your checked bag, go in carry-on; snacks are vital if you don't want to starve; and, as you can see, the poor traveler is challenged at every turn. On most overseas flights alcohol is free, and it does seem that's how many folks cope!
We found each other at the Johannesburg airport.
Blessedly, our luggage arrived at the Ndola airport along with us (a first for all bags to arrive on the same plane as the passengers). Theresa was waiting for us with Simon, our new taxi man. We made the short trip to our new home in Ndola, which Theresa had stocked with groceries and water in preparation for our visit. We love our house! This is the one Sister Gift, the beautiful Franciscan nun many of you would recognize from the Living Compassion video, offered us when she learned we would be here during the Trade Fair. The Fair is a huge annual event in Ndola, and during that week there is not a room to be had in the city. Castle Lodge, our usual spot, is booked solid at rates far beyond our budget.
Sister Gift trying on the new orthopedic shoes we brought to help an ankle she injured last year.
The house was built by an Italian Zambian family in the 1970s, judging from the kitchen, and is now used by the Sisters as a retreat facility. There are three bathrooms, and it's set up to sleep 10 in that visually-private-but-shared-room sort of retreat center way. Perfect for our group of 9. The kitchen is huge and will work well for us to cook for ourselves. The large living room will be fine for meditation and groups, though the perimeter is lined with overstuffed chairs and sofas. There's also a chapel, converted from the garage, that we can use, though the Sisters seem a little nervous about having a bunch of Buddhists in there! We might just minimize anxiety and stick with the living room. Along the back of the house is a large covered porch with a view of the now-empty swimming pool. In front is the largest avocado tree we've ever seen, and it's loaded with avocados that we are preparing to test for ripeness.
The back porch.
Our friendly "guard dogs."
This morning we will settle in and organize the kitchen, then make our traditional pilgrimage to Michelangelo's for internet access, the bank for kwacha, and ShopRite for a few additional groceries. It's lovely to have the luxury of a slow first day as the body adjusts to malaria medication and jet lag.
The kitchen.
The living room.
Ah, we didn't mention the weather! It is ideal! Winter in Zambia is everything we would want in spring--70-75 degrees during the day, mid 50s at night, perfect for sleeping, just right for discouraging mosquitoes.
So, as much as we might not enjoy the travel to get here, we are, as always, delighted to be here. Tomorrow we will go to Kantolomba to see our friends, get updates on the projects, meet new babies, and get all the news of people's lives. One of the things we're most eager to check on is the state of the houses in need of new roofs. More on that soon.