Tuesday. What a day!
Of course, we had our long list and big plans the same as every day. Much to get done and never enough time to do it all. (We are never so aware of the curse of this approach to life as we are here in Zambia.)
Our first meeting was with Mr. Kayula to sort out Living Compassion's relationship with him, as well as to explore possibilities going forward. It was he who helped us with incorporation papers, worked on gaining our NGO status, and performed other similar legal tasks. He's not an attorney but is apparently more like a paralegal who knows the law and can advise on details and fine points that the average person--especially the average foreigner--is not going to know about and might stumble over. Very fun to see him again.
Cheri and Mr. Kayula.
Muyunda arrived, and we were off to the hardware store and Sanjay. It's fun to notice how each trip has its own focus and flavor. Slowly, over time, we've moved from hours each day spent downtown in various offices organizing, arranging, meeting, and schlepping papers to and fro from official after official, to now, when we nip into town to stop at the bank and the shops. The kitchen at Castle Lodge has learned to prepare food for us, freeing up countless hours in the day. There were many trips when a vexing amount of time was spent in grocery stores and on cooking. Of course, the staff at Castle Lodge thinks we're completely mad to eat what we eat, and it has taken quite a lot of negotiation to convince them that, yes, indeed, that is what we want to eat. But now we're feasting on fresh lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes from Eunice's parent's farm, along with a variety of steamed veggies.
Ahhhhh, vegetables.
Sanjay offered their truck to haul the goods to Kantolomba, and we jumped in the car with Muyunda to caravan out. At the first "check point" Muyunda was stopped, hauled out of the car, and told his car was being impounded because his driver license is fraudulent. Off to the police station we go; even Frank, Sanjay's brother, trying to talk sense to the officer did not help. Apparently, the procedure "should be" that Muyunda receives a citation, which he brings to the police station at a later time. While there, his license would be verified, and he would either be in big trouble or be exonerated. His license was, in fact, valid but he was required to pay a "fine" to the officer anyway. His other choice was to go to court, which would have taken even more time and probably cost more money. There went the day! Thank goodness for cell phones. At least we could let the folks in Kantolomba, who were waiting for us, know where we were. And, of course, we could get back in touch with Muyunda when he was released. We climbed into the truck with Frank and delivered the supplies.
Loading the truck with cement.
Off-loading the goods in Kantolomba.
We took the opportunity to ask Frank's opinion on installing doors.
By the time Muyunda was available, it was too late to return to Kantolomba. The rest of the afternoon was spent on errands: getting chitenge and bottled water; helping Eunice get the mosquito screens up on our arriving friend's windows; and a real treat, meeting with Friday. So good to see him! And, yes, he does know about hammermills--as we knew he would. He agreed to train folks in the care and operation of the machine and will check in occasionally to be sure all is well.
Eunice, Cheri and Verocia (Eunice's daughter) installing screens, preparing for our guests.
Now, tomorrow we will....