Ashwini had been struggling with the dust and smoke in the air irritating her lungs and awoke Friday with enough of a cough and chest congestion for all of us to feel the best thing was for her to have a day to stay “at home” (at the lodge) and away from as many pollutants as possible. She and Cheri were the home team and did household chores, email, and such while Jasmine and Jen hit the town.
First stop was the bank to withdraw funds for Beauty and Charles who were charged with purchasing the bricks, cement, and sand for the hammermill building. John and team will begin construction on Monday.
Left to right: Jen, Beauty, Jasmine, Theresa. Charles in front.
Stopping at a pharmacy to get supplies for Ashwini, we were very happy to run into Mukuka, whom we met when she applied for a job with us in January. We knew she would be great in the position but was way out of our price range on salary. After the interview we learned she owns several pharmacies in town. We had a nice chat with her and feel certain she will be a great contact for the project as we go forward.
Mukuka
Blessedly, we got word that Jasmine’s luggage had arrived and went to the airport to collect it before continuing on to Kantolomba.
Picking up Jasmine’s delayed luggage.
At the property we found the sewing cooperative in full bag production. We (and we project they) are truly impressed by the number they are able to produce! It is getting quite clear that there is great income potential in this part of the cooperative.
The bricks for the hammermill building had arrived by the time we got out to Kantolomba.
Josephine and Sofiya working on the bags.
Jasmine got to meet all the women and will come out on Monday to start work on the production line for her baby blankets.
Just can’t get enough of all the fabulous color!
Is that a Bemba word I see???
Meanwhile, the men had made incredible progress on the pit latrine holes. The holes had gotten so deep they now needed a ladder to get out. They insist the latrines need to be 5 meters deep!
A well-deserved break.
Having finished our official business for the day we jumped in to help unload the bricks.
Can you spot the musungu?
It is not very often we get to just be part of the day-to-day work of the project. Working side-by-side fosters a sense of all of us as one team. Very fun! While we were working, we started learning one of the Bemba songs they often sing. Our heroic yet somewhat pitiful efforts at speaking Bemba are great entertainment for the Zambian side of the team.
Left to right: Susan, Jasmine, Christine, Regina.
Nothing quite like teamwork!
The kids arrive to watch the action.
Waiting to wash hands after the job was complete.