We must apologize in advance for poor documentation of our weekend activities. Jane arrived on Saturday, bringing her vast experience in African development. Her expertise, in combination with that of Ashwini, has had us engrossed in amazing discussions about the project ever since—that’s our best excuse.
Saturday morning Jen met with the Zambia financial team: Martha, our Accountant; Veronica, our bookkeeper; and Theresa. They did their usual once-a-trip routine of going over the record book, receipts and bank reconciles. We also tackled the tedious yet all-important task of updating the budget to reflect current market prices. It’s always a huge relief to get those chores behind us.
Jane was traveling by bus from Solewezi, in the northwest province, where she was on assignment for her job. She is coming to us for her “holiday,” where she will essentially be doing the work she always does but in the capacity of a Sangha volunteer. We only hope (and she insists this is the case) that the joy of working with Sangha will afford her some sense of time away from her usual work routine. Jane called when her bus pulled into Ndola, and Martha gave us a ride down to collect her. (Seems our photographers had the day off!)
We all had lunch together: Jane, Ashwini, Jasmine, Martha, Theresa, Veronica, Cheri and Jen. It was a great chance to get to have all these folks in one place to talk about some of the big picture aspects of the project. Much of the discussion centered around economic sustainability. It is a gigantic topic and we are grateful that we are in no hurry to get somewhere, and that we have the awareness practice training that enables us to enjoy the journey and exploration.
Left to right: Martha, Jen, Jasmine, Cheri, Jane, Theresa. In front: Veronica, Ashwini
We talked much of the afternoon and finally took a break for some yoga—always good to remember the body needs our attention as well.
Meeting out in the yard.
Getting ready for yoga.
We couldn’t resist including this yoga pose of a neighborhood friend.
That evening out to dinner for yet more conversations of possibility and insight. We are feeling beyond blessed to have this group of folks here with us.
Out for delicious Indian food.
Sunday had folks catching up on laundry, email and quality time for meeting to lay out our week. After feeling much accomplished, we went for a very pleasant walk around the neighborhood.
After our Sunday morning meeting.
Out for a lovely walk.
A popo tree.
Bamboo in a neighbor’s yard.
Have some great photographers in the group.
Jacaranda tree
The best part of the walk was when we rounded a corner and suddenly encountered an old friend, Mwando. We met her last summer in her downtown tailoring shop and have kept in touch since. She helped us in May when we bought the industrial sewing machines. She had been out for a drive with her family, had seen us walking, and came to say hello.
Mwando with her grandson.
Best-laid dinner plans were foiled when the electricity went out. We had a breakfast feast instead. It is easy to be grateful for any good nourishment in the midst of what we witness every day while here.
The dinner spread.