On our way out to Kantolomba we stopped by the sewing shop to pick up some spools of black thread. It was fun to see Nancy, the owner, who sold us the industrial machines we bought in May.
Cheri, Nancy, Jen
Out at the compound we found Wintar, Shadrech, and Charles watering the new lawn.
Rose, the new nurse, made the goose sculpture on the lawn.
Some of the children were just finishing lunch and, as always, were quite excited to have their pictures taken.
Coming to say hello after lunch.
Can you beat that smile?!
Little Jen has just started school in the program!!! She actually let us hold her hand—this is new!
Testimony, on the left, Georgina’s daughter, was the first Living Compassion baby (born just after we officially started) and is now in the program. Kunda, middle, is Little Jen’s big brother.
Yucking it up.
More fabulous smiles.
Jasmine, the Zambian-born Canadian clothing designer who will be working with the sewing cooperative to produce some baby blankets, will arrive on Thursday. In preparation for the start of production we worked with the sewing team to arrange the sewing room for maximum efficiency.
Veronica and Muyunda moving a sewing table.
Muyunda dismantling a table that was too wide to fit through the door.
Nelly mentoring Ethel who is still getting comfortable with the new industrial machines.
Before Jasmine arrives the seamstresses will create some items to sell at the Bridge Walk. In addition to putting together the sale items, this will be an opportunity to train some new women as support staff. We’ve ordered monk bags in two sizes, all with braided straps; some of the women are learning to braid the chitenge while others cut the pieces for the bags.
Being trained to braid for the straps.
A chitenge doll the women made as a prototype to see if it might sell.
We’ve been in conversation with the cooperative about prioritizing speaking English while doing Living Compassion work. Everyone expresses willingness but the habit of speaking Bemba is extremely difficult to break. Peter has shown the most interest from the beginning—he was the one who, during our trip in January, said he wanted to learn, but “you can’t laugh at me.” He has remained committed, and so when he said to Cheri, “Last week I worked the night shift, but this coming week I will work days,” she immediately dubbed him the King of English, charged with rewarding those speaking English.
Cheri and Jen speaking English with Peter.
Duncan, the son of Beatrice, is known as “Mr. President” because of his very confident assertions that in 2030 he will be elected President of Zambia.
Ashwini, Cheri and Jen talking with Mr. President.
While Cheri and Jen returned to help in the sewing room, Ashwini and Duncan had an economics lesson.
Before leaving for the day we greeted the knitters.