The livestream from Ndola started at 8.00 am Pacific Time but the celebration began here a couple of hours before that.
A mini-bus was hired to transport the team from Kantolomba to Kotuba Lodge. Mini-buses are private vans for hire but also serve as public transport in Ndola. It’s a tight squeeze but not by Zambian standards. Our bus held 15 people.
Minibus arrives with our friends
We all sat down to an early supper that our hosts at the Lodge had arranged. On the menu, Nchima (mealie meal), Chibwabwa (pumpkin leaves with peanut sauce), soft drinks and biscuits. We were told that the meal was prepared to everyone’s liking and left-overs were packed to take home. Much to the co-operative’s dismay, Cheri and Jen insisted on cleaning up. Being waited on by Mama Cheri was a little difficult for this group of people!
Princess Edna is ready to celebrate
Giving thanks before the meal
Fueling before the live event
The clean-up crew
As our team enjoyed their supper, Sreedevi, Ashwini and Bob scrambled to get the technology tested. We had several last-minute glitches (two of our three networks went down) but managed to get something stitched together to start the broadcast on time.
And then it was time!
Getting ready to go live
Jen and Cheri welcomed Sangha to the celebration. Since singing is always accompanied by drumming, and our drummer Brenda usually uses the top of a bucket, we had to get the community a brand-new drum of their own. Brenda was delighted to receive a new drum and received it on behalf of the team in typical Zambian style – rolling on the ground in joy.
A drum for Brenda (video)
And then we walked – a mini Bridge Walk, from the garden to the “recording studio,” swaying to the sound of singing and drumming. The song they sang roughly translates to: “We can see the results of the work you are doing.” And for each verse sung, the name of one of the team is inserted. A true celebration of each person in this project.
The interviews begin. If you have not listened to the stories of willingness, determination, courage and generosity, they are not to be missed. Here is the recording! (link)
Live from Zambia
The team members not on camera watch through the window to the “studio.” It’s a long day and some of them have to take a nap to get through the event.
A long day for little people
But everyone was wide awake to do the wrap up song. Pauline, who lead the singing, slipped in the word Sangha, which we coached her to do, just before the event started. These folks are good!
The team signs off
It was time to go home but there was a long wait for the mini-bus, so we stood around under a starlit sky. Ashwini had a chance to catch up with Ann on her dreams to be a pre-school teacher, and Charles inquired about the wildfires in California. When we had exhausted our conversation, the singing started, followed by the dancing. The musungus were coached on how to move their hips Bemba style! It was worth a try….
The mini bus finally arrives. We wave goodbye.
Finally the mini-bus arrives
Home again, home again
What a glorious day it was.