Today was a very busy day. We began with breakfast at Castle Lodge, after which we each packed a lunch to eat in Kantolomba. At 9:00 a.m., Muyunda arrived to pick us up, and we were off and running!
Our first step was a visit to Shoprite to pick up groceries and project supplies.
After Shoprite, our next stop was Intown hardware store, where Dave picked up some basic plumbing supplies to begin getting the sinks and toilets in the community center in working order.
At the property, we were met by the children. They were eager to shake hands and practice their English greetings!
Michael and Brian making many new friends!
Dave and Friday immediately set to work devising a plan of action for the various fixtures. As they toured the fixtures, they were shadowed by several members of the coop who were keen to learn about plumbing.
Dave and Friday working on plumbing
While Dave and Friday got the plumbing in hand, Michael met with several co-op members about knitting special socks for the Zen Monastery Peace Center meditation hall.
Michael meets with the knitters
Once a plan was set up for the plumbing work, Dave met with Francis the electrician to get some information about wiring the hammermill building and doing some work on the main building.
Meanwhile in the yard, Michael and his new friends worked on a bit of football technique!
Fancy footwork!
A bit later, Brian set up a soil test so that we can get an idea of the potential to use compressed earth blocks as a building material in Kantolomba. He was joined by Friday and Veronica, who were both curious to learn what he was up to. One of the great joys of working in Kantolomba is how willing and eager everyone is to learn!
Friday: "What are you doing? I would like to learn something."
Studying a jar full of soapy dirt
As Brian, Veronica, and Friday were preparing the soil test, Theresa arrived with a sawdust burning stove she uses to boil water. We have been working on finding ways to give the folks in Kantolomba access to more efficient cooking stoves. For many poor families around the world cooking fuel takes up half or more of their overall budget; an efficient stove can free up a lot of resources to buy more and better food, pay school fees for children, or invest in a cleaner, safer home environment.
We were especially delighted to discover that the sawdust stove was crafted by the husband of co-op member Eugenia. It turns out he made all of the stoves the co-op uses for cooking, as well as a lovely tin basin and other items around the compound. We are hopeful that if we can get him some samples or a plan, he can begin making energy efficient stoves for Kantolomba. More to come!
The sawdust stove - made by Eugenia's husband!
Just before lunch, Dave and Francis took a tour of the electrical facilities in Kantolomba. While most of the buildings use single phase power, Francis assured us that three phase power was available in the compound and could be brought in to power the hammermill building. Along the main road leading into the compound Francis pointed out some power lines carrying three phase power, and he pointed out the location of the transformer.
Francis explains the power situation
After the electrical tour, it was time for lunch with the co-op members.
Lunch time in the big meeting room
When lunch was over, we handed out Bridge Walk t-shirts to each co-op member. Michael gave a short speech explaining how the Bridge Walk is connected with our work in Kantolomba, and pointing out the wonderful details of this year's shirt.
Michael and Theresa explain the shirt.
Co-op members listen intently to the explanation.
Once everyone was outfitted with a shirt, we came together for a group photo.
Everyone say cheers!
After the photo, we sat down for a meeting to discuss the possibility of setting up a micro-loan program to install larger windows in co-op members’ houses. Our nurse, Rose, has been working very hard to educate folks on the importance of indoor air quality, and during the last trip the team worked with the carpentry group on a design for large, secure windows. Security is a major concern for folks in Kantolomba, so most houses have very small windows which let in little fresh air. The materials required to secure a larger window represent a significant investment for most folks, so we would like to help co-op members spread the cost over time.
Many important questions and concerns were raised during the meeting, and eventually a consensus was reached that we would move forward with a loan program for anyone who was ready and able to take on the investment. Nine households signed up immediately, so the carpenters will have plenty of work to do!
Dave addressing the meeting
Theresa fielding questions in English and Bemba
After the meeting, Friday and some of the carpentry team went to work on the plumbing. Meanwhile the team met with Theresa and Francis to make a plan for the next day and figure out what errands needed to be done in town.
We left Kantolomba in two groups: Dave and Friday went to Intown hardware to purchase plumbing and window supplies, while Theresa, Muyunda, Michael and Brian stopped by the bank and then picked up two five-gallon jugs of water at Aquavita. We all met up at Intown.
Dave, Friday, and Theresa at Intown Hardware
Back at Castle Lodge, it was computer time as we worked on figuring out internet options for the team going forward. We are hopeful that it will be possible to use 3g cellular adaptors to get online and work from Kantolomba in the future.
Even in Zambia there is no getting away from computers
While we were working outside at Castle Lodge, the Zambian skies decided to open up and show us why they call this the rainy season! We had to scurry further under cover and eventually were forced to pack up as the wind and rain sprayed water into our workspace. Taking this as a sign, we retired indoors.
'Tis the season
Scenes from around the Living Compassion compound:
Coop members point to their motto.
Teamwork!
Dave had a large following for much of the day.
The potted plants add a nice touch.
Several garbage cans around the property prevent litter.
VERY cute faces!
Kung-fu action poses are universal.