Saturday was supposed to start with a leisurely morning, but Dave got called away to pick up the results from a test we had done on the existing water in Kantolomba. It had been an underground kind of deal, a favor of the local water engineers, so when they called to say they could meet in 10 minutes in town to hand over the results, we didn't feel we could negotiate. Dave left our elaborate breakfast half-cooked and promised to return as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Jen undertook the large job of parceling out donated items. This process is an important part of each trip. People in the U.S. generously give donations, mostly school supplies, which we STUFF into our suitcases and bring over. Then, usually towards the end of our trip, we lay it all out and assess what should go where. It is a trickier task than you might imagine. If there are fewer than nine of something, it can't go to the house because some of the children would be left out. If there are 30 of something, it could go to a classroom, but not a government school where there are 50 students. You get the idea. The truth is that it is great fun and we enjoy doing it. People are always deeply grateful to receive the items, and we have to tell them again and again that we are the ones handing it over but there are hundreds of others behind the scenes who are responsible for giving it. (All of you!)
Pauline with a backpack for her daughter.
Theresa and Pauline met Dave in town and brought him back to the guesthouse. We finished our breakfast (early lunch by that time), and then headed back into town to buy the stove. It fit in the car--just by the hair of our chiny, chin chins.
We were all impressed at a store employee carrying the stove out to the car!
We took the stove out to the house and got to spend some time with the children. Since this was Dave's last chance to see them, we took the opportunity talk with the children about some important things--with the older ones about big life decisions, and with all of them about the importance of supporting each other in their efforts to learn English. Strong English skills are an absolute must for someone who wants economic opportunity in Zambia. Though the children understand this on some level, it is all too easy to fall into the habit of not practicing with each other. We made a kind of a game out of it and all had a big laugh that we would find them speaking only English when we are back in April.
The traditional group shot on the porch.
On our way back into town we stopped to meet a local car mechanic Theresa wants to try. Yet another cross-cultural phenomenon--we are having difficulty finding a mechanic we like and trust. Theresa feels the thing to do is to try someone out and STAY with him while he is doing the work. Not a bad idea. We really liked the fellow she has chosen to try; we shall see.
The mechanic's young son imitates his dad and gets a peek under the car.
We were dropped at the internet cafe for a second attempt at sending the long email to Cheri. Appearing to be successful, we walked back to the guesthouse in the beautiful, balmy evening. After noon on Saturday, the city becomes a ghost town and quite a pleasant place for a walk.
We arrived at the driveway of the guesthouse just as Steve, the building engineer we are working with, and Gaudencia, one of the potential contractors to build the Kantolomba community center, drove in. We had a fabulous meeting with them, laying out our vision for the building and discussing possibilities for materials and labor. Gaudencia, a rarity as a Zambian woman contractor, has a good deal of experience in doing community-based projects. It is a perfect fit for us as we hope to use nearly all labor from Kantolomba for the construction. Although we know the responsible thing to do is to interview several contractors, we wanted to hire her right there on the spot. We refrained and will dutifully walk through the steps.
Dave and Gaudencia
As the meeting ended, we were aware of feeling very fortunate in the caliber of people we have surrounded ourselves with in Zambia. Steve is a glowing example. He is a man of clear intelligence, grounded approach, and a big heart. The more he understands of our vision, the more excited he seems to be about what is possible and how he can assist. We hope Gaudencia will join the ranks of trusted colleagues as well.
Next, to the kitchen where Dave cooked--we worry a bit that Jen will starve after tomorrow--while Jen downloaded photos Pauline had taken. In October we left a digital camera for the team to document the projects when are not here. It was great fun to see the photos:
Photos taken by Pauline while we were away:
The children in the house around the dining room table. Memory is braiding a neighbor’s hair.
Theresa with the children at the school.
The students enjoying the new shade-structure in the schoolyard.
Lumber being delivered for the fence around the new property in Kantolomba.
Volunteers building the fence.
The lunch volunteer ladies enjoying a break between classes.
During National Child Health Week the children at the school all got weighed to see if they are underweight.
The children receiving their vitamins and de-worming tablets during the health week.
After dinner Dave packed for the journey home. So much has happened but the visit has flown by!