Today we made a grand discovery--the Strawberry coffee bar! Free internet access with your lattes. Alas, the internet was down. But soon.
Dave is, of course, working on the car, but before dropping him there, we made a stop at Zesco to see if we could get an update on our electricity. The head man was in. Turns out he's in the field most of the time and has not just been avoiding us. He gave Dave his personal assurance that the poles would be in tomorrow. They even went next door to the office of the fellow who will supervise the installation to get a commitment from him.
In Kantolomba we met Sam, the tailor, at the school. We are determined to get good, solid patterns and procedures for all the items we are producing. We have three gals who are trained seamstresses, two of whom have their own machines. We're considering buying a third machine for the cooperative that Josephine could use. If we can get the three women on a good program, they will be able to provide us with plenty of goods the next time someone comes through with an empty suitcase.
Tracey and Sam
Cheri holding a future sewing co-op participant.
As we were discussing patterns and chitenge, Robert came into the school yard with an armload of wooden spoons for sale. The women sent him off, but we sent them running after him. We bought everything he had with him, and he left, grinning ear to ear, to return home and start on the next batch. A new micro-business!
Veronica and Robert
Steve was out checking on the building, and we took the opportunity to ask him about some of our concerns about the construction. Turns out he had the same concerns, and they were his reason for coming out to meet with James. We got clear on how the walls and roof will be flashed, and he showed us his plan for an expansion joint between the walls and the design he's come up with for wheelchair access. Fortunately, we realized we'll need to make a bathroom wheelchair accessible.
Steve drawing the explanation of his plans.
The guys continue to work on soap. That's what you can know every day: the guys are working on soap; Dave is working on the car. Some things we can count on.
The lye for the soap.
Steve and his right-hand man, Noble, brought us back to town. Tracey, Brian, Jen, and Cheri took a taxi to Twikatane, the Franciscan Friary sewing school, where we were delighted to meet once again our old friends Dorothy and Joe. Being there brought back such wonderful memories of previous trips: a 14-hour (one way!) drive to Ikelenge in the back of the old Toyota; giant avocados thrown down to us from the tree outside the kitchen; making Mexican dinner for the Friars with Brother Jesus; Felix the cook, who took such good care of us; giant pots of nshima that were so delicious in the beginning and became such objects of dread as time went on. Very good times.
Old friends from the friary.
While we picked patterns and got measured for new togs at Twikatane, Bryn and Troy shopped with Theresa for the pots, pans, and other supplies we'll need for the new school/lunch program. These will be the 10-15 year olds. Independently Theresa, Jen, and Cheri came to the realization that we should have one class of girls and one class of boys. Now the cooking equipment is purchased we will need to get the seamstresses started making uniforms.
We had heard from the Gates research gals about a vegetable market primarily made up of Zambian women. We got so caught up buying all the marvelous produce we forgot to take pictures. Fortunately we eat a lot of veggies and will need to return soon. We will get good photos then. They play great music and the gals got a big kick out of the musungus dancing around as they shopped.
Walked home to tell tales and eat a fabulous meal.