We're coming down to the wire so today is a "hit it" day. We stop by the hardware store to arrange the roofing tin delivery, then hustle to the Department of Education to meet the officials for their tour of our project out in Kantolomba.
Stacks of roofing sheets in the store.
Loading the sheets to be transported out to Kantolomba.
As we arrived, we could see the carpenters were making good progress with roof demolition. That was a high-point of that particular visit since giving a tour to the officials was definitely not up-lifting. For whatever reason, and in stark contrast to the visit by the representative of the Permanent Secretary's office, these folks could find nothing to like. We don't know what it was all about since we have received a great deal of information that what we're doing there is truly extraordinary. We will find out more on our next visit.
Christopher and Pascal dismantling one of the structures on our property that was no longer safe. Once the roofs come off they must knock the walls down or children will play in them--obviously a dangerous proposition since the walls can collapse at any time.
The women work to carry the poles that will be beams to hold the roofing.
As always, Friday gets in on the action, too.
Next, a quick meeting with the women for a follow-up discussion on birth control options and to pick up the dozen chitenge monk bags Georgina had made on the new machine. After a re-do of the property videoing, we met with Gaudencia to discuss roof flashing, make a decision about flooring, and pick a site for the VIP toilets (very fancy outhouses).
Cute faces come by to wish us goodbye!
Back to town for last minute errands: a color swatch from the paint store; roofing wire, a hand saw, and a tape measure for the carpenters; and a few pharmacy items for the gals. Then to Castle Lodge where we could go over a business plan with Eunice (including the spa, bridal boutique, and vegetarian menu) and meet with Sara, a fourth-year medical student from Stanford doing research in the Ndola clinics, whom we'd meet in town one day. The whole thing turned out quite well since Sara's accommodations weren't suiting her and Eunice was open to having Sara move up to Castle Lodge. Much better for a poor student who will now have access to refrigerator and stove as well as internet. (In the "small world" department, Sara has been to meditation at the Palo Alto Zen Center.) Unfortunately, they were way too much fun and by the time we took Eunice up on her offer of dinner, we had a very late night before departure.
Cheri and Eunice on one couch; Sara is on the right, checking email.