Leaving day. Always a time of mixed emotions. Who wouldn't look forward to returning to reliable electricity, hot showers (any showers at all we would settle for at this point), ample vegetarian food, air that is not constantly smoky (though we hear we have at least as much smoke to look forward to at home in northern California as we currently have here), roads that are not full of potholes, and one's own bed. And yet, departing is difficult. Each time we come our commitment deepens, our friendships grow, and we feel more and more like Zambia is truly another home for us. It has become part of who we are. The folks here are part of our family, part of Sangha.
Jen left on the early flight. The one time we were hoping the flight would be delayed so we could get more business done, it was on time to the minute! So we flew around town dropping things here, packing up, saying last minute goodbyes. We all pretended it would only be tomorrow until we see each other again (or 3 or 6 months but...). These are good people over here in Zambia. We take great pleasure in knowing that many of you will get to meet Theresa in 2009, when she comes for the 8th Annual Bridge Walk, and see for yourself what a special person she is. (We are starting to plan the U.S. tour for September 2009. If you interested in seeing Theresa in your town, now is the time to let us know.)
We thank you again for being out there, for reading, responding, fundraising, for being part of the family, and mostly for caring. This is great fun what we are all doing together!
Ichibote (peace in Bemba) and Twatotela (thank you) until the next trip,
The Africa Team
Our boys get up to come say farewell.
Driving away from our home in Ndola.
The last sunset before Cheri leaves the country.