This morning first thing, we met Godfrey outside of the offices of the main local internet provider. We had been waiting all weekend for the opportunity to learn more about the possibility of bringing internet to Kantolomba using WIMAX technology. At last, the moment arrived when we could get the official word, and so as soon as Godfrey arrived we rushed inside.
"Take 2"
Discussing internet options
Unfortunately, the news was not quite what we were hoping for. It will not be possible to get WIMAX in Kantolomba with a regular router. It may be possible, however, to receive a signal with the help of an external antenna mounted to a pole on our property. John told us that they have a customer in Lubuto, a compound that is close to Kantolomba, using WIMAX with the external equipment and getting a decent signal. They will need to test to see what will work on our property, but in order to do this they need to get the necessary equipment from Lusaka, Zambia's capital, a five-hour drive away. Ordinarily, to run into an obstacle like this would be to pronounce a death sentence over the project--it can take from weeks to months here to make something like that happen--but we feel some hope that our new friends at the internet provider might be able to deliver before we leave the country. They have been very responsive and helpful so far. This morning we explained to John the time crunch we are under, and he brought a technician out to Kantolomba in less than two hours. We'll see.
Even if the WIMAX doesn't work out, all is not lost. There is another real possibility: we could put our own tower on the hill above Kantolomba compound, mount equipment on the tower that would receive the local broadband signal, and push the broadband down to our property through a wire. Escorted by several of the co-op staff, Dave climbed up to the top of the hill later in the day to investigate. To his delight, he found a flat spot on top with a clear view of the towers across the valley that broadcast the signal. This could work!
Climbing the hill
Koloko hill
The Living Compassion property from up high
After our meeting in town, we drove out to Kantolomba with our trusty taxi man, Muyunda. When we arrived at the property we were greeted by two surprises.
The first was that the compound was completely packed with people. We have never seen so many there at one time. We quickly learned that the entire area has been out of water for two days because of some problem in the public delivery system, and that people had walked for miles to collect water from our well. We saw hordes of people and lines of containers at each of the property's three taps, and a stream of people carrying water away on their heads, on bicycles, and in wheelbarrows.
People EVERYWHERE coming for water
Waiting in the queue
Theresa introduced us to our second surprise. "Come, Alex," she said, "You must see the roof leaks in the big room of the building." Arriving in the main room, suddenly a group of women appeared, singing and dancing and carrying a sign that said "Happy birthday, Alex!"
Today is Alex's fortieth birthday! The celebration that followed touched us deeply, and it was clear that our response touched the women in return. Both Alex and Dave received gifts of beautiful Zambian shirts. Finally, Alex could contain himself no longer and began to do a dance of joy all around the room. The women went crazy in response, laughing and shouting and singing while he danced, until the event ended with laughter and hand-slapping all around.
Now you are Zambian!
As we headed off from the celebration to work, Alex was greeted by a beautiful little girl named "Mirriam." It just so happens that Alex is Mirriam's sponsor (for information on our sponsorship program, click here). He has been wearing Mirriam's photograph around his neck ever since the Bridge Walk in October. Then suddenly there she was, live and in person! Shyly she handed him a small purse she had knitted with a piece of paper sewn on that said "Happy Birthday Alex, From Mirriam Kamfwa." Wow! What an incredible moment.
Alex and Mirriam
Mirriam headed off to class, and Alex set up his video camera to complete the interviews with the Living Compassion team.
The interviews continue
The interviews were quite touching. Here are some of the things we heard:
Everyone interviewed spoke of the struggles they endured before beginning work with Living Compassion. All of them were desperately poor, most were hungry, most could not find a way to feed their families and had to watch helplessly as their children starved. Now they all have a way to care for both themselves and their families.
Agness and family
Most said that they had meaningless lives before Living Compassion came. They had nothing to do, and no way to give to their community. Now, they said, they have meaning and are admired by all the others in the compound.
Many talked about how much they enjoyed working as a part of a team. "Anything is possible when we are together," they said. "Nothing is too big."
They are excited about the farm they have started, and about the hammermill that will grind the corn that they grow. Several expressed the hope that one day they would be able to feed the entire community.
Returning from farm work
All of them spoke of the importance of education for their children, and many hope to continue their own education through grade 12. One woman (Ethel) has ambitions to go to college. And they told us how much they have enjoyed learning practical things as a result of being a part of the project. They have learned to sew, to clean, to grow food, and many other things. We could see in their faces how much they feel empowered by their increasing skill.
Many of the stories they told moved us. For example, Sophia told the story of how she lost her husband, and then lost all of her possessions to her husband's family. It is a part of the culture in Zambia that when a man dies his family takes everything, with no regard to his wife or their children. She was facing the prospect of starving along with all of her children when she met Theresa and was brought onto the Living Compassion team. Now she is healthy, well fed, and her children are prospering.
Sophia
Here is another. Margaret lost her livelihood and took to begging for food and a place to sleep at night. She was forced to wear rags because that was all that she had. The people in the compound said she was crazy. She went to Theresa and said, "I am not crazy. Can you help me?" Theresa brought her on board, and now she is one that the people in the community look up to as an example of success and prosperity.
Margaret
All of those who work for Living Compassion have stories like these. All of those who live in the compound that we have not yet reached have stories like these also. It is good to have done so much good work, and to see how much good work remains.
While the interviews proceeded, Dave checked on the men, who were working to clear the site for the hammermill building. "It is happening!" the people were saying. "We are going to have our own hammermill!"
The men clearing the site
We finished the day as we usually do--exhausted, and happy. When we returned to Castle Lodge we had one more surprise waiting for us: a birthday cake for Alex! So many wonderful things in one day! The work we do is its own reward, it's true, but it never hurts to have cake also.
