A Glorious Graduation ~

(Post in process - October 10th)

 

October 9th ~ Lusaka, Zambia

 

Early morning arrival in Lusaka, Zambia:  Once through baggage claim, security and customs, I was off to change a bit of currency and find a cab to take me to the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Lodge at St. Paul's. Once at the Lodge, I was warmly welcomed and provided with a lovely room complete with the traditional mosquito netting over the bed. I'm not so sure why I find the netting so wonderful other than the blessed protection it offers in the night. There was also a small restaurant on site and breakfast was included in the cost of lodging .... and what a marvelous breakfast it was!!! I was privileged to hear an amazing choir practice during my stay as the preparations were underway for a Saturday wedding at the church. (The Women's Center, lodging and the restaurant were behind the primary church building.)

I began my travels to Zambia as a part of various Mission Teams in 2008, 2009, and 2012 yet this was my very 1st visit to the Capital city of Lusaka. I needed to change a bit more money from US Dollars to Zambian Kwacha, so I set off on foot to the local shopping center which wasn't too far away. I stopped by the bank/money changer in the shopping center and thankfully the exchange rates were better than they were at the airport. I also picked up some distilled water for drinking, juice, and a few snacks then headed back to the church.  It was a very hot day yet overall, a very nice walk, especially since I had so much time sitting on the long flights and layovers.  Note to self:  remember that the traffic patterns are different than that of the USA . . . yes, one drives on the left side of the road, not the right when in Zambia!  If one doesn't pay close attention, it can make crossing a busy road a bit like the old video game of "Frogger".   

Late afternoon and evening gave way to rest and the shuffling of some items amongst the bags as tomorrow would be a busy day. Additionally, I was notified that there would be some stops along the way towards Mwandi which meant I needed access to some non-traveling outfits.  

 

 

A Journey of Love 

Thank you for your patience! This journey was so full of activity as well as the desire to be fully present in the moment that the documentation within my blog setting is just now taking place. As per the usual, internet availability was also spotty at best. I will do my best to capture much of the important people and places as I am able. 

I departed Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, October 7th with connections in Atlanta, GA,  Johannesburg, South Africa and ending in Lusaka, Zambia on Thursday, October 9th. 

Guess what?!?!?  MY LUGGAGE ACTUALLY ARRIVED WITH ME THIS TIME!!!!!  YAY!!!! Delta Airlines scored a positive review 😊

I returned home on Monday, October 20th via Livingstone, Zambia to Johannesburg, South Africa to Atlanta, GA to Charlotte, NC.  I'm not so sure why the jet lag was different and a bit difficult this time around, though I will say that it was worth every minute of it!  

The passing of a great man . . . Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta

A beautiful public tribute  . . .  

https://youtu.be/q6jjJ3sUqtw?si=n2Uv2n5_JySPQcyA

You will need a Facebook account to access the video found at this link:  The  Legacy of Chief Inyambo Yeta 

OVC

 ORPHAN AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN'S CENTER\

The Center services have been reduced since my first few visits in 2008 & 2009.  The Center is primarily now only a feeding program for 1-10 yr olds at high risk and disabled youth into their teenage years. It also continues to provide some sponsorship for education as students here must pay for their uniforms, shoes and some of their books in order to go to school.  Some sponsorships even follow students into post-secondary education programs such as nursing.

There are approximately 100 students in the feeding program at this time.  This includes about 8 special needs children and teens.

I did request to take a few pictures today and it was approved by staff on site.  So here are a few pictures including their meals.  Nshima is much like grits and the children eat it with their hands and use it to pick up other foods and broths.     

Early to rise . . . ready or not . . .

 

Yesterday, Ida was discussing that two ladies from the Presbytery were coming to work with the Ladies Choir at UCZ and that the lodging assigned to them was unfit (actually condemned), there was no electricity, no water and it was in general disrepair.  Due to many visitors at this time, all of the other lodging for visitors were full.  If you know me, you know what happened next . . . yes, I offered my space in the Cottage and said I would gladly take a couch for the two nights they were here.  Since I was awakened early, I went ahead and began moving my items to the house and finished up just before 8:00am instead of waiting to sometime between 9:30 and 10:00am.  

It was on to the Bible Study at the Brick Yard.  The Word for today was Acts 20:20-22 .  Each participant was asked what the passage said or meant to them, as well as some general discussion.  Once the Bible Study was closed in prayer, we decided as a group that due to the amount of work, visitors, and events over the next few days that we would try to begin the employment assessments on Thursday.

Once back at the house, things got very busy.  We thought we had until the afternoon to clean and prepare the Cottage . . . we thought wrong.  The ladies had arrived, and their bags were brought directly to the cottage.  Ida was headed up to the market for chicken feed on the main road as well as taking some eggs and other items by the Church as the Choir would also be preparing lunch and dinner for the visitors.  I took the opportunity to catch a ride to pick up a few supplies and replenish the “biscuit” (cookie) stash as well as to sow in a few needed items into hosting the ladies from the Presbytery.  Ida picked up the feed order and I purchased the needed items and it was off to the Church again and then home. 

It was then time to head to the OVC (Orphan’s and Vulnerable Children’s Center).  First for a Staff Bible study, then time with the children and to assist with feeding lunch to them.  We read a book and sang song as they waited for lunch.  Lunch again consisted of Nshima (a type of ground corn likened to grits), a spoonful of cabbage, a piece of chicken and some broth/soup typically to dip the Nshima in. 

Once home, it was noticed that the thatching of the sitting area in the yard had begun.  It has been an interesting process and once it is completed, I will do a post specifically around the process.  

Evening continued the “popcorn” kind of day . . . something here, something there and something else always popping up.  We had a few visitors before dinner and it was good to see them and discuss firming up plans for everyone’s “programs” or duties.  Dinner was amazing!  Chicken, brown rice, squash, green beans, salad and chocolate cake 😊.  The chicken was amazing and I asked what the seasoning was.  I was told it was Dijon mustard, honey, butter, salt/pepper and a bit of water.  It tasted way more complicated than that.  I will be giving it a try when I’m home.

Then a bit of time by the fire and up to a new bed.  I hope everyone sleeps well tonight . . . good night moon!

Sunday Church . . . UCZ