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!