Well this is my last full day here and tomorrow I fly to Johannesburg where I'll stay in a hotel overnight before flying to Hoedspruit on Monday
I've really enjoyed my time here even though it was the school holidays and didn't get to do any structure teaching.
It's been a real education to see how differently people cope here in Zambia. Bandha, the man in the old peoples home I spoke of a few days ago died on Thursday night and whilst it is very sad , it is also a blessing that he is no longer suffering. The Zambian attitude to death is quite something. They are sad to lose their brother, sister, child or mother but their strong believe in God and going to a better place gives them such strength to deal with their loss.
We in the western world have a lot to learn from these people - they have very little but make the most of what they have because of their spirit and courage.
I have seen some humbling sights and met such amazing people. The staff at African Impact do a fantastic job and everyone has looked after us so well. I thank them all.
Just a note on my mum. I spoke to my sister Jeanette last night and Rubes will be in hospital over the weekend but is doing well. I hope you keep up your good spirits mum and I'll be in touch as soon as I can.
So it's 'Goodbye from Zambia' and will soon be 'Hello from South Africa'
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Friday, 2 May 2008
This is for my mum again
Sorry everyone - this note is really for Rubes but I know everyone who knows her will want to know that she's had a mini stroke and is in hospital. I spoke to her today and she's (as usual) making everyone laugh and getting a lot of attention too. I know you'l all send her your best. Anyway this bits for my mum as my sister Jeanette will print it off for to read.
Hi mum
Really sorry to hear you're in hospital but Ceri tells me you've not been taking your medication properly so I'm not sure I'm going to have any sympathy with you!!!!.
It was good to speak to you today and it sounded as if you're giving the nurses a good laugh. You do sound a little funny as I know the side of your face is a bit numb and you sound as if you've been drinking the whisky again.
On a serious note - you make sure you do as you're told!!! Take it easy and let them take care of you.
I've done my last projects today and will be getting ready to leave here on Sunday. I'm going to a church african lunch tomorrow where they are serving traditional food to raise money for the church. (I'll say a little prayer for you!!)
I'll then be staying overnight in Johannesburg before I travel on to the Game reserve in Hoedspruit.
Jeanette will ring me tonight to let me know how you're getting on and I'll update the blog before I leave.
I love you loads mum and I'm sure you'll be ok providing you do as you're told.
Take Care and I'll speak to you soon
Love Sue.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi mum
Really sorry to hear you're in hospital but Ceri tells me you've not been taking your medication properly so I'm not sure I'm going to have any sympathy with you!!!!.
It was good to speak to you today and it sounded as if you're giving the nurses a good laugh. You do sound a little funny as I know the side of your face is a bit numb and you sound as if you've been drinking the whisky again.
On a serious note - you make sure you do as you're told!!! Take it easy and let them take care of you.
I've done my last projects today and will be getting ready to leave here on Sunday. I'm going to a church african lunch tomorrow where they are serving traditional food to raise money for the church. (I'll say a little prayer for you!!)
I'll then be staying overnight in Johannesburg before I travel on to the Game reserve in Hoedspruit.
Jeanette will ring me tonight to let me know how you're getting on and I'll update the blog before I leave.
I love you loads mum and I'm sure you'll be ok providing you do as you're told.
Take Care and I'll speak to you soon
Love Sue.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Monday, 28 April 2008
Final Weekend in Zambia
Well the weekend has come and gone and I managed to do some of those things that I've not got around to. Went early to 'Wonderbake' and had the best cup of coffee since I've been here.
Then walked (via the scenic route) to Maramba market and bought some material for 10000 kwachas (about one pound tweny pence). I then took it to the sewing centre where they'll make me a skirt and bag plus a purse for 60000 kwachas ( less than ten pounds) so a pretty good deal.
We watched 'Pulp Fiction' at our house on Saturday - I'd forgotten what a bizarre film it is.
Lynda (who reminds me of Yas - Yes she drinks expresso as well Yas!!) had her wallet lifted from her bag on Saturday. Luckily a Chief inspector from Lusaka was walking behind her and apprehended the villain. After she'd made sure he was a genuine policeman - she went with him to the police station where they gave the man a severe reprimand with a stick. Not a good experience she said.
I've also been to church the last couple of sundays which has been great listening to the choir - real gospel singers, but this week they were at another church.
Today I was at Nakatindi school doing revision with the 7th grade and this afternoon went to the farm to do Adult literacy class. We taught them how to read and write the story of the 3 little pigs. I usually teach Christina on the computer but the power transformer had died so we couldn't do that. Her brother in law had died this week too so she didn't stay. They have such a philosophical way about death here.
Anyway - enough for today. Long walk back to the house for a cuppa and tea gets delivered at 5.15. Bye for now. Love Sue
Then walked (via the scenic route) to Maramba market and bought some material for 10000 kwachas (about one pound tweny pence). I then took it to the sewing centre where they'll make me a skirt and bag plus a purse for 60000 kwachas ( less than ten pounds) so a pretty good deal.
We watched 'Pulp Fiction' at our house on Saturday - I'd forgotten what a bizarre film it is.
Lynda (who reminds me of Yas - Yes she drinks expresso as well Yas!!) had her wallet lifted from her bag on Saturday. Luckily a Chief inspector from Lusaka was walking behind her and apprehended the villain. After she'd made sure he was a genuine policeman - she went with him to the police station where they gave the man a severe reprimand with a stick. Not a good experience she said.
I've also been to church the last couple of sundays which has been great listening to the choir - real gospel singers, but this week they were at another church.
Today I was at Nakatindi school doing revision with the 7th grade and this afternoon went to the farm to do Adult literacy class. We taught them how to read and write the story of the 3 little pigs. I usually teach Christina on the computer but the power transformer had died so we couldn't do that. Her brother in law had died this week too so she didn't stay. They have such a philosophical way about death here.
Anyway - enough for today. Long walk back to the house for a cuppa and tea gets delivered at 5.15. Bye for now. Love Sue
Sunday, 27 April 2008
African Impact in Zambia
Thought I'd write a little about the work that African Impact do - they are the company that run the projects that I'm involved in.
Maramba Community - Home based care
Maramba Clnic is the hub of a number of projects that are in place to help the community. The medical volunteers help in the clinics taking blood pressure and temperatures, weighing babies etc.In addition we are helping to make bricks and then we use the bricks to build a wall around the clinic which will then give the patients privacy from the passers by.
Maramba Farm - Here we have helped them clear the land (with just hoes and a rake)ready for planting crops (7 acres) but a long way to go. We have also helped with the contruction of Mushrooms sheds - it's been good to see the progress on these as they have been finished in less than 7 weeks.
There is an Adult Literacy club everyday at the farm which is helping some of the mature members of the community to learn to read and write - I really enjoy this one
One of the volunteers dad's (Dr America) has run workshops here too and given people advice on HIV/AIDS. malaria TB etc.
The project volunteers also visit an old peoples home to deliver their medicines to them and just to chat. There's one old guy there who is blind but insists on wearing his glasses.
Milota school - Here we are helping with the building work to raise the roof in order to give it better ventilation for the children
Nakatindi school - Here we've been painting the classrooms during the school holdays
Maanu Mwbandi - This school is in the back of beyond and originally was 2 classrooms made of mud and that. African Impact have now built 3 classrooms and outdoor shelter and toilet block. The kids are a little wild and cheeky but it's good to see them progress.
There are so many other things here but they'll have to wait till I get home.
Love you all. Sue
Maramba Community - Home based care
Maramba Clnic is the hub of a number of projects that are in place to help the community. The medical volunteers help in the clinics taking blood pressure and temperatures, weighing babies etc.In addition we are helping to make bricks and then we use the bricks to build a wall around the clinic which will then give the patients privacy from the passers by.
Maramba Farm - Here we have helped them clear the land (with just hoes and a rake)ready for planting crops (7 acres) but a long way to go. We have also helped with the contruction of Mushrooms sheds - it's been good to see the progress on these as they have been finished in less than 7 weeks.
There is an Adult Literacy club everyday at the farm which is helping some of the mature members of the community to learn to read and write - I really enjoy this one
One of the volunteers dad's (Dr America) has run workshops here too and given people advice on HIV/AIDS. malaria TB etc.
The project volunteers also visit an old peoples home to deliver their medicines to them and just to chat. There's one old guy there who is blind but insists on wearing his glasses.
Milota school - Here we are helping with the building work to raise the roof in order to give it better ventilation for the children
Nakatindi school - Here we've been painting the classrooms during the school holdays
Maanu Mwbandi - This school is in the back of beyond and originally was 2 classrooms made of mud and that. African Impact have now built 3 classrooms and outdoor shelter and toilet block. The kids are a little wild and cheeky but it's good to see them progress.
There are so many other things here but they'll have to wait till I get home.
Love you all. Sue
Quick update
Well I can't believe that next week will be my last week here in Zambia
We had a couple of cold nights this week - I've had to use the blanket!! I'm now used to the train horn ata 5.30 in the mornings and the wailing of the call to prayer. The house cats (Lucky and Skip - mother and son) also appear at the window at 6 trying to get in. It's amazing how you adapt!!
Natalie and Laura left on Thursday - they are a great couple of girls and we went to happy hour at Rhapsody's (local cocktail bar) to say goodbye. No chance of getting drunk as it's takes half an hour for your drink to arrive.
Decided not to go on the 5 day trip as it was to Zimbabwe and I had so much trouble getting the dollars together to go that I took it as a sign!!. Will write about the work that African Impact are doing here
We had a couple of cold nights this week - I've had to use the blanket!! I'm now used to the train horn ata 5.30 in the mornings and the wailing of the call to prayer. The house cats (Lucky and Skip - mother and son) also appear at the window at 6 trying to get in. It's amazing how you adapt!!
Natalie and Laura left on Thursday - they are a great couple of girls and we went to happy hour at Rhapsody's (local cocktail bar) to say goodbye. No chance of getting drunk as it's takes half an hour for your drink to arrive.
Decided not to go on the 5 day trip as it was to Zimbabwe and I had so much trouble getting the dollars together to go that I took it as a sign!!. Will write about the work that African Impact are doing here
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