Paul, Grand and Delia
Saturday 14th
May – 14hrs
I
will try to quickly catch up on events. Power went again after about
an hour this afternoon but has now returned.
Yesterday I arose at about 8 am and met Mrs.
Sianga at the Finance Bank. My copy letter was too faint to scan and
send to Lusaka, so we needed to find an internet cafe which operated
without mains power! Fortunately in one of the back roads we found a
'Solar powered cafe'. To which Mrs. Sianga remarked – we can run
the computers using solar!! The money hasn't arrived but the bank is
at least chasing it. We will check on Monday. At least there are few
queues at Finance Bank and Mrs. Sianga has access to the manager so
you don't have to waste half a day per visit as can happen.
I picked up a few items and was pleased to get
money out of the ATM. Last year they didn't give me money during
power cuts!!
Time to settle in! There was plenty to do
catching up with e-mails. I made my self some guacamole sandwiches
for lunch. It is nice to have fresh produce – I haven't seen
avocados growing in Cheltenham!. I was surprised to pay 8 kwacha for
an avocado (about 60p) but it is worth it. I couldn't find a lime or
lemon and didn't risk the oil I found in the house, but it still
tasted good.
Diven had taken his wife to the clinic and he
popped around afterwards. He enjoyed guacamole sandwiches for the
first time.
Mrs Sianga called around to help me with a
report I needed to send for Global Giving with regard to the school
meals. I took the opportunity to lighten a case and gave her some
footballs and some knitted blankets.
Its amazing how time flies! I made myself some
scrambled eggs with rice, onions and tomatoes – a quick standby –
did some work on the internet and it was time for bed!!
No early morning calls or appointments this
morning. I have spent my time writing the blog and reading when my
laptop battery has gone flat. I have managed to book accommodation in
Lusaka for David and myself when he arrives at the beginning of June.
I am also charging my solar devices – the phone charger, security
light, two smaller lights – one with a radio and a separate radio.
I spent a little while sitting outside reading – it is particularly
good to have this option. The house is quite dull inside because of
all the surrounding trees, but in the garden it is bright and airy
and I feel my spirit rise. (Very appropriate with Pentecost Sunday
tomorrow.)
Obert rang earlier. Some years back I was
walking down the road from Our Lady of the Wayside and a teenager
came to me and said “I have a problem”. This is not as unusual
approach. I try not to ignore people, but listen to their stories. He
told me that his problem was that one of his legs had grown but the
other, being artificial, had not. He needed another leg or his
current one extending. It is difficult when you are constantly
approached by people with real needs. I couldn't help, but promised
to spread the word. Back in the UK, I mentioned the issue to a friend
and he gave me the money for a new leg. I only knew his name was
Obert and it took me a couple of years to find him! Obert got his new
leg and the other extended, he finished his education, took lessons
and obtained a driving licence. I know his family and he has become
another friend – he will probably join me for supper tonight.
I will continue – it is now 19.20
I can easily forget so much about my life in
Zambia. This afternoon helped me to remember!
This afternoon I had agreed to visit Diven and
see his wife Delia and young son Paul. Not unusually I couldn't reach
him on his phone – I think he needs a new one! I decided to set
off, calling into the market en-route. My main target was the lady
with the spices who refers to me as her other husband. I was passing
into the market when I was called to a shop. The lady seemed to know
me and I thought I knew her! I think I confused her with someone else
because she didn't respond when I talked about the church. Anyway she
told me she was struggling and couldn't afford school fees for her
children. I bought a few items I needed and told her that
unfortunately I cannot support everyone in Monze. Everyday I will be
asked several times to sponsor someone as well as getting many
demands for money for food. It is difficult, though necessary, to say
no.
I was disappointed that my “wife” was not
around. I have known her for years and bought tomatoes and onions
as well as spices from her. I wanted to get my tailor Ireen to make
Dilys a dress but I only picked up a single chitenge and needed
another matching piece. Having described the chitenge material she
helped me locate the stall in the market to get a second piece. She
is very useful if I am not sure where I can buy something- and we
always share a good bit of banter.
A local stall
When it appeared that the stallholder wasn't
going to appear another lady came and supplied me with spices, garlic
and ginger from my friend's stall.
I decided to take a short cut from the market –
not always a good move for me!! I was soon greeted by someone I
wanted to meet last year but failed to contact. I knew her and her
husband well, through the church. A few years back the husband beat
his daughter so badly that she died from the injuries. He was charged
and his wife and another daughter (who witnessed the incident)
attended court. He was convicted of manslaughter and was given a
prison sentence of several years. Despite everything the wife didn't
desert her husband and visited him in jail. (a couple of years ago I
visited him along with her at Mazabuka prison). Last year he was
given an early release. I met him on a few occasions both at the
church and near the house where I was staying. He is currently living
separate from his wife.
We stood and talked for a half hour or more. I
was mainly listening. She told me she has forgiven him a long time
ago and hopes one day they will be together again. It is a very
difficult situation with some people blaming her for his conviction.
I pray that one day all will be made good and that the spirit of love
prevails. I will continue to try to be a friend to both husband and
wife.
I was pleased to have taken what turned out to
be a very long short cut – the Lord works in mysterious ways.
Eventually I found my way to Diven's house
where I found Delia and Paul sitting on the ground. Delia looked much
healthier than I had expected and Paul looked like a bundle of fun.
Diven also introduced me to his father who was staying in Diven's
second room. Apparently in Zambia your father's brother is also your
father!! This is the case in this instance. I have always had some
difficulty with the relationships in Zambia. Brothers and sisters are
often what we call cousins and anyone from the same tribe is a
cousin!
Delia and Paul
I chatted to Diven and Delia and played with
Paul. Paul even took a picture with my camera – a budding
photographer, see what you think!! I was not only impressed with the
bond between Delia and Paul, but also Paul's relationship with his
grandfather – or great uncle!
Paul takes his first photo
Diven had some work done to prevent water from
the roof of the shop next door from flooding his shop and house. It
is an impressive bit of construction which he tells me works very
well. We discussed Diven's plans for securing his property before I
made my way. I was already being paged by Raymond who was waiting at
home for me.
The house with drainage system
A few yards along the road a guy shouted
greetings to me. I didn't recognise him even when he talked about
music and DVDs. It turned out to be Boniface. I met Boniface last
year, though I had heard of him before and he will have known me,
because he was a student at PIZZ School. Boniface didn't complete his
studies, but he is a talented musician and decided to earn his money
through music. Last year he made a video and wrote a song celebrating
PIZZ School. You can see and hear it on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4imMH7UYqaw
Boniface is keen to get his music recognised. I
am sure he has talent and would encourage anyone to listen to his
music and if you can do anything to promote him, please let me know.
We exchanged phone numbers and agreed to meet.
I arrived at Homecraft to be told that their
was a man and woman waiting for me. Raymond was with a lady. Obert
rang and found us, but Raymond wanted a few moments of privacy. I was
wondering about the young lady and was ashamed eventually to realise
that it was his fiancée, who he had said he would bring around after
I asked him to introduce her to me. It must be old age!!
Raymond doesn't miss anything and quickly homed
in on the various solar devices on show – telling me he would have
one of the lights. (Raymond has never been subtle). They chatted for
a while over some squash – I was aware of Obert outside and so
didn't boil the kettle (well at the moment it is still a pan!). Obert
eventually said he would return tomorrow – he isn't keen on cycling
long after dark. I promised him an undisturbed slot!
Raymond collected the battery charger and mouse
he and Charles had asked for and departed with his fiancée. He rang
later to ask me if I approved of his fiancée! Charles is the
director of the PEASSA project. He had a stroke some years back and
needs to use a wheelchair. Charles and I discuss everything from
politics (worldwide and local) to the running of his project and the
meaning of life! I look forward to these discussions. Charles is
currently away on a course despite having another stroke and being
quite ill during the past year.
Local Children
I received a call from Bright a few minutes
ago, word must have spread! Bright is a gentle man who works at
the hospital. Last year he was working as a cleaner at the mortuary,
he has also been acting as a security guard. He has a son Brian with
hearing difficulties. Brian has been at a special school where he has
developed very well passing all his exams. Last year Best took me to
his house which he has been building. He has a decent sized plot and
has ambitions to build himself a big house. A smaller building is
already in place for his family. Like many people here Bright does
most of the building work himself. He is very resourceful and
determined to provide well for his family despite his relatively
lowly paid position.
I agreed to be in touch with Bright and meet
him early next week.
It is good to have many friends here in Monze,
but it does lead to a busy life and since everyone has their
challenges, it is also be demanding. You can perhaps see why I need
to have my own house and be in the centre of town. However feel very
privileged to to be able to share my life with the people here and
wouldn't want it any other way.
With my love and prayers especially as we
celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost,
Chris
The Simungalu family
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