Thursday 25th
May
Today is a holiday – African Freedom Day. There was little evidence
of great celebrations, but offices and schools were shut. Mrs. Sianga
told us that since Thursday was a holiday, they would close at midday
on Wednesday!
I spent most of the day at home and let my visitors visit me. Bright
has built his house and just remains to complete the roofing. He
moved in just before the rains came. This was just as well because
the other house he built of mud bricks collapsed. Bright chatted for
a while, we caught up on family, friends, the hospital etc. and we
watched birds through my binoculars. Today a bird of prey perched on
an electicity pole near the house. We didn't see it in flight so were
uncertain of the species. I think it might have been a young
Bateleur.
Hannah eventually found our place after getting rather lost –
probably because of following my directions! She is Head Girl at
Monze Boarding School and is in grade 12 – the final year of
secondary school. She enjoys science subjects – chemistry, biology
and physics, but really wants to become a lawyer. Her mother thinks
she should be a doctor. I promised to pass on a John Grisham novel
when I finish with it. (John Grisham was a lawyer in the US before
becoming an author – many of his books are novels about lawyers.
These are his best books in my opinion) Hannah joined us for some
sandwiches. Despite my best intentions I have ended up with some
Cross and Blackwell mayonnaise. I returned to the shop yesterday but
the other jar of non C & B (Nestle) mayonnaise was also off.
Rather than insist on a refund I took the C & B jar.
The cucumber and tomato sandwiches (with mayonnaise) were good!
Best was going to see me, but said he would contact me tomorrow
instead because time was now short. Teddy had a meeting that left him
exhausted, so he also said he would make other arrangements.
Fr. Clement came around as agreed and took us to the parish farm. It
is a little way along the Livingstone Road, because of the railway is
between the farm and the road, it is easier to wind along some small
dirt tracks. The farm is split between the Sacred Heart (Cathedral)
parish and Our Lady of the Wayside. This year some maize and cowpeas
have been planted, but Our Lady's parish has concentrated on
sunflower seeds to feed the oil press which was installed last year.
We walked into the fields and I took some photos. There is also a
piggery under construction.
I enjoyed wandering in the fields for a while. We then called at Our
Lady of the Wayside church where the sunflower seeds are being stored
after harvesting. While there, the English choir was practising and
the sun sunk in the sky. I find this time particularly special – in
a real sense a holy time. The transition from day to night here comes
with a glorious golden glow and a stillness that makes me want to
stop in wonder. As I reflect it makes me think of the precious time
at the end of a person's life when our God is preparing to welcome
them home. Of course not all deaths are gentle or peaceful, but I
have been privileged to have been with a number of people during
their last days and it can be a profound experience.
We returned home and have just enjoyed a quick supper.
I am very fortunate to be able to spend part of my life in Zambia.
There are times when I have to pinch myself as I enjoy the glorious
sun, clear blue skies, amazing birds and lovely people. Maybe some of
you reading this blog might like to experience it for yourself one
day.
With my love and prayers,
Chris
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