Back at my second home

It is time that I posted my first blog from Monze in 2022.

I arrived after an uneventful flight. All my concerns were alleviated as I moved from Cheltenham to London, on to Amsterdam, Nairobi, Lusaka and 30 hours later reaching Monze. Covid regulations varied throughout the trip and the vast majority only wore face masks when obliged to do so.

Having taken all sensible precautions before reaching Monze, it would no longer be appropriate or necessary to wear masks etc. I have already shaken more hands since I arrived than in the previous 3 years!!

I am fortunate to have good accommodation in Monze. After a few challenges
I have a self contained small cottage with all I need including a large quiet garden and a pool table!! I now have a local SIM and access to the Internet.

It didn't take long for friends to call out or run over to greet me. The welcome I receive is so heart warming. Brian was one of the first to say hallo – a Rasta fist instead of a handshake, but accompanied by a big hug. I intended to keep in touch with Brian while in the UK but couldn't get through on the number I had. I have been chatting to Brian at his small stall over many years. At one time he would bring out his boxing gloves for a little gentle sparring. Brian is one of many intelligent guys who never had a chance to complete their education and thus their prospects are limited.

Being in the centre of town I venture out regularly and invariably meet old friends. On one occasion I didn't make 50 metres before being stopped by three people.

Ian stopped in his car – he was working at Monze Mission Hospital. I started some work on databases for the hospital in 2004. Working side by side over a number of years we got to know each other well – he told me he had a little shop just up the road.

Once again I failed to recognise Mrs. Chaambwa – something I have done consistently o
ver many years, it's amazing she still talks to me! I have always had difficulty recognising faces – my wife Dilys can confirm this as I didn't recognise her the day after I met her! Mr Chaambwa was the headmaster at Monze Basic School and I became involved in a small project at the school. Not that I was needed – Mr. Chaambwa was more than capable of managing the project. We continued the friendship long after the project finished and we used to go out for an occasional drink. Mr. Chaambwa died in 2018.

The third person was Elizabeth who I knew from PIZZ School. She told me that she passed her grade 12 exams but hadn't a job at this time. However she looked well, confident and happy. Children like Elizabeth would never have had a chance of education to grade 12. without PIZZ School. Government education does not cater for orphaned and vulnerable children. Although in theory education is free and has been, for the first years of education, for many years, the need for uniforms, shoes – even notebooks means the resources are not there and these children need extra support because of the daily difficulties their families face. I have known many of these children from PIZZ School since they were very young. The changes are dramatic – particularly in their liveliness and confidence – something you can't measure. Hundreds have been given a chance to realise at least some of their dreams.

I have met many more friends over the past few days and the smiles say it all. More of that next time!

I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to return to my second home.

With my love and prayers,

Chris