Outstations

 Many communities in Zambia live quite a long way from a church. Most people in these communities won't have a car and therefore rely on the priest to come to them to celebrate services. The priests often travel many miles on a Sunday to serve these “outstations”.

I have come to know many priests in Monze over the past twenty years and sometimes I get the opportunity to visit an outstation.

When building in Zambia an important component is often broken stones, used to make concrete. These are often produced by women using hammers. The photo below shows this process taken place at an outstation probably for a local project.

By making friends in Zambia I have had the chance to get a glimpse of the reality of life in this extremely poor part of the world. I have also enjoyed the fun and laughter that the people embrace. I cannot walk far before being greeted and being engaged in some lively banter.

My experience of the out station chapels is that, like this one, they are very simple and somehow this makes the services even more special.

 

 

 

 

 

The journey to these places sometimes also brings an unexpected delight.

 Transformation Through Education

 

 

Chris 

Elephants, the end of my treatment - Shirt 20

 

One of the first things I did when I received my Prostate Cancer diagnosis was to book a visit to Monze. I wasn't sure what effect the treatment would have and wanted to check out the situation particularly in relation to PIZZ School. While there, I came acrross this material displaying elephants.There is a lot that is wonderful about elephants. They are animals that look after each other. They are gentle giants and are my favourite animals.

It was therefore fitting to finish my radiotherapy wearing this shirt.

Patients are invited to mark the end of their treatment by ringing the bell. It was also an opportunity to thank the radiotherapy staff for looking after me and halting the progress of the cancer.

We have so much to be thankful for here in the UK. I have lost many friends in Zambia over the years – some might be still be with us if some of the facilities that we enjoy were available there.

Many children in Zambia die because of poverty. Undernourished children are probably the norm. These are not the children displayed in some of charity adverts who are close to starvation. They look healthy at first glance, but they are underweight and their diet lacks the nourishment needed. They are susceptible to disease and lack the resistence when disease strikes. For many getting to a hospital or clinic is difficult or impossible and they cannot afford to pay for medicine or treatment.

At PIZZ School the children receive a meal each day and if they become ill the project tries to ensure they they can receive treatment. This is only possible because of the funding provided by Transformation Through Education. Please consider sponsoring a child at PIZZ School or giving a donation.

My radiotherapy treatment finished at the end of August, since when my PSA results – initially 83.4 - have recorded two readings <0.1. I am very grateful for the treatment I have received. I am sure that if I had delayed, even for a short time, the outcome could have been very different.

I will continue to use my energy to help the children of Monze escape from the depths of poverty, but there is a long way to go.

With love and prayers,

Chris

Shirt 13 - Tea

 

As previously mentioned, I usually choose the material for my shirts myself. Some years it takes me a while to decide what to choose, but sometimes I see something which just has to become my next shirt! This shirt reflects my favourite pastime - drinking tea!!

 I have been addicted to tea for a long time. As a student I always had a pot of tea brewed. Friends knew they could always pop around for a cuppa. This tradition has travelled to Monze and again friends know they can call around for a chat and a cuppa - though most opt for coffee rather than tea.

 Over the years I have come to know many people in Monze and this has mainly by chatting over a drink and sometimes a meal. I am happy to share information about my life and listen to what they wish to share. It is a great privilege to get to know people who have a very different life to the one I have the luck to enjoy.

 Our charity Transformation Through Education wants to enable the children of PIZZ School to have the chance to enjoy some of the things we take for granted such as a cup of tea (or coffee) whenever they want one!

Cheers,

 

Chris

A New Lawyer

 As I wander around Monze I continue to meet friends. Some are people I met when I came on the first trip in 2003 when we worked on the ICU at Monze Mission Hospital. Others are people who I worked with or came to know during the few years when I was developing computer systems at the hospital.

Others I met through Our Lady of the Wayside which has become my parish in Monze. In 2005 I met Besst, a young man at the church who was a student at a local secondary school. Over the years we have kept in touch and yesterday he invited me to attend a ceremony at the Supreme Court of Zambia in Lusaka, where he was called to the Bar. It was a great pleasure to be present on this great day – the culmination of many years of hard work.

I realise that I am very privileged to be in a position where I can meet people with ambitions and observe their progress – often from children to adults with families of their own. It is a delight to watch them develop and progress. Of course not all reach the heights that Best has achieved, but just to see people happy and healthy is a joy.

Best is an example of what is possible with hard work, determination and dedication and hopefully he will inspire others to follow his example and excel in whatever they choose to do.

Best wishes,

Chris

The Sun is Shining

Yes! I am back in Monze, the place which I have adopted as my second home.

I arrived just over a week ago, but it feels like I have never been away. I have been greeted by many friends , but this year there is one huge exception. Jennipher is no longer here to welcome me. In the past I could step of the bus and she would appear with a big hug to tell me that I was back home. This year I am greeted with – “I am so sorry” - referring to Jennipher's tragic death. She is greatly missed by so many.

My surprise visit this year was prompted by the need to provide support for Mrs. Sianga who has endured a very stressful and extremely difficult year. We are trying to see how we can ensure the future of PIZZ School. The second major purpose is to try to locate and meet with Jennipher's children. I hope that they too can have a secure future.

It didn't take long for word to get around that I was back in Monze. I was contacted by Henna in Lusaka as well as many in Monze. Brian came over to the petrol station, where I was passing through, to say hallo, Obert beeped at me from his taxi as I wandered down the main road, Ireen greeted me with her customary hug, Teddy caught me after church, Angelina spotted me at the market, Diven expected me and popped along to Truckers, where I am lodging and many others have greeted me as I wander around Monze.

It is so good to feel welcomed. In Cheltenham I can often walk through town without a single person saying hallo. That never happens in Monze. Many people say “hallo Chris how are you?” often followed by “when did you come? - Long time!” A lady this morning just said “Hallo white man how are you?”

Yesterday, when I was on my way to church, a man told me off for not greeting him. I apologised and we chatted a little. My mind has been preoccupied of late, but that is no excuse. On the way back he asked me if I had prayed for him. We agreed that respect for each other was so important.

My main mission in Monze is to develop friendships with the local people, built on the basis of mutual respect. I have learnt so much over the past 20 years. The more I learn, the more I realise that I don't understand. I am with people who live a world apart from me and not just in distance. I should not expect my friends here to see the world as I see it. In the UKwe come from a world of paperwork, of documents going back hundreds of years. Zambia was no doubt introduced to the written word by their 'colonial masters' - until then their tradition was oral. I don't pretend to understand how a Zambian thinks, but I try to respect the cultural differences and accept that many practices will surprise and perhaps shock me. On the other hand I feel at home with people who are warm, friendly and great fun to be around.

It is the rainy season, however so far I have been fortunate. It rained heavily on my first night, though I slept through it, having been travelling for more than 24 hrs. We had a heavy storm lasting an hour or more and a heavy shower, but I have been safely at home. The past few days have been dry and sunny. Yesterday was hot – exceeding 30ºC.

My faith is an important part of my life. I find comfort in the knowledge that my God is always near by and I often receive reminders in nature. In the UK I regard magpies as my angels – messengers from God to remind me of His presence. Here they don't have magpies, but they have black and white butterflies which I have christened magpie butterflies. On my first visit to PIZZ School I was welcomed by such a butterfly.

On my first visit to Our Lady of the Wayside church I was greeted by a flock of swifts. These are amazing birds. Our European swifts fly to Africa for for the winter (our winter) and return in the spring. Even more remarkable is that they might do 3 or more round trips after leaving the nest without alighting from their flight. Yesterday when I went to church I was met by a dozen or more brown dragonflies – I don't ever remember seeing them in such numbers. The dragonfly is another incredible one of God's creations. It spends 4 or 5 years crawling around in the mud at the bottom of ponds as a grey non de script creature and then one day climbs a reed and undergoes an amazing transformation into a flying beauty. The story of this transformation is sometimes used to explain to children the concepts of death and heaven. I watched this transformation many years ago over several hours and it is one of the most remarkable things that I have witnessed.

 

With love and prayers,

Chris

First Days back in Monze

After 3 very strange years away, I am quickly acclimatising to life back here in Monze. Of course friends such as Jennipher and Diven have been to see me at my new house.

I have a decent sitting area in my house, but I like to sit outside in the garden. It attracts a lot of birds. The sparrows and pied crows play on the lawn, but in the trees are beautiful Starlings whose feathers shine a beautiful iridescent greeny blue – a truly beautiful tropical bird.

I went to Our Lady of the Wayside church on Sunday and was warmly greeted by fellow members of St. Veronica's Small Christian Community who wanted a picture taken. Inevitably some friends are no longer with us. Queen who was one of the first Community members that I met has sadly passed on. Her son Brian escorted me to her house so that I could meet with the group many years ago. The Community meet most Sunday's in the afternoon, in each other's houses – or more accurately outside each other's houses. I would never be able to find the next meeting point without a guide. Usually someone will meet me, if not someone will be able to help me on my way! Kennedy's wife also died and tested positive for COVID. I was told a lot of the elderly had died.

The day I arrived in Monze the traffic lights were off. On enquiry I was told that the electricity bill hadn't been paid! The lights have worked since – when they are out, it is now because the power is down! We have had several power cuts since I arrived. It took me a while one evening to realise that I needn't sit in the dark. I have 5 solar security lights with me!!

Ireen found me very early on. She has been my tailor since 2004 and makes me several shirts each year. She now has a business selling mattresses two of her children are now helping at the shop – I remember when she was struggling to pay their school fees.

I enjoy walking to the market to buy vegetables and spices. The lady who has sold me spices over many years was not around – another lady seems to have taken over her stall. A lady from the church sells me nsala a root vegetable which I coat with pounded groundnuts after boiling and then fry. This appears to be a unique way to prepare the vegetable, but it makes them very tasty!

As I was buying vegetables in the market a lad came up to me with a huge smile and greeted me. He reminded me who he was. When he and his brother were young they lost their parents and were on their own. Mrs. Sianga found them and took them into her school. She also introduced them to a benefactor who provided a small house for them to live in. With a watchful eye kept on them the young children thrived. He was looking very well and is now working in a shop near to the market.

Angelina popped around earlier today. I know her well from the church. Her son Nelson is in Lusaka training to become a nurse and wants to come to Monze this weekend to say hallo. Mike said hallo a couple of days ago. He was working at Nampeyo Guest House in 2003 where we stayed on our first visit. He has struggled in recent years, but seemed to be in good health and spirits when we met.

I continue to meet with friends and there are many more that I will see in the coming days. All have stories to tell, many have challenges to overcome. Occasionally I can make a difference and help them have a better life. Obert came around a few days back, in his taxi. When I first met him Obert said he had a problem. He walked with a limp because one leg had grown, but the other, being artificial, had not! A friend in the UK offered to pay for a new leg and a couple of years later, when I located Obert – in fact he found me – things got sorted. Since then I have come to know him well, along with his parents. He obtained his driving licence and is now a taxi driver. He has a wife and child and has built himself a small house. He came around to show me he latest car.

My purpose in coming to Monze is to catch up on friends. It is by sitting and chatting that I learn a little more about this very different country. The change in President seems to have brought about positive changes. As with all things, change takes time and sometimes the interim can be challenging. For instance eduction including Secondary is now meant to be free. However, this isn't the case. I am told that it has reduced in cost, but is not free and therefore is still beyond the reach of many. Some extra teachers have been appointed to try to accommodate extra children at school, but they are not enough and there are not the new schools to accommodate the children. However, things seem to be moving in the right direction.

I'll pop into town now and then no doubt return for lunch and spend some time reflecting in the garden.

Take care,

Chris

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

An Imminent Return

Preparing to Return

I am busy sorting myself out for the next trip to Monze. I managed to get COVID and Flu boosters today, I have had a Typhoid booster which brings all my jabs up to date – though I wasn't pleased that I was told by my surgery that I had to go private for this jab, despite being within the prescribed time frame. I managed to squeeze in another blood donation – I might still get to 100!!

I keep remembering bits and pieces I need to find or buy. I have a “new” laptop which I need to set up for my use in Zambia. There is no chance however that it will make the return journey. I am receiving lists from my friends – many requests will not be met!! My mosquito net received a wash today – it should be retreated tomorrow.

I have some solar lights to take out – though somehow I have mislaid a couple! Some years back I visited a rural health centre. I remember seeing a patient leaving in an ox-cart – ambulances are still very much a luxury in Zambia. The midwives were complaining that women would come to the clinic during the night, about to give birth, and they would forget to bring with them a candle! The thought of delivering by the light of a candle is not something to contemplate – let alone delivering without one!! I decided that there must be a way of improving the situation. So next year I brought a solar security light with me which could be switched to stay on constantly. I wasn't sure how effective it would be, but I thought it was worth a go! After some months, I asked my friend Jennipher whether it was OK and how long it would stay lit. She told me it lit the room all night. Apparently a women was so pleased she decided to name a child after me. So some poor Zambian child now bears the name Barrell!!

I have been glancing at the weather in Zambia and for some weeks - it appears to be sunny and upper 20s or low 30s. I can remember not seeing any cloud for 4 weeks or so on past visits! After such a period, even a small cloud is a delight!

As usual I approach the trip with joy, but also some trepidation. I know that I will find that some friends are no longer around and that I will experience some harrowing scenes. Many of my friends face great challenges – some health related, but most have economic problems. Many find it increasingly difficult to support their families. Providing education is a huge challenge and, although in theory a lot is free, I know from my friends that without external support the children would not be educated.

Many of my friends have tried to develop businesses, but for various reasons these often struggle and some fail. I will be faced with many challenges – particularly on this visit. There is a lot to catch up on since my last visit in 2019.

I will keep you up to date with my adventures.

Take care,

Chris

 

Meeting Old Friends

Sunday 17^th November

It is already Sunday evening. This is my second visit when I have come independently. In theory this allows me to be very free and take time out. I have hardly stopped since I arrived.

In time I will say more about my friends, but if I give potted life stories as I go along I will have written a book.

Soon after I arrived on Thursday Fr. Wilson (Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Wayside) called around with a torch. He was followed quickly – in fact Jennipher arrived before he left - Jennipher is a friend I met in 2004.

On Friday I wanted to meet up with Mrs. Sianga - the founder and Director of PIZZ School and Diven. I could contact neither by phone.

I first needed to buy some essentials – particularly tea bags, cornflakes and milk!! I find it hard to function without tea – a few hours without caffeine and I can hardly function!! It is surprising, though I hardly eat cornflakes in the UK I find them very comforting here. All these items are more expensive here than in the UK.

I returned home and at 11hrs I experienced electric power for the first time since reaching Monze and had my first cup of tea since my flight from Nairobi the previous morning!

I decided to have a cooked meal while I had the chance and made enough for Jennipher who arrived at the appropriate time. She has been staying with a client who is very ill and in Monze Hospital. She was staying at Jennipher's house when I visited last year. There are essential medicines and other items which the hospital do not provide at present.

I headed to see Diven, but on my way Mr. Sianga spotted me and pulled his car off the road. I hadn't been able to contact his wife before leaving home – it was therefore quite a surprise to see me in Monze. He gave me a big hug – which is not uncommon when I meet old friends – male or female. I told him that I was on my way to see Mrs Sianga and should be there by 15hrs – it being about 13.30. At this time I was still with Jennipher who wanted me to meet her patient again. I was pleased to see the woman. While there Ireen (my tailor) appeared – and yes another big hug! Though a reasonable sized town there is a close community feel to Monze and I am always coming across friends.

Jennipher took me next to the ART department where they deal with the Antiretroviral drugs programme for HIV/AIDS. In the meeting room a girl said she knew me form PIZZ School and in the office I met Collins - another hug. I stayed at his mother's house on one visit while he was still at home. She was a nurse at Monze Mission Hospital and tried to establish a pro-life organisation in Zambia.

Oh! on the way to ART I heard a distant, but loud, call from Sebia. We first met many years ago when I was looking for a bus to Pemba where Jennipher lives. Sebia has worked for a number of years at the hospital tuckshop. Yes another big hug!!

I could hardly leave without seeing Teddy. Teddy has been a good friend since 2004 when we worked closely together with a great mutual friend – the late Bentoe who tragically was killed in a road accident in 2006. Teddy joined us at the tuckshop – another big hug!

Time was pressing! I hurried on – only stopping for a quick hug with Brian – a Rasta guy who has a very basic stall along the road from the robots. (Traffic Lights)

Diven was bathing so I quickly said hallo to his uncle and Delia his wife – and yes!!

When I arrived at PIZZ School I realised Mrs Sianga wouldn't be there and I had unnecessarily added at least 20 minutes to my journey. On the way from the school I met Killian who has been helping Mrs Sianga with the administration in recent years.

When Mr Sianga told his wife that I was in town she didn't believe him! She seemed rather pleased to see that in deed I was not just an apparition but had arrived in flesh and blood.

I blame Mrs. Sianga for making me fall in love with Monze and in particular it's people. In 2003 I came in theory to build an ICU at Monze Mission Hospital. I realised before I came that this couldn't be the real reason. Our hosts were asked to show us a bit more of the life and culture of the country. Mrs. Sianga was a full time nurse at the time and her job was to visit patients with AIDS in their homes. In 2003 ARVs (Antiretroviral Drugs) were not available so, other than given some paracetamol tablets for the pain and some comforting words, there was little that could be done. Invariably the patients died. I had the tremendous privilege of accompanying Mrs. Sianga one afternoon. I was welcomed into the very basic houses of women in the final days of their lives. It was a humbling experience and one that I have repeated many times in the following years – though thankfully ARVs are now readily available. Mrs. Sianga got to know the families and wanted to help the children who had been left behind. So PIZZ School was born and with support from Hands Around the World has flourished.

Chris

Visiting Friends

Monday 21^st May

Over the past couple of years I have been in Zambia at this time. It is now winter in Monze - temperatures can drop below 10°C at night which is cold if you have no mattress or blanket! In the UK, I have a friend who is terminally ill, so I will stay for now to provide a little support. My most important duty – as everywhere – is to be available for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. Even better if we can find a pub with a garden when the sun is out!

My role with respect of Hands Around the World has changed in recent months. I decided to give up my formal duties as Trustee and Project Co-ordinator and to concentrate on being a friend to the people of Zambia. When I first went to Zambia I was told that it would cause problems if I said I was working – even doing voluntary work – I was told that I was going to meet friends. I felt a little uncomfortable and decided that I should therefore make a point of making friends in Zambia. Since that time I have made lots of friends. I then obtained a work permit (though now my main purpose was to meet friends!). Immigration officials queried why I had a work permit if I was retired! So now I will continue to go to Monze, but without an official role. My purpose will be to drink tea and coffee with friends – a very much underrated ministry!

Sometimes as I enter Zambia I hope they will challenge me to reveal the friends I claim to be visiting. I will then tell them about Captain who was in charge of making the blocks for building the ICU at Monze Mission Hospital in 2003; Lashford who was the builder in charge of the project; Obie one of my workmates; Suki and Michael who worked at Nampeyo Guest House or I could tell of my friendship with Mrs Sianga who has become an inspiration to me over the years. Most of these people I still meet when I visit Monze – and these are just some of those I met on my first visit in 2003. 15 years later, having spent well over 3 years in Monze I have met a large number of people who I now consider to be friends. I therefore have no problem in spending all my time visiting friends in Zambia.

Those who have followed some of my blogs will be aware that I am involved in a wide range of small projects beside those where I had an official Hands Around the World role. I have no intention of abandoning the HATW projects, but hope that with less pressure I will feel free to spend more time with other projects – and perhaps be able to relax a little more.

The children from PIZZ School will always be very important to me. Many I have known since they first came to the school as young traumatised children. I have seen them grow in confidence. At the school Mrs. Sianga and her staff have provided a very special caring and loving environment geared to each child as an individual precious life. To see how this nourishment has lit that beautiful spark, which is in all of us, bringing out the talents, joy, mischief and fun from within, is such a privilege and a truly life-giving experience.

The school is moving into a new phase. The earliest students have now left school. Some are making their way in the world – Boniface is earning his living as a singer and musician, others have jobs in shops and on building sites, one is a pastor. Mawini and Maxwell are at university. Some no doubt are struggling – unemployment in Monze is very high. About 80 children now attend local secondary schools and we hope to have a couple of students going into nursing this year.

It is my dream to enable all children from PIZZ School to fulfil their potential. My focus now is to raise funds to help ensure that all PIZZ Students who pass their grade 9 exams can continue their education in local secondary schools. School fees for each child are about £900 for the three years. I would also lhope that funds are found for further study or training for all who gain their Grade 10 Certificate. Then there are all those who are not academically gifted but still have a lot to give. We should be providing help for all. This is a challenge – but the difference we can make to the life of any child makes it so much worthwhile. I am so fortunate to be able to see the impact our support has had.

On Saturday here in the UK the sun shone non-stop. Most people were busy following the Royal Wedding, but my daughter was running 51.3 miles from Taunton to Minehead. My regular followers will remember that Helen attempted her first Ultra-marathon last year. She was ill for most of it and after 46 miles collapsed and was taken to hospital where she spent two nights. It was therefore very brave to attempt another 50 Miler! This time she kept going and finished the course. I am encouraging people to celebrate her courage by helping to fund at least one student to complete their secondary education. If you would like to contribute you can donate using this link: Helen's 50 Miler .

In April - on a day which was very hot – with temperatures up to 27°C – a bit like those regularly experienced to the children in Monze when walking to school - the children in Class 3 (yrs 3 & 4) at Temple Guiting School in Gloucestershire walked more than 10 Km – yes all of them!! They then had a meal of rice and peas instead of their usual dinner. They had been learning about life in Africa and wanted to do something meaningful and raise money to send a child from PIZZ School to secondary school. Their target was £800. In fact they raised £1,827.18 (with Gift Aid the total will be £2,169.48) - a really wonderful effort. As a result of this walk Rosario and Kyfod (former PIZZ School students) will be able to complete their education at a local Monze secondary school.

There is a lot of news about my friends in Monze which I will bring over the next week or so, but for now it's cheerio. With love and prayers,

Chris

Down at the Farm

Thursday 25^th 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

Meeting Friends

Wednesday 24^th May

The garden is great for birds! A couple of Black Herons took up residence in a tree yesterday morning, a Cattle Egret perched on top of another today. Flocks of birds – canaries and other species pass by, alighting on bushes as they go, and Black Breasted Snake Eagles are seen regularly in the sky above.

Yesterday afternoon while I sorted a few things out with Mrs. Sianga, Ben went out with Killian to see some of the families with children at PIZZ School.

If you stay on the main roads you can be forgiven for thinking that everyone in Monze has a proper brick built house with a corrigated iron roof, most with electricity and many with a satellite dish. In the compounds, where the children attending PIZZ school reside, the situation is very different. Most houses are built of mud bricks and use a variety of materials to act as a roof – often with concrete blocks holding down plastic sheeting. There is no electricity and water needs to be fetched. The poverty is clear to see.

It was something of an eye-opener for Ben who remarked that unless you see for yourself it is almost impossible to imagine the conditions of aily life for these people.

It was in 2003 when I first visited such areas. I have recalled this many times but it s worth repeating. Mrs. Sianga took me around one afternoon to meet some of her patients. At the time she was a nurse working in the community with people who had AIDS. No anti-retroviral drugs were available, just a couple of paracetemol tablets and some kind words. All of her patients died! I was privileged to be welcomed into this very precious world, where the people I met were weeks or some just days from death. I remember one lady was being cared for by her daughter – no more than 11 or 12 years old, probably younger. The daughter had gone out to beg for a little sugar to make the maize porridge a little bit tastier. That afternoon change my life!

When Ben returned we went to the new school to plan the installation of the solar lighting.

I have borrowed a dongle from Mrs. Sianga to connect to the Internet. When I put my flash drive into the computer at the school it was immediately infected with viruses. I have loaded the dongle with 3Gb of data capacity and will download anti-virus and try to establish a process to keep the computers virus free.

Here at the Curia we have been given access to the Internet through the office system.

Today I have been busy on my computer and made a few additional notes about what I need to do in the coming weeks. Jennipher came along after lunch and I escorted her back into town. We both met friends on the way. Ireen was around and gave me a friendly hug. I will get some material and she will make me some more shirts. Best was playing pool down the road and I took over and hit a few balls. We will meet up during the next day or two. At last I found some Frisco coffee – as advised Mandies Supermarket stocks it!

Back home Fr. Clement made a breif visit to see how we are settling in. He has spent a couple of days with his family who live just outside Siavonga – a town on Lake Kariba. We made tentative arrangments for a vist to the church farm and a session of pool!

I apologise for the lack of photos, but have no fear - they will soon follow.

With love and prayers,

Chris

Arrived Safely

Tuesday 22nd September

Once again I am back in Monze. This year I am staying on the East of the town behind the police station. The accommodation is bigger and more luxurious than I need! This is the first time I have arrived to find hangers for my clothes – though I can't open the wardrobe and there aren't any cupboards. Still I have a large lounge and kitchen, and two bedrooms. Apparently the previous occupants left earlier than expected so the place would otherwise be paid for and left unoccupied until the end of October. Anyway it suits me fine. It is semi-detached so I better keep the noise down or I'll disturb the neighbours! They are a couple of VSO volunteers who must have arrived in Monze just after I left last year. The main thing is that I am within easy walking distance of the town centre, so I can get out and about and others will have no difficulty in finding me.

When preparing for this trip, I managed to have my bags more or less packed a couple of days in advance but wasn't sure how many bags to take. I checked in online and printed my boarding card – I do enjoy being able to look at the plan of the plane and choose my seat. When I was asked how many bags I wanted to check in I ticked one and immediately wondered if I had made a mistake (I was entitled to two 23kg bags but don't think I believed it until the last moment).

At the last moment my daughter Barby had doubts about the wisdom of taking me to the airport because she thought she might infect me with whatever disease she was suffering from. So yesterday I arrived at the bus stop to catch the 12.30 to Heathrow with my slightly less than 23kg bag, heavy hand luggage and laptop. Looking at the timetable I saw that the bus went to terminal 5. So I met the friendly bus driver and asked for confirmation that he was going to terminal 5 – he kindly responded “if you wanted to go to terminal 5 why didn't you book it to there!” he then picked up my case and told me it was lots over 20kg which was his limit and he could hurt his back – then what would happen! So feeling full of joy I set of on my expedition.

I arrived at terminal 5 four hours before the plane was due to depart and an hour before I could leave my bag. (I could have used that hour walking from Heathrow Central bus station.)

The bag drop went smoothly without any questions about why I had no visa. But I had all my suntan lotion, shampoo etc. confiscated at security! (I knew that I should have checked that bag in too!) Still not to worry - a quick trip to Boots on the other side of security and I was re-equipped.

The plane left the gate just a little after the due time. I can't help compare the experience of Heathrow and Lusaka airports! We made our way towards the runway and joined a queue of at least six planes waiting to take off. As the Japanese Airlines plane in front of us left the ground, we immediately chased it down the runway and took off into the evening sunset, then turned left to go south and followed this direction until we arrived in Lusaka.

I never find sleeping easy on planes, but despite have two seats to myself, I didn't get anything but a few doses until we were woken just before 4 am BST for breakfast.

We landed on time in Lusaka as the sun was rising. The temperature we were told was 19 C – it was 6 am local time. We walked down the steps onto the concrete apron. (In Lusaka the planes 'park' in an area in front of the airport buildings making sure to turn so that they can make an easy exit back to the runway without any need to reverse.) The passengers wandered in the general direction of the airport buildings – the person in front seemed to know where to go! - and we found our way to arrivals and immigration control. I was immediately picked out by someone, who appeared to be in a nun's habit, who sent me from the 'with permits' to 'Zambian nationals' queue. So for the second year running I was welcomed as a Zambian and no question of needing a visa! I knew that all would be well!
I had told the hospital not to bother to come early, so when there was no one to meet me, I was not perturbed. I settled myself in the airport cafe and watched the occasional plane land or take off. For the first time in days I felt really relaxed. I watched the British Airways plane that I arrived on take off at 9 am – as it made it's short journey from its parking spot, a car preceded it down the whole length of the runway, perhaps driver was just interested to see what speed he could reach on a good staight road! Fortunately the plane didn't manage to catch it – quite!

I decided to check on my lift, but before I could use the new Sim card in my mobile, I was spotted by friends from Monze, who said that they arrived about twenty minutes earlier but didn't check the cafe upstairs. Lwindi (the driver) took us on a wonderful trip to Lochinvar National Park last year and Bimbi, a secretary from the hospital who has recently been involved at Buntolo where the hospital has various HIV/AIDS projects, was getting a lift back to college in Lusaka.

Needless to say there were a few jobs for the hospital staff to do before returning to Monze so I chose to meet up with Diven, a friend I met in 2003 when he was a patient at the hospital. He was to meet me at 11 hours and I was to be picked up at 12 hours for the return trip to Monze. Diven arrived at 11.30 and I was picked up at 14 hrs - so all was well! I was pleasantly surprised to arrive at Monze Hospital before 5pm (17 hrs).

On the journey back I saw familiar scenes. In Zambia pied crows replace our carrion crows, even around Lusaka birds of prey circle and on the power cables the occasional roller sits in all its glory. The Jacaranda trees are a picture at this time of year with their deep blue flowers and Lusaka has a godd display.

The road to Monze has largely been resurfaced since last year (200 kms of it!) so the journey back was much swifter and less hazardous than last year. The bits that haven't been resurfaced still bear the faded white lines – I suppose the new surface will also get lines one day. The standard speed limit on the single carriageway roads in Zambia is 120km per hour or 75 mph slightly higher than on UK motorways! The roads even when resurfaced are not quite as good and there are always issues of animals on the road and vehicles that have the odd defect ( it is usual for vehicles to have many cracks across the windscreen. I noticed one car today where the whole windscreen was shattered – though somehow the glass held in place – it didn't seem to significantly slow him down.)

As I got out of the car at the hospital I heard a familiar voice and Jennipher came and threw her arms around me. After a while, and a few more hugs, I was shown to my new lodgings.

A few cups of tea, a short power cut and I feel at home. For probably the first time in Monze I have unpacked my cases and am ready for a bath and bed (I'll let you know next time whether hot water comes out of the taps!)

Good night and God bless you

Chris