The Journey

13^th May

I am settling into my new house here in Monze after a reasonable trip from the UK.

The flight left Heathrow more or less on time. Setting off at 6.30 pm inevitably leads to a confusing few hours. It was probably after 10 pm when supper was finished and thoughts of settling for the night were uppermost.

                         Leaving London

I decided to watch North by Northwest over supper and remembered just how good Hitchcock was!

At about 11 pm I closed my eyes in a vain attempt to get some sleep. At 4am (Kenya time) the lights went on and breakfast was served! An hour later at 3am BST we landed at Nairobi. I had forgotten that we needed to go through security once more – this time shoes off as well as having to take the two notebooks out of my backpack and the laptop out of its bag. One of the staff decided to investigate this backpack which I had left half open in my sleepy stupor. She was particularly interested in the multiple packs of soap. (Jennipher has taken a particular fancy to Wright's Coal Tar soap, so if I have any weight allowance remaining it is filled with soap) Eventually they decided they weren't lethal weapons and gave me back my luggage – complete with soap!

At 7am (or 5am as I like to think of it) boarding commenced for the plane to Lusaka. The gate seemed to lead outside – though I did wonder if I had taken a wrong turn, since it seemed that there was a direct route from the gate to another plane!– a bus stood nearby, but no one giving directions. I jumped aboard and hoped that, after a 5 minute drive, the plane we found was going in the right direction. It was a relatively small plane – less than 100 seats and luggage lockers were rather full. Anyway all was well and we had a peaceful flight to Lusaka – well it was peaceful for me, because I slept most of the way. 

                                                                                                Clouds in th UK!!

I usually enjoy the flight but after spending a night awake it is hard to take in the views.

As we approached Lusaka we were informed that we would have to circle for a while. It turned out that the president was using the airport and so it was closed! We landed about 20 minutes later.

I am used to a long queue at immigration. Last year it took me 3 - 4 hours to pass through. On Wednesday I was through in 5 minutes! I picked up a trolley and my bags appeared immediately on the carousel. Before 10 am I had picked up some cash and was being directed to my taxi.

I have learnt in recent years that you cannot haggle with the fares at the airport – there is a fixed charge into town – this year 250 Kwacha (a little under £20). I was almost at the bus station when I realised that it would be easier to pick up the battery for the mobile phone charger while I had transport. So I asked the driver to divert. Fortunately I had located the shop and had a map from the internet and I was told it wouldn't take long.

I picked up a battery from this shop last year but didn't recognise the road – in fact I was sure it wasn't right. After driving up and down and eventually activating my phone I called the shop only to find is was on the other side of Lusaka! In the end all was well and we were back at the Intercity bus station at about 11 hrs.

My driver suggested that rather than try to get through the traffic inside the bus station, it would be better for me to get the ticket and he would park outside in the taxi rank. I first tried Mazandu buses and was told that I would have to wait until 19 hrs. Many people tried to persuade me to catch their bus – going now now!! I suspected that now now might be after 19 hrs anyway. So I fought my way to the Shalom kiosk and was told there were still seats on the 14hrs bus.

 

                Circling near Lusaka

The whole process of getting a bus at Intercity is quite fraught. You have crowds of people jostling about you, people wanting to take you to their bus, while claiming it is one of the major players i.e. Shalom or Mazandu. Other people try to take your cases – helpfully?

Apparently I was at the wrong window to get my ticket for Shalom. By the time I was at the front of the queue about 15 minutes later - someone had returned a ticket for the 11.30 am bus, so it appeared I was in luck. The only issue was now getting my luggage to the bus with only 10 minutes to spare.

5 minutes later I was feeling a bit foolish! I had a ticket for a bus about to leave, but my luggage was in a taxi, the driver of which I couldn't contact and who was no where to be seen!! I wondered what would become of the babies hats and bottles of clove oil not to mention the footballs and solar powered devices!

Another driver seeing my plight suggested we ask the people at reception to make an announcement over the Tannoy. Just after making this arrangement, I spotted my driver and with much relief ran to my bus – it now being 11.30. My elation was somewhat short lived when I was told there was no room for my luggage and that I was late and would have to wait for another bus!!

Expecting that after queuing again, I would be relegated to the 19 hrs I was relieved that when I eventually found my replacement ticket, I had been placed on the 13 hrs bus.

Perhaps not surprisingly I was now wide awake!!

At least Shalom buses run to time. We set off at 13 hrs. 15 minutes later we had reached the exit of the bus station! I will leave the scenes in the station to your imagination. A pastor came on board to give us a sermon for the next 10 minutes and we started moving again. He continued preaching for a further 10 minutes while we made our way towards the outskirts of Lusaka before taking up a collection and obtaining prayer requests from those leaving their mobile numbers!

A girl called Carol was sitting beside me. She was visiting an uncle in Livingstone. It made a change to have a bit of conversation on the journey.

The roads are again deteriorating and the combination of potholes and wicked road humps made the 2 ½ hour journey take 4 hours. At Kafue an immigration officer asked for my passport – only the second time in all my visits. Perhaps I need to carry my passport more often this year.

Raymond was waiting at Golden Pillow – the stop for big buses in Monze during daylight hours. (It is some years since I have arrived in Monze before sunset!)                Lusaka

Raymond had the taxi organised and Fr. Clement arrived with keys to let me into my house. I have built a good relationship with the Catholic Church in Monze over many years. In particular I have formed a link between Our Lady of the Wayside in Monze and our church of St. Gregory in Cheltenham. Our Lady of the Wayside was made into a parish in 2013 and Fr. Clement is the first parish priest. I have found that many of the priests enjoy a game of pool and there is fierce rivalry on the table between us! Fr. Clement has taken to the pool scene since he met me and now also plays a mean game.

I ate a meal with Raymond at Tooters and enjoyed a Mosi. (I wasn't quite sure by this time whether it was breakfast, lunch or supper!)

It was time to turn in and try to give my body some well needed sleep.

Chris

                                                   Kenneth Kaunda Airport, Lusaka

Waiting for Take-off

10^th May

Yes the adventure has begun!

I am seated in the departure lounge at Heathrow Airport after a uneventful trip from Cheltenham. My laptop did fall off the luggage rack on the coach. The driver announced 5 mins from Heathrow that we were due to arrive in an hour and five minutes then immediately tried to crash into the back of a lorry – hard braking just avoided a collision. The only other incident was dropping my Mars bar at security!!

I decided to take a coach to Heathrow bus station instead of booking to terminal 4. (Dilys has a broken toe so isn't up to driving.) This proved to be a good move. I re-sorted my bags at the bus station where I picked up a trolley – moving pavements made the journey to the train easy and a free shuttle took me to terminal 4 without hassle, and probably a lot quicker than if I waited for another coach to transfer me.

John donated a couple of notebooks and lent me a larger case, which I had no problem filling. I am just about on the limit of 2x23kg cases and backpack and laptop weighing close to the 12kg limit! It's not that I have a lot of clothes for my trip – in fact most of the clothes are donations for friends. I have a few footballs, a solar mobile phone charger, a few solar lights, what seems to be a hundred small knitted hats for the children, knitted blankets, a good quantity of clove oil and of course a few bars of Jennipher's favourite soap! I also have plenty of books to read and leave with avid Zambian readers.

After all the rushing around over the past few days it is good to wind down a little. After all there is nothing I can do now. If I have forgotten something it is too late.

Raymond rang yesterday to tell me to call him when I am in Lusaka and he will meet me in Monze with the key to my house. I doubt if I will have time to tell you Raymond's story here before boarding my flight, but I might try a very short précis. Raymond also mentioned that another of his clients has just died – he will be the third in the past couple of weeks.

I met Raymond at the end of my stay in 2003, but it was in 2004 that we came to know each other better. Raymond attends the Catholic Church and is involved with an organisation – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – which supports those who are poor worldwide. He is also involved in another organisation PEASSA which is not connected to the church. With Charles he has been trying to support some elderly and disabled people in Monze. PEASSA has always struggled and at the moment all the projects, which were designed to generate income have folded or are dormant.

Raymond over the past few years has run around Monze trying to find me accommodation for which I am grateful.

I will let you know how I find Monze – and my accommodation!! With my next blog posting.

Best wishes,

Chris

Best

8^th May 2016

 Best with his car

Doesn't time fly!

48 hours and I will be in the air heading once again for Africa.

Today Jennipher sent a text wishing Dilys a happy Mother's Day.

Best rang yesterday because he needs to pay for his final Semester which should result in a licence to practice as a solicitor. (Best was a secondary school student when I first met him – at least ten years ago. Our church – St. Gregory's, Cheltenham – has for many years been collecting money in old film cans and sending the proceeds to pay the secondary school fees of children in the parish. Best was one of the beneficiaries of this money. I met Best at the church and he kept in touch. On finishing his secondary education he wanted to follow a career in law. A few of our parishioners paid for him to start studying for a Certificate in Law in Namibia where it was a bit cheaper. He returned to Zambia and was determined to pursue a degree course – reduced in length thanks to his certificate. He started, having saved money from work he had done, supplemented by some donor funds! After a while he asked if we could help him buy a car, 

Best in gown inside his house

which he would use as a taxi to fund the rest of his studies. Best is a very determined individual and will not be put off!! He also works hard to cover as much of his costs as possible. Needless to say he got his car! This helped him to complete his degree course – though of course the full story is much more complicated!!

For the past couple of years Best has been providing some legal services – through his own small company which he established. However for a variety of reasons he has had difficulty in making it a highly profitable business. He has built a small house and supports his aunt and cousins as well as he can, but believes that he needs to take further exams and gain his licence, in order to make a good living. This final step he embarked on at the beginning of this year.

It has been a privilege getting to know Best over the years. He brought Dilys and Amy to meet his family in 2011 and they put on a feast for us. Last year he showed me his family land where he is building. In July (unfortunately just after I leave – unless a volcanic eruption or the like delays me) Best is getting married. I will no doubt meet his future wife on this visit.

                                                               The house Best built

Apologies for this brief report, but its late and I have plenty to do before setting off on Tuesday. The blogs should start coming thick and fast – internet access permitting!!

With love and prayers,

Chris

Monze 2016

24th April 2016

With Selina, Obadia and Jennipher

In just over two weeks I will again be in Zambia catching up with friends.

It was pointed out to me recently that I tend to talk about my friends as if everyone knows their history. This year I will try to give brief introductions as I go along.

When I posted my blog in November I was hopeful about the rains – unfortunately there was very little rain until late January and the rain is no longer falling. This will result in a very poor harvest – following several bad years there will be a lot of hunger. Already people are suffering and deaths from the elderly and children are mounting.

Despite these problems I am feeling more enthusiastic about my visit than I did last year. Jennipher is doing reasonably well, despite facing daily challenges of life and death. Jennipher's story is a long one and some of it is documented in a magazine on the HATW (Hands Around the World) website Jenniphers Story . I first met Jennipher in 2004, she was not very well and seemed rather lifeless and unhappy. Since that time I have got to know Jennipher and her children – mainly babies left as orphans for whom Jennipher has become mum. One of her children was born after his mother gave birth in a bicycle ambulance – his mother died before arriving at the clinic, Emmanuel who has now returned from Livingstone where he was being looked after by Sandra – another of Jennipher's children who became a nurse, but unfortunately died last year. Currently Jennipher also lives with her cousin Soloman,and other children Selina, Jennipher and Maggie. She also helps to support a couple of children who return from boarding school during the holidays and an elderly man who spends most of the day at her house and is provided with meals.

Jennipher was one of the first people in Zambia to disclose her status as HIV+ and is a wonderful advocate for others with the disease. She has encouraged numerous people to get tested and to take the anti-retroviral drugs that enable them to lead a relatively normal life. She has set up 60 or more AIDS support groups and has become an expert not only in understanding the disease and the treatment, but also in accessing support in terms of food and other facilities. Among other things this has allowed her to feed hundreds of people when food is scarce and expensive and to provide a fresh water supply to a whole community.

 

Jennipher trying out the bicycle ambulance in 2011

 

I am busy beginning to get a few things for my trip – I picked up a solar powered mobile phone charger and table lamp during the week and my accommodation seems to have been sorted. During the week Jim Oliver, a friend of people in Zambia, sadly lost his fight against illness and passed away. Jim and his wife provided a bicycle ambulance for Jennipher – this has undoubtedly saved many lives. He also obtained a mobile phone charger which has enabled her to feed her family and support other projects – recently her daughter Selina went on a school visit to Victoria Falls thanks to money from charging phones. May Jim rest in peace.

Earlier today Davidson rang to say hallo. News about Jim's death had already reached him.

 Davidson in Floods in 2010

Davidson has been involved with Kaliyangile – a Hands Around the World project in Chisamba, which I co-ordinate – about 50 miles north of Lusaka. He has grown vegetables and maize, reared thousands of chickens for their meat or eggs (I can't imagine how many eggs he has collected over the years – often well in excess of 200 a day!). He has looked after the cattle and pigs and even the bees! At the end of last year he decided to leave the project and work for himself, but it is good to continue to keep in touch. I am looking forward to meeting him again this year – no doubt we will share a pint or two and renew our rivalry on the pool table.

It would be possible to continue with updates for a long time, but I will close here and continue in the days to come.

I will finish by asking for your prayers for my coming trip. It will be difficult and I will need all the help I can get.

Best wishes,

Chris

Preparing for Christmas

28^th November

I am surprised to realise that I haven't written on my blog since August. Perhaps because I am in almost daily contact with my friends from Zambia I can't imagine that I haven't been in touch with you as well.

The rains in Zambia have just started. This will be a big relief. Water levels were very low this year leading the government to ration electricity – the main source of power being hydro-electric from the Kariba Dam. The local people will now have to gamble on whether they expect the rains to continue reliably or whether they might stop - leading to drought and lost crops. In recent years it has been almost impossible to get sufficient consistent rainfall to give a good maize crop. Some people are growing other crops, but in recent history food in Zambia has meant nshima – a food made from maize flour. For a Zambian it is very important to grow your own maize.

My friends continue to struggle along.

Jennipher found Sandra's death very difficult and her health has not been too good. She recently spent a week in Choma just to have a bit of a break – the doctor suggested that she needed 3 weeks rest! She continues to be very busy helping her many support groups to move forward. Some of these groups raised a little money as a revolving fund. Members can borrow money for small projects – they are then expected to repay the money so that it can be passed to another member etc. On Tuesday it is World AIDS day so they will be meeting for celebrations. Jennipher has taken in a 19 year old girl who has contracted AIDS. She is trying to help her to manage the condition, but is concerned about the risks to her children. People with AIDS are susceptible to a range of infections – particularly TB. It is these infections (rather than AIDS) which present the major risk. Jennipher wants to build a single roomed house where she can house people like this girl. She is keen that the local support group helps by making bricks. She will probably look for help to roof the building when it is built – after the rainy season.

Diven's house and shop are now plastered on the outside and gutters and gulleys have been made to take the water from his buildings. He still has no plaster on the inside and most windows have been bricked up because of insufficient funds. Delia gave birth to a baby boy called Paul who is doing well. Business is tricky these days as costs have been rising rapidly because of the drop in value of

the kwacha. From 10 kwacha to the pound when I arrived in Zambia, it briefly hit 20 kwacha to the pound a couple of weeks ago. Diven remains cheerful despite the challenges he has to provide for his family.

Best has found it difficult to get enough work in Monze and Choma. Recently he set up an office in Livingstone, but still finds getting work a challenge. He has decided that he needs to do more studies to gain a licence to operate as a solicitor. He wants to start in January, but as usual the costs are high. He will make a considerable contribtion, but without support will not be able to proceed.

Raymond and Charles have not yet revived the PEASSA project, yet there are people relying on them to provide some basic food to keep body and soul together.

Obert had hoped to have his leg mended. Unfortunately it wasn't possible to repair the leg and he needs a replacement. He says that his spare leg is too short which makes walking difficult, though he still manages to do some driving.

We have just moved into Advent – a time of preparation for Christmas. In our secular world we are told that we must go out and spend like there is no tomorrow – in fact apparently our (economic) survival relies on this process. I think that we really must question the model by which or lives are ruled.

For several years I had a big problem with Christmas. How could I embrace the enormous excesses of the season, while people I know well are just hoping they will have something to eat. My friends and family receive very few personal presents from me, but they know that some people in Zambia will have a little extra food, some seed to grow maize, next term's school fees paid, a roof to keep out this year's rain or something else which will make a lot of difference to their Christmas.

If I don't get another chance, I wish you a wonderful peaceful and life-giving Christmas – a time when you experience the real spirit of Christmas full of joy and love.

Chris

Returning Home

SANDRA - May she Rest in Peace

Friday 14^th August

I have been home for a week. I should be used to returning home by now, but that doesn't make the transition easy. Perhaps jumping from one world to another makes it more difficult. I am suddenly in a different environment, where most people cannot understand the experiences that have been commonplace for me over the past few weeks.

Last Tuesday was my last day in Monze. I like the spend my last day seeing friends and saying goodbye, however I had a few appointments that needed to be fulfilled. I had arranged to see some more students who would be added to the list awaiting sponsorship and then to meet the teachers and listen to their issues.

Unfortunately Mrs. Sianga's aunt died and Mrs. Sianga had travelled back to her village to be with the family. Killian had been given some details of the meetings arranged but a few aspects were lost in the process. In the event I was able to see some of the teachers. I knew that their main concern was the small salaries they were receiving. I explained the situation to them which seemed to steal their thunder – in the event they said little. I am aware that the teachers receive very little and struggle to cover the basic costs of rental and utility bills. Having sufficient food for their families is an issue and they cannot afford to send their children to secondary school or college. I fight hard to provide ongoing funding for the school, but I am aware it is inadequate.

I tried to explain the situation and the fact that it is easier to get funds for buildings and equipment than for salaries and other routine bills. Yet buildings without teachers don't provide a school. I said how much I appreciated what they were doing to improve the lives of the children. Despite salaries of about 25% of government teachers (who are no better qualified) the school has produced pass rates at grade 9 of 40%-60+% compared with a government pass rate that I am told is about 10%. However, I recognise that giving praise without any reward seems somewhat hollow!

It is very difficult to motivate the staff – and stop the best teachers from leaving – when I am aware how difficult it will be to obtain any increased funding for salaries.

I met another 10 children, spoke briefly to them and took photos.

I decided that I should visit Charles and say goodbye. I had forgotten to give Raymond the card reader that I had gone to such bother to obtain and didn't bring it with me, resulting in Raymond having to make the long trip back with me. On my return journey I called in to see Diven and suggested he came with me in the morning to the coach station (Tooters Roadhouse). He could then use my taxi to collect the mattress and sheets which I had been using. It is about time that Diven and his wife had a mattress to sleep on.

Precious came around in the evening to say goodbye. Eventually I got around to packing and was sorted before settling down to my last night in Monze.

On Wednesday I called a taxi said goodbye to Deana and Jane and called on Diven – who was almost ready!! At Roadhouse I was told that the next Mazandu or Shalom bus with seats didn't leave until 12 hrs. (i.e. in 3 hours time).There was another coach apparently leaving at 10 hrs, but I hadn't heard the name before. The guys (even from Shalom) assured me the coaches were OK, so I booked my seat. It set off at about 10.45 which was a little early by my estimation!!

I chose to let Joe take me to Longacres Lodge for 40 kwacha. As I arrive at the Intercity bus station there is always a gang of taxi drivers hoping for business. I try to avoid the first in the queue, who has fought his way to the front. (it is interesting to note that I can never recall seeing a female taxi driver!). Joe turned out to be fine and I let him know I was going to the airport on the following day and we agreed a price.

It was about 14.30 when I checked into the hotel. It was good to begin to relax. A quick snack and then I planned a long warm soak. Unfortunately it would not be before I returned to the UK that I experienced a hot tap!! However, I was able to catch up a little on the news from BBC World and

finished my book in the afternoon sun sipping a Mosi or two.

My flight on Thursday wasn't until 21.25 so I had another day in Lusaka. After a leisurely breakfast – including a couple of cups of tea! - I called at the internet cafe and checked in to my flights. On the Wednesday I noticed the museum and decided that It might be good to spend some time there while I wait for my flight. So I set of in what I believed was the correct direction. I headed down Independence Avenue. It was interesting to walk along a pathway in the middle of a dual carriageway. Sprinklers sprayed the grass, hedges and plants creating a green oasis in the middle of the otherwise dry desert-like scenery. On one hand it reminded me of what a beautiful world Zambia can be and on the other I couldn't help think of all those people who would be desperate for clean water in October and November.

I never found the museum – I suspect that I walked in the wrong direction. However, I wasn't disappointed. I had a very pleasant walk and found myself passing some beautiful houses with lovely green gardens. Why is it that the majority of people in the world are deprived of the beauty and joys of such a life? Even a very modest house is beyond most.

I returned to the hotel and had lunch. I had another couple of hours to pass before heading for the airport. I was sure that the Catholic Cathedral was

not far from the hotel – though after the morning's walk I had some doubt! I headed in what I thought was the direction, but after walking for 10 minutes and not recognising anything, I turned around. A taxi driver asked if I wanted a lift, but I declined and asked him where the cathedral was. He pointed to a cross behind my hotel and said he would take me! I have been to the hotel on a number of occasions but never noticed the church directly behind it!! In the end I agreed to let the taxi driver take me the few yards to the entrance of the Cathedral. (less distance than the walk up the drive to the church!) Like most people the taxi drivers struggle to make a living, so I was happy to give the guy a few kwacha!

I was glad to spend some time at the end of my stay sitting quietly with my God in the cathedral reflecting on what had been a challenging few weeks in many ways. I was aware that I would soon be back in a different world – one where people would find it difficult to relate to a world in which people have no electricity or mains water; where a meal or school uniform provides a huge attraction for children to attend school; a place where unbroken blue skies are the norm; where sharing roads with cows and goats is commonplace; where luggage and water are often carried by women on their heads and where goods are transported in wheelbarrows. A place where poverty defines the lives of most people.

I am now home. I have spent the weekend at a nice hotel in Stratford and watched Othello at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It was a great weekend, yet impossible for me not to reflect on all those friends in Zambia who will never get the chance of a similar experience.

Since arriving back home I have heard that Sandra has died. Sandra was a lovely girl. I felt sorry for her in the early years, because at a relatively young age she was expected to do much of the housework and to look after the young children – in particular Selina. I was pleased when Jennipher arranged for her to go back to school to complete her education. She did well and then trained as a nurse. Once qualified she moved to a hospital in Livingstone where she pursued her career. Life wasn't easy for Sandra but she did well. It is tragic for such a young life with much potential to be cut so short. For Jennipher it is heart-breaking. May Sandra rest in peace and please pray for Jennipher and the rest of the family.

My journey home was uneventful. Joe - the taxi driver - picked me up at 16.30 as arranged. The flight arrived at Dubai a little early which was as well since I had to wait for a train between gates at the airport! I arrived home at about 19.30 on the Friday tired, but pleased to be back home.

I will share some reflections on my visit a little later – I think it will take me a little time to re-adjust!

Chris

Final Days

Monday 3^rd August

Jane joined me on Saturday morning for a trip to visit Jennipher in Pemba. I gave in to pressure and jumped into a half empty bus and was surprised when it left Monze in the right direction – and even more surprised when it continued to Pemba.

We met Solomon at the lion and Jennipher joined us before we turned off towards their house. Selina, Maggie, Jennipher and Obadia met us and we spent some time with the family. Jennipher's herd of goats is increasing – she would have shown us the latest additions, but they were wandering somewhere in the bush!

I was able to deliver a replacement mobile phone charger for Jennipher and a solar light to go to one of the clinics which has no power. I hope that it will make a difference. The light is bright and should make it easier to deliver babies at night. An investment of £20-£25 might well result in a life saved! If it is successful I will consider trying to bring more in future – or see whether good solar lights can be purchased in Zambia.

We had agreed to watch birds at the small lake and dam in the afternoon. When we arrived there was a baptism service taking place and Deana sat down to watch. I showed some lads my binoculars, and as usual they were passed among them. We saw a large bird of prey – possibly a snake eagle. This circled the dam for a while and another bird of prey also turned up. The dam was busy with human activity but the bird life was less pronounced, however the African Jacanas, Great White Storks and a heron were around.

I rearranged my meeting with Fr. Clement to see him in town in order to have a chance to pick up some cash – unfortunately both Finance and Barclays banks refused. I chatted for a while with Fr. Clement and he then offered me a cup of tea – which I gratefully accepted. We went into the lounge where I met Fr. Fred, who is the parish priest. I was pleased that at last we had a chance to talk. Last year the volunteers stayed at the priest's house with Fr. Fred. After tea it was supper time and it would have been rude to have left at that point – even though I knew there was a curry waiting for me back home. Supper comprised nshima and goat offal, plus some vegetables. It is interesting that often the parts of the animal we find least appetising are often most prized here. (Fish heads – including the eyes! are also much valued.)

I am in danger of putting on weight!! It would again have been rude not to have taken a full helping of curry!! I noticed that my phone was no longer in my pocket when I was in the house, but hoped it would eventually turn up. A phone call suggested that at least it was still in service, though no one answered.

On Sunday Jane and Deana went to PIZZ School where children were receiving supplementary food. Mrs. Sianga has been trying to help as many orphaned children as possible. In the past, in addition to the school, she provided food for about 250 children with support from an organisation in Italy. This has been cut to just over 70 children recently. The children are given large bags – probably weighing nearly 30lb – which they carry home. Hopefully they benefit as well as other family members.

First thing – about 7hrs I rang my phone and Fr. Clement answered – so all was well!

I took the opportunity to brush and wash the floor while the others were out. I then picked Jane on the way to Our Lady of the Wayside. There were 24 baptisms of babies and young children, which provided a focus for the mass. The singing, drumming and dancing was good. I was asked to say a few words at the end of mass since I was about to leave.

Fr. Raphael produced my phone after mass and I spoke to some of the students that are supported through donations from St. Gregory's and St Thomas More's churches in Cheltenham.

I was due at St. Veronica's by 14 hrs which gave me 10 minutes after leaving Our Lady's. I decided to go home and have a cup of tea first. I showed Jane a short cut back, though she was very sceptical! I have to confess I didn't expect to see the main road after about 10 minutes!! We did get back on track eventually, but by the time I set out for St. Veronica's I knew I was unlikely to catch Queen – my guide – before she left. I decided to go anyway and wandered aimlessly around the compound. A guy asked me what I was doing and I told him. He had no idea where they were meeting, but knew someone who might know. A girl eventually showed me to where they were meeting. The session was just finishing, but I had a chance to say goodbye and say a final prayer with the community.

I was determined to make somosas for supper, but was delayed by trying to copy videos from CDs to a flash drive for Stella. ( a five minute job turned out to be a lot longer and eventually proved unsuccessful)

Raymond joined me as I was preparing supper and when the samosas were ready he helped me to ensure none were left over!

It is time to tidy my laptop as it will not be making the journey back to the UK. As usual it has been my main computer for the past year, so I need to be a little careful before deleting too much. The flash drive will be a lot easier to carry on the way back! I didn't believe that it would take 8 hours to copy the files – in the event this wasn't far wrong. I left it running when I went to bed.

I called on Diven this morning. Delia cooked some rice for me which I had with milk. I chatted to Diven about his shop and house.

For the rest of the day I have had visitors – or expected them!! By now a number have spent time with me chatting generally and saying goodbye. In between I have been tidying my laptop.

Tomorrow my laptop will be left with PIZZ School so this is likely to be the last post until I return back home.

Deana and Jane have taken me to Food Royal to 'celebrate' my departure. There were no chips so it was chicken nshima tonight.

Chris