When I wrote in
February I had very good intentions to keep you informed about my
friends in Zambia - referring to my communication with them from here
in the UK.
Well things have
moved on and I will be leaving for Zambia tomorrow! When I last
wrote, Zambia was in the middle of the rainy season. In fact the
rains ended prematurely resulting in a very poor harvest this year -
particularly in the Southern Province (where Monze is situated). I'm
told that there will be lot of hunger this year.
My friend Diven
has told me that business is not good at the moment. He is struggling
to raise enough money for food - anything else is now problem for
him. Still he tells me he has a plan! I wait with interest!!
Since Jennipher
had obtained a passport I decided to try to arrange for her to visit
this year. The plan was to wait to see whether she could obtain a
visa and then make the arrangements for her to come in the summer. In
the event a few weeks back Jennipher's application was rejected.
The applications
for visas in Zambia need to be made online. Jennipher has no
experience of computers or the internet and therefore sought help.
The form is quite difficult to complete and it isn't obvious how you
complete fields where the question is not really applicable – e.g.
if you don't know birth dates or have no income. Jennipher's 'agent'
did his best, but feeling obliged to put in a figure for monthly
income, 20,000 kwacha was entered. This was intended to represent
£2.50. Unfortunately the kwacha was recently revalued and 20,000
kwacha is now worth £2,500. Not surprisingly the officials were not
convinced about the validity of her application.
At the moment a
representative from Global Giving is in Zambia. He wants to visit
Kaliyangile and PIZZ school - which both feature on the Global Giving
website. I feel that it is an appropriate time for me to visit. The
opportunity to show Kai (from Global Giving) the projects helped me
make the decision to make a short visit, despite Jennipher's
disappointment.
I had expected
to find that there was no chance of obtaining visa after the
refusal, but when I sent an e-mail to Pretoria they responded by
saying that, though there were no grounds for appeal, Jennipher was
free to re-apply with the corrected information and proper supporting
documents. After a number of attempts to obtain help in Monze, I
completed the application myself this morning! I will bring all the
necessary documents with me tomorrow and give them to Jennipher when
I arrive on Thursday. I have arranged an appointment for her at the
British Embassy on Friday. Yesterday I thought we would probably run
out of time – today I think we have a good chance to get a decision
before I return. If it is positive Jennifer will return to the UK
with me.
I have been told
that there is absolutely no chance of getting a visa for an African
who has no money – it would seem that a miracle is required!
Fortunately I believe in miracles!! However, plenty of prayers are
needed – so please have a quick word.
So a couple of
weeks ago I asked for the Hands Around the World team to find me a
flight. Three were found ranging in price from £650 via Dubai to
nearly £1,600 a direct fight with BA! Dilys and myself were not sure
that Jennipher flying alone via Dubai would be a good idea, the BA
flight was far too expensive, so I plumped for a flight leaving on
the morning of 9th July via Amsterdam. Somehow the flight
booked was one via Nairobi leaving on the evening 10th
July (tomorrow).
In previous blog
posts I have referred to an experience I had in 2006. I spent 7 days
at Loyola Hall, a Jesuit retreat house near Liverpool, on a silent
retreat. The Jesuits follow the example of St. Ignatius who
recognised that by becoming in touch with his feelings and moods, he
could discern the way the Lord wished him to follow. Importantly he
found that following the way of God left him at peace.
My experience
both at Loyola and in my life since, is that often when I have my own
plan, I become very busy and agitated. This was my state a week or
two back. In 2006 I only gave the Lord 7 days, so he had no time to
waste on my detours. If I tried to dictate the agenda he messed up my
plans and almost physically placed me on the right path. I have
learnt through these experiences to become excited when things appear
to go wrong. When I learnt of the changes to my flights I felt at
peace.
I have always
felt that Jennipher is probably meant to visit the UK. At this stage
it is still very unlikely, but I wouldn't bet against it!
I look forward
to my brief visit – I have a return flight booked for 4th
August. I have lot to do during the visit, but I need to recognise
that my own ability to achieve success is limited. I will try to
enjoy the experience and embrace the wonder of what awaits me. I am
sure that I m in for a wonderful treat – I just need to relax and
enjoy it. I am so fortunate to have these chances – I have a
responsibility to ensure they are not wasted.
I think I
arranged to stay somewhere at Homecraft and will be met at the
airport by Moses. Fortunately Monze is my second home and I know that
if no plans work out, I can easily resolve the situation. This should
allow me to move forward with great sense of peace.
I will include a
few photos from last year to whet your appetite. I will keep you up
to date with my new adventures.
With my love and
prayers,
Chris
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