Friday 11th April
Time passes so quickly here in Zambia. It seems that I have just
arrived yet already this is the start of my 3rd full day
in Monze. There are so many things that we take for granted in the
UK. My phone came back to life after another visit to Zamtel (my
third on Wednesday). I bought a USB modem and was assured that the
MTN SIM would be working within 10 mins – this was on Wednesday
afternoon. I returned to the shop on Thursday morning before I was
able to use it!
There used to be a grocer's shop Pick-a-lot where the MTN shop now
stands. I have known the shopkeeper over many years. Outside this
shop was where Ireen used to sit and sew her garments. The new
shopkeeper didn't seem to know where either of my friends were now
based. I will need to track down Ireen or I won't get a new shirt
this year!
I have bumped into a few friends over the past couple of days.
Captain seems to be doing OK he is still moulding bricks as he did in
2003 when he was involved with the building of the hospital ICU.
Obert's parents told me that Obert can now drive, no doubt he will
demonstrate his skills before long – I hope his artificial leg is
not too much of a handicap. Jennipher has been around a couple of
times and we are working on the next visa application. Diven has been
bringing me up to date with his current position and Raymond is still
chasing houses for me to rent!
Yesterday it rained most of the day – unusually gentle rain from my
experience . I hoped that this might be useful since there has been
little rain of late. However I am told that it is too late and has
the danger of destroying what crops there are. Dry weather is
required to prepare the maize for harvesting and milling. I was told
yesterday that, although there was a lot of hunger last year, this
year will be worse.
Yesterday I slept until after 7 am. There was a lot of activity
around the church and there were a number of guests – local priests
– staying overnight. I had heard on Wednesday that practice for the
“Chrism Mass” was taking place, but in my experience this service
is conducted on Maundy Thursday. I was therefore surprised when I
returned from town to find a procession of priests and a bishop
entering the cathedral. It appeared that I was just in time, so I
sneaked into the back of church. This is an annual service when
priests from all over each diocese of the Catholic Church come to
their cathedral. They renew their priestly vows and receive the oils
blessed for use in the sacraments – for example oil for anointing
those sick and dying. I don't think I have attended such a service
before, but living here at the cathedral church it seemed
inappropriate to miss the celebration. It was good to hear the
singing and drumming and watch the dancing once again. Apart from the
renewal of vows and blessing of oils, the service followed the same
format as the usual Eucharistic service of the mass.
I said hallo to Father Maambo - a priest who used to be in charge of
Our Lady of the Wayside church here in Monze and excused myself from
lunch with the priests, because I had promised to talk to Jennipher.
She found a table in the NAPSA building where we had chicken and
chips! (I am not sure what NAPSA stands for either!!)
I visited Mrs Sianga at PIZZ school yesterday afternoon. Mr Sianga
spotted me on the road and gave me a lift for the final part of the
journey.
The children – now 203 at the school – are provided with a meal
each day. This comprises some fortified rice-soy meal designed to be
particularly nutritious that Mrs. Sianga obtains from Lusaka. A meal
can be provided for a little over £1 a month per child, though
additional costs – charcoal and transportation add a bit to the
total cost. Hands Around the World has a fund to provide this food
and will be having a short text campaign soon to boost it. Mrs.
Sianga told me that the children are putting on weight as a result of
this small meal each day.
We spoke about various topics including the proposed Holiday Club
during August and discussed possible activities.
In the evening I was able to access the internet. The service is good
and it should allow me to keep in regular contact.
Best wishes
Chris
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