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