I
am attempting to resolve issues in Zambia, England and Japan at the
moment!
As
always people come to me in Monze needing all types of support.
Jennipher is a huge loss felt by me and so many people here in
Zambia. Last year in October she brought some of her groups to meet
me at Truckers. In the past I have visited groups in Pemba and nearby
– most came to Jennipher's house and I was introduced to them
there. Some I met where they were based – generally near Pemba,
though one or two were closer to Monze. However, until last year
Jennipher had not brought groups to visit me where I stay in Monze.
I
don't generally encourage people I don't know to come to my
accommodation. It becomes difficult for me and, if I was to hand
money to strangers, I would probably have queues at the door!
However, maybe Jennipher knew that it was important to create a link
while she could.
The
groups have been very respectful and have not put undue pressure on
me. I have met some group members and explained that I have no spare
funds this year. I have tried to listen to what they are doing and
how things are developing – or not! So often for one reason or
another little projects fail to produce the results expected. The
temptation to borrow to fund these projects often just leads to debt.
A small project to buy village chickens last year had problems
because most of the chickens died of a disease. Maybe in future it
will meet with more success. I am prepared to help a little where I can. even if the projects fail, I think that trying can raise the spirits.
The
past week has been exam time for PIZZ school. I hope that despite the
considerable disruption caused by changes and uncertainty in the past
year the results will again be good.
Over
the past few days the number of birds in the garden seems to have
grown. There are a couple of “Splendid Glossy Starlings” that are
very frequent visitors. These are beautiful birds which are almost
totally flourescent blue. In flight, catching the bright sunlight,
they truly are a wonderful sight.
Diven's
son Paul spent some time with me yesterday. He was with a friend and
they enjoyed looking through binoculars, taking photos, using the
remote control to change the colour of my lights, viewing sights on
google maps including a quick tour of Cheltenham and looking at a few
photos. They are very quick to master new gadgets and I survived
without any damage being caused.
I
have been trying to come to grips with bits of the legal system in
Japan – the outcome is that Mawiini is going to visit a Gyosei
Shoshi on Monday who should be able to notarise her documents!
This
morning I roused my brother-in-law in Cheltenham because my wife, who
was outside his house had failed!
It
is amazing that, with the technology of today, being at another side
of the world need not be an issue!
This
week I have had fresh mangoes from trees in the garden – the first
of many, I hope. I have enjoyed guineafowl eggs and enjoyed picking
up a fresh loaf from the bakery and being enveloped in the smell of
freshly baked bread.
I
am hoping that next week I will be moving forward at pace. Time is
flying there is not much more than a fortnight left before my return
to the Uk.
Chris
