Isn't Technology wonderful!

This afternoon I had a video call with my son Andy using WhatsApp.

I took him for a tour along the main road and behind some of the shops. Scenes familiar to me were less usual for him. At first he didn't recognise the wheelbarrows. Here wheelbarrows take many shapes and sizes depending on what goods are to be carried. In the UK they are used in gardens and are generally the same shape.

Lorries are longer here, often including a trailer, Bicycles in the uk are for one person with a helmet, there are not usually makeshift stalls at the side of the road and trucks are not usually filled with people.

Let's just say that Andy was able to get a good picture of life here – one that, without the technology, would not have been possible.

I have offered friends and family the offer of a video call. Obviously this can't be an entirely open invitation, but for friends reading this blog please get in touch if you would like a tour!

Of course another thing that technology can offer is a very simple way to donate money for a bag of cement to complete the foundations of the Science Lab at PIZZ school. All you need to do is click the link below.

https://checkout.justgiving.com/

Thanks,

Chris

 

Catching up with Friends

Yesterday was particularly busy at home with visitors. I was delighted to see Solomon looking well and cheerful. He makes some very nice bags with his wife and sells them to a variety of people including the museum in Livingstone.

Solomon looks after Jennipher's children Obadia and Emmanuel with his wife. Jennipher's death left Solomon and the children traumatised, but it seems that they are gradually moving forward positively. Solomon told me that he had some ducks – though some were stolen. They produce large eggs. He also has a number of goats and aims to increase the numbers. He also managed to produce a few bags of maize last year and hopes to grow a bigger crop this year.

After lunch I had a surprise visit from Sampson. This was another delight. Sampson had heard that I was back in town and decided to find me.

Sampson and his brother were orphaned a young age and supported each other as a family without an adult. Mrs Sianga offered them some support and they were provided with a small house. They were enrolled at PIZZ School and Mrs Sianga continued to keep a caring eye on them.

Sampson now has a small stall and told me he was doing well. He can put food on the table and he even has a smartphone! He intends to increase his stock and grow the business. I passed his stall this morning on my way to PIZZ School and it looks good.

I wonder what would have become of Sampson and many like him without the compassion of Mrs Sianga and the support of PIZZ.

Transformation Through Education wants to ensure that every child from PIZZ School leaves with the best opportunity to achieve their potential, providing all the education and training necessary – even paying university fees for children with the capability to progress that far. We need a lot of help to achieve this. If you want to find out more about the charity and how to donate please check out our website. Transformation Through Education

Chris Barrell

Safely back in Monze

It is wonderful to be back in Monze, Zambia again.

I was blessed by a good journey – 3 seats to stretch out on from London to Nairobi, plus a large gin and tonic and bottle of wine ( I actually returned a second bottle, which was a first for me). I was able to avoid waiting at Lusaka intercity bus station because I was picked up from a nearby petrol station instead. As a result I arrived in Monze at 15.30 – another record!!

Everything is very familiar and little has changed in the past 20 years. Ladies still carry goods on their heads, lads transport goods on wheelbarrows and the rear of pick-up trucks are filled with church groups en route to a Christian camp or other gathering. I feel very comfortable in this environment, but it's a pity more progress hasn't been made.

I have a lot to sort out this year to ensure the ongoing success of PIZZ School and the students that attend. However I must still find time for my friends.

A number have popped around for a chat and a drink, or supper. Raymond, Diven, Brian and Mr. and Mrs Musika have visited and Mrs and Mr Sianga have met to start our discussions. Others have greeted me along the main road, which I meet at the end of my drive.

Yesterday I attended church at Our Lady of the Wayside and enjoyed the lively service with plenty of singing, some dancing and applause. A number of parishioners that I know greeted me and we will catch up over the coming days.

I was amazed to find power without interruption. So when it vanished on Sunday night I was caught out a little and even more so yesterday when there was no power in the morning when I woke and it only returned at 16.55 – just in time for me to cook supper!!

It is quiet in my bungalow – apart from the cockerel who keeps his brood of chickens outside my entrance. The past couple of years it has vibrated to the sound of a night club less than 100 metres away. I am told that new tenants will move in – hopefully not as loud!

I have started cooking, but for lunch I have some sandwiches. Marmalade or peanut butter sandwiches were boring me, so I went for my favourites – banana or cornflake and mayonnaise sandwiches. If you haven't tried them you haven't lived!!

Best wishes,

Chris

Being Brave - shirt 19

 

 

I am grateful to my granddaughter Amy for putting together the photos and videos of my shirts. This one mentions being brave. I wouldn't say I am brave, unless it is brave to wear bright African shirts on the streets of Cheltenham. I'll admit that having a diagnosis of cancer focusses the mind. I feel that I have been very fortunate. It appears that the treatment has worked to arrest the disease. However I have inevitably been reminded of my mortality. I am 75 years old and it is a huge task to ensure that the children at PIZZ School have a good future, which I see as my key task at the moment. My job is to ensure that the charity is on a secure footing in the time that I have left.

I am given courage by the support that I have. Everyone that joins us on this mission makes the task a bit easier – if you want to join us, or just find out a little more, please use this link Transformation Through Education .

With love and prayers,

Chris

 

Shirt 13 - Tea

 

As previously mentioned, I usually choose the material for my shirts myself. Some years it takes me a while to decide what to choose, but sometimes I see something which just has to become my next shirt! This shirt reflects my favourite pastime - drinking tea!!

 I have been addicted to tea for a long time. As a student I always had a pot of tea brewed. Friends knew they could always pop around for a cuppa. This tradition has travelled to Monze and again friends know they can call around for a chat and a cuppa - though most opt for coffee rather than tea.

 Over the years I have come to know many people in Monze and this has mainly by chatting over a drink and sometimes a meal. I am happy to share information about my life and listen to what they wish to share. It is a great privilege to get to know people who have a very different life to the one I have the luck to enjoy.

 Our charity Transformation Through Education wants to enable the children of PIZZ School to have the chance to enjoy some of the things we take for granted such as a cup of tea (or coffee) whenever they want one!

Cheers,

 

Chris

Radiotherapy shirts 10 -12 Typical Zambian Chitenge Material

The following shirts are fairly typical of my collection. They are made of typical African chitenge material which is bright, unless it is a traditional black and white pattern.

The shirt I eventually decided on as number 11 was given to me by Mrs Sianga who founded and manages PIZZ School. Together we are developing the project to provide the best possible future for the children who attend the school. All the funds raised by Transformation Through Education are used for this purpose. Please check out the website.

This shirt demonstrates the bright colours you see in Zambia - and in Cheltenham when I choose to wear it. I must admit that I rarely wear a shirt like this without comments – all positive!

 

The final shirt of this trio is a typical black and white African design. It reminds me of the zebras which are common in the nature reserves. The zebra's patterns are unique – a bit like fingerprints. The children from PIZZ School love to visit a nature reserve where they see animals they have never seen before. We try to fund a trip each year for the children taking grade 9 exams. We don't see wild animals around Monze, other than lizards and the occasional snake. There was a leopard at the convent some years back, but that's another story!

With love and prayers,

Chris

Shirt 9

 

As we move into 2025 I recall some of the challenges of 2024. Personally I have tried to turn my cancer treatment into an excuse to publicise Transformation Through Education - the charity that I established during 2023.

This chitenge in this video is one of those that Ireen told me was suitable to turn into a shirt. However, to be honest I cannot remember her telling me of one that wasn't suitable – even if I presented her with two, three or possibly more. Hence I have a lot of shirts!! Chitenge material is used for a number of purposes. The ladies wrap it around them to protect their dresses. It is also used uncut to form a sling for a baby - this is beautiful. The baby is kept warm, close to the mother's body and it can easily be swung around to enable easy feeding. And of course they can be made into shirts.

Moving forward we have great ambitions for the charity. Our eventual aim is to support every child who enters PIZZ school until they have the education and training they need to put them in the best place to obtain employment. The challenges for many of these children are enormous, we want to give them hope that they can achieve a future where they and their families can escape the cycle of poverty. Some have achieved this over the past 20 years of PIZZ school's existence – we want all current and future students to be able to follow their footsteps.

We have a long way to go, but 2025 will be the year that we hope to make great stides towards this ambition.

If you want to join us you can find out more and donate on our website Transformation Through Education

Hoping that you had a Blessed Christmas and wishing you all the best for 2025.

Chris

Shirt number 8

 

 

 

 

 

It's off with shirt 7 and on with shirt 8! (The shirts are shown better on our Facebook Page – Transformation Facebook Page)

When I am in Monze I attend the church of Our Lady of the Wayside which is situated just off the Great North Road heading towards Livingstone in an area of Monze known as Manungu. The parishioners are divided into groups (Communities) by geographical area. Since 2005 I have been a member of St. Veronica's Small Christian Community. On Sunday afternoon we get together to reflect on next week's gospel, to catch up with anything happening at the church and receive reports of anyone in the community who is ill or has other problems.

This shirt is the “uniform” for St Veronica's Small Christian Community given to me by the Community.

Today Mrs. Sianga the Director and Founder of PIZZ School buried her eldest daughter. Her daughter had cancer which proved to be terminal. I cannot imagine what it is like to lose a child. Almost every week I seem to hear of the death of another young person – a brother, child or nephew of one of my friends in Zambia. After my recent experience with Prostate Cancer, I can't help but wonder whether many of these young lives would have been saved if they had access to the health services that we have here in the UK.

The children at PIZZ School sat their exams earlier this month. Those taking their grade 9 exams hope that, if successful, they will be able to move into the newly refurbished grade 10 classroom and won't need to move schools.

Transformation Through Education needs to find extra funds this month to ensure that registration fees are paid, teachers receive an annual bonus and the students who need them receive new school uniforms and shoes. We also provide a little extra so that the children can have a Christmas Party where they can enjoy some chicken and buns – a special treat for them.

If you can spare a little this Christmas you can donate on our website Transformation Through Education

Thank You,

Chris

 

Radiotherapy Shirt 5 - Drums

 

I like to pick up chitenge material that is bright and fun! The 5^th shirt is covered with drums.

Drums are very important in Zambia, as well as providing the backing rhythm for music they were traditionally been used to pass information between people – particularly in the rural areas. I remember once hearing drums as I wondered in the bush and thought that maybe my presence had been noticed. On one occasion my wife Dilys went out with a group who were sensitizing people to the issues around HIV/AIDS and encouraging people to get tested. In order to get people together they used the drums and gradually a crowd gathered from the surrounding area.

During church services I attend, drums are invariably used to encourage and support the singing and dancing. Attending Sunday Mass at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church really is a celebration!

PIZZ school has drums to assist with celebrations and is used to support traditional dancing. They are considered essential pieces of equipment.

 

Please continue to support PIZZ school by following this link. Transformation Through Education

Thanks,

Chris

At the beginning of this year I took some tests, the outcome of which was that Prostate Cancer was detected. As part of the teatment a course of radiotherapy was recommended. The course comprised twenty sessions taking place on consecutive weekdays. To add interest (and hopefully raise something for the charity), I decided to wear a different Zambian shirt for each session. My granddaughter Amy took some photos and videos and posted them on Facebook and Instagram.

I thought that I should use the opportunity to share them with you on my blog and reach another audience. Over the next few weeks I will post the photos and videos of the 20 shirts, together with information about PIZZ school and some more of my exploits in Zambia.

PIZZ school is an amazing project providing opportunities for some children who would never have an education otherwise. Many of the children from the school gain the confidence and qualifications which enable them to transform their lives and that of their families. This project relies on Transformation Through Education

to pay its teachers, provide school meals for the children and cover other costs. If you are able please support this charity. Please share the details with others. Thank you.

2004 marked my second visit to Monze. I decided to spend 4 months helping at the hospital working with local staff to develop computer systems.

I was joined during my visit by a physiotherapist – Emily. She worked as a volunteer at the hospital and at a centre nearby, providing support for children with disabilities. During this time there was also a surgeon who had come from the US with his wife.

Well Emily and the surgeon's wife decided that it was time for me to embrace the local style of dress. They found a tailor and brought her a piece of material from the market (known as Chitenge). Ireen took measurements and before long I had what was to become one of many shirts she would produce for me. Unfortuately this shirt no longer exists – except as a patch in an old backpack! However many others are still wearable!

The photo above was taken before mobile phones could be used for selfies – even selfie sticks didn't exist! Like most photos – especially those taken in Zambia there is a story.

The photo shows John and his family in 2006. John told me one day that he wanted to dig a well.

He only needed a spade and a pick-axe and he could do the job himself. I appealed to my friends and he bought the implements.

All was well until he had dug a hole about 6 feet deep! The problem was how to get out of the hole and remove the soil!

The answer was a rope, a bucket and a windlass ( A pulley system that sat on top of the hole and allowed the bucket to be lowered into the hole.)

Oh, and someone to operate the windlass!

So I borrowed equipment and agreed to pay for food for John's friend to ensure that he kept near the hole!

All continued fine until the hole was about 20 metres deep – I didn't want to think of John 70 foot down a hand dug hole! John was concerned that the rope was fraying!!

So a new rope was purchased!

The well is considered deep enough if, in the morning, at least one full drum of water can be extracted from the bottom of the well!

At 30 metres the hole was found to be suitably waterlogged! So job complete – well not quite!!

John is worried that the sides of the well (which he has been working in daily) will collapse!

2,000 bricks plus sand and cement were purchased to line the well - from bottom to top!!!

Open wells are very dangerous. I knew of one child who fell down a well and died.

So the well was covered and a rope pump purchased. Now my work really was finished!

Oh then John decided to move!!

I had never expected to get away with providing just a pick and shovel – so I wasn't too surprised at the outcome.

I learnt a lot during this exercise and came to know John a little.

I have met with John now and again over the years, but for the past 10 years or so I hadn't seen him, until this year when I came across him again. I was delighted to see that he was still going strong. He has always been a bit of a rogue, but he is a real character and someone I always remember fondly.

Best wishes,

Chris

Even the trees seem to be distressed

 

Zambia is very dependent on farming and in particular it's maize crop.

For Zambians food is nshima which is maize flour boiled in water – though to be honest the process is a lot more complex and requires constant attention to provide the correct result.

When the maize crop fails everyone is impacted. This year the crop has failed in the southern part of Zambia spectacularly.

Water is of course vital to life, but in Zambia it is also by far the main source of electricity. Hydro-electric power is generated from the dams and in particular the huge Kariba Dam. Sometimes after the dry season – in October or November – the water levels are low and electricity needs to be rationed. This year rationing was introduced in March! There are suggestions that before the end of the year there will be no mains electricity for Zambia.

These issues have a knock-on effect . The crop failure means that farmers have no money to spend in the shops, so the small local traders have no business and they too have no money to spend with the marketeers – and most of the people in Monze seem to be marketeers.

The lack of power makes it difficult for all sorts of businesses to operate. Grinding mills which should be operating 24 hours a day cannot grind enough maize, adding to the shortages. The prices of maize meal has soared, resulting in a lot of hunger. The water supply also relies on electricity. In some areas of Monze the mains water supply is very little if at all and often people have to get up in the middle of the night when the pressure might be enough to collect a small supply.

Even the trees in the garden here look to me to be distressed.

The situation can only get worse until decent rains return to Southern Zambia.

The weather here has been relatively cold, with maximum temperatures generally around 20ºC. We have had a couple of cloudy days, but generally the sun has made up for the air temperature.

I am trying to see how we can address some of the challenges at PIZZ School. I met a couple of students last week who had passed their grade 12 exams and have been offered places for further training – one as a nurse and the other in agriculture. The computer science teacher is frustrated that the lack of power means that most of his practical work cannot be done. He would like a solar system installed to allow the students to learn. Soon they will be preparing for exams.

Transformation Through Education is a new charity which is funding the school, but it will take time to ramp up the fundraising to meet all these needs. It is very disappointing that money already raised for the school is not being passed on. You can find out more about the charity at www.transformationthrougheducation.org.uk

I attended mass on Sunday which was back inside the church now sparkling with it's false roof and a fresh coat of paint. it was good hear the singing reverberating throughout the building and there was a celebration to welcome the improvements.

Chris Barrell

Preparing to return to Monze

 

I think it is time to put another post on my blog!

We are just coming to the end of a September heatwave, no doubt sent to get me acclimatised in preparation for my next visit to Zambia - in a month's time.

I am looking forward to getting back to Monze and catching up with my many friends. As usual there have been many challenges. Luke – a friend for many years continues to need medical treatment. Luke was a young man who I starting working with at Monze Mission Hospital in 2004. We were developing a database to record transactions at the hospital stores. In 2004 I stayed in Monze for 4 months and returned over a number of years to develop the computer systems at the hospital. In 2006 he joined Dilys and myself for a trip to Lochinvar – a national park renowned for the rich variety of birds – including the Maribu Stork, Secretary Bird, African Fish Eagle, hornbills, hummingbirds and very many others. Unfortunately on this occasion we spent much of the time stranded in the sand – fortunately Luke helped me to get moving again. This trip took place not long after the terrible accident when two members of staff, including my friend Bentoe, died when a hospital vehicle was involved in a crash. Luke's uncle was also in the crash and was badly affected.

For me Zambia has always been about the people. For 20 years I have made friends and shared experiences. Diven continues to struggle along! One day I will write his story! He has allowed me to understand a bit more about the day to day challenges faced by so many in Zambia. He rang the other day to say that his lights no longer work. He thinks that the sun is too strong and the power from the solar panel is making the wires burn out. £10 should enable him to sort out the wiring! He needed to buy some salt a few weeks back to reduce the level in his toilet! His solar fridge is no longer working properly – probably because a new battery is required! Children regularly need new uniforms, school fees etc. His shop still struggles to raise an income. There will be a lot to discuss and hopefully my understanding of the issues will grow.

There are so many people who have enriched my life and continue to do so. My involvement with Monze, Zambia has been truly lifegiving.

I went to Slimbridge last week. I wanted to take some time out, to relax to think and enjoy the nature. Some people seem to visit Slimbridge to chase rare birds and tick them off their list! While the twitchers waxed lyrical over the “Med Gulls”, I enjoyed watching the swallows swooping over the lake hunting insects. Swallows were some of the first birds that stirred my interest in birdwatching. They joined housemartins and sometimes swifts joyfully playing around our university halls of residence.

They have an added interest for me now because they also make an annual trip to Africa! When I saw them last week I realised that they would set off for Africa before I take flight. As I left the hide I was greeted by a small flock of swallows that performed in front of my shadow.

I often realise the importance of my faith in God. My relationship with God changes, but at its best it is a very personal friendship. I feel close to my God with my friends in Zambia. Particularly the poorest and those who are sick. Often when I feel at my lowest my God reminds me that he (or perhaps she) is still present. At Slimbridge I felt that.

I moved to another hide – my favourite! It looked particularly promising because the usual wet areas had largely dried up – all that was left was a pool in front of the hide. I like this hide because most people take one look – see nothing – and move on. Without the wetlands, it looks even less inviting. Leaving me to sit in peace and isolation!!

Over the years I have enjoyed a number of interesting sightings. A few years ago our grandaughter Cheyenne spotted a crane making a nest – the first for over 100 years. I was sceptical – but in fact it was the start of cranes breeding again in the UK. I once spotted a kingfisher in front of the hide and on another occasion I saw a Great White Egret – a bird that I had only previously seen in Zambia.

I had a word with my God and said perhaps he could send me another Great white Egret and maybe another kingfisher. I seemed to get the answer that I can't dictate to God and expect to get what I want.

The joy of this particular hide is that it provides a wide horizon looking across the River Severn. I love to watch the movement of the birds. Ducks, geese, herons and cranes can be beautiful birds, but when they take flight they become very special. At this hide I once saw 7 cranes fly from a distant field straight towards me then take a sharp right turn to treat me to a very special fly past.

After a good amount of peaceful time I spotted a couple of birds flying past side by side. I immediately though of Great White Egrets. They were that beautiful bright white. They had their necks extended in front and their legs trailing producing a wonderful streamlined form. I then realised that Great White Egrets don't have large black wing tips! I looked for Great White Egrets in my bird book, but instinctively looked up White Storks – and they fitted my recollection.

A number of vistors came in, took one look and went out again! A visitor came and settled while a twitcher took a look and left, but bumped into a Wetlands Trust volunteer and started talking outside the hide. At this point a Kingfisher perched in front of me! I focussed my telescope and had a wonderful view as the chatting continued outside!

The volunteer came into the hide and saw the kingfisher. I took the opportunity to ask if it was possible that I had seen White Storks. She said that it was very unlikely and checked to see if anyone else had recorded a sighting. The answer was no.

The kingfisher left, but returned in another place on the pond. I refocussed my telescope. The volunteer left and the kingfisher left again. However, once again it returned. I refocussed my telescope. I looked away very briefly, but the kingfisher was still in the same position, however it now had a fish in it's mouth! On three occasions the same thing happened – I only looked away for a few seconds, but obviously enough time for the kingfisher to dive, catch a fish and return - pretending to me that it had not moved!

There have been times in my life when my God has just reminded me that he/she exists. There have been other times when I have known that I could expect something rather special and have always been amazed at the result. This wasn't one of those times, but White Storks (seen in Zambia, not usually in the UK – though some have recently been released in Norfolk) and a kingfisher seen fishing and eating it's prey in a place not known for kingfishers counts as a bit special for me!

So next month I will set off once again for Monze. We now have a new charity to support PIZZ – the project supporting vulnerable children through a school and pastoral support. We will have challenges to provide sufficient money to enable the children's dreams to be fulfilled, but the project is so good and the outcomes so positive that I am sure the school will develop and the children will be transformed.

I will spend about 6 weeks in Zambia on this visit which I hope will give me a bit more time to meet old friends as well as plan the future for PIZZ school.

With love and prayers,

 Chris.

First Days back in Monze

After 3 very strange years away, I am quickly acclimatising to life back here in Monze. Of course friends such as Jennipher and Diven have been to see me at my new house.

I have a decent sitting area in my house, but I like to sit outside in the garden. It attracts a lot of birds. The sparrows and pied crows play on the lawn, but in the trees are beautiful Starlings whose feathers shine a beautiful iridescent greeny blue – a truly beautiful tropical bird.

I went to Our Lady of the Wayside church on Sunday and was warmly greeted by fellow members of St. Veronica's Small Christian Community who wanted a picture taken. Inevitably some friends are no longer with us. Queen who was one of the first Community members that I met has sadly passed on. Her son Brian escorted me to her house so that I could meet with the group many years ago. The Community meet most Sunday's in the afternoon, in each other's houses – or more accurately outside each other's houses. I would never be able to find the next meeting point without a guide. Usually someone will meet me, if not someone will be able to help me on my way! Kennedy's wife also died and tested positive for COVID. I was told a lot of the elderly had died.

The day I arrived in Monze the traffic lights were off. On enquiry I was told that the electricity bill hadn't been paid! The lights have worked since – when they are out, it is now because the power is down! We have had several power cuts since I arrived. It took me a while one evening to realise that I needn't sit in the dark. I have 5 solar security lights with me!!

Ireen found me very early on. She has been my tailor since 2004 and makes me several shirts each year. She now has a business selling mattresses two of her children are now helping at the shop – I remember when she was struggling to pay their school fees.

I enjoy walking to the market to buy vegetables and spices. The lady who has sold me spices over many years was not around – another lady seems to have taken over her stall. A lady from the church sells me nsala a root vegetable which I coat with pounded groundnuts after boiling and then fry. This appears to be a unique way to prepare the vegetable, but it makes them very tasty!

As I was buying vegetables in the market a lad came up to me with a huge smile and greeted me. He reminded me who he was. When he and his brother were young they lost their parents and were on their own. Mrs. Sianga found them and took them into her school. She also introduced them to a benefactor who provided a small house for them to live in. With a watchful eye kept on them the young children thrived. He was looking very well and is now working in a shop near to the market.

Angelina popped around earlier today. I know her well from the church. Her son Nelson is in Lusaka training to become a nurse and wants to come to Monze this weekend to say hallo. Mike said hallo a couple of days ago. He was working at Nampeyo Guest House in 2003 where we stayed on our first visit. He has struggled in recent years, but seemed to be in good health and spirits when we met.

I continue to meet with friends and there are many more that I will see in the coming days. All have stories to tell, many have challenges to overcome. Occasionally I can make a difference and help them have a better life. Obert came around a few days back, in his taxi. When I first met him Obert said he had a problem. He walked with a limp because one leg had grown, but the other, being artificial, had not! A friend in the UK offered to pay for a new leg and a couple of years later, when I located Obert – in fact he found me – things got sorted. Since then I have come to know him well, along with his parents. He obtained his driving licence and is now a taxi driver. He has a wife and child and has built himself a small house. He came around to show me he latest car.

My purpose in coming to Monze is to catch up on friends. It is by sitting and chatting that I learn a little more about this very different country. The change in President seems to have brought about positive changes. As with all things, change takes time and sometimes the interim can be challenging. For instance eduction including Secondary is now meant to be free. However, this isn't the case. I am told that it has reduced in cost, but is not free and therefore is still beyond the reach of many. Some extra teachers have been appointed to try to accommodate extra children at school, but they are not enough and there are not the new schools to accommodate the children. However, things seem to be moving in the right direction.

I'll pop into town now and then no doubt return for lunch and spend some time reflecting in the garden.

Take care,

Chris

Visiting Friends

Monday 21^st May

Over the past couple of years I have been in Zambia at this time. It is now winter in Monze - temperatures can drop below 10°C at night which is cold if you have no mattress or blanket! In the UK, I have a friend who is terminally ill, so I will stay for now to provide a little support. My most important duty – as everywhere – is to be available for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. Even better if we can find a pub with a garden when the sun is out!

My role with respect of Hands Around the World has changed in recent months. I decided to give up my formal duties as Trustee and Project Co-ordinator and to concentrate on being a friend to the people of Zambia. When I first went to Zambia I was told that it would cause problems if I said I was working – even doing voluntary work – I was told that I was going to meet friends. I felt a little uncomfortable and decided that I should therefore make a point of making friends in Zambia. Since that time I have made lots of friends. I then obtained a work permit (though now my main purpose was to meet friends!). Immigration officials queried why I had a work permit if I was retired! So now I will continue to go to Monze, but without an official role. My purpose will be to drink tea and coffee with friends – a very much underrated ministry!

Sometimes as I enter Zambia I hope they will challenge me to reveal the friends I claim to be visiting. I will then tell them about Captain who was in charge of making the blocks for building the ICU at Monze Mission Hospital in 2003; Lashford who was the builder in charge of the project; Obie one of my workmates; Suki and Michael who worked at Nampeyo Guest House or I could tell of my friendship with Mrs Sianga who has become an inspiration to me over the years. Most of these people I still meet when I visit Monze – and these are just some of those I met on my first visit in 2003. 15 years later, having spent well over 3 years in Monze I have met a large number of people who I now consider to be friends. I therefore have no problem in spending all my time visiting friends in Zambia.

Those who have followed some of my blogs will be aware that I am involved in a wide range of small projects beside those where I had an official Hands Around the World role. I have no intention of abandoning the HATW projects, but hope that with less pressure I will feel free to spend more time with other projects – and perhaps be able to relax a little more.

The children from PIZZ School will always be very important to me. Many I have known since they first came to the school as young traumatised children. I have seen them grow in confidence. At the school Mrs. Sianga and her staff have provided a very special caring and loving environment geared to each child as an individual precious life. To see how this nourishment has lit that beautiful spark, which is in all of us, bringing out the talents, joy, mischief and fun from within, is such a privilege and a truly life-giving experience.

The school is moving into a new phase. The earliest students have now left school. Some are making their way in the world – Boniface is earning his living as a singer and musician, others have jobs in shops and on building sites, one is a pastor. Mawini and Maxwell are at university. Some no doubt are struggling – unemployment in Monze is very high. About 80 children now attend local secondary schools and we hope to have a couple of students going into nursing this year.

It is my dream to enable all children from PIZZ School to fulfil their potential. My focus now is to raise funds to help ensure that all PIZZ Students who pass their grade 9 exams can continue their education in local secondary schools. School fees for each child are about £900 for the three years. I would also lhope that funds are found for further study or training for all who gain their Grade 10 Certificate. Then there are all those who are not academically gifted but still have a lot to give. We should be providing help for all. This is a challenge – but the difference we can make to the life of any child makes it so much worthwhile. I am so fortunate to be able to see the impact our support has had.

On Saturday here in the UK the sun shone non-stop. Most people were busy following the Royal Wedding, but my daughter was running 51.3 miles from Taunton to Minehead. My regular followers will remember that Helen attempted her first Ultra-marathon last year. She was ill for most of it and after 46 miles collapsed and was taken to hospital where she spent two nights. It was therefore very brave to attempt another 50 Miler! This time she kept going and finished the course. I am encouraging people to celebrate her courage by helping to fund at least one student to complete their secondary education. If you would like to contribute you can donate using this link: Helen's 50 Miler .

In April - on a day which was very hot – with temperatures up to 27°C – a bit like those regularly experienced to the children in Monze when walking to school - the children in Class 3 (yrs 3 & 4) at Temple Guiting School in Gloucestershire walked more than 10 Km – yes all of them!! They then had a meal of rice and peas instead of their usual dinner. They had been learning about life in Africa and wanted to do something meaningful and raise money to send a child from PIZZ School to secondary school. Their target was £800. In fact they raised £1,827.18 (with Gift Aid the total will be £2,169.48) - a really wonderful effort. As a result of this walk Rosario and Kyfod (former PIZZ School students) will be able to complete their education at a local Monze secondary school.

There is a lot of news about my friends in Monze which I will bring over the next week or so, but for now it's cheerio. With love and prayers,

Chris

HANDS

2^nd June

Time moves on very quickly! My flights are booked and in two weeks time I will once more be on Zambian soil. So I have started making lists, sorting out a few things and thinking how to fit in the little jobs that need doing.

Raymond is busy trying to find me a place to live. Deana will be out in Zambia at the same time so we will try to find suitable accommodation to share. I have warned her that I tend to have a steady stream of visitors who might disturb her peace, but she would prefer not to live their on her own. So far we have no success at the hospital. We have found a house with no furniture at Homecraft. Raymond found a house near the police station, but it seems that the lady who was to move out a couple of days ago has no where to go - so Raymond is also looking for a house for her. It seems that Raymond has walked the length and breadth of Monze in his quest to find us a house - the latest possibility is a place at Site and Service – apparently it has a wall fence, three bedrooms a kitchen, sitting room and bathroom – fully furnished! I have arranged for Teddy to give a second opinion before committing.

We travelled to Yorkshire over the Bank Holiday weekend to visit Dilys' relatives – particularly her mum. Unfortunately our car didn't survive the journey back and was abandoned in Birmingham, only to be scrapped last Friday. This will add the the challenges over the next few days!

Mike's marathon has raised £2,546 so far, which will be a great boost for PIZZ School – further donations can still be made at : Virginmoneygiving.com/mikedalyrun1 I look forward to meeting with Mrs. Sianga again and seeing the new classroom block take shape. We are still looking for volunteers to work on the building and help with the holiday club – no specific qualifications required!

We are approaching Hands around the World's twenty first birthday. I have been reflecting on the work of the charity and all the HANDS that have been involved with its work over the years.

There is enormous beauty in HANDS. I know a young lady who has a severe disability which among other things prevents her from talking. However she has the most expressive hands I have ever seen. Her hands talk for her in a very powerful way. In Zambia shaking hands is a ritual sign of greeting – of course there is a special Zambian handshake, which is often done with particular emphasis and enthusiasm. I will look forward to my Small Christian Community meetings where I must shake every hand and where some of the elderly women will launch their hands to give mine a great slap.

I recall meeting Obadia last year. He stretched out his hands inviting me to use mine to lift him into my arms. HANDS can invite and also be used in response.

I want to encourage everyone to lend their HANDS to support Hands Around the World and increase its profile – you can add your support by going to HANDS Around the World sharing and liking the page and perhaps adding a picture of your hand – or other hands which mean something to you.

Throughout this year's blog I will reflect on HANDS and encourage you to find out more about Hands Around the World which is the charity that has changed my life by introducing me to Zambia – a different world.

With love and prayers

Chris