The Joy of Walking

Wednesday 31^st May

Zambia have just beaten Germany 4-3 (or possibly 5-3) in the preliminary rounds of the under 21's football World Cup! In Monze you know when Zambia score a goal – the cheers ring out throughout the town!! This Nation loves it's football, most of the young lads and some of the girls are keen followers of the national team and also follow the English Premier League clubs (unless they prefer Barcelona, or Real Madrid).

Yesterday afternoon I played with a couple more computers, checking the specification, finding out if any anti-virus was loaded and identifying any issues. At about 15.30 I called it a day – leaving one computer carrying out a very slow virus scan. I had told Fr. Kenan that I would visit his mother at the hospital and was keen to get along to see her.

I found her in the female ward quite poorly. She was unable to talk and was being fed through a tube. She could however respond to let me know she could hear and understand. I spent a few minutes talking to her, with Fr. Kenan translating. He asked me to say a prayer with her before I left, which I was very pleased to do.

I bumped into a member of the hospital staf as I left who knew me from Our Lady of the Wayside and she walked with me to the robots!

 OUR WATER SUPPLY

As I was approachng the house a small girl put her arms out wide, gave an enormous cheeky smile and exclaimed “Mr. Chris!”. The face looked familiar, but I didn't immediately click who this diminutive young lady could be. “Do you remember me? - Nancy.” I thought for a minute and then remembered. I first met Nancy a couple of years ago. I was visiting Obert's mother and her pre-school. I took some photos and one girl took over the show – Nancy!! She posed and gave such a cheeky grin. The children left the group and I met her outside and again she came up to me and chatted. There is no doubt Nancy will go far. Last year I asked about Nancy and I was told she was now at school or a nursery elsewhere – then as if by magic she appeared and greeted me.

Nancy is now at St. Vincent's Catholic School and looks very smart in her new uniform. She held her arms out again and I picked her up and gave her a hug! It is in such meetings that the spirits are immediately lifted. I have often felt that God meets us through the smiles of others. I am sure that God delighted in the meeting between Nancy and Mr. Chris yesterday.

In the evening Obert called around. He had been to check how much a new leg would cost. His current artificial leg is causing him a lot of problems. Apparently because he bought his previous leg from the Holy Family Centre they were prepared to reduce the cost from 4,000 to 3,850 Kwacha. (about £320). In Zambia this is a huge amount of money, it is no wonder you see many people with one leg using crutches. I would have hope a charity helping children with disabilities in Africa would provide limbs free, or at a nominal charge, for those who have almost nothing.

Before setting out this morning I rang Dilys and checked the Internet. I was running a little late but decided not to rush, but to enjoy the journey. I heard the cry “Chris” and recognised Boniface - the singer. He had found out earlier that I was around and rang me, guessing I might have the same number as in previous years. Boniface was a student at PIZZ School and now earns a living as a singer. He told me that he has been booked for a number of agricultural shows in the area. He usually borrows speakers from a friend but the friend now wants to sell them – so he might have an issue. A couple of years back Boniface wrote an performed a song for PIZZ School. If I find the address on Youtube I will add it here. Boniface Celebrating PIZZ School

One of the computers I was looking at was very slow. It is running Windows XP and only had 128Mb of RAM. For most people who have no idea what I am talking about, the minimum recommended amount is eight times this figure!! I might see if I can increase it a bit!

Another computer wouldn't open and a message suggesting a memory problem was displayed. I abandoned it while I dealt with another machine, then opened it up and reseated the cards – to my surprise it now booted up without a problem. It's a while since I got so intimately connected with computer hardware!!

Betty arrived in the morning so I took a break from the machines and found out a little about her. Betty is at a local secondary school – Fountaingate. She was one of the PIZZ students who successfully passed her grade 9 exams last December. My aim is to find 3 years funding for each of the 29 students who passed last year. My daughter Helen has decided to run an ultramarathon on June 10^th to pay for Betty and Talent who I saw last week. She has so far run over 150 miles (240 Km) since the beinning of May in preparation for her 53 mile (85 Km) run! Anyone wanting to sponsor her can donate using this link http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HelenBarrell Betty is also keen on running – I suggested that one day she too might run an ultramarathon!

Caster also came to see me at the school. Caster told me that he had come to tell me how grateful he was for the support he had received through PIZZ because of me i.e. Hands Around the World. I asked him whether we had met personally at the school before and he said yes -when he was in grade 2!! He has just completed his grade 12 exams and hopes to be able to go to Lusangu University, where he wants to train as a secondary school teacher.

I left the computers running and decided to return home for lunch – depite the rumours David spread it is only a short stroll back to the Curia!! (well about 30 minutes!). The advantage of walking is of course that I am always meeting friends! How much poorer would I have been if I shot past Nancy yesterday in a taxi! On the way back I met Lashford. He was in charge of the building of the ICU in 2003 and completed the work after the team from Hands Around the World left at the start of the foundations! He also surpervised the building of the first classroom block Hands Around the World were responsible for at PIZZ School and built a new church in Monze where he was a founder member. Some years back he suffered the death of his baby child and was of course devastated. He told me he hasn't any work at present despite his expertise.

I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO LIKES A STROLL - CAREFUL THERE'S  A TRAIN ACOMIN!

 I had a leisurely lunch and made the 'short' trip back to the school. On the way a driver shouted greetings – I think it was Ian who stopped to say hallo yesterday. I spent a lot of time with Ian when I was working in the hospital from 2004 onwards. Ian was working in the stores and very quickly became adept at using the computer. I was developing and introducing a stock control system for the hospital and Ian input a lot of the data. Of course we also had a chance to chat about a wide range of subjects during our time together.

There was a problem downloading updates for the anti-virus software on one of the computers. It turned out that my 3Gb data bundle was already exhausted! I thought 2 Gb should be enough for the month but the cost of the extra Gig was marginal so I decided to go for it – less than two weeks later I need more – and I have only succeeded in loading anti-virus software onto one computer so far!

With no way of downloading anything I decided it was time for yet another stroll. It's not true that I am labouring the point just for David's benefit!! As I said he won't read the blog so I am safe!

I am not sure who most of the people were who greeted me on my return journey – one instead of “Mr. Chris” shouted “Chris Barrell” - probably because I didin't notice their initial Hallo. Some of the children also call me by name i.e. “Chris” or “Mr. Chris”. As I am known from the church and the school in addition to my other connections, there are lot more people who recognise me than I know. Monze is a very friendly place where even strangers will greet you warmly. A common greeting I particularly like is “Hallo my friend”.

As I passed by St. Vincent's School I noticed a nun and thought it must be Sr. Lontia – the Head. Indeed it was – she was with a lady with Chinese features who told me she had lived here now for two years. I chatte a little while to Sr. Lontia and said that I might try to bring Ben to see the school if we have a chance – she gave me her number so that I can sort out an appointment.

I keep pretty busy here in Monze, there is certainly no time to worry about how I can fill my day – though I admit I have almost finished my first novel since I arrived.

With love and prayers,

Chris

The Joy of Interacting with People in Monze

Tuesday 30^th June

It is still a great delight to wake to bright sunshine and clear blue skies.

The temperature is very pleasant – I would imagine just above 20°C for most of the day. The sun of course is still very hot. Back in Cheltenham the minimum temperature tonight is expected to be 21°C and tomorrow 28°C or 29°C is predicted!

I rang my man at Zamtel and was surprised to hear that the SIM cards had indeed arrived! So, after sorting a few things on the computer, I set off for town. I decided to take my time and enjoy the stroll. I walked with my shadow ever present reminding me of my God in whose image I am told I am made. It is great to interact with people and share some friendly banter. I have taken to walking down a road which has shops along it, and the people are beginning to get used to my frequent journeys to and from the crossroads. The children too are becoming used to me and call out their greetings, amid lovely smiles and much laughter.

My new SIM was obtained and installed in my phone – there was even 9 kwacha credit from last year. It is good to back on my familiar number – I expect a few friends will now get in touch.

I wanted to buy a few more mugs and to find some oil to stop the door squeaking. It has been impossible not to disturb the peace as you open and close the door to the corridor and since I tend to turn in later than others, I suspect sleep is being disturbed.

I called at a shop and asked for oil and was directed to another – however a tin of engine oil wasn't quite what I had in mind. I suggested that machine oil for sewing machines might be more appropriate and was told to go “behind”. I noticed that there were narrow alleys between some shops, but wasn't sure if I should use them, so I took a longer way around. I found an area I haven't come across before with a variety of shops and little businesses. I saw a tailor and asked were I could get oil, such as she might use for her sewing machine. She directed me to 'My Prayer Shop' – a shop I am very familiar with. I was told that it was “behind”. Again I took the longer route and was soon accompanied by a guy who had heard me ask and thought I was getting lost. He made sure that I found My Prayer Shop and obtained the oil. It is very typical of the people here to help as much as possible. They are happy to direct me to someone who has a product they don't sell, or will often go and buy it for me. I have even had people close their shop to accompany me to buy something.

After buying the oil the guy walked back a little way with me, then said he made pulpits and would I like to see. I walked to his little business were he was working with another guy, using metal and glass to make church lecterns, shop display cabinets, windows, door frames etc.

On the way home I called in at Homecraft which was my home in Monze for several years. Unfortunately my small flat is being turned into an office. I chatted for a while with Sr. Barbara about a variety of topics relating to the work done by Monze Projects and the world in general. A guy I had not met before came into the office. Patrice has taken over from Vincent and apparently has resurrected a database I produced a few years back for collecting and analysing the assets of the poor communities in Monze Diocese and he is using it. I will call around sometime to find out how it is working and see if there are any improvements I can make.

The rest of the day has been filled with a variety of visitors.

Warren and his wife came around to say goodbye to Martin, who leaves for the UK tomorrow. They brought a shirt made for Martin as a farewell present.

During the afternoon Jennipher called around with a friend. She has returned from Namibia were Sandra went for an operation. It seems that She is staying there for a few days to recover before returning to Livingstone, where she works as a nurse. We chatted for a while and Jennipher and her friend enjoyed some egg mayonnaise sandwiches. Jennipher mentioned that some baby shawls that a friend of mine provided, while Jennipher was in the UK, were very well received and are now keeping the babies nice and warm. A double pushchair again provided through a gift from another friend Jennipher met in the UK is making a big difference to a mother with two children, both of whom have disabilities. She is able to get out and even do a bit of business thanks to the pushchair.

Raymond popped around early evening with a note from Charles. The moon was getting brighter, the bright orange glow of sunset dimming and two bright stars appeared close in the sky – I suspect they are Mars and Venus. I took Raymond to observe the sky and he said he had intended to ask me about the stars which he noticed have been getting closer each night. (He knows that in the past I have taken an interest in the sky – I particularly enjoy seeing the Southern Cross.)

Later Charles, his wife, Precious and eventually her two brothers Andrew and Mike came to say goodbye.

So ends another day blessed by the people I meet here in Zambia.

With my love and prayers,

Ch

More welcome rain

Friday 3rd December

It rained again last night and, before I turned in, the accompanying storm once again put out the lights!

With the computer working I have plenty to keep me occupied. Unfortunately this morning after about 1½ hours my battery gave out. I headed to the hospital and met one or two friends before returning via Ireen. She has started on this years garments and told me to return next week when all will be ready.

Fortunately power returned at midday and, after a spot of lunch, I was able to return to the task of tailoring the accounts database for PIZZ school. I don't like repeating any task, so when there are standard items of expenditure each month – in this case teachers salaries – I don't see why the data should be retyped. So I spent an hour or two creating a button or two that will automatically fill in the relevant details. Being the sad individual I am, I revel in such exercises.

Sr Racheal rang yesterday to ask if I could call around this morning to help her with some anti-virus software. This we postponed until power returned. At the convent it was 15 hrs before the electricity was once again flowing. We met soon after. In Zambia, power outages are part of life. In previous years power was generally rationed. Often at peak times – e.g. supper time the power would be turned off for a couple of hours. Being without power for best part of a day is very common. I doubt if it occurred in the UK people would take is as calmly!

Sr. Rachael's computer had Kapersky installed as the anti-virus but the subscription had expired. She bought AVG from a computer firm in Lusaka to replace it. Initially she had problems when she started to install because she couldn't see the subscription code. This she later realised that was because it was printed on the CD itself – which of course was by this time inside the PC. Unfortunately in Zambia it is difficult to ensure that you are getting the genuine article – this is true with most goods, but especially true with any software product. If you have no technical knowledge you can be walking into a minefield. The firm in Lusaka is reputable, yet having a disk printed with the organisations details made me a little suspicious – I am also doubtful that AVG provide their software to the retail market – and to be resold using a local firm's disks. A warning came up to say the installation was out of date and might not work properly. However it seemed to install OK, but the anti-virus files were nearly a year out of date. Sr Racheal was told that the software would last for 2 years but in fact the subscription runs out in 15 months. The price was about what I would expect to pay in the UK for Norton or Kapersky for a year – so it wasn't cheap.

In Monze the problem of computer viruses is a major one. The lack of technical knowledge means that many people pay a lot of money and receive products that are of little value. I decided to fetch my modem so that at least the software could be updated – Sr. Racheal has no Internet connection so can't do update the software herself. I left the updates being downloaded – after 1½ hours it only had just over an hour to go. Unfortunately MTN charges per MByte and there was about 100MBytes to download - therefore another significant bill.

Our world is run by the rich powerful nations and is seen from their perspective. The Internet is regarded as ubiquitous and fast; constant electricity and clean water supplies are taken for granted, as are tarred roads. So the products on offer rely on huge assumptions that don't apply here – hence often they don't work – or don't work for long. I was told today of an NGO that provided a Ford vehicle for one of their project. This is great, as long as it doesn't go wrong! You won't find Ford parts in Zambia and I don't know the nearest country to supply them – it could be an expensive spark plug or distributor cap! Or yet another abandoned piece of expensive equipment!

Reymond called around this evening and we talked about various issues. In particular we discussed the way in which Zambian resources seem to be destined for other countries. I try my best to use Zambian products. I use Zamtel as my mobile network provider. Zamtel until recently was government owned and therefore profits stayed within the country. However recently a Middle Eastern firm has bought 75% of the company – 25% being retained by the government. The massive advertising by multinationals has a huge influence (they wouldn't spend so much otherwise). The effect is for most Zambians to believe that Zambian products are inferior and therefore the little money they have goes to help the companies from the richer nations to make even more money. Even most of the brightest graduates from Zambia leave the country after having received their training here.

Unfortunately the politicians haven't the courage, the will or the power to ensure that firms operating in the this country at least give a fair share of the profits to help the people out of poverty. Of course the multinationals have no conscience and those running them only have an interest in profit.

Sometimes it is difficult to see how the cycle of poverty can be broken. Today Ian said that God was taking special care of Africa. There is no doubt that he is ever present in the suffering of the people here. The chapter I have just read in a book (entitled “chasing joy”) that I brought with me, talks about smiling and laughing. The author points out that we don't see smiling Madonnas or statues of Jesus – like him, I believe the world would be much better off if we did! He also refers to an Apache story of creation where the Creator made humans come fully alive by giving them the ability to laugh. The people here are certainly fully alive and have a close relationship with their Creator. I read that David Cameron is trying to make the UK the second country in the world to measure well being. (I think it's Bhutan that is other one!) I wonder whether the amount of laughter will be measured? On such a measurement Zambia is indeed wealthy!

I think I mentioned, in a previous blog posting, the campaign to, at least, ensure that companies declare there tax contributions in all the countries were they operate. When I get home I intend to seek those working in Zambia and do a little hassling of my own!!

Tomorrow I need to take a bit of a break, for the temptation is to keep running at sprint speed – though I am running a marathon!


Saturday 4th December

I lay in this morning until about 7.30. I had to buy some more cornflakes as I had run out – and I need them to start my day!! I decided to do a bit of washing this morning. The day started cloudy but the sky was brightening and I guessed that the washing would soon dry.

I had decided, as I said above, to have a bit of a rest, so I read for a while and enjoyed a cup or two of tea. Even in the hottest weather I find a cup of tea refreshing – drinking a cup of tea is also a comfortingly familiar activity – like the bowl of cornflakes.

I hung out my washing and, at a little after 11 hrs, headed out towards my regular haunt – the little lake (dam) to the south of the town. I used to think it was to the west, but my sense of direction has always been poor! Along the way I was accompanied by a flock of swallows. There are a variety of different swallow species in Zambia but these were the European variety. It is unusual to see swallows grouped together on electricity cables – as they do in the UK before leaving for the winter. - but today as well as their usual playful swooping and turning, they made use of these perches. At the dam, I sat under a tree for a while and watched while a few waders pecked at the waters edge - one a particularly pretty slender bird, with a thin pointed black bill and long legs, I identified as a Black Winged Stint, there was also a Little Egret and a couple of African Jacanas – all rather attractive birds.

After a while I decided to head a bit further along the road to St. Marys and Kisito. St. Mary's is a village about 15 km from Monze. Kisito Pastoral Centre is found just before the village. In 2004 I was invited to attend a weekend retreat at Kisito and enjoyed it. I have always felt particularly privileged when offered the opportunity to experience a part of life not generally available to visitors to this country. To spend a couple of days in prayer with a small group can be an intimate experience. So to be welcomed into such a group where people often share personal and private experiences, requires a lot of trust and I am grateful.

Some years afterwards I chose to walk to Kisito (and back again!). Today I contented myself by travelling just a kilometre or so beyond the lake. I took a turning from the main road and eventually found another tree that offered some shade. It always does me good to get into the countryside. The Kisito road is wide and relatively good, but only two or three vehicles passed me during my stroll. I was surprised to see a couple of tractors – ox carts are more common around Monze. A calf was joined on the road by a couple of adults and a group of goats rummaged around the bushes at the roadside. Dragonflies abound at the moment – particularly, though not exclusively, near the dam. I sometimes wonder how many ants there are in the world! Zambia certainly has it's share. Finding a suitable place to sit is always a bit tricky. If I drop any of my lunch, a great herd of the creatures appear from the ground to eat or carry away the scraps. There are also a large variety of beetles busily walking here and there. Every so often the air is filled with sound, a bit like a school of children rattling their shakers. I am not sure whether the sound is from beetles or grasshoppers, but it starts suddenly and is very loud. There are other, now familiar sounds, but they continue to be equally mysterious. There is a whistle – just a long single tone, that occurs often and another sound, like the noise that sometimes emanates from an electrical installation on a damp day. This is very loud and when I approach it stops – only to restart as I move on.

Approaching me down the road was a family in their best attire – perhaps heading for church. I thought that I would love a picture and, as I passed, they asked me if “I would copy them” - which of course I did with great pleasure. They asked if I could give them a print. I will see if I can organise something, but the logistics are not simple! I told them I couldn't promise anything – I will add the picture to this blog.

This is the end of Zambia's spring. Some trees are in flower. A pretty catkin on a thorn bush caught my attention. These bushes have lovely delicate soft leaves hiding very vicious needles and then these beautiful catkins.

On my return journey a pick-up van stopped and the driver ( Mr. Meheritona) offered me a lift. Tabo Meheritona used to be the School Manager at St. Vincent's Community School and we have known each other for several years. I thanked him for his offer but explained that I wanted the exercise – so he left after greeting me.

I returned to the dam and once again sat for a while. Some gentle rain started to fall. I was interested that no one took any notice. People, like me, sitting and relaxing, continued, as did those fishing and of course those swimming in the lake. The rain was very gentle and quite refreshing, hardly managing to wet the skin before evaporating again.

It was time anyway to head towards home. I had arranged to call by Diven's shop and hopefully pick up some Finta (UHT milk) that I asked him to buy for me. He rang when I was a few minutes away to check that I was on my way. I stepped into the shop and the rain re-commenced. This time it was a heavy shower lasting for 5 – 10 minutes. I was a bit concerned about my washing on the line back home but glad of the shelter. In previous blogs I have referred to my friend Bro Joe (now Saint Joe) and his ability to keep dry whatever the weather! When you were with Joe, the rain was always somewhere else. So, often, we would enter a building or vehicle and the heavens would open; or would walk outside and the rain would immediately stop! This incident made me remember Joe.

On the way home a river had started flowing where on the outward journey there was a small road. When I arrived home I found that washing was again wet but only one shirt had hit the ground – I expected to find the line collapsed and everything in the mud. I rinsed the shirt and decide to leave the washing out. It was only 15.30 and it would be almost dry again by nightfall.

I retrieved my modem from Sr. Racheal. There is a short cut through the church grounds to the convent and hospital using a small gate that is usually open. The other day I passed the seminarian, working at the church, who told me I should use it. I don't feel I should take advantage by using this route generally, but since it links the church and convent directly, it seemed appropriate in this case. (It saves at least ½ km and 10 minutes!). Yesterday evening the anti-virus update worked, though it halted for a while. It also appears that some Windows updates were downloaded, which was an added bonus. Sr. Racheal informed me that there are a couple of other computers at the convent needing attention, so I agreed to look at them before I leave the country!

Luke came around a little later. Luke is starting his exams on Monday and is confident of success. He hopes to go onto the final stage in June. This would give him a good opportunity to progress with his career and would give him a number of course exemptions if he decided to pursue a degree course. We talked a bit about local issues. It is useful to get direct feedback from friends. Much of the 'gossip' I hear repeats similar stories and helps me build up a picture of life here in Monze – particularly in relation to the many projects in which I have some involvement.

I am getting lazy in respect to my meals. I had some beans boiled a couple of days ago, so added a little rice and some salad – also prepared earlier in the week. The fridge keeps reasonably cool even when the power is off, though frozen food will naturally de-frost, so the food was still edible.

I didn't access the Net yesterday, so I will check it out now.

Cheers

Chris