A Wonderful Place

My theme of resting and being, has continued! In fact I must admit I enjoy the idea t he more I experience it. Taking some time out makes me realise just what a wonderful place Zambia can be. There is a lot of sunshine at this time – in fact at most times in my experience. Almost twelve hours of hot sunshine in a day is very common. By about 9 am it is fresh and I am comfortable wearing a tee-shirt in the shade (here most people will wear jerseys or coats!). The sun is already hot.

In my pondering I wondered why politicians worldwide seem to lack vision and imagination. Surely we should be making our world what the Lord has designed it to be. He provide us with all the power we need from the sun and enabled us to develop into intelligent creatures who, working co-operatively, can create amazing pieces of technology to build structures and take advantage of all the resources provided. Yet by fighting always “in our own interests” whether it be national or personal we end up with a world much diminished.

Thursday 2^nd June

David should have been arriving today. Unfortunately a couple of weeks ago, just before he was due to leave the UK he was taken ill and therefore had to postpone the trip. I know he very much wanted to catch up with the people of Zambia and Monze in particular. There are lot of people here that are very sad to hear the news and very much wanted to meet up again. We all wish him a very speedy recovery. He has already started an e-mail discussion with me as a substitute, so he must be on the mend.

Mr. & Mrs. Sianga called to take me to see someone who was selling solar lights in the market. It was news to me that such a store existed so close to my house.

It is just a small outlet that has a variety of solar lights ranging from a very small lamp to a small system for a two roomed house. The system has a couple of reasonable lights and a radio run from a panel and working through an inverter.

The lamps – even the larger ones didn't seem very bright or substantial – certainly compared with those I have previously received from Lights for Learning. At a cost of about £10 each I am not sure that an investment can be justified, however it is good to see that solar products are beginning to penetrate. There was an article in the Post a day or two back looking at solar power stations and particularly looking at the Sahara! I seem to have been talking about this for many years. My fear has always been that someone outside Africa will make a lot of money from Africa's sun.

I continue to meet friends. Some I find hard to place. Many from St. Veronica's Small Christian Community say hallo. A guy introduces himself as Simon's son. Simon was the chairman of St. Veronica's for several years. His was one house I could find and, either he or his wife would take me to the meetings. He is a builder and when work became short in Monze he moved to Kafue leaving his wife in Monze, returning only occasionally. Simon's son told me that Simon's wife died last year – I am sad about this, we got on well.

I was introduced to another of Simon's sons who sells chickens not far from the entrance to Homecraft – a couple of days later he came around and presented me with some village chicken eggs. I have already sampled them for supper.

My house was quiet for a change and I enjoyed a little peace.

Friday 3^rd June

I had nothing planned for the day. My life since I left formal employment, nearly twenty years ago, has never been routine. There is always plenty to do, but little by way of schedule. This means I can be working at 11 pm just as easily as 9 am and weekends are not necessarily free. Life for me in Zambia is much the same. The past few days have however encouraged me to enjoy the opportunities for a break, whenever they come.

I had some work to do to check project finances and I need to establish which sponsored children have yet to be seen. I might have met 50 or more, but there are some I still need to find. The exercise is quite a logistical challenge! Then I will write a note to each of the sponsors! If you would like to sponsor a child at PIZZ School just follow this link Hand in Hand Sponsorship.

It is quite interesting going over the short interviews, recording a few details and noting last years comments. A few of the children stand out either because they show a cheeky spark of mischief or in contrast they seem to be particularly quiet and shy.

The dam can be quite busy at the weekend so I thought that I would use the chance to sit quietly today, being a weekday. Walking in the short grass clouds of small dragonflies took to the air. I found a shaded spot and settled to contemplate and observe. It is very quiet compared with most parts of the UK. The main sounds are cows mooing and cockerels crowing. A few people bring carts with drums and fill from the lake. There were some ladies fishing with specially designed fishing baskets and a couple of guys with home made rods and lines. I felt very relaxed and refreshed after a couple of hours by the small stretch of water. There was a small flock of cattle egrets, some African jacana's and a few doves, but the bird life wasn't spectacular. A bird of prey that looked like a falcon sat in a nearby tree.

While at the lake Mrs.Sianga rang to say she had been to the bank to get a statement. This I wanted to check the account details against the paperwork I had seen in respect of the missing money. The good news is that the money has been traced, will be refunded and be resent.

Diven also rang – I passed his place but he was away fetching water. He told me that he will have to walk a longer distance to fetch water as the year progresses. He didn't think that Delia would manage to carry the buckets so far on her head and he would ideally like a bike.

On the way back I called at a stall I noticed earlier where music was playing. I was even more impressed by the stallholder's initiative when I saw he powered his devise from a solar panel. I felt obliged to at least buy a packet of biscuits. A friend of his came over and asked me to see where they play football. In my mood of taking things easy and not rushing, I decided to accompany him. He took me to the field at PIZZ School were his team was preparing for their match. He explained that they play in a local league. ( I was pleased to see the football pitch being put to good use.) This young man wanted to teach the young people about GBV – Gender Based Violence. He has had football shirts made with Stop GBV printed on them, with the Manchester City strip on one side and Zesco on the other – I am not sure whether these companies provide any sponsorship.

Eventually I reached Diven's shop where we chatted briefly. On the way to the school a guy pulled up on a bike and eventually I recognised him as Christopher. Christopher was the security guard at Nampeyo Guest House (Now renamed Moonlight) where a team of us stayed in 2003. He is one of the few people still to be in the same job. He said he would call around to see me – possibly on Saturday after church.

I called at the school to see Mrs. Sianga but it was crowded with people – mainly ladies and their babies. It turned out that the school was acting as an eye clinic where the community could receive inoculations to prevent one of the common eye diseases in Zambia.

It was almost dark when I reached home. I had some dried fish for supper. They are a little like kippers and they went down well with some garlic potatoes (Irish potatoes!) and some rape and sweet potato leaves fried with pounded groundnuts!

With love and prayers,

Chris

The Cycle of Poverty

Wednesday 1^st June

I made the effort to go to church this morning. This year I have not got adjusted to Zambian timing, so I am still up late and don't arise till around 8 am. Most people are up and about by 6 hrs! Mass is at 6.30 am in the morning. It was good to attend – I often try to get to mass in the UK, but that service is at 9.30 am.

It is quite cool here first thing, but yesterday it soon warmed up and felt quite hot in the afternoon – even in the shade. Power was a bit slow to return and my laptop battery gave up. I decided to wander around the market, pick up a few onions and maybe chase down my Frisco coffee. I also thought that I might meet a few of the stallholders and say hallo.

Boniface called out to me as I wandered around the market. He had returned from his gig and was lounging in the sun. He wanted to show me the recording studio that he was using. Inside a hair salon, a guy has setup some equipment where he does recording and edits the music and videos. The power returned as I entered the studio of Crazy Boy and he showed me some of the videos he has made for Boniface.We chatted for a while. It struck me that with the internet he could provide some services to others who perhaps have taken videos and want to put them together – maybe I need to try to do something myself and see what he can make of it.

I am fortunate to have a nice garden where I can sit and ponder. I often read a little to relax. It is difficult not to feel guilty, but often after a session in the garden, what I need to do becomes clearer. When I go to renew my permit I am often told strictly that I must not do any work – and I now claim to be retired, so maybe it is not only OK, but it is my duty to relax.

I spent another afternoon at PIZZ School. I saw only five students. The final student wasn't well - she had sores on her face. Mrs. Sianga had called her mother, who came with a lovely baby. The story is only too common. The mother, herself orphaned at a young age and brought up in a poor household got married – probably again when she was very young. Girls like her are often married because the guardians are struggling to feed the family and it is one less mouth to feed. Her husband died a few years back, when the girl I met was very young, her mother has AIDS. She took a boyfriend – in order to help feed the family, but he treated her badly and she chased him away. She now has another child to feed. The girl has not been tested for HIV/AIDS but it is likely that this disease is behind her current sickness.

It is easy for us to judge, but we cannot imagine the pressure of knowing you have absolutely no food for the family to eat. Girls in particular are very vulnerable in these circumstances and many, like this mother, never complete their education, but find themselves on a course that keeps them in poverty and often leads to an early death. The PIZZ project aims to stop that cycle and in doing so supports not only the 380 children now at the school and the 60 at secondary school, but also the other children in their families and their guardians.

Fr. Clement and Francis (another priest from the church) picked me up a little before 20 hrs. They took me to Kisito which is a retreat centre about 14 km away.

Many years back when I was helping at the hospital I was invited to go for a couple of days on a retreat with the hospital nurses. It was towards the end of my stay and I was very busy, with a lot of work outstanding. I hesitated and then, realising that I could never complete everything anyway, I accepted the invitation. I felt very privileged to be asked to join the group. On retreat we usually spend time reflecting on our lives and there are opportunities to share some deep and often personal thoughts. It takes a lot of trust to be open within a group, so I felt honoured that I was included in this intimate gathering. A couple of years later I decided that one day I would make a small pilgrimage to Kasito and walked there. I spent a while in the chapel before returning home just before dusk. I have often thought of returning.

Things seem to have changed a bit at Kisito! Yesterday we took advantage of the pool table and had a serious competition – helped by a few beers. I felt more at home here than I am at some of the bars we have previously used. We had the table to ourselves and met a couple of the local priest based nearby. It was midnight before I returned to Homecraft.

Chris

Doing and Being

Monday 30^th May

I had the morning free so I decided to sit in the garden and do a little thinking. It is easy to rush about keeping busy, but now and then it is good to reflect and do a little planning. In particular I needed to look more strategically at PIZZ School and think about long term issues and plans. I need also to understand better the challenges and how I might be able to help. Sitting in the garden with butterflies dancing around me, grasshoppers crashing and birds calling can provide the right atmosphere for creative thinking! It works for me anyway – and happens to be a very pleasant way to pass a couple of hours!

I chatted to a dozen or so children during the afternoon. Some had changed their proposed occupation since last year – we have for instance a new pilot in the making! He wants to fly to the UK. There are some children that have a great sparkle in their eyes and you can sense that little bit of mischief, together with determination to succeed. Others are quite shy and seem a bit intimidated by this strange white guy asking silly questions. It was good to meet one or two children who last year were very thin and sickly looking, but this year have filled out and are more alert.

After the session, Killian took me back into Freedom Compound to meet a girl who hasn't been attending school regularly since February. He told me that she is very keen to study and was very disappointed that she will need to drop back a year, because she has been sick. She contracted TB and it seems that the strength of the drugs was too much – at one time she was taken into the intensive care unit at the hospital amid concerns that she might not survive. The girl has been on ARVs (anti-retroviral dugs) for AIDS for twelve years. She lives with her mother and three younger siblings – all of whom are HIV+. Her mother sells in the market, but because of her daughter's recent illness hasn't been able to leave her. Mrs. Sianga has provided some mealie meal (maize flour), as has her church – this is what they are currently surviving on. They have nothing to go with the nshima they make – by way of other vegetables or meat.

There are so many people here who live on the edge. In normal times they can just manage to have enough to eat. Any disturbance can put survival in question. There are very few welfare services available.

The family live in a simple two-roomed house which is badly in need of repair.

Mrs. Sianga and Killian would like to establish some small projects for the guardians of the children which could help, particularly in times of desperate need such as in this case.

On the way back Teddy pulled up in his car and offered me a lift home. He came in for a coffee and we chatted for a while.

There was a suggestion of a pool session in the evening, but Fr. Clement must have been busy. I made myself a late night supper of sweet potato with fried eggs and some rape with pounded groundnuts. The pounded groundnuts add an interesting flavour especially when they added to the boiled rape and the combination braised with a little oil. I am finding that I am generally inspired to concoct something a little more interesting than my initial thoughts. I am enjoying cooking and, even more, eating my food!

Tuesday 31^st May

I had agreed to meet Diven in the morning, but couldn't reach him on the phone - so I took to the garden and read about time and how valuable it is!! The writer I think is a little too intense! He is a Christian involved in missionary work, but I believe that often it is in being, rather than doing that

we often meet God. As if to justify my thoughts, a beautiful butterfly danced around me and as I hoped, but didn't expect, it settled on the ground, opened its wings and posed for a few photos. The butterfly is one of God's most beautiful and wonderful creatures. It is a creature that is transformed from a crawling insect into one with the freedom even to fly to other countries in migration and many are very colourful and beautifully marked – as was this one.

Eventually I walked to Diven's house where he was charging his phone! The guy who did most of his building work – a distant relative of his wife – had been ill at Monze Hospital and yesterday he died. Diven had been asked to contribute to the funeral expenses and agreed to provide a bag of mealie meal.

I had agreed to meet Obert at 14hrs and had to hurry back home. Every day people ask me for money. Today a young man asked for 2 kwacha (about 15p) because he was hungry. I find it very difficult to say no. If I say yes, more will come and probably before long I would have a queue at my door here at Homecraft. I am sure it is true these people are quite literally hungry. Unfortunately I cannot feed them all. I do what I can to support my friends and their families and others that are connected, but my resources are limited. Unfortunately we live in a world where the rich everywhere are getting richer at the expense of the poorest. It is just that here poverty can be a case of life or death. It is not easy coming face to face with this reality and having to say no.

It was good to catch up with Obert. His dream is still to have his own car. At the moment, if he gets a call from someone wanting a taxi, he borrows a car and gives the owner the fare. It is difficult making a decent living without your own car. Anyway it is good that Obert still gets some work. He told me that it was in grade 5 that he decided he wanted to drive a car. He was told that, with an artificial leg, it would be impossible and to forget it. It is therefore with justifiable pride that Obert drives his taxis.

Chris

Wheelbarrows and Ox-carts

We have had a few cloudy days. Everything of course is relative and we probably had more sun than in England on a “bright” sunny day! However it was a joy to awake yesterday to a pure blue cloudless sky. People here are wearing jumpers and coats, while I find it perfectly OK in a tee-shirt when the temperature is hovering around 20°C. I note that in England's summer, temperatures are reaching 17 or 18, here in the Zambian winter we manage 24 or 25 most days!

Interesting insects abound around the house and in the surrounding areas. Some of the grasshoppers/crickets/locusts are quite beautifully coloured. There are a large number of butterflies of varying colour and size. I met Raymond by the railway line a short while back and he asked if I had seen any snakes – apparently they are abundant in that area, mainly cobra. There are a few birds around, the local pied crows do what crows do worldwide and the call is very similar. A house sparrow joined us at mass, flying in the rafters during the service. A couple of noisy bulbils did acrobatics in a tree in the garden and a blue waxbill flew into a tree outside.

Friday 27^th May

I had a mammoth session in the morning seeing 19 students who are sponsored under a Hands Around the World scheme called Hand in Hand. I try to meet all the students each year and find out how they are progressing. On Friday I saw mainly grade 2 students and they are often a bit shy and they are not always very confident in English – I am embarrassed that after all these years I can still only greet and say thank you in Chitonga! I was sometimes helped with extra information from Killian about the family background or from their school report.

I heard more moving stories about the children – one has a mother who is mentally disturbed, she stays with her grandmother, but sometimes roams the streets with her mother, getting food from bins. There seems to be little treatment in Zambia for mental illnesses, leaving the person suffering to survive as best they can - this is obviously devastating for their children.

Mike grabbed my hand and said hallo. I am not sure whether it was the hand shake or the face that I first recognised. Mike was working at the Nampeyo Guest House were I stayed on my first visit in 2003. I have met him over the years when he has been engaged in various jobs. Last year I didn't recognise him until he explained who he was. He didn't seem to look well and I was quite concerned. This year he seems much fitter and healthier.

I returned to the house to write some reports and chase the problem with the funds transfer. I spend a lot of time on the computer recording what I see for various reports as well as this blog. I see this very much as part of my work here in Zambia. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am to be able to spend a couple of months here with the people of Zambia. I see it as my job to try to give a feel of what I am experiencing daily. The world here is so different. I find it very easy to adapt and hardly notice the different sights, smells and sounds – but for many it would be a revelation. As I sit I hear African music in the distance, yesterday the church had a “Brie” (barbecue) with loud music for most of the day - this was continued by the late night bars. In the market music is often played on music systems in some shops, a small concert in the nearest part of the market also added to the atmosphere yesterday afternoon. Woman often carry goods on their heads and the most common goods transport for larger items is the wheelbarrow, which comes in a wide variety of styles – which are designed for different types of goods – some seem to be chosen for the comfort of the owner – who can often be seen dozing in them! Ox carts are another common site on the main roads as well as side roads. Going really up market you might pull your trailer with a tractor. I pass chickens for sale every day. Here the people prefer them fresh – which means alive – when they are bought.

I am always reluctant to wander around taking pictures of people without their consent, so I have few pictures of these everyday sights.

Fr. Clement called around briefly to load some units to the electricity supply. We are on a meter at the house. I was aware of the position and knew that there were in fact still plenty of units left, but the extra will last some time. I needed to buy and load units last year, so I know the system.

Jennipher popped around late and joined me for some chilli beans and rice.

Saturday 28^th May

There were some more reports I wanted to get out and I also wanted to spread the word about PIZZ School.

Diven came around and somehow we got talking about the European Referendum. He said that he found it confusing – I don't think he is the only one. I have applied for a proxy vote enabling Dilys to vote on my behalf – I wonder how she would feel if I tell her to vote the opposite way to herself!!

I found that I was out of teabags and low on sugar and coffee. I went around the local small shops – most of which sell groceries – looking for coffee which isn't Nestle. Years ago I understand that Nestle ran a campaign encouraging mothers to use dried milk instead of breastfeeding. This was likely to have resulted in many child deaths in the poorest countries. I try to avoid this company for that reason and the fact that their business methods don't seem to have improved – e.g through exploitation of poor coffee farmers. After a long search I failed to find non-Nestle coffee - teabags and sugar are not so difficult, though the sugar is from a British owned firm that pays very little tax in Zambia. I will find my Frisco coffee before I completely run out!!

During my travels around the market I picked up a few pieces of chitenge material which I hope will make a nice shirt.

I had thought I might call at the church brie, but time moved on and I missed the opportunity. I sat in the garden for a bit – reading and soaking up the atmosphere.

Sunday 29^th May

Today in the Catholic Church we are celebrating Corpus Christie – the feast commemorates the institution of the Eucharist which for most Christians forms the basis of their main liturgical service. In the Catholic Church we believe that God is, in some sense, fully present under the form of bread and wine. Quite an amazing claim! But if you believe in God, anything is possible! - even a universe populated with many trillions of stars, heavenly bodies, each tremendously hot, giving off light that can be seen many thousands of years later by creatures who happen to live on a rock held by an invisible force at just the right distance to prevent them freezing or frying, sustained by a liquid which is recycled in a way that constantly purifies and redistributes it – enabling life and growth. Of course such a universe and all that it contains might have occurred by chance – but I wouldn't like to guess at the odds!!

I expected the mass to be longer than usual as we had some children receiving communion (the bread and wine) for the first time. In the event this wasn't the case, however after mass there was a procession which covered about a kilometre outside on the minor roads. The Host (Bread) was displayed and carried by the priest stopping occasionally for prayers. This used to be a common tradition in England – though often confined to church grounds. However, it is rare that such processions take place these days. It is good every so often to express your faith in public. Bringing God to the community in what we believe is a real sense, cannot do anything but good.

I returned home along the railway tracks. This isn't the most direct route, though the railway runs roughly parallel to the main road which I would otherwise use. I spend a lot of time here rushing around and wanted to stroll a little away from the hustle and bustle. It is also good to walk along the railway when it is strictly forbidden in the UK!! At the side of the railway is an area of grasses and some wild flowers which attract butterflies and other insects – as well as snakes!! I forgot to pick up a paper – I might see if they are still selling them on the High Street!

I hadn't realised have time had fled and failed to get the Post. While on my way Boniface rang. He has copied his music and videos to my flash drive and wanted to pass it back. I have watched the videos and am currently listening to the music – it is good, maybe if he made some in English it might be more commercial worldwide.

By the way I have solved the issue of the massive downloads!! My friends from Micro$oft want me to have Windows 10 – apparently for free. Why am I a little suspicious?!! Anyway I had said not to install it, however Windows 10 is provided as an update and if the computer is set to update automatically – the default! - it attempts to download the software, all 2Gb+ of it!! No wonder my data bundle ran out quickly. Presumably because I never let it complete, the downloads failed and it retried! I have now told it not to download and I can use the Internet for my purposes not Micro$ofts!!

Chris

Can we Walk in their Shoes?

Wednesday 25^th May

Today is African Freedom Day and it commemorates South African Independence completing Africa's independence from colonial rule.

I went to mass at the cathedral which was later than usual due to it being a holiday. In his sermon the priest doubted that Zambia was free – particularly in economic terms, the country is still oppressed. In the Post (one of Zambia's national papers) an article asks “who is setting the agenda”. He points out that Africa is constantly being told what it should do in order to be successful by western powers pushing their own philosophy which so far has only led them to become richer at Africa's expense.

The system at work today which gives big companies huge power - the ability to make big profits and pay little back in taxes, benefits the wealthy shareholders, but leaves the poorest even poorer.

The past few days I have been moved by the stories of some of the children I have met at PIZZ school. Perhaps those expounding free trade and current economic policies should talk to some of these children suffering as a result.

I had decided to take life easy. I read a bit and generally relaxed. Best had travelled through the night to get to Monze and after a brief rest would head back to Lusaka. He has been busy over the past couple of days meeting with senior members of a major western tribe to research his work on tribal law.

I was able to print a poster for Diven advertising his mobile phone charging facility. I also found a butcher and bought some prime steak. Incidently the piece of meat weighing over ½ kilogram (more than a pound in old money!) cost the same as an A4 coloured poster! (about £1.35).

Thursday 26^th May

I decided it was time to re-introduce myself to Monze Mission Hospital. In 2003 – my first visit – I came with a small team to 'build' an intensive care unit at the hospital. In the event when we left there was still a hole rather than a building. Most of our time was spent fetching hardcore to fill the chasm, though we did also help make some bricks for the foundations. What many volunteers don't realise, at least at first, is that the experience is as much to change them and their lives as that of our partners in distant lands. It certainly changed my life!!

The receptionist didn't know me and when I asked for Sister Juunza suggested I returned in 30 minutes. I took a leisurely stroll around town and on my return was asked to sit outside of Sister Juunza's office. When Sr. Juunza emerged she greeted me with a big hug – no doubt to the surprise of the receptionist!

Sr. Juunza is the Administration Manager at the hospital. She succeeds Justina Yamba and Sr Beatrice who was in charge when I first arrived in 2003. Sr. Juunza was due in a meeting so I didn't delay her. My intention was just to say that I was around – we will meet later and talk about the hospital etc. I was able to give her some glasses which Roger, my brother-in-law had passed on to me and some special sleeves/stockings also given to me for the hospital. These items will be put to good use.

In the afternoon I spent a couple of hours talking to secondary students. Many of them have recently moved from PIZZ School and some are finding it difficult. A major problem is the lack of electricity at home. They are desperate to progress at school, but cannot study at home in the evenings. As a result they fall behind with their homework. (We would really need four hundred lamps to ensure that no PIZZ student suffers this problem – I am working on this!!) One girl told me that after school she plaits hair to earn some money to buy food for the family. Another boy has to walk 4 kilometres each way to school and said a bike would make a difference.

My final interview was with a boy who, like many, has lost both parents. He lives with his grandmother who cuts grass to sell for roofing, she also makes some brooms. Unfortunately she has a drink problem so the boy has to find work to support both himself and her. He also has a sister who is disabled and lives on her own, so he also has the responsibility of looking after her. We visited his home which is a one roomed house he shares with his grandmother. This was built for them by a local church a year or so back. Until then they lived in a mud hut. The new house has no electricity or mains water which is the situation for most of the students who attend PIZZ School

I visited this house with Killian and one of the care-givers. When I was talking to the students Mrs. Sianga encouraged me to ask the children why their marks were poor, if that was the case. I admit I was initially reluctant to put hem under such scrutiny, but the purpose was a positive one. Mrs Sianga and her staff are keen to know why performance drops off. In this way they find out that the children are also the breadwinners in the household, that they might have health issues, that the conditions at home make it difficult to study etc. With the caregivers they visit the families and try to resolve some of the issues and encourage the guardians to do what they can to improve the situation. In the longer term these children can help the families escape the desperate poverty in which they currently live. It is only through this sort of additional care that the children are enabled to continue with their education, many – perhaps most – would otherwise drop out long before completing their education.

I was introduced to Coiled when I was at the school. He lived in a fishing village not far from Monze. A few years ago I visited such a village with Fr. Kenan the former Parish priest at the Cathedral. The people who live in the village live in temporary houses near the river's edge during the dry season. When the rains come these house, made mainly of grass, are washed away and the people retreat to their more permanent houses built high to avoid flooding. Each house or group of houses becomes an island during the rainy season. For much of the year the people are isolated.

Coiled has lost both his parents and was living alone in the fishing village – surviving by catching fish for himself. An older boy who has just finished his final year at secondary school was visiting his family who live in the village. He found Coiled and took him back to Monze and approached Mrs. Sianga to try to obtain a place for him at the school. The boy has no means to buy a uniform or note book. If Mrs. Sianga accepts the boy he will need help with these things and there is no guarantee that his new young guardian will be able to provide for him. She told me this was but one example of the dilemma she faces daily. Without schooling the prospects for these children are very poor, but every child she takes in requires a lot more than a few academic lessons.

Each time I visit I realise both what a tremendous task it is to provide ample resources for the children, but also that this project is truly wonderful. Every penny used in this project is well spent and I don't hesitate to promote it wholeheartedly. Hands Around the World funds the project, but Mrs. Sianga struggles to provide adequately for the students and staff from the relatively little we send. A major issue at present is ensuring that the children in secondary school are provided with what they need. Many cannot afford to buy uniforms, books – even soap where it is required. Reading lights are out of the question.

I am determined that all students who pass their grade 9 exams are able to complete their secondary school education and that some will go to university or training courses. The students cannot fund this education themselves, so it is our job to find the money. If anyone wants to help support this excellent project they can find out more on the HATW website http://www.hatw.org.uk/ or on the Global Giving websitePIZZ School

I decided to make myself a kapenta stir fry with sweet potato and musala. I was pleased that Raymond joined me to devour the feast!

I realise that it is difficult to understand someone's life without experiencing it. 'Don't judge me until you have walked in my shoes!' Even while here in Monze I cannot imagine what life is like for many of the students at PIZZ School. This year I have a very comfortable house with running water and electricity for most of the day. Even then when I found myself unhappy because I couldn't get a cup of tea in the morning with that caffeine fix, I could get myself a kettle and a flask and have water hot enough in the morning for a cup of coffee. Last year water was difficult at my house, sometimes not arriving till evening and occasionally being unavailable all day. However, with a bit of careful management we could store water, which we got from the taps when it flowed. Most of the children I see will have to fetch water daily and when there is a shortage they will need to move further or queue for a longer time – they might even have to use a dirty source. They never go home to a house lit by electric bulbs, let alone experience a hot shower.

I know about the conditions that the children face, but still don't know what it is like to live this way every day. I am sure for many in the Western world they cannot believe that such situations are still common in many parts of the world, let alone imagine what it would be like to walk in their shoes.

There are 360+ children at PIZZ School that stand a chance of a better life. I will do my best to help their dreams come true, I hope that you will consider spreading the word to enable them to have a better future.

Thank You,

Chris

Reaching their Potential

Monday 23^rd May

I had an appointment with Diven at 10 hrs. Diven's property would be a rectangle but for a shop that sits immediately in front of his house and next to his shop. This arrangement is not very good and might cause some confusion. He hopes to acquire the other shop and eventually expand his business into it. The owner didn't appear, so the meeting was postponed.

I like to meet students sponsored by Hands Around the World and today some of the Secondary students came to PIZZ School to meet me.

It was a delight to see how the children are developing into young men and women. Most were very confident speaking in English and seemed very happy, having taken the next step in their education. To get to this stage all the children had overcome many challenges – only possible with the support provided by PIZZ school.

They will continue to have challenges. One girl suffers from severe epilepsy and her guardians struggle between traditional and modern medicine to control the symptoms. The old traditional ways are hard to give up, though often for severe diseases the modern medicine is the answer. There is a role for traditional herbal remedies etc. but too often people see the choice is one or other rather than seeing the strengths of each. With diseases such as AIDS however abandoning the Anti-retro-viral drugs usually proves fatal.

One boy is expected to support his family as well as attend school. So he fixes vehicles etc. after he leaves school. Mrs. Sianga says he feels the burden of his responsibilities very much and worries a lot about how he will put food on the table. He asked me if he would be supported to do a mechanics course. I can't promise anything, but I will try to ensure that he gets the training he needs after completing school – he certainly deserves it.

I met a familiar face! At first I didn't recognise her! Janes – our poster girl – has had her hair cut short so that she is almost unrecognisable – until you notice that sparkle in her eyes. We are now old friends and it is good to know that she continues to do well and is happy in her new school.

I saw a total of eight children this afternoon and enjoyed catching up with them. With new subjects some had revised their ideas of a possible career. It seems we have a number of doctors and accountants in the making! I am keen that every student has a chance to reach their potential. Funding the students at secondary school is a challenge – tertiary education or training courses is an even bigger challenge.

Hands Around the World has introduced funds where any donations specifically given for secondary or tertiary education can be held. However a lot more will be needed to meet the aspirations of these children. Having been involved myself in seeing Best grow into the role of a lawyer, I know how rewarding it can be to help someone become who they were born to be. Born in the UK instead of Zambia the chances might be different – although unfortunately being born into a poor family is having an increasingly effect, even in the UK.

Jennipher had been at my house for some time when I returned. She decided to use my broom to sweep around the outside of the house – she had promised to teach me how it should be done!! She has done a wonderful job clearing all the leaves and dust.

Tuesday 24^th May

There are a lot of butterflies and other insects in my garden and the surrounding areas. Grasshoppers, crickets and locusts often fly rather than jump. Some don't quite seem to have the art and crash land – or just crash.

This morning I needed to get some documents printed before meeting Mrs. Sianga at 10 hrs. I went to the only internet cafe which works without mains power. All was going well, until I tried to print. The lights went off - as did all the computers. Power returned to the cafe (not the mains!) and I waited as the various computer systems were rebooted. Eventually my screen came to life. At this point I was informed that the laser printer took too much power and the other printer was out of ink!! The outcome was that I wouldn't get my printing here!

I decided to search and eventually gave the NAPSA building a try. A kind young woman allowed me to print from her computer, though the equipment needed restarting and then took further coaxing. I thanked her profusely and rushed to the bank where I was already overdue. This afternoon I found the flash drive seemed to have a virus – I hope it hasn't affected the machine of the Good Samaritan. I suspect that the internet cafe must have given me one of their viruses. Computer viruses are a major issue in Zambia – something I very rarely encounter in the UK.

The issue of the transferred funds continues! We were told the money has been returned because a wrong sort code was used. I am not hopeful that the issue is resolved.

Yesterday Mrs Sianga spent about four hours chasing this problem – it was less than two hours today. You need a lot of patience in Zambia – particular in relation to the banks!!

When I returned I met with Diven and we concluded the business scheduled for yesterday.

I continue to meet friends and people who know me from various connections – some from church say hallo. Children from PIZZ School also greet me.

I had another visit to make to the bank this afternoon. In fact I now know why everyone goes to bank in the morning! The banks shut early afternoon!! By the time I arrived the bank was closed and tomorrow is a holiday!!

I decided to have early supper. My expected visitor hasn't arrived so maybe I will have a restful hour or two before bed.

Chris

Trinity Sunday

                                                                The Papal Nuncio

Sunday 22^nd May

Today in the Catholic Church we celebrate the Trinity. This is the belief that God, though one, takes the form of three persons. In essence the Trinity is about relationship and particularly about love. The complex theology isn't important, but it makes sense to me that relationship and love is at the centre of our being. I think we all know that it is here that we find real joy and inner peace.

It was a very special occasion for the church in Monze because the Papal Nuncio was visiting – something that people could not previously remember. The nuncios are bishops who represents the pope throughout the world. This particular nuncio covers Zambia and Malawi.

We had just a single mass for Monze covering both the Sacred Heart Cathedral and Our Lady of the Wayside. Naturally with such a large gathering the mass was held outside.

Fr. Clement had told me on Saturday that I should arrive early so I decided to aim to be at the cathedral by 9.30 for the 10 hrs mass. At 9.15 I heard loud music coming from nearby. In fact I suspect most of Monze heard it! So I headed off in case the crowds were already growing. The music was indeed hymns booming out from a serious set of speakers!! I was impressed and a bit surprised that the church had such a system. It turned out that Radio Chikuni had come with their kit for the occasion.

It was a wonderful mass! The fact that much was in English helped me, but the joy was evident – and the fun. Men danced wielding spears and ladies waved branches as the choir, with beautiful harmonies led the congregation.

The Nuncio in his address referred to Pope Francis extolling people not to wear faces of mourning, but to wear “sunny” faces. There were many very sunny faces at the mass on Sunday.




 

                   Serious Speakers

At 2 ½ hours the mass was long enough, but for such an occasion here in Monze not excessive. I enjoyed it immensely and felt spiritually uplifted. We were challenged at the end of mass not to keep our faith for the occasional celebration, but to show it also in our daily lives. Here it is easier to be Christian. In the UK we are often dismissed as somehow out of touch, but more difficult is the constant ridicule that our faith is subjected to, particularly by the media. My faith is very important to me and without the support I believe I get from God, I couldn't live the life I do.

                                                                   Free-range pigs

I promised myself a bit of relaxation and particularly I wanted to revisit the dam, which regular readers will know is my favourite place to relax around Monze.

I pass Diven's shop on the way, so I said a brief hallo. When I reached the dam I was surprised that the water level was so high. I had expected it to be low after the poor rains, though I had been told that very heavy rain during the final week had made a difference. There were a few people around the lake and a couple of girls braved the cool water and waded in beyond their waists.


                            Water Lilies           

                                                                  

I noticed some water lilies – something I have not seen here before. I settled with my binoculars on the far side of the lake. A few piglets were strolling around the water's edge – I assume that they would make their way home when they were ready. (obviously free-range pigs!). There is a strange dragonfly like insect which I only see at the lake which has patches of black on transparent wings which gives the impression of rotor blades hardly attached to the body. There were few birds today. An African Jacanda browsed on a far bank and eventually a wide billed stork came in to land. A small flock of crowned lapwing disturbed the peace with their raucous calls and just before I started back a pied kingfisher flew in. He hovered in typical fashion with his head down and long beak vertical, ready to pounce on any unsuspecting fish. The kingfishers are reasonably common at the lake – though still a joy to see – it's a pity my camera is not good enough to get a good photo. However, I have yet to see one make a successful catch. I compare this with the few occasions when I spotted kingfishers at Slimbridge – there they are very successful fishers! As I left a group of four wide billed storks flew over the lake. These are unmistakable and I have remarked before that they look almost prehistoric.

Diven had prepared me a meal while I was relaxing, so I joined him before continuing my journey back home.

I decide to finish reading my Agatha Christie novel – one I can't remember reading previously.

Raymond came to have a chat. He has the ambition of coming to England next year with his fiancée. When I told him the costs he recognised what a challenge it would be – not to mention to difficulty in obtaining a visa!!







                                                                                                             My Bathroom Spider

Before turning in, I thrashed the computer at backgammon! There seem to be certain situations where it cannot cope! In the end it lost the plot and allowed me to pick up a maximum 192 points!

I must confess a few human players also find my unorthodox tactics difficult to deal with!

With much love and prayers,

Chris

                                                               My Garden Cat