We are coming to the end of our six months in Zambia so this
will be our last post for the time being.
A quick review of our experiences here:
English classes
These have been our main activity during our stay and have
proved invaluable to us in getting to know people and also in helping us to
understand the local culture and language.
We are pleased to report that our students have also improved in their
spoken and written English as well as in their reading and confidence. We will definitely be continuing this next
time.
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| William, who couldn't read when we arrived, reading to his friends |
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| Our afternoon ladies' class is swelled by school children in the holidays |
School
The problem of funding for the school continues. Although it
has improved a little, the long term solution is for the government to take
over the funding of the wages (this process is taking a long time). In the meantime
it has been a demoralising time for the teachers as they struggle with low or
non existent pay, and an uncertain future.
However, some funds have come from the UK, for which many thanks.
Church
The support we have had from members of the local congregation
has often kept us going and we are very grateful for the love and encouragement
that we have received. We have at
various times also been called on to share from the Bible in times of devotion,
and Bridget has taught in the adult Sunday School and even preached.
Hospitality
We have felt ‘taken care of’ in the compounds, in church, by
the Sinazongwe bus drivers and the Chibwe canter diver, and by missionaries
resident in Choma. We have been invited
into people’s homes, sometimes overnight, (by both Zambians and non-Zambians). We are very grateful for this and it has
given us some of our best memories and closest friends.
Other things to be thankful for:
·
We haven’t killed each other, or died in any
other manner! (We kept the first rule)
·
Our home – perfect for our needs and in a great
location. We have good drinking water
and a flush toilet.
·
Good health.
·
An adequate dentist.
·
Bicycles.
·
Financial provision.
·
Friends (here and at home)
·
Knowing people of whom we can ask questions,
however difficult. Taking advice is so
important.
·
Being in a position to be able to give help that
is asked for.
·
The breaks we had in Sinazongwe and Luapula.
Lessons learned:
·
Look and ask questions. And then do it again. And then do it again.
·
Cooking nsima and Zambian relishes.
·
Cooking the above on a brazier during power
outages.
·
Riding a bike with dan brakes (Bridget).
·
Repairing a bike when the peddle drops off 10k
from home, using only a bit of rag (Amos).
·
Bathing in a small small tub of water.
·
When and how to greet (it’s more than just the
words).
We are planning to return here in January 2016, initially
for 2 years, so this blog will continue.
We would appreciate your comments.
