SATURDAY
Saturday was a wonderful day perusing the markets with the gang in Lusaka. We grabbed supplies, two new stoves and a fridge for the house, some food from the market and fueled up for five hour journey to Ndola. I personally spent most of the trip sleeping in a half folded over and extremely uncomfortable position, but the sleep was well needed. However the others passed the time getting to know each other and taking in the wonderful scenery. After arriving in Ndola we didn't spend much time doddling and rushed over to Oil of Joy (the house where Katherine, Patricia and the girls stay). We were greeted once again by the happiest and humblest of faces. To our surprise the girls were full of so much energy and were just as excited to meet us as we were to meet them. We had a quick supper, lots of wholesome conversation, and sang happy birthday to a very special 14 year old Mails. She was over joyed with the wonderful birthday cake and a few small gifts. To those whom have not met these young ladies they are truly a special group. They all look after each other and treat one another like sisters. It's profoundly amazing.
After departing Oil of Joy and heading back to our newly reserved hotel Fatmols, we decided to call it a night. Much was accomplished and the entire commute to Africa was finally complete.
P.s I have been informed that my terms of employment are based solely on the information I am about to share. After sleeping in the aforementioned position in a rough and long ride from Lusaka to Ndola we came across a gas station to stretch our legs. I found a washroom that charged 1000 kwacha to use. About $0.20 Cad) after grabbing what I thought was the correct amount and trying to give it to the lady she just laughed at me. She insisted I go in and not pay. I came out of the washroom only to find everyone from the mission laughing at me for trying to give the lady 100,000 kwacha. (About $20.00 cad). Quite the embarrassing situation that I tried to blame on tiredness; to which they would not believe. Needless to say that would have been one expensive pee.
SUNDAY.
A hearty breakfast consisting of cornflakes, coffee, porridge, bananas and coffee got us started for the day. Katherine has inquired with me to pick up the old van with her so we can all be comfortably ferried to church together today. After meeting Rodwell and his family we picked up a beauty of a vehicle. A 1994 touring van from Japan that was valued over $15,000. The van runs like a Cadillac but the aesthetics are rather unsettling. It was quite different driving on the opposite side of the road and not having to yield to hundreds of pedestrians trying to cross the road. They were honestly everywhere hustling around in their finest clothing headed for church. I'm inclined to mention that I did NOT once flick the windshield wipers on in an attempt to signal.
We all piled into the two vans and made our way to church. The church is headed by Mukwavie. A dear and personal friend of Sandra's as well as the Mercy Touch family. The beautifully decorated church filled with locals from the area rang loud and proud with music and singing. I.C.F's (integrity Christian fellowship church) energy in the church was incredible! People singing and praying at the top of their lungs. It was magical. The service was concluded by with a gathering of the people and introductions from the community which was truly enjoyable.
Following church we loaded up in the van again and headed back to the hotel to sort through the gifts for the children, the clothing for them and the locals as well as the random gifts for the feeding program. It is super exciting to get this all ready. I'm looking forward to the looks on their faces when everyone gets what we have brought so far.
Everyone including myself opted for a quick afternoon siesta prior to leaving once again for Mukwavie's house for a gathering. There was to be a gathering of people at his residence to enjoy some fellowship and enjoy the company of others. Meeting all the locals face to face, learning their names, and hearing their stories was amazing. They are all special and lively people that have so much to share and are so grateful for our presence and work we are to do. Bewallia took over the role of "hosting" the event that evening and played the character of a comedian. Telling jokes, playing tricks and interviewing the Canadians. Colleen got interviewed about the farming techniques crops and weather in Canada. Brian was interviewed about the marriage processes in Canada. Both Shandi and I were the subjects of rigged party tricks that we were to fail while Bewallia carries on the evening keeping everyone bursting at the seams.
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