Two weeks in Zambia

After two full weeks in Africa we are coming home. As we were debriefing last night I was thinking that it feels like we have been gone for much longer. I think this is because we experienced a lot in those two weeks; as we began to share stories and recount people that left a mark on our heart a few of us wondered where we will begin to share what we have experienced.

The second week there was our camp week. This is the camp that we worked hard to plan prior to going, brought the supplies and expected about 30 kids to arrive. Our theme for thr camp was "light" and some very talented people on the team created lessons, activities and songs for this topic. We taught kids how to "let their light shine" through science, drama, sports, crafts and songs. The kids that came were from Kalende, the community that we visited the week prior, the same community that is supported by Westside Kings. We were excited to start because we knew that some of the kids we got to know the previous week would be at camp and we couldn't wait to see their faces when they arrived at the farm where we were hosting. Keep in mind (as we continually did) that these kids have not experienced camp like this before and that many of these kids have never left Kalende before. Life would be different for them during camp: more meals in a day, constant opportunity for play, no responsibility to gather water or tend to their house, and a team of bright eyed adults tremendously excited each morning to greet them by name. Here are some highlights:

1. Running behind their bus as it pulled into the farm on the first day as they ran after ours each time we drove into their community
2. Showing activities and lessons to the children's Care Workers that could be implemented when they return to the community after camp.
3. Night time activities, my favourite being making paper lanterns and walking through the field with them.

On the morning the kids left we met them around their "cabins" (converted barn stalls) and we shared the same face; as incredible as the week was, it was very hard to watch them leave.

After camp and some more goodbyes from long-term Hands at Work volunteers we started our debrief adventure. Our very good friend Sal took us to the bus station to board our 13 our bus ride to Livingstone. We arrived very ready to get off that bus. We stayed in fancy tents at the Waterfront resort. For the next two days we explored Victoria Falls, went on a morning safari as well as well as in evening sunset boat safari. Here are some highlights:



1. Getting awestruck by the majesty of the falls and soaking wet from its misty power
2. Seeing so many (giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocs, birds, buffalo, warthogs oh my!) and knowing that we are on their true territory, watching a snippit their life.
3. Sitting down with my team and reflecting together on the weeks past.











Just about to board the first of two long flights! Johannesburg to London, full day layover in London so we can go into the city, then London to Calgary arriving Wednesday night.

Thanks for all your love and support,
Love from far away

One week in Zambia

We are here in Zambia, staying at the Kachele farm. Just be sure to know that my writing on this blog does not come directly from the Hands at Work Africa organization, for more information on this incredible group visit www.handsatwork.org

Here is a great picture of our team, taken the day we finally arrived at the "Kachele" farm in Luansha, Zambia. We traveled from Calgary to London, to Johannesburg to Ndola with only a minor glitch. This is where I learned my first Zambian lesson: the smaller and simpler the place, the easier a task becomes. As a team of nine we traveled with 18 checked bags total and when we arrived at our final destination only 9 were there. The airport in Ndola is about the size of a mechanics garage and there is one small space where bags land. We did not fret however because the only other place they could be was in Johannesburg. Small spaces make for simpler solutions. We were met by a lovely employee of the airline who opened a file for our lost bags and the next morning they were all there, sealed and accounted for.

Our daily go for the week was to spend time in the community of Kalende. Hands at Work identifies  approximately 105 children in the area who are in high need of care out with 55 currently on a program to receive three essential services: food, health care and education. Our purpose going to the community is to support the hard work and commitment that the long volunteers are doing. Volunteers at Hands at Work range from international long-termers to local members of the many villages, knowing best exactly who is in need. A main tenant is to serve the poorest of the poor in the area, the most vulnerable. This week I while in the community, I was reminded of this lesson: support sustainable aid. Hands at Work is dedicated to mobilizing the local community members as much as possible to help support the children they already know. As donors and short term volunteers that means it is always on our mind about the most appropriate and truly helpful place for our time and gifts (and it works really well).

Over the course of this week Devon and I have been able to try out some pretty interesting activities in the community. Beyond the daily bumpy drive that I have had the pleasure of taking the team on, this trip feels different my last jaunt over to Africa. Other than the obvious differences between countries, I notice that being in a different age and stage of life gives me new perspective. The children in the community capture our hearts and eyes immediately, however I have been drawn to spending time with the adults who dedicate their lives to these children ongoing. It has been on my walks to fetch watch, squats in the cooking shelter, home visits in the community, or even standing in silence with women who know the community as their own, I have learned that the stories of these children's are in many many people's hearts. 

Tomorrow we see looking forward to attending church in the community as well as exploring the big street market. Then starting Monday the kids from the community we spent this last week with will be bussed up to Kachele farm for our overnight camp. The team has worked hard to prepare this camp - from skits to blowing bubbles, tie dye to science experiments - it promises to be quite the experience! 

Lots of love, bye from far away