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