Nalitemwa ifya kulya! (I Love Food!)

Nshima on the right, okra on the bottom,
and fwakfwak (Chinese Cabbage-like greens)

Food—I love food. Really, I LOVE food! So, you might be wondering what I’ve been eating here; especially since I’m a vegetarian. Well, I am extraordinarily fortunate because I really enjoy nshima which is the main staple here. I guess you could say it’s kind of like the bread and pasta of Zambia. When I say that I’m extraordinarily fortunate, it’s really true since of the 115 days that I have been here in Zambia there are probably only six that I haven’t eaten nshima for at least one, if not two, meals. 

I can do the Beetles and Bats...but a Hyena!?!?

Okay—now TOTALLY wigged out. See, there’s a hyena in the area that got a cow in a nearby village. Anyhow, we could hear it last night—the dogs went crazy. We didn’t see it, but we did come across its tracks this morning on the way to the funeral. I took a picture with the camera, but you can’t really tell what you’re looking at.

Because of the hyena, or perhaps because they were tired of listening to the doors creak when I ventured outside to use the loo, they gave me a night container—fine, an old jug to pee in during the night--but Aunt Mary is sharing a room with me and I just couldn’t bring myself to use it!

Home Sweet Home: What it's Like

One of the things I didn’t expect is how far I am from the main city—hence the infrequent access to internet. A second surprise is the layout of Cibusa; I had expected a dorm set-up or close quarters, but Cibusa is actually quite large. Situated in Garneton (about k from Kitwe), Cibusa, like most homes in the area, is a former British plantation. The property was owned by a former Buffalo Soldier, purchased by a Catholic Missionary association, and donated to the organization--truly a gift!  

Home Sweet Home: Night One

I was overwhelmed by the many faces greeting me after we pulled up to the house, but the caregiver offered me water and quickly escorted me to my room. I’d prepared myself for shared quarters, so I looked around with surprise at the large room—all for me!?!? I was then shown where the bathroom was and I just about giggled with delight at the large, blue bathtub—oh yeah! She suggested I take a short nap and I figured,

“Why not?”

Trying to Play Catch-up: Quick Synopsis

Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to write anything for the blog; fortunately, though, I always keep a diary and will be able to pull stuff together!

Quick Synopsis: I spent six intense weeks with 13 incredible girls and young women. Days were kicked off and closed with worships and the hours in between were filled with chores, classes, meals, laughter and games.  There were wonderful times, but there were also times when I wondered what in the world I was doing, why I had ever considered coming, and how in the world everything was going to work out.  

Unfortunately, I encountered visa issues and had to prematurely leave the country. I eventually re-entered Zambia and we are trying to find a way for me to go back to Cibusa. 

I have spent the last four weeks on a small farm in a village outside of where I grew up, and my time here has been rejuvenating. I didn’t realize how intense the first six weeks were until I had been at Mwami for a while. The past month of drawing water from a well, cooking over a fire, bathing outside, pounding ground-nuts, shelling maise, playing football (soccer), going for long walks through Mwami and the Zambian bush—and one time accidentally into Malawi!— trying out a new language, and finally learning how to shake my hips has been incredibly restorative.

 Even more beautiful, however, is the way that I have openly and unreservedly been embraced by the people I have met.

A Bat in the...Hallway!?!

I promise to catch you up, but I thought I would share tonight's excitement--a bat. A bat that flew through the bathroom window to avoid a rainstorm--probably hung out over me while I carried out my nightly routine--and then, as I open the door--decides to make a break for it, too! I don't realize this though until I turn the corner to go into my room and a thump hits the wall behind me.

April 15, 2013: Part Two--"Hello, Madame..."

Sharon finally turns to a street vendor and asks him for help. He shoos off the boys and Sharon and I make a break for it. Still trailed by the boys, I find myself wishing I hadn’t brought anything. The fewer things you have, the fewer things you have to lose. We finally get to After 10. Sharon asks if I want to sit outside on the patio or inside the restaurant.

April 15, 2013: Part One--The Fig Tree Cafe's Bathroom, 30 Wives, and Street Chaos

Best day in Zambia thus far! Boy, no drunken propositions, no fighting, and no noise after 11 pm really make for a good night’s rest. I feel ready to take on the day which is good because it’s time for the next stage of my trip: Friends of the Street Children. The original plan was for FSC’s director, Mr. Christopher Mulenga (Uncle Chris), to pick me up in Lusaka, but since my former room-mate, Sharon, is headed through Kitwe with her parents on the way to her Peace Corps post, I will ride along with them. Sharon has been in Zambia for just over a year and feels quite at home. I’m blown away by the fact that, for the most part, she hitch-hikes throughout Zambia. Seriously. Stands on the side of the road or in fueling stations and hitches a ride. And, 90+ percent of the time she’s by herself.

April 14, 2013: A Much Needed Respite

This is the first day that, without some serious bluffing, I can say that I'm doing okay. Despite the loud night--and Hendrix's early morning visit--I feel rested. While oatmeal is cooking, I cut up the cantaloupe and then head outside. The honey and butter added to the oatmeal is perfect, the sun is shining, the cantaloupe is exquisite, and Hendrix has apparently decided to drop his grudge from last night's tussle.

I call Jane to see what she's up to and she offers to take me on a tour of downtown Lusaka.

April 13, 2013: Part Two--A Lone Wazungu, an (Almost) Shared Shower, and a Cat Named Hendrix

I do have enough for one of the small buses, but having already ventured aboard one of those as part of a group, I'm not interested in re-enacting the experience solo. Walking is the only other option. I go and ask the manager for help (yes, she, too, roles her eyes at my ineptitude) and she gives me directions to the nearest mall. So, I set off down a couple of side streets and then the main drag.

April 13: Part One--And then...there was a flood!

Doesn't it look peaceful?
It is--during the day!

So far, I haven't been scared, but tonight I am. Surrounded by fellow women, the raucous noise and arguments each night at Kalulu were an irritation; tonight it is just me in the girls' dorm when I head to bed. I try to sleep, but when the argument outside my window escalates to an angry, alcohol charged, "I will be back at 8 a.m., and you will give me my money--or else!!" I am wide awake. Am I in a bad movie!?!? I seriously consider going down the hall to where Ollie and Dominic are sleeping. Forget propriety when it comes to matters of safety. I think even Mom would approve! Fortunately, it's the last argument and I need not 'besmirch my reputation!' ;) Tonight's chaos, though, isn't over.

April 12, 2013: Part Two--"Auntie, We're Lost..."

As I said, trekking through the compound only gets us more lost. We find ourselves stumbling into yards and frightening more than one goat or chicken. After seeking help from a passing Auntie, we arrive at the train tracks. We than follow the tracks into town. By this time, the sun is beginning to set. An amazing visual is how the burnt-orange of the nyumbas (homes--in this case made of mud bricks) is mirrored in the sunset. Gorgeous. We leave the tracks and climb a hill. We are now walking along several pools. I don't know what is in them, but boy are they foul! I mean, they are beyond rank. Even quick gulps through my mouth don't block out the overwhelming scent of sewage and who knows what else! We wander up another hill--by this time my open toed shoes, and therefore my feet, have been in far more puddles of who knows what far more times than I would like. Again, "Doh!" Fortunately, I manage not to get my feet cut, but just as I think we're home free, we encounter a sketchy situation.

April 12, 2013--Part One:"I am Special! I am Unique! There's Nothing Wrong with Me!"

Okay, last night was not restful. Partying--and accompanying raucous fights--carried on far later than I would have liked. Oh well.

Today, though, is time to travel to see Jane and the compound where she works. I'm still not that hungry, so when Dominic and Ollie show up, we take a taxi to The Garden Basic School. Right now, Zambian schools are on break and the only children attending Jane's literacy class are there voluntarily.

April 11: Stranded!

Arrive in Lusaka with my crazy 3 bags (Herbert the Sherbet Suitcase, Javier, and Jemma), backpack carry-on, and my "smaller" personal item (actually 3" larger, but possible to squish into place). Originally it looks like Customs is going to be an issue. Miraculously, however, the gentleman decides to waive me through before coming to the suitcase holding the projector and a nearly fully stocked pharmacy to cover anything that might go wrong over a 4 month period. Additionally, he asks for my baggage tickets so I can actually exit the airport and then changes his mind (fantastic, because I didn't have a clue where they were stored and one, in fact, never showed!). Definitely answered prayer. Prayers, though, are still needed.

April 9-10: Let the Adventures Begin!

So, what has happened thus far?

9 April 2013
Take off from Pasco. On the way there I am overwhelmed with anxiety; until now I don't think everything really hit. Dad listens to me blubber a bit and then begins to sing "It is Well"--amazing how music soothes the soul.

10 April 2013 In Heathrow I come to the realization that the only debit card I am carrying has a balance of, get ready... $0.00. Not wanting to have too much cash available to drain out should a card be stolen, we set up a specific bank account...well, we never transferred money over. Not only that, I never notified Bank of America, the credit card that I decided to grab at the last moment, I would be traveling abroad. Doh.

I manage to get ahold of Mom and Dad via Skype and they assure me they will transfer money. No one but me can work with Bank of America, however. There's a collect number to call from abroad, but the call keeps getting dropped. This sends me back to Skype and my rapidly dwindling balance. Additionally, my headset with my iPad doesn't work so everything will be on speaker. Everything. Numbers, codes, identifying info. Doh!

I finally get through, thankfully with limited wait time and, despite being in a very public area, somehow find the only quiet corner. As far as I know, everything's fine....though I don't have email access to be sure that's the case...

Departure: I am so busy trying to untangle financial matters that I nearly miss my flight--fortunately, it ultimately is delayed by nearly 2 hours. Departure is further setback once onboard since the communication system is down (no communication from Captain; no entertainment, personal reading lights, and air conditioning). Well, they finally get things worked out--except the individual air conditioner/lights/and entertainment system; fortunately it is a night flight.

While the night is mostly restful, the next day certainly is not!

This blog entry is going to be shorter than I would like, but internet access will not be as easy as I originally thought and I wanted to give you a quick update.

Adventures to tell you about in the future:

Nearly missing a flight, slipping through customs, and being left stranded at Lusaka airport; finding out my bank account was empty and running out of cash; a flood, drunken arguments, and threats of "pay me, or else!"; a lovely, Italian dinner; a very tasty--and hot!--Indian dinner; a drunken solicitation for a shared shower; a marriage proposal from the "Nameless Wandering Man"; getting lost in one of Lusaka's poorest compounds (with friends) and wandering through Lusaka to get to a mall (alone); trying out one of the little blue mini-buses; being left alone in Kitwe surrounded by people wanting to "help" me with my bags; being rescued by my own "Auntie Angel," Annie; getting involved/riding along in an anger-fueled mini-bus competition that left us careening around semis, riding up on banks, and down ditches all while on-coming traffic made it's way around potholes; and being welcomed to a place that feels like home!

The moments of joy and wonder, however, far outweigh the challenges--Friend's of the Street Children's work is inspiring. Each team member is dedicated to the point of self sacrificing in the care of the children and young adults. I am honored to have been embraced by the young women and care-takers of Cibusa Housecan't wait to update you!

I hope to include pictures in the future, but I'm having a horrible time connecting! I can't wait to share them with you.

"WE GOT IT!!!"

Bulu's Website

That was the subject line of an email I recently received. Who sent the email? Dick Houston who is the founder and president of Elefence and author of Bulu: African Wonder Dog. And what was "It?" Approval from Random House for the donation of 30 copies of Bulu African Wonder Dog to the children at Friends of the Street Children!

And now I can finally tell you about the newest, exciting development in the project.

What if the answer is: "...you CAN'T..."?

Vote for Kenny!

If you come from a similar background, you've probably heard the phrase: "Ask and you will receive." Implied within that is the converse: "If you don't ask, you won't receive." What if we slightly tweak it? What if sometimes it's: "If you don't ask, you CAN'T receive?

Through the process of this project, I am becoming more convinced that at some level—as human beings—we want to help others. Case in point is my seven year-old niece who is ecstatic that at a click of a button she can help my friend, Kenny Martin, have the chance to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a race car driver.

Flight Fiasco: Part Two

So, back to the story...

You might be wondering why I am flying out of Walla Walla. Well, my family lives there and the plan was to drive Calypso (yes, my car's name is Calypso) up to Walla Walla and leave her with my sister to use while I was gone. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks my brother-in-law is über awesome because we found out about a month ago that he was offered a great position...in Roseville, CA...just after I was supposed to depart.

Flight Fiasco: Part One

If you read any of the earlier blogs you'll know that I got quite the deal on airfare out of Seattle to Lusaka, but I still needed to get to Seattle. Well, Mom had been watching sales on Alaska Air until, finally, one popped up. It was the same price it would have been if I hadn't messed up the tickets the first time around so I went ahead and purchased them.

I was pleased to see that my favorite seat, 15E, was available to and from Seattle. Yes. I have a favorite seat. I always fly in 15E...or 7E...though 15 E is preferable. I double-checked times: Outbound departure at 11:20 am and Inbound departure at 7:30 pm. And click, last piece of the airfare puzzle in place--or so I thought.

Fundraising Update 19 February 2013

Wow! I am so incredibly thankful for the support I am receiving. I want to take this time to thank the Ws, Vaughn and Becky, Patty, Cyndi, the Hs, and Dr. Yvonne--you guys are making it possible! Only $2,559.73 left to go!

Serendipity and Blessed Encounters

One of the largest reservations my mother has about this trip is my lack of contacts in Kitwe. We still know people in Mwami/Chipata, but there's no one in Kitwe. What follows is an account of how that need, which I'm sure has been in my mother's prayers, was answered.

Intro/Flower Stand
I've worked part-time at the Coronado Flower Lady for the last 10 years--depending on school, schedule, availability and the like. For some people Disney is the happiest place on Earth, for me it's the flower stand. A part of that reason is because of the people I've met through the years and this July (2012) was no exception. The following encounter though is quite extraordinary considering that I was only working at the stand once a week during that time.

Fundraising update!

Good news! An additional $685.00 has been donated to the project! We've only got $2,829.73 left to go!

How it all Started--Take Three

This has been a pretty amazing journey--even though it's just getting started.

I grew up at Mwami Adventist Hospital in Chipata, Zambia where my parents served as doctors from 1982-1989. I've always wanted to go back--but how? And what do I have to offer?

A Bit of an Overview

What people in Kitwe saw: A dirty, intoxicated, pickpocket causing problems. What Friends of the Street Children saw: A boy named Clifford who is now finishing his final years of school and has plans to serve as a doctor in the rural areas of Zambia. What people in Kitwe saw: just another girl on the street. What Friends of the Street Children saw: A young woman named Milika who caught up with her schooling, passed exams with flying colors, re-united with her family, and wants to become a lawyer. 

These are two of the many children FSC has served. Through Street Outreach (Literacy, Numeracy and Medical Services), Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Advocacy, FSC envisions a community where every child grows and lives in a supportive family environment. This mission directly stems from a belief that all children are children of God, and that FSC has a special mission to care for those who have been labeled irredeemable and worthless.

Originally, I hoped to work at FSC as part of a Fulbright Scholarship where I would collect qualitative data in the form of former street children's stories to add to the quantitative data documenting the causes, and possible solutions, to the rising number of children on the streets. During this process, I would also run a reading group and newsletter for the more advanced students to give them, in addition to an opportunity to hone their literacy skills, a platform to make their stories, thoughts, and dreams known.

I was disappointed when I did not receive the scholarship, but as I prayed about it, the phrase: "I will give you the desires of your heart..." kept coming to mind. I told God, "This isn't a need, but it is a desire of my heart. If this is a desire that You placed, and it is in Your will that I go, please make that clear and provide a way." I contacted the director of FSC, Christopher Mulenga, to see if he was onboard for me to come volunteer at FSC. He was. So, I have stepped out, and it has been amazing to see the way that everything is falling into place.

I will stay at Cibusa House, the rehabilitation center for girls, and also assist in early and remedial literacy instruction. In preparation for this trip I have taken classes specifically target at teaching English. Additionally, I have coordinated the donation (or significant discount on) a large number of books and maintained communication to ensure my project will be of use. During this process I also hope to facilitate a pen-pal project between the children at FSC and the Junior and Earliteen students at Bonita Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Costs...

Okay, so I touched on costs a bit in the air fare blog entry, but I thought I’d actually give everyone a breakdown. Early on in the preparations for this trip, I realized that, while things were expensive, they weren’t nearly as much as they might have been. With this in mind, I’m going to give you two columns—“Potential Cost” and “Actual Cost”.

Believe it or not, the difference between the two columns is $6,829 (though there are still more purchases that need to be made).

Books

From the get go, I have wanted whatever time I spend in Zambia to be of use to the people I encounter. With this goal in mind, I want the books I bring to be more than vampire sagas, the trials and tribulations of Captain Underpants, and fluffy little princesses. (My apologies if I have offended anyone--I just believe there are more substantive, equally engaging books out there.)

Back to the point, however:

There is a wide range of ages and reading levels at FSC, so I need to be selective about the texts I choose. Below, you'll find the back-story to some of the books I'm taking to FSC as well as the reading group book: Nobody  Will Ever Kill Me by Mbu Maloni (a former street-child).

Airfare

Deciding you are going to go somewhere is great—but how to get there? That can be a bit more complicated. There are multiple airlines out there: Arab Emirates, British Airways, Continental, Delta…you get the idea. Considering the length of my stay, my friend, Sharon, thought flexible tickets would be wise. Well, flexible tickets might be wise, but they aren’t cheap. Check this out to get an idea: Departure April 9, 2013 and Return August 5, 2013. Just in case the link doesn’t work, the total came to $5,952.02.

$5,952.02—can we say cost prohibitive?