My First Two Days

Hello All!

I arrived in one piece in Zambia, after a long couple days of travelling. Flights all went well, and were on time (for the most part). I enjoyed several hours sight-seeing in London with Rebecca and Katie (two classmates). I managed to make my way to their hostel in London to meet up with them, and we went to Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and the National Portrait Gallery before I said goodbye, and headed on my way back to Heathrow. I arrived in Johannesburg at 7:00 AM, only to find out that I had to wait until 8:30 AM when the BA desk opened to pick up my boarding pass. Ugh. Anyways, eventually I got my boarding pass and made it through security, and had a chance to look in the stores that we liked in the Jo'burg airport last year, although I really wasn't in the mood for much shopping at this point in my trip. After some more waiting, I was finally on the plane to Livingstone, and within just over an hour flight, I stepped foot on Zambian soil. It was HOT stepping out of the pane (+30)! I got my VISA no problem (from a former Namwianga student, none the less), picked up both my bags (thank goodness!), and headed out to meet Ruhtt and Shepherd. It was good to see familiar, smiling faces meeting me at the airport!

Thankfully, I haven't felt that jet-lagged yet. I slept a long time on Thursday night, but Friday I woke up fresh, and have felt good ever since, which is good because the days have been busy so far. Yesterday, in the morning, I assisted and observed Ruhtt as she dealt with sponsored students that had come by. It is neat to watch her with them - she is firm, but at the same time, loves them deeply. She said to me one time that she comes across as very rough and harsh because she has to in order to get them to work hard, but deep down in her heart, she just loves them. In the afternoon, after a few stops on the way, we made it out to Katungu, to take care of brick and building business. They are making bricks to finish the church building, teacher's housing and a new 1x3 classroom block. Slowly, it is coming along. It was neat to be at one of the schools that we were at last summer, and to see the changes that have been/are being made.

Today was a really great day. Ruhtt dropped me off in the morning at Wilson and Nancy's house at Seven Fountains, and I went in to help with the kids, while she went to harvest maize with sponsored students. So, for the morning, I hung out with the three little kids - Memory, Willie and Nicky. (Tamara - this is definitely the Willie from last year. I'd recognize those lips anywhere. But, if I remember right, he didn't smile much last summer. Well, he smiles now. A lot. He's really cute - he walked with me the whole time holding my hand) They are too cute - I had just arrived, and they were already warming up to me, wanting to sit on my lap or hold my hand. We headed out on a walk around the farm with a couple other kids, and eventually were joined by Jack, Cheebo, and Stephy in the garden. We ate guavas, avocadoes and some kind of berries. It was great to be with these kids again - I've missed their sweet faces. I enjoyed a nice lunch of nshima, rape and kapenta with Wilson's daughter, and not long after lunch, Ruhtt came back to pick me up. She brought with her a lovely surprise that she dumped near my feet when I came out to meet her - a dead puff adder. Well, I'm pretty sure it was a puff adder - it was short and fat. Ruhtt had nearly picked it up when she was picking up maize, but thankfully, figured out what it was, and had the boys kill it. Lovely. I'm just glad it's dead! This afternoon, I hung out with Manuel at the house, while Ruhtt went out to Siabalumbi. Manuel and I had fun together, watching SpiderMan a couple times. Then later on, we had a sweet 'web war' - I've quickly perfected my web-shooting noise. Manuel has actually been quite fun - and is more subdued than I thought. We've had some good times together.

I've seen lots of familiar faces - Richard Jabanika; Kadonsi, Lezia and Wendy; Dennis (I saw Ennes and new baby, Jesse briefly in a car, but haven't had a chance to really see them yet); all the kids at Seven Fountains; Mildred. It's been so good! I love seeing people here that I know! I'm sure that I will continue to see familiar faces during the next several days as well.

Tomorrow, we'll go to church at the Secondary. Kathleen (the girl who is helping at Seven Fountains right now), is coming over for lunch afterwards. In the afternoon, we may go to visit the Kalomo Hospital, and I guess we'll see what else Ruhtt has planned. This next week will probably see more school visits, and hopefully some more time holding babies!

I think it's time to get to bed. It is nearly 11 here - which means it is right around 3 PM at home - but this won't get sent until the computer gets hooked up tomorrow sometime. Know that I'm thinking of you all often.

Love,
Jilly