Christmas cheer aka Banana Wine

Hello Everyone,

Well Christmas is drawing near and we are beginning to wind down and have a little break from our schedule. Things are pretty low key here, so much so that the staff wanted their Christmas Party on the 25th December! We have insisted that they should probably spend the day with their families, but they are still trying to convince us that it’s a good idea. We have arranged our meal for the 25th. Reuben is looking into a variety of different animal options. Reuben and Harry (the cook) had a long and involved conversation yesterday about how they would prepare and cook our Christmas lunch. I walked into the kitchen with two men peering thoughtfully into the wood stove discussing the dimensions of the oven and the logistics of cooking us a roast. Very serious stuff!

The Pre-schools are doing really well and my work with Jimmy (the new Pre-school Coordinator for the 6 Pre-schools Ripple supports) is very rewarding. Jimmy is so passionate about his job and takes it very seriously. He is also the biggest ‘kid’ I have ever met. Last week we were cycling to Chiomba Pre-school, which is about 10 kms away, and Jimmy went flying past me shouting “Tien, tien (lets go). Race you.” So here we were racing down the dirt track past the goats, chickens and kids on our falling apart Chinese bikes. We must have looked a real sight. The police at the roadblock thought we were mad!

We are down to just 6 of us in camp now so things are less hectic and when Geoff and Liz leave next Tuesday we will be a very small group. There are only 3 of us after Eileen leaves next Thursday. A very quiet Christmas, but we are definitely looking forward to it.

Marc is working hard in his garden and has planted out a heap of tomatoes, melons and spinach. It has been really difficult lately as we have had heavy rain almost every night. Also one morning we came out and insects had demolished the melons. So we are applying some natural ‘medicine’ (as Reuben calls it) on the garden which is Neem, Blue Gum and another leaf all mashed together and diluted with water and applied. Hopefully it will keep the nasties away. Marc is also supervising the Mazembe Environmental Club (MEC) which has about 65 tree saplings ready to plant. They have been working hard and seem to be very successful thus far. We are also off-setting the wood we purchase here by buying tree saplings. We will buy the MEC some orange, lemons and guava saplings to add to their lot.

Marc has also become and expert in Banana Wine and has brewed it very successfully twice. Maybe he has missed his true vocation? Harry has been watching with interest and was glad to pose for the first brewing photo.

We can't believe that four months have already passed and we will be leaving Mwaya in 8 weeks from now. As we sign off, we are wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Love to all of you and your families.
Rach (and Marc) xxx

---

---