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Published: June 17th 2009
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Well, after the longest "night" of our lives (too many hours in an airplane seat, with 6 meals served on airline plastic, and several attempts at a couple of hours of sleep wrapped in South African Air blankets and pillows, with a couple of the cutest screaming babies you have ever seen), we finally arrived in Lusaka. We were fortunate to have Sister Josephine meet us at the airport to spirit away our 40 boxes and bags of supplies without so much as a second look by the authorities. Without her help we would likely still be there in customs opening and declaring each and every box. We made it here with only one misplaced checked bag, so we feel it was a successful trip across the pond.
We then loaded 2 minivans with our booty, and were warmly greeted by Fathers John and Clifford, and of course Sandy, and had a delicious soup before we went to our separate rooms snuggly wrapped in our mosquito nets.
We were awakened by our first African sunrise, had breakfast and then toured the college. Quite a self sufficient operation. The boys were particularly enthralled with the banana orchard. I personally liked
the guinea hens and full sized turkey strutting his stuff. The girls then picked a bunny from the bunny farm for lunch, just like choosing your lobster from the tank at Red Lobster at home (just kidding, we did not have roast rabbit for lunch but we did get our first taste of the corn meal mash (n'sheema) which is a staple part of the Zambian diet).
We then unpacked and repacked some supplies to take to a new start up clinic, in Lusaka. It was not yet open, but the Sisters were very welcoming and grateful for the supplies we donated. We then stopped at St. Francis of Assissi School, and toured there and met with the Sisters in the convent associated with the school. About this time jet lag started to set in, so we made our back back to the school. We are now starting to arrange our donations for the day tomorrow, will have dinner soon, and for me an early bedtime.
The weather here this time of year is beautiful, 70 to 80 degrees, dry just like home. It seems funny to see the people wearing their coats and wool sweaters while out
and around because it is so "cold" this time of year for them. There is a constant of smell of smoke in the air, as they are constantly buring the ditches and trash, a little concerning to us mountain folks who are always alert to possible fires coming over the ridge.
One last note of reassurance to those of you back home, no one has been sick, gotten lost in transit, or eaten by lions, though we did have a close call while the boys were lizard hunting.
Enough for now, I´m tired and they are calling us to dinner. We will all be posting more info as the days continue.
All our love and we miss you all and wish you were here!
Dave
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Chris Evenson
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WOO HOO!
You made it, and how wonderful that all of your boxes arrived as well.It must feel good to know that all your hard work before the trip was worthwhile. Many times during the day I stop and wonder what new, amazing experiences you are encountering. Rest assured that all is well here - I think the critters still miss you, but we are walking, playing, and sleeping together. Love to you all. Chris