We are almost ready. The second Zambia group from OLP is about to leave for Africa.We have one fundraiser left, this weekend, a commissioning mass over Memorial Day weekend and a packing day, then off we go. The actual trip dates are June 1 to June 23, 2012. There are 10 of us going: Monica, Mary, Ian, Denis, Sean, Evan, Caitie, Allison, J.P., and Andy. Sandy can’t go on the trip after all, but she is still helping make advance arrangements for when we get there. Fr. Patrick has e-mailed us and told us that we will spend the first few days in Lusaka and a good deal of the time we will be at St. Theresa Mission in Ibenga. The original plan for starting the school at Kapiri Mposhi is still tied up with negotiations ... read more

The 13 Conifer members of the Zambia-14 returned Tuesday, disembarking at DIA. Meghan we assume arrived 24 hours later and will look for her entry! Trip home was somewhat uneventful -- the fastest anyone had to move occurred with these events -- 1) Sean had to quickly demonstrate his juggling prowess to a grouchy security guard who eyed the juggling batons suspiciously, saying "you could BEAT someone with these!" -- then laughed out loud as the juggling demo proceeded. . . . 2) Mike had to sprint across the airport in Joberg after he left his phone and camera in the box at the security xray . . .. . 3) all kids had to quickly shuffle to different seats on the plane when the airline video consoles didn't work ("gasp! no movies for 8 hours!?") ... read more

Trying to get one more blog in and some pictures loaded. Yesterday was interesting with our Botswana adventures which the youth have lots of tales about. However, we did not forget about mass on Sunday either. Since it was such a packed day, we brought a mass kit with us and celebrated the Eucharist at a very special time. It was in the army tank/container vehicle that transported us from Zambia to the crossing into Botswana and back. It was on the way back, as the sun was beginning to set that Fr Patrick celebrated mass on our moving vehicle. As Steven said, God is everywhere and this proves that you can make a relatively irreverent place into a reverent and holy place. It was my favorite mass of all celebrated with this special group. Keep ... read more

Congratulations to Fr. Patrick on 10 years of priesthood! What a wonderful celebration. We were at mass for a total of 6 hours on Sunday, tons of singing and dancing and a suprisingly unique offering! We ate more caterpillars, african bologna with cake on the same plate. We continue to be amazed by the Zambian's generosity and hospitality, what joyful people! Monday we left Ndola and headed back to Lusaka, and arrived here at Lusaka Bonaventure College, greeted by all the brothers we missed so much! Tuesday we visited the Bauleni School for street kids, bought Zambia hats knitted by the students, and had fun visiting the classrooms full of kids with special needs. Wednesday was a shopping day (and filled with pranks) and tomorrow we leave for Livingstone. ps. note to the fam from sarah- ... read more

Ibenga Mission, Copperbelt region The group arrived at Ibenga Mission after a long day of service work at Walale Nutrition Center (feeding over 800 orphans ages 2 yrs to 12 yrs) visiting with the children and old people at Chibote Leprosarium and having lunch hosted by the Missionary Sisters of St Francis of Assisi. Sr Sabina (who has visited the parish in Conifer) gave tours and made sure all were well. After playing and having a party with the girls at Ibenga School for the disabled all went to bed. But in the early morning, Anna requested a lesson on milking cows which Fr Angelo was delighted to provide the lessons. Anna and Sarah along with Dr Dave all took a 'hand' at milking cows very early in morning... If we are successful with uploading the ... read more