I figured I would give a little insight of what life has looked like for me on the day to day basis here in Zambia. They will be random notes, but I think you will get the picture a little clearer.
* At Bishop’s house, there is NO running water. The pumps won’t reach their house right now. There is a man named David who is Congolise (from the Congo) who delivers it 2x/day. The young boys will also take a wheel barrel down the hill with 4-5 buckets and fill it at a tap, roll it back up over bumpy rocks and pathways 1-2x day. I was up early with them today, following them and taking pictures of their journey. I am very fond of Collins (14yrs.) and Junior (11yrs.). Today, there is a large blue drum that they roll down and fill too. Rolling it back up is quite hard for them, but they manage. With me following with a camera, the local kids thought it was cool and wanted to join in. So they got some extra hands today, although I think from Collins stand point, it made is harder to work efficiently.
* Like I mentioned, all clothing is hand washed in a bucket outside. Laundry is done every day in this household so it doesn’t pile up. I did my own laundry this week and once again, they gathered around and got a good laugh. I started with putting in the two small packets of ‘travel Tide’ that Ade brought me. There were no suds made from that. It was just Collins and I sitting there at that point and he looks over questioning me, “Have you applied soap?” in his African accent. I giggled and said yes. Then mama Hildha came out to see and said “no, no, no, you need real soap!” They came back with the Zambian staple laundry soap, poured it in, and my bucket was filled with suds! I think they enjoyed seeing the Muzungu doing their typical daily tasks. Bishop took a ’snap’ of me. : )
* With no running water, there is no real flushing of the toilets. If going #1, you just leave it until it really needs to be flushed. If going #2, you go outside to the big blue drum, fill a bucket with water, take it in the house, and fill the back of the toilet with water to flush. Can most of you even imagine having to do that in the States every time? Ha!
* Enseema or ‘Sheema’ is their staple food here that is made from refined corn. They eat it with almost every meal. Its also eaten with your hands. Well, actually, your right hand. You are culturally only suppose to use your right hand when eating. I’ve come to really like it and will miss it back in the States.
* I watched Zekyas kill 2 chickens the other morning in the back yard. Held down their feet, slit their throat and cut off their head. In the kitchen they went for cleaning, plucking, and cutting up for the pot. I took photos and helped gut one of them. It was gross, but really cool. A biology project! ha. We ate them that night. Yummie.
* Many Zambians have developed very tough feet from lack of shoes. They walk on stones and tough surfaces without a flinch.
* In 5 weeks of being here, I’ve only seen THREE people smoking. Its not common at all here. I’m sure its mainly to do with availability and lack of money. But its been interesting not to see it in this culture.
* The idea of ‘dating’ is unusual here. Courtship until proposal of marriage can be a very short time period. A dowry is still practiced. It can be given with cows, goats, or money. Typically 4-8 cows seems to be average. I’ve gotten a TON of crap about having a ‘boyfriend’ and not being married or engaged. I have to explain to them the cultural differences, but its still hard for them to understand.
* Even in the bush, the people still manage to have cell phones!! Thanks to Celtel, the local provider, they own this country. It greatly reflects the way of life here though. You don’t buy a monthly plan, you buy talk time. Therefore, it is like the day to day living and struggles they face as a nation.
* Even in total poverty, I’ve never seen people so devoted in their faith as Africans. They are surely a Christian nation and depend on the power of God to get them through it.
* Zambians are some of the kindest and welcoming people I’ve ever met.
* The government doesn’t seem to provide well for their people. There seems to be a certain amount of control they carry in authority when they keep the people at a poverty level. Remember, there is a difference between poverty and being poor. This is poverty.
* Education is held at great value and greatly desired by the youth. They really just seek an opportunity.
Okay, that will give you a bit of an idea of what is going on here. Du is waiting for me and my hands are pretty tired. I have one more entry on what has been happening at the hospital with Abusa Aba. (Pastor Aba) I may go have lunch with Du first though, cause I know he is quite hungry.
This will keep ya tied over for now, hopefully.
Mom and Deana, thanks for checking in on Sadie. Glad to hear she is okay. Simon is now with Emily. So I think all is probably well with him too. Melissa will have her contact info if you need it.
Annie, thanks for being so dedicated to keeping up with this journal. Its been really encouraging to hear your words of praise. I love you Furners’!
Ok, wow. I can’t believe its almost over. I really look forward to processing the 75-100 rolls of film I’ve taken. Its gonna be awesome.
Mr. and Mrs. Koehler (Angie and Jim): If you haven’t heard yet, Ade is home safely. But, being the good son he is, I’m sure he has already let you know.
: )
Signing off… love from Lusaka.
jesseb.
