The Adventure Continues

Last Thursday we made the five hour journey from the capital city of Lusaka to Choma, where we will be staying for the next two weeks. That morning we packed up all our suitcases, and our wonderful bus driver loaded everything into the trailer. His name is Lovemore, but I’ve gotten into the habit of calling him “mukulu” – which means “older brother” in his tribal language.  

Waiting to pack up and move to Choma. 

Our wonderful bus driver, Lovemore. 

While in Choma, our team is staying with the ministry organization Poetice. The team here has so graciously opened up their guest house up to us – this place already feels like home. The director’s kids often stop by to play; I welcome this distraction from doing homework.

My friend Lauren with our little friends. 

On Saturday morning we woke up early to travel to Macha,in order to fill out forms to work in the hospital here. After filling out paperwork for an hour or so, our team visited the local village market. 

At this market in Macha we drew quite the crowd. The people wanted us to dance, so we did! We shared lots of laughter that day. 

The road outside our home in Choma.

The countryside on our way to Choma. 

Jenna and Katie in matching chitenges (the traditional Zambian wear)

In Choma, my bed is covered by a mosquito net. I know it’s supposed to keep out the mosquitoes, but I’m more thankful that I won’t be sharing my bed with any monstrous African spiders. Speaking of spiders, the other night our leader Hannah tried to shoot down a spider on the wall with a rubber band. The following video shows the results - hopefully it loaded okay!

My room here at Poetice. 

Some of the girls working on homework. 

The view from outside our home. I can't get over how clear blue the African sky is!

Our home here in Choma is close to town, so during the afternoons we like to walk to the market. Our favorite item to shop for is chitenges. I never thought I could look at pieces of fabric for so long. 

Grass fence on the way to town. 

Sometimes we just get tired of wearing skirts all the time... 

Since we've been here in Choma, we've visited the orphanage several times. Here are some of the beautiful children we've met. At our last visit, I spent some time with one lady who cares for the kids. She told me about a sponsorship program for the children. The program seems very similar to World Vision and Compassion International. The monthly donations cover school fees and uniforms, along with other needs the children may possess.  

My friend Paige and I made our own mugs to use when class starts early in the mornings. (Mwabuka buti means good morning in Tonga)

Well that finishes my update. I can't say thank you enough for all your love and prayers! Leza amuleleke (God bless you!)