Blog Introduction

We hope you enjoy these pictures and videos of our trip to Africa with http://www.motherswithoutborders.org/ - April 8-May 2 2010

May we remember the children and those who care for them throughout the world!

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Betty and I, when we were trying to figure out the name for our blog, had just run accross the following joke that was sent to us - and it seemed quite good timing - as were were frantically preparing to head to Africa!!
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From the diary of a Pre-School Teacher

My five-year old students are learning to read.

                       Yesterday one of them pointed at a picture in a zoo book and said,
                                              "Look at this! It's a frickin' elephant!"
                               I took a deep breath, then asked...."What did you call it?"
                                    "It's a frickin' elephant! It says so on the picture!"

And so it does...

" A f r i c a n Elephant "

Hooked on phonics! Ain't it wonderful?

Our ZamFam!!

Even though the 15 members of our MWB team were together just about 18 days - all of us became each others 'Zambian Family' - or just "our ZamFam". Even though we each brought our own individualities to the team - these individualities intregrated very well together - making us able to do more as a group. That, along with our common strengths and goals, was able to allow us to be together, 24X7, very well! And of course, our 'mom' and 'dad' - Allison and Shane - fortunately for us, had great 'parenting skills' - which, I am sure, helped us all to 'tow the line'!! (really, they led 'by example'!)


Of course we could not forgot our 'extended ZamFam' - those of the MWB staff that we spent some of most everyday with - Kathy, Josephine, Fred, Webster and Innocent (who some nicknamed 'Guilty'!!). This group picture was taken on the last day we were all together - at Josephines home; unfortunately for us Deb was having to fly back to England the next day - to return back to work.


Just like the pictures of the Zambian children - the smiles in this picture says a whole lot about our ZamFam and our Lusaka experience!! To our ZamFam - here!! here!! and for Webster -"Fresh Air........."!!

A comment on the organization of pictures, videos and comments

blog month of: JUNE - contains all the intro posts -
                         MAY - contains LUSAKA pics/videos/comments
                         APRIL - contains LIVINGSTONE (BOTSWANA) pics/videos/comments 
                         MARCH - contains JOHANNESBURG pics/videos/comments
(NOTE: on the picture 'link' right click and then select 'Open in New Window' - then you will not have to hit the 'back button' to get back to the blog)
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I have been trying to get my arms around the pictures and videos that we brought back! It has been a task!

So I first copied all of the 'raw' pictures and videos to new storage locations so that I could 'edit' them. Which means that I have all of the originals - before comments have been added - let me know if you need a pic without the comment.

I was starting to put a brief comment into the pictures but quickly realized that this was going to take to long - but would be something that I would have to continue to whittle away at over time. I changed my focus to trying to get the pictures/videos generally available to those who are interested in them - especially our 'ZamFam' (those who comprised our 'team' for this adventure!).

So then I decided to group the pictures by subject matter - not a 'day by day' accounting. Some groupings such as 'The Bunkhouse' is comprised of pictures throughout our stay, while others, such as visiting the Bufwano compound, occured on a single day. This 'grouping process' seemed to make sense and seemed farily 'straight forward'. In each group I placed pictures and videos.

During the 'grouping process' I also weeded out the 'oops' and the 'boo-boos'; rototated those that needed rotating (sounds like Les Schwab's!) to change their orientation and renamed all of the videos so that their file name was indicative of the subject - to help when accessing them. I did find, though, that I was maybe not as good at 'filtering' out duplicates and maybe lower quality shots etc. as I seemed to be more frantic to get them available - such as they were.

The next challenge was to determine where and how to place all of these, besides on our own computers/storage devices, and make it easy to access. After some trial and error, and getting educated on various websites (pros/cons) etc (Thanks to Meg!) I came up with a plan.

I have decided, at this point, to place the pictures into KodakGallery for 2 reasons - so that I can get them out to our ZamFam and so I can also put a link into our blog - so that they can be seen via 'slide show' format. Also, with the KodayGallery - you have the ability to 'step' thru the pictures as your own pace - rather then viewing as a slideshow - if you would rather.

The videos, on the other hand I will upload into this blog - and then you can click on them to view.

I will set up each picture group as its own 'blog post' - so that you can skip around if you desire - or easily come back to groups.

Betty and I then have to go thru and copy out pics/videos into another grouping that will be used for about a 45 minute presentation - as we have been invited to talk about our trip in a few different locations (church, work etc).

Once we get that done then I will work to continue to edit pictures; do additional weeding and editing text into the pictures and adding additional comments into the blog - adding more comment to the groupings as well as comments about our trip from our journals - cause even Betty and I will forget some of this content that we were priviledged to be a part of! Enjoy!

AFRICA- traveling to

These are pictures we took flying Thursday April 8 - 5:30AM thru Friday April 9th - about 10:30PM! On the way out we flew from the Portland, OR airport, to Dulles airport in Washington DC, to Dakar, Senagal, Africa (on western coast of Africa - about 1/4 down), to Johannesburg, South Africa to Lusaka Zambia.

PICS: Traveling to Africa

LUSAKA-Big House

This was a private home that was our 'operations center'. When she was in Zambia, Kathy (founder of MWB) stayed in an upstairs bedroom/office here. Each morning, except Sundays, we would arrive here from the Bunk House and have an opening meeting - upstairs in their family/TV room - usually about 8:15AM. Then after about an hour or two - we would head out for the activities of the day.

We would return back to the 'Big House' each night, have dinner (very good and always ready for it) - and then have a nightly 'wrap up and "intention setting" meeting regarding the next days activities. As we were upstairs we appreciated the wind that would occaisionally blow thru the barred windows!

Those who lived there and who helped were all so very kind and generous!! Thank you very much!
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A FEWPICS: LUSAKA-road to the Big House

ROADWAY TO BIG HOUSE



COMING UP TO BIG HOUSE DRIVEWAY



PULLING UP TO THE BIG HOUSE

LUSAKA-Bufwano

The government would provide land for those of low income. It was up to the tenant to provide the housing on the small plot of land. Most were of cinder block - but some were of cloth, cardboard etc. These were quite large compounds - and, to some degree, took on being their own community and 'city'; having markets, taverns, water filling stations (for a price) etc. There were lots of residents in a typical compound. We had the opportunity to visit one of these with the MWB staff. We divided up into 3 small groups and make some 'house calls' to check on the residents of some of these homes. A couple of the groups, including the one Betty and I were in, finished before the third group. We came back and wound up entertaining and playing with the kids from around the compound for a couple of hours!! We were very tired after that!! There is an organization (name escapes me at the moment) that helps out in the Bufwano compound - and it was their buildings and courtyard we did most of our playing in (after moving inside from 'the street!).

Pics:Lusaka-the Bufwano compound

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LUSAKA-Bunk House

This was where we 'laid our head and called it home'! On this property there were 3 buildings - the main home of the renters, a chicken coop and a second home - that was rented/leased - for the Bunk House. It was a single story home that was converted to sleep about 15-20 people. There we one bedroom with a set of bunk beds, and a single bed; another with a one set of bunkbeds (where Betty stayed); another with 2 sets of 2 (where I slept) - right off the 'good' bathroom! - and the 'living/family room that had 4 sets of bunk beds. There was a kitchen, a full bath, a room with just a toilet, a room with just a shower (ok - a 'dropper') and a patio with a picnic table.

PICS: LUSAKA-the Bunk House

The BUNK HOUSE

LUSAKA-Church

There was a local branch of the LDS church where some of the staff and children of the CRC attended so our team joined them for Sunday services. Then they would all 'pile' into our bus and we would all head out to the CRC for the afternoon of enjoying each others company, playing, reading etc. and having our daily lunch of PB&J and an apple!

PICS: LUSAKA-Church

LUSAKA-Crafters Market

We had the chance to go into a local 'crafters market' close to downtown Lusaka - and look over an purchase some of their items - knowing that the monies would go into these families and communities (stay 'local'). So many choices! Bartering is an interesting process - with the goal being that of 'win-win'! I need more practice!

PICS: LUSAKA- Crafters Market

LUSAKA-Childrens Resource Center (CRC)

The CRC - Childrens Resource Center - cares for about 20-25 children. There are 2 families that live at the CRC fulltime - with 8 children of their own; quite a formidable task! It is about 45 minutes away from Lusaka - off the beaten path - and sits on 100 acres of land. There is not much outside noise - just that of kids playing, workers singing, occaisional drums (and now the sounds of other musical instruments!), goats bleating, laughing, and sometimes the sound of water cascading down out of the water tank high above on a tower - due to being to full. It is a relaxing place - and - in a sense - time stops still (at lease the hustle and bustle!) .

The 'chicken coop' now turned into school - is also on this property. They have a total of about 50 students - with others coming in from surrounding villiages. For now, the school it at is limit - but the need to be able to teach more young minds is strong - and there are plenty of young minds available. It is hard when the staff have to let a family know that there is no more room in the school for their children......

Much more to say - for a later time!

PICS: LUSAKA- Childrens Resource Center (CRC)

                                      LUSAKA: CRC - overlook from the top of the 'arena'

          LUSAKA: CRC - looking out and around from the 'outside' classroom

          LUSAKA - CRC - the view from up on the water tower

                                   

LUSAKA-CRC school - parents day!

In Lusaka the school is in 3 months, then out a month, year around. They happened to be just starting their 'holiday' when we arrived. We were priviledged to be able to be at the school when they had their 'Parents Day'. This included the instructors going over school related projects, subjects and work their children had done during the previous 3 months. Then the children of the school put on a program for the parents - which is what most of these are from!

PICS:  LUSAKA-CRC-'Parents Day' at the school

                               LUSAKA-CRC-'Parents Day' at the school 1:

LUSAKA-CRC music

Oh the sound of music!! Several in our team were able to bring a good quantity of smaller musical instuments with us for the children; including kazoos, juice harps, cymbols, bells, tamborines, cow bell, recorders and even an accordian! Also one of our team members hand carried an electronic keyboard (needs batteries as no electricity) in place of one of his suitcases - that had been kindly donated. Due to the limited time we had - and that the kids were out of school there was not a chance to give a lot of 'training'. Fortunately several in our team had some music background and we were able to pull together a couple of 'workshops' with the kids. We did not have a chance to get the recorders out and so one of the future teams will have that opportunity of training!

We also played some music based games - musical chairs was one of the favorites - with a good time had by all!

PICS:MUSIC AT THE CRC!

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LUSAKA - the CRC School

The school originally started out as a chicken coop! The is was decided that childrens education was more important then chickens - so out with the chickens (they never actually started using it as a chicken coop) and in with the students!!

This 2 room class has been a God-send - for having opened in January of 2010! The children all are excited about it and are ready to learn - plus they do not have to walk the 5 miles to and from the closest public (still costs $$) daily. Heather Raddatz has come onboard to get the school going - (a local Sherwood girl!) since August of 2009; and will be hanging on for a second year - to make sure the school has a solid foundation. Way to go Heather!! The consequences of the learning that will occur here will have an impact for these youth, the community and generations to come - and will provide for much needed hope!

PICS: LUSAKA-CRC School

LUSAKA-CRC Chickens

Chickens? Well, yes, a section devoted to chickens. You see, in this area, not many people can afford to eat chickens and even to purchase chicks to raise. As we came to the close of our 2 weeks there - it is tradition to give each of the staff a live chicken - as a token of our appreciation for their help and support that they provide, not just to us, but for the children and MWB organization. A live chicken was considered a luxury. So, typically the team would go out and purchse 15 chickens or so...about $5 USD a piece - but due to transport issues we could not. So Kathy and Fred took the MWB 'mini van' and a couple of hours came back with chickens squaking all over! Once the chickens were off loaded and the van hosed out (yea, and it was pretty hot that day as well!!) - then we each had the chance to present one of the staff with a chicken -and ask if they wanted it 'dead or alive' - some took them alive - for later butchering - and others wanted theirs dead. So some of out team broke off to be the 'death squad' and they went out back to help in the dispatching of the chickens; Betty and I opted to not - and hung out with the kids and staff.

Apparently it went reasonably well in the 'chicken yard' - although I heard some tips were offered for 'next time'!!

PICS: LUSAKA - the Chickens at the CRC

LUSAKA-CRC - Cultural Program/show

On the last Sunday in Lusaka - we were invited to attend a program put on by the CRC staff and children; with some of their dances and singing. Also, some poetry was given - in this cultural poetry plays a big part in the communication of traditions thru generations. Most of the poetry was written by some of the older children and how life is and can be for them - from the laughter to the tears.......

PICS: LUSAKA-the CRC School Cultural Program/show

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LUSAKA-Grandma's place

"Grandma" was a 93 year old - who was tending for 8 of her own grand children - due to the death of their parents. In the process she had also taken up caring for about another 7 - for a total of 15 children! She also lived in one of the compounds. We were able visit her - and take in some mealy-meal (used for 'sheema' one of their staples in Africa), capella (dried fish) and beans. When she was presented with these items - she did her 'Happy Dance' - boy she had 'the moves'! The hut that she now did her cooking in - consisting of boards, tarps, sticks etc. was what she used for her primay shelter up till last year. MWB was able to build her a more durable block home with a metal roof. Still small with just 2 bedrooms - but was a palace compared to her previous dwelling! We also got to meet one of her granddaughters and a fairly new great grand daughter - a real cuty! She planted a garden, and just the day before, had a top put onto a hand dug well - so they have easy access to water - and do not have to pay. The well has chlorine put into it daily to make the water be 'safe' - due to various health risks around.

At some point, the older granddaughter will have to take over the care and tending of the children.......

PICS: LUSAKA-Grandma's place

LUSAKA-House of Moses

The House of Moses was a facility that took in 'box babies'; those babies that are left along a roadside, on a porch, at a church etc - typically in a box - dressed in their finest clothing - along with their other belongings - if they had anything else. The children went up to 3 years of age. There were 2 floors - with the upper housing about 25 of those being up to about 1 1/2 years old, the the main floor being the remaining 20 or so older ones.

We spent about 4 hours there - playing with the older ones, and feeding, rocking and walking around with the babies! These angels are very fortunate to have this facility and staff to help with their care!

We were instructed to not take pictures once we were inside.

PICS: LUSAKA- House of Moses

LUSAKA-Josephines place

Josephine was another full time (and more) staff member of MWB - being responsible for day-to-day operations of the organization. She has several degrees, including social work. She and her husband live in a home on Dept of Agriculture property; closer to town - but still somewhat secluded and rural. She had just recently gotten her garden put in. She also invited us to her home one afternoon - and we had a chance to visit and enjoy her nice house and beautiful yard! She also made the best popcorn!!! I can still taste it!!

PICS: LUSAKA-Josephine's place

LUSAKA - Chisomo Street Kids Center

The Chisomo Street Kids Center has been around for a number of years. Those who come to the center have been living out on the streets - either because they have no one else to live with, or, due to physical or sexual abuse have run away from a bad situration. These kids scrounge the streets for food and warmth. They will sleep inside culvert pipes - not just from protection against the elements but also from other street kids and 'adults'. They have a lot of hope and desires - and the willingness and enthusiasm to be able to go a long ways with their lives - if they can have a chance. The Street Kids Center provides that starting chance - getting them off the streets and giving them responsibilities and education, when possible. There is full time staff that live there. Currently the boys dorm is wall to wall with bunkbeds - a very crowded situation. They will be converting another building, that maize used to be milled in, into another boys dorm - to help provide some relief.

PICS:  LUSAKA - Chisomo Street Kids Center

Cultural Dancing by the young adults of the center

LUSAKA-visiting a village

We had the chance to visit a 'village' about 90 minutes out from Lusaka. The husband/father of the home we used for the 'Big House' - was the 'chief' of this village - and his mother still resided there. He would drive out on Saturday's take care of business and visit - then return back to Lusaka later that day.

The village was fairly flat - some trees and tall grass - a bit of a breese. It did not have power and no running water. They did have huts - made from clay/dirt blocks - and thatched roofs. While we were there the team did health assessments of most in the village; took a better part of the days. While some of us were helping with the assessments in various capacities - the rest of us played with the kids. We would rotate thru some of the 'jobs' to get a change.

PICS: LUSAKA- visiting a village

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                                                                   #3 - where health checks were done
                                                                    

                                                                  

                                                                  #4 - some of the village buildings

   

LUSAKA-Websters place

Webster is one of the full time MWB staff members. He is just a powerhouse of activity and enthusiasm! He would take a big breath, exhale and then say 'fresh air.....' and move his long arsm to-and-fro! Some of us picked up his saying!! Webster had a gift of being able to make the best of his situation - and show un-restrained love - especially to the children of the villiages they would visit. He was able to get the kids busy and occupied having fun with them and at the same time teaching them 'life principles'. When we visited the village he did a 'Kids Kamp' letting the kids carry the banner/flag around. We had the pleasure of helping him with this.

Webster invited us over to his home, in one of the compounds, to meet his loving family. Even though his house was of bricks and mortar (which he built himself) - is was a home -full of love and hope. His family performed for us several songs and poems. Webster is one of those rare individuals that you are grateful to have been around and come away being a better person for it! Hey Webster - "Fresh air..................."!

PICS: LUSAKA - Webster's Home

Webster's Family Program - parts 1-5

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LUSAKA-traveling around

These pictures and clips were taking going from 'here to there' while we were in Lusaka. They show the peoples, the environment and the culture of the area; nicer housing to more humble housing, mini-bus taxis - for regular transport; funerals in mini-bus taxis and flat bed trucks.... Most of the days were mild - to some hot and mugginess. We did not have rain while we were out and about - but did have rain that would come in during the night and make the 'already worse roads' even worse. Oh yea, we would pass a tannery - most every day - could not see it - but could tell by the smell - can't you smell it now??

PICS: LUSAKA- traveling around

                                                                      
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These are, who we coined, "the rock smashers" (making gravel by hand!)

The HUGE Coca-Cola Plant!

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LIVINGSTONE - traveling to

This was our first 'puddle jumper' flight - going from Lusaka to Livingstone! Carries 26 max - had 24 on board. Had to stow everything - and actually we hit 'over weight' on our luggage - as they also weighed our carry on - 10 KGs - $20 USD - not to bad (beats repacking etc at the last minute). The Livingstone airport was kind of funny. We had to put our luggage on the 'security xray' machine - only to watch it fall off at the other end as no one was watching the machine and viewing the xray machine - we just walked thru the electronic sensor as no one was around and retrieved our luggage!! Finally - 15 minutes later or so - they started checking luggage and people - guess we 'lucked out'- sortof!!

PICS: LIVINGSTONE - traveling to

LIVINGSTONE - Victoria Falls

Here it is - the seventh wonder of the world - in all of its 'flood waters furry'! Probably walking along the path, trying to see enough to get one foot ahead of the other foot - was the closest we will get to going thru a car wash without the car! We had been warned - and it was true - we got literally wet to our bones!! They did have rain ponchos - but word was it did not really make that much difference. Fortunately it was warm and so we dried out fairly quick. The last couple videos are taken off youtube so you could see the falls when the water level and flow was more subdued and minimal. The feeling of the force and rush of the water was just incredable!!

And a few pics of some of the other critters around such as baboons - kind of like squirrels and 'camp robbers' - just a bit larger and a bit more aggressive!

PICS: LIVINGSTONE - Victoria Falls

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