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

    The Bufwano compound 1-3       

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: