Western Province

Well, after 10 hours on the bus on Mothers Day, we arrived in Mongu. It was a true African experience. We arrived at the bus depot at 8:30 to leave at 9 and I think the bus finally pulled out around 10. And the luggage! The aisles were full of bags, boxes of bananas and fruits and bedding. Apparently we chose to travel on the last day of holidays so the bus was packed! It was a luxury bus much like our buses at home, yet with no air conditioning. There was however a TV and I have to laugh at the three movies that played during the course of our trip: 1. a tribal war movie, 2. killer safari movie (the dad was mauled, lots of screaming, and 3. a Vietnam movie with Martin Sheen and Harrison Ford from the 70s. Not reassuring film viewing when you are on a crowded bus in Africa! But, we made it safe and sound.

We arrived at dark and were taken to stay with Sister Stella and Kathy at Chestire House, a home that cares for orphans and children with physical disabilities that require rehabilitation. It was like arriving at a luxury resort! Each room had two beds and a bathroom with a shower and bathroom. Who knew we take so much for granted. There was a hot meal on the table and it was a wonderful gift for Mothers Day.

I have a great deal of respect for the work the sisters are doing. They care for 75 children with club feet, CP, juvenile arthritis and other limb deformities. Over 20 years, the facilities they have built up are quite overwhelming. They have a physio room, prosthetic lab and a paved central courtyard to facilitate movement for the children. I will post a picture of one young girl in the courtyard but I found the setting uplifting and inspirational.

We are now in Senanga and it is definitely rural Africa. It is quite an amazing spectrum of development from Lusaka to Senanga. Today we spent time with the medical director for the Senanga district as well as the director of the YWCA. The discussion of culture and gender roles was eye-opening to say the least and there is a great deal of work to be done in the area of violence against women. It is a lot to process!

Well tomorrow we are off to see the tribal Queen of Barotsi land. Hopefully I am more graceful than Mr. Bean when he met the Queen of England. Until next time thanks for your continued support and prayers!

Danielle