Because I have been asked by many, I am including details on what is required to sponsor a child. It is easy and the dollars go directly to the school. There are no administration costs.
The cost is US $200 per child. These dollars cover the costs of a meal per day, teacher's salaries, books and education for a year.
For those that want to sponsor a child at either Chiwiledi (22 disabled orphans) or Tionge (400 orphans), please send an email to the Sisters at bensr@zamnet.zm indicating which school and notifying them of the US$ transfer. If you include your mailing address the Sisters will send you a picture of the child.
Banking information...
TELE TRAN
STANBIC BANK
ZAMBIA LIMITED
LUSAKA
B/A 0240030801400
SISTERS OF CHARITY OF MILAN
P.O. BOX 63188 LUSAKA
Thank you to all who have followed our journey!
It is difficult to come up with a response to “What was the best thing about being in Africa”. Even more difficult to sum up what the experience was like for me. But I’ll try…
It saddens me that there are children who have yet to learn to eat ice cream from a cone or to blow bubbles of soapy water into the sunlight.
It is disheartening that we are already destroying the Earth, while there are places on her that have yet to evolve.
How conflicting that there are dogs wearing shoes on the streets of New York with their ever attentive owners walking along side, yet in Zambia there are children barefoot running down stony paths and without a watchful eye to the many dangers.
How senseless that we as beings spend billions and billions building weapons to destroy each other instead of spending the money to feed one another.
Yet even in all that I saw, there are glimpses of change; hope for the future. There are those who have committed their lives to helping the needy and building a future for coming generations – committed to build awareness and educate for a brighter future. There are those untainted by the spoils of prosperous nations – who do not look for more, more, more, but simply seek you out to say “Thank you” for the simplest of things – crayons, a piece of gum, a pair of flip flops.
I am thankful for being reminded time and time again while there, of simply joys and gratitude. That a smile, a second of attention and warm hand can light up a face – young and old.
I became painfully aware that it is not the gifts and gizmos we shower our children with but the protection, guidance, opportunity and love that are our responsibility to give.
I am grateful for my friends who courageously joined me into the unknown. I know now that it would have been selfish of me to go alone. With their presence, the laughter, the hugs and the awareness was multiplied by three.
It was an experience of a life time; one of the best experiences I’m sure I will ever have.
g
From Susan…
Having been back from our African adventure for a week now, I have had time to digest some of the things we saw and did. What impresses me the most is not so much the "situation" in Africa, rather the nuns who are dedicated to making it better. I am still amazed at their dedication to those who are less fortunate. They are unrelenting in their commitment. I had some preconceived ideas about religion and what purpose the missionaries served in third world countries... and I am very happy to say that those ideas are all but history. I learned more about generosity, family, laughter, seizing the small moments and making moments happen than I did about what needs to become more like us.
I was not so thrilled by the elephants and hippos than I was by watching the laughter and happiness and sense of family that the nuns were constantly exuding...my safari was more about the safari of the soul than that of the wildlife. I enjoyed the micro flights over Victoria Falls, but more exciting to me was that I could be a part of Sister Kitty, a 60 something year old nun who threw caution to the wind and said "what the heck"! I can only hope to approach life in such a way when I am her age.
Their nurturing was never-ending. Despite constantly helping others, they were always doting on us and making sure we were looked after. They took us everywhere, dropped everything to accommodate us, and even ironed our underwear! C'mon!!!
But most impressive was their strength. These are women that are stronger than no other. They are self-sufficient, smart, industrious and fearless. They are loving, cunning, empathetic, committed and most importantly some of the funniest women I will ever meet. When I look back on this adventure, I will remember the children, I will recall the devastation, and I will think about what I can do to contribute. But, what will always make me smile is remembering the constant laughter that engulfed us when the nuns were around and how much peace that brought to our hearts. This is what I will cherish; this will be my.....Afreekah..........
From Tracey…
i will NEVER forget .... the whites of the children's eyes looking at us; hugging us, laughing with us
i will NEVER forget .... hearing kumbaya in three part harmony after only teaching it once. it still brings chills to me
i will NEVER forget .... those nuns. they were smart, savvy, funny, serious and taught me i have no idea what selfless really is
i will NEVER forget ... seeing a child in the compound using one of the pens we gave out that day - SCORE
i will NEVER forget ... children holding my hands so tight and touching my hair
i will NEVER forget ... the strength of women to bring up their children and make a good home for them
i will NEVER forget .. seeing children sharing desks and books but being very dedicated to learning and being at school
i will NEVER forget ... great dinners with the nuns, my favorite time of day, where politics, celebrities, religion would bring on great debate
i will NEVER forget ... grace and susan - their smiles, their tears, their laughter as we started and ended each day with more experiences
i will NEVER forget ... watching children eat ice cream cones for the first time
i will NEVER forget ... africa and the great people of . i will be back. i will be back.
Tracey was up really early today to catch her flight into Capetown. It’s going to be quiet here today without her. She’s sure to miss us, but I’m sure the massage she’s got booked in Capetown will more than make up for it J She’s been such a wonderful asset on this trip – bringing laughter to the Sisters and the children.
Neither Susan nor I had much sleep. I had no excuse. Susan was busy throwing up; seems like she’s caught a bug. The nuns pumped her up with drugs (handy that we’re staying with a couple of nurses) and we headed over to Chiwiledi. The playground was finally up and we wanted to see it as well as the children before we left.
As we pulled up, Toko and Sililo ran out to greet us. It was great to see Toko so excited and happy. Toko is in her teens, very withdrawn and doesn’t speak. She rarely looks up and needs to be coaxed to a smile that only briefly crosses her face. The only time the Sisters heard her speak was when an uncle came to pick her up. She did not want to go with him. She had been defiled by him – her mom thinks she’s lying. Over the last two weeks, she has come to really open up. Today the smile was plastered on her face and she wouldn’t stop hugging me and holding my hand. It is so good to see.
The other children were in their classrooms so before we went in to say hi, and totally disrupt the
class in an eruption of hugs, Susan and I put up the felt farm Patrick and his daughter made for the school. We put it low to the ground in the main playroom so it would be easily accessible. I brought Moishai out to see how she liked it. She was thrilled. Not only does it add great colour to the room, it is going to be a great learning tool.
Once we got through the hellos and hugs we all went outside. By the wonderful smiles and laughter, the children were obviously thrilled with the playground.
The teachers pulled us aside and presented us with mats they had made for us. Their words were touching; they made us cry. The children are truly blessed to have such wonderful beings around them who obviously care about them.
We said our goodbyes to the children, and headed out to run a few errands. We’re going to miss those who we’ve met here… Mubanga, Chenga, Tutu, Francis, Toko, Sililo, Franchescar, Doris, Isabel, Catherine, Gladys, Manual, Maureen, Violet, Moishai, Cecilia, Milisea, Dinah and the staff Christine, Fabi, Loveness, Lizzy and Julius.
After a quick lunch back at the house, we prepared gift bags for the staff at Tionge – shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, Kleenex, soap and chocolate – to us, meager offerings, to them cherished possessions. We then stopped into Tionge to say bye to Renato and Renata, Sister Deliana’s relatives, who stay at Tionge 2 months a year helping out and who find the children here help to fill the void of their lost daughter. Sister Deliana took us around to the classes to poke our heads in and say bye. We got a lot of smiles and waves and even coaxed one class to sing us a song, led by little Christine with a big voice. Both the children that I had sponsored were gone for the day, but we did see Albert (such a cutie!) and Anna (sweetness through and through). It was sad to leave the school. It’s such a great facility, providing those children with a great opportunity for friendship, learning and a different way of life. Our thanks to the teachers and staff at Tionge for doing what they do.
We ran a few errands – picked up some food for Chiwiledi (a 25kg bag of corn meal that is a staple, costs $10 and lasts 3 weeks at Chiwiledi), shoes for Sisters Given and Sitali, wine to replace what we drank and more chocolate of course.
The afternoon was committed to visit the Kasisi orphanage.
We met Sister Mariola at the entrance and was given a tour; again, a bright and clean facility with pristine grounds. We paused at a quilt hanging on the wall made in memory of the children they had lost We were first taken to the baby ward. When I looked down the hall at the number of rooms that sprouted off the main hall, each filled with many cribs, the weight that began to press on my chest made it difficult to breathe. So many children. We walked from crib to crib saying hello, giving a tickle and a hug. There are 250 children at Kasisi: 50 under 3, 50 HIV positive, 15 of those also with TB; most abandoned at birth, dropped off by the mothers or brought in by authorities. One little one was delivered in the bush and left. The mom ‘felt bad’ when it began to rain, went back for him and dropped him off at the orphanage. She had given birth alone and caused brain damage by squeezing too hard on the baby’s head during delivery. The baby is paralyzed from the waist down. Doctor’s are hopeful though that the brain will heal itself. One little one was conceived from a man who was not the husband. As the baby would never be accepted by the husband, the woman
was forced to drop him off at the orphanage. Husband and wife did try and come back for the baby later, not because they wanted the child for their own, but thought they could use the child to get some money from the birth father. The Sisters obviously refused to release the little one. So many stories.
Down the hall we opened the door to the 3 yr olds. They came running out like puppies, shouting “alendu, alendu!” (visitors, visitors!), and swarming our legs... each needed, craved a turn in our arms. The Sisters and volunteers do what they can – but with 13 staff for 250, these children are starved for affection.
After the tour, we spent some time in Sister Mariola’s office asking questions about the facility and adoption processes. was once known for its child trafficking. To counter this perception, the Zambian government now makes it nearly impossible to adopt – claiming they are a ‘nation of no orphans’. To adopt ‘legally’, one must be a resident and have a job in for at least a year, making international adoption near impossible. Government being corrupt, there are stories of money exchanging hands for a blind eye to the rules.
The Sisters are committed to these children, giving them shelter, education and care until they are 18. We met one girl who had been there her whole life and now assists with the babies. It’s the only life she has known. Sister Mariola tells us of the street boys they have taken in and glows with pride at the success of turning some around.
Somberly we leave Kasisi – another moment not soon forgotten.
Back at the house for a light dinner, Susan is still not feeling well. We begin the task of packing. Kitty seems to be quite the expert, wrapping my treasures with clothes and managing to get all in one bag.
As I try and get the internet working on the computer (can I tell you that dial up is now extremely painful to me and that I soooo appreciate hi speed) Sister MT and Kitty come in to say that they think it’s best they take Susan to the hospital to check for Malaria. Malaria! Now this is exciting commentary for the blog J Although Susan had been religiously taking her pills, malaria presents itself like a flu – so to be sure it wasn’t, off they went.
The Coptic hospital was nearby – clean but like most facilities – old like the hills. The process of treatment however was like a well-oiled machine. She was admitted upon arrival and seen by the doctor without a wait. The test for malaria is a simple finger prick test. Two minutes later, he reported that she was negative for malaria and probably contracted some sort of stomach infection. Fifteen minutes and $20 later, she was released with medication and the relief she wouldn’t have to undergo malaria treatment that is supposedly tougher than the actual disease.
Being that I still couldn’t get internet connection and the packing complete, the Sisters wanted to play dress up with us. After a few giggles, and possibly a frown or two from the Big Guy upstairs, we called it in fairly early.
Day 11
After a quick cup of tea, big hugs for Sisters Deliana, Given and Sitali, we loaded the truck and headed out to the airport accompanied by Sister Maria Teresa and Kitty. Hilarious watching these two determined, 4’6” nuns heaving our suitcases, cause God-forbid, we should try and do it ourselves. We have been spoiled.
It was a tearful goodbye at the gate. I will cherish my aunt’s parting words – “You are good; I am so proud of you” forever. We will miss the Sisters as much as they will miss us – in the 2 weeks here, we learned from each other, cried together and shared much laughter. We have come to know the meaning of selfless, faith and love through these brave, strong, funny women.
Notables:
-
How when you make a child’s face light up, your own heart sings
-
Taking a moment to appreciate those things we take for granted – even those most simplest – soap, shampoo, toothpaste
-
There are people out there trying to make it better for others – if we all just do one little thing, we could make this world a better place
-
Three ply toilet paper
After gathering last thoughts, there will be one more entry to this blog. Also included will be information regarding fostering and donations as we have received many inquiries.
Hi all!
It's been difficult to get online as we're travelling. Our last few entries should be up in the next 24 hours. Check back in to read about our last day in Zambia...we visit the Kasisi ophanage, say 'see you' to the children at Tionge and Chiwiledi and bid our new found friends at the convent adieu.
Talk to you soon!.
Up early yet again – this time to catch a 6am bus to Livingston. We arrive on time – however, our bus operator is working in Zambian time and doesn’t show up until after 6:30. Sister Maria-Teresa sees us off. The ‘luxury’ bus isn’t quite as luxurious as it had been made out to be. We were welcomed with the homey smell of body odor, the seats were yucky and Tracey caught the bus driver peeing out the driver-side door! It was going to be a long, bumpy 6 hour journey! The ‘entertainment’ was blasting on the TV. There was some kind of Zulu Warrior Prince soap opera whose tribe just kept yelling for no apparent reason. Then we were tortured with a series of previews for upcoming features; ‘the Sadist in Me’, ‘Bus Driver Boogie’, ‘Bad Boys’ and more – all equally violent and with the production quality of cheap porn.
The journey was along a very straight, flat road that went on for miles and miles. We took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep.
Not soon enough, we arrived in Livingston. From what we could see out of the bus windows, not a very picturesque place - actually very run down. We haggled with a taxi driver, who turned out to be such a good guy that we used him exclusively for our stay. Bright drove us to our lodge – the Bushfront. Pleasant enough.
After checking in, having lunch and unpacking, we decided to have Bright pick us up and take us to Victoria Falls – the purpose of our adventure. We were not disappointed. Zambia is just coming out of the rainy season so the river was high and the Falls are at its fullest. The baboons were everywhere and reminded us of ducks
at a neighborhood park– they were so undisturbed by our presence and were often in our path. We hiked along to get the best views of the Falls. The views were breathtaking – the power of
the Falls astonishing. We were drenched by the mist. The rainbows were plentiful. Not surprising that Victoria Falls are one of the Earth’s greatest wonders.
After a brief shopping experience at the market, we made our way to our 4:30 boarding of the African Queen for a sunset river safari. We lounged on the top
deck, sipping Mango punch vodka and looking out over the terrain for any signs of wildlife. We spotted a few hippos, many birds, antelopes and in the distance, giraffes. The sunset was spectacular as we watched it inch its way below the horizon.
We were back at our lodge by 7 – had a quick
dinner and
decided to turn in early for a change… Besides, we had another early day planned for tomorrow… We were all, Kitty included, going for a Microlight ride over the falls.
Day 10
For those unfamiliar with a Microlight, it’s basically a kite attached to a go cart. No kidding! We didn’t seem to be all that nervous; perhaps it was too early or maybe a bit too cold, or it could have been due to the
cool overalls that made us feel like pilots.
Susan was up
first. Kitty nearly backed down until she saw Susan’s safe return and decided that she would just chalk it up to another of Life’s experiences. It was a ride of a lifetime. With one movement of the pilot’s arms, we were airborne. Our ascent was smooth and the air was warmer the higher we got. The view was incredible. The pilot chatted in my ear about the history of the falls, the land masses beneath and pointed out a
family of hippos. The many rainbows emerging from the Falls were amazing. We were all buzzing about our flights as we headed back to the lodge for a good breakfast.
We were to catch a 1:00 bus ride back – supposedly a better bus than the day before. Since we had a few hours we decided to do some last minute shopping . We were first taken to a market in town that we were told was very big. What we weren’t told though, was how disgusting it was. It was a local market – fruits and vegetables, bedding, etc. and an insane amount of flies. We quickly got back in the cab and had Bright take us back to the Victoria Falls market for some more negotiating with the local artisans.
Shopping in Zambia for souvenirs is an experience in itself. The vendors are nothing short of wild animals themselves. They call to you as you walk by – trying to con you with a trade or a cheap price. They are as relentless as the flies were at the previous market. We’ve learned a lot about negotiating from the nuns, bargaining hard and making out like bandits with some great things to remember our stay.
We get back to Livingston in time to see that the bus is again, not a luxury bus. This time thankfully, it is clean. We get comfortable and hunker down for what is supposed to be a 6-hour journey back the long, long straight road to Lusaka.
Five and half hours into our journey, we come across the weigh station at Kafue Bridge. The trucks are waiting in an endless line and the bus driver precariously maneuvers the bus past the rigs and closer to the weigh station. It is chaos. Trucks parked in all directions, horns blasting, frustrated truckers roaming everywhere. Thankfully, 5 min later, our bus driver returns and starts the engine. Unfortunately, that’s all we can do. The bus’s brake pressure failed and the bus makes an awful sound that tells us we're not going anywhere soon. The driver and his assistant literally get under the bus and bang away with stones to try and fix the problem. Hours later we are still on the bus. Kitty at this point has assessed the situation several times walking back and forth amongst the trucks showing no fear. The driver mentions that he has called for back up and buses should be on the way. Kitty though, took matters into her own hands and called her own back up. Father Antonio was on his way to the rescue. The second bus arrived but we didn’t get on it. Instead, the driver’s assistant led us out to the check point about 500 yards up the dark highway. We had to walk by many trucks, loaded down with our parcels, avoiding pot holes and on coming rigs. It was so ridiculous it was comical. Kitty wanted to put her veil on so the Father would recognize her if he were to drive by along the dark road. We took solace in the night sky. The stars were incredible. Just when we thought we were destined to be a midnight snack for some African wildlife, Father Antonio pulled up and saved us.
Back at the house, the Sisters were anxiously waiting for us. They had been worried and relieved when we arrived. Dinner, thankfully, was waiting for us. They also had a little gift for each of us… A wooden African figure, a traditional chitenga (large cloth used as a wrap) and a lovely card thanking us for being there. We love these Sisters!
Our adventure over for the evening, we helped Tracey pack up her things as she’s off to Cape Town in the morning.
Notables:
-
The warm and wonderful Zambians we have met on this trip.
-
Moisa – the sweet little boy who was traveling alone on the bus from Livingston. He befriended us and we showered him with new adventures – Ipod, digital camera, videos, food and tickles.
-
Fearless aunti Kitty who was ready, willing and able to get on the microlight for a flight over the falls.
- Realizing the things we take for granted… eating ice cream, eating, a pair of shoes and someone that loves us.
Cappuccino and tea arrived at our door this morning at 6am. We had an
appointment with the canoe guide at 6:30. We were dropped off by motorboat miles and miles away from the lodge. Our guide, Stafford, got out of the motorboat first to “check for safety” i.e. no crocs, hippos or elephants. Nice.
We then got our quick safety lesson.
# 1: Keep your hands out of dee water.
# 2: Be mindful that your paddling hand does not enter dee water.
# 3: When approaching an elephant stay very still.
# 4: When approaching a hippopotamus stay very still.
Oh yeah, and # 5: Do not get out of dee boat. Dah!
We ‘gracefully’ get on the canoes and are off paddling into the sunrise. Kitty and Sister Maria-Teresa perch themselves in the centre of each canoe, looking like Queens.
There was a sense of peacefulness and serenity as we watched the sun rise over the African horizon. Families of hippos greeted us – we come to find out later, thankfully, that they have been known to tip over canoes. The elephants were out for breakfast, pulling down the branches with their trunks and stripping off the leaves. At one point, Stafford guides us over to a couple of grazing elephants. We couldn’t believe how close he was taking us. He tells us that elephants will not charge into the water and hippos will not charge onto the land. I guess that makes us feel better…. We sat in the canoe for a long time taking pictures and watching them graze. Awesome!
We take a little pit stop – only after Stafford “checks for safety” again – and take the opportunity to grill him on his culture. He tells us he is a father of two with an educated wife and even though he is getting pressure from his father (who is village chief) to have more
children – two was enough. He wanted to make sure he could feed and educate them. We find his attitude both interesting and hopeful – thankfully, there are some with changing views. He speaks of the different tribes and the traditions around marriage and ‘payment’ for brides. Polygamy is common; families of 10+ are the norm. The belief is the more children, the more worth you have. It all sounds very foreign and archaic to us.
Back at the lodge we have lunch and venture out with Stuart who takes us on a nearby village tour. It’s just
up the road, so we walk. It’s not long before children begin to follow us and start to gather. Our hands are soon scooped up into the hands of the little ones. Stuart tells us about village life – limited water due to draught, one well, limited food, one death a month from crocodiles, HIV is rampant.
The children seem happy. We enjoy our stroll, singing, skipping and laughing as we go – each of us with a child squeezing each of our hands.
Thanks to Brent, Charlene and the rest of the staff at Kanyemba Lodge for making our stay there so incredible. (PS: The cheque is in the mail J)
On our way back we stop through Chirundu as we are staying with the Sisters of Charity who are stationed there. We are greeted by 8 multicultural, multifaceted women – all buzzing around in anticipation of our visit. After a quick cup of coffee we are taken to the ‘Village of Life’. This is a community with a unique concept. It is built to resemble a village; Each ‘family’ consists of two houses, 16 girls, 8 in each house, one ‘house-mother’ and a cooking hut. There are 10 houses all together. The grounds are pristine. Currently there are 65 orphaned girls who have been removed from the village to protect them from further abuse. The goal of th