Poceza M'Madzulo

Poceza M'Medzulo. Its pronounced just like it looks (with a'ch' for the 'c' and a sort of stutter on the 'm's'. Zambians are fairly tolerant of mispronunciations (unless of course they are young children trying to teach you, in which case you are better than a stand-up comedian). Oh yes, and what does it mean? Rough translation: evening story time. But the full flavor of these words would be an after sunset communal gathering which would naturally be under a tree, include a fire and of course a story teller and would occur most commonly during the cold, dry season.

It seemed accidental to me. After supper, individual children have been bringing a book for Uncle Sam to read and one to three little ones might sit or stand by, trying to get their book 'next' in line. However, this week -definitely into the cold, dry season- I somehow got to the bookcase first and spotted some books I would like to read to them. First was Redwall by Brian Jacques. Why not try a chapter and see how it goes? I couldn't stop with one chapter, after chapter 5, I looked up at a pleasant mix of older and young kids (6-18) with expectant faces waiting for more. "To be continued," I said considering the hour.

I had not realized (or maybe remembered) the powerful draw of a story other than as a break from work during school hours. But then I did recall rushing back to elementary school after lunch, making sure I was on time for the next chapter of Piggly Wiggly or some such story. So now 7th Grade studies during this vacation study schedule, start with a chapter of Redwall. They come on time and sit without shoving desks around and fighting over books, and they begin to work quietly when it is over. So much more pleasant than the screech of metal desk legs being pushed over concrete by 3 or 4 students and then trying to speak over the din to say, "Its time to settle down."

This Weeks' Interview: Thokodzide Kauma
Thoko (sounds like Toko) is 18 and a very self assured, caring person with an easy smile and an enjoyable, thoughtful interviwee.

She came to Chishawasha when it was in Lusaka at age 11 and has been with this organization for 7 years, the same as John (from last weeks blog). She is in 11th grade in high school. She likes reading and listening to gospel music. She also enjoys caring for others and you can tell, she does it so naturally, she has a calm reassuring presence, with very much the air of a house mother and I think she could fill in in this capity when needed. A week ago, I was anxious for my lunch so I could be back to school on our 'vacation' schedule. She gives me that charming smile and says, "No problem, Uncle Sam," and got me well fed and out there on time, seemingly effortlessly. She also has taken care of Shaback, Maria and Phillip's new baby, which she has asked o do.

Her favorite school subject so far: Accounting.

Her goal is to study medicine or mass communication. She will continue to work hard through 12th grade and then look for a university outside Zambia.

Her happiest memory here: When I made it to the 10th grade.
And her saddest was when she didn't do well in her end-of-term exam in 10th grade.

Changes I have seen: "We have become more friendly."
What I like best here: The education and meeting new people and making new friends. She has friends both from school and church.

What would you change? "Would like separate housing for the older kids."

She has relatives which she can visit, grandparents, brothers and cousins.

How would life have been without Chishawasha?
Hard and there was not much education.

What was it like before you came? I was living with grandparents and a brother and getting some schooling. But it was uncomfortable, it was hard on them.

What would you buy if you had the money? "A house and farm with chick-run, cows, pigs and vegetable garden.?
She is certainly not your typical teenager.

School Report: Matching wings.
Somehow the contractor got some paint that was just a shade off in color from the first wing and painted the second wing with it. Thanks to some diligent and perceptive students the problem was corrected. A second disaster was avoided when they noticed that their seond bucket of paint was a shade off the first one they had just finished and none of that got applied. Now both wings match

The school is coming together. Since we are in and using it every day, like your growing child, you sometimes miss things by the slow but steady changes and these jump out at you when looking at pictures even a few weeks old. But we do have a deadline. See next item.

The Official Opening of the Chishawasha Children's Home and Learning Center.
Well its about time. Kathe started this all 7 years ago in Lusaka and then moved to our present location about 10 km north of town. But now with the completion of the shcool and the visitation of Colin Glasscow from Canada (he is responsible for the major contributions including our water supply and buildings) it seems we need to acknowledge and celebrate this event. So an appropriate event is being planned which means a major effort to complete everything and make it all spffy for visitors and to organize the happening.

Event planning had P and I visiting the US and Canadian Embassies. The results are not yet in as to the level of representative that will be attending/speaking from each of these countries. We may have the Acting High Commissioner from Canada (with the help of some folks in Canada) and I was trying to use that as a bargaining chip for someone above a secretary's secretary from the US. There will be one of ministerial level from the Zambian government. And if that is not enough, the refreshments are being handled by Protea Lodge. Let me know if you are interested, I may be able to finagle you an invitation. The date? The middle of May.

Weather report:
Sunny but colder and drier. You never notice it when it happens, but somehow the copious rains have been turned off and there is no longer any mud in sight. Some mornings a jacket is required. We may see rain again in maybe 4 months.

Perimeter Fence:
The way has been all cleared despite the a horde of bees with contray views. One can now easily walk our boundries. It has that peaceful feeling one used to get walking down Minestone Road, before it was turned in to a thoroughfare. Several heavy metal posts have been set in concrete, some with sturdy braces. This give the place a much more finite feeling than it had before. The new access road is cleared and the beginnings of the guard house can be seen.

This is Sam Weeks at the end of that road, blog pressing out of Africa.