Muzungu is me - I am color of heart, sight and mind
Have you ever had an experience that left you speechless? Not because of shock, but because words would not do it justice. It's like taking a picture of Victoria Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world, knowing that the photo only captures the moment in time and not the full beauty, majesty and amazement of that moment. This is what I feel when when I think of my time in Africa. Gia and I have filled our days with so many moments, experiences, events, memories, that I will be up for days and nights trying to sort it all out. I'll do my best to summarize for you....
Upon our arrival, the adjustment to the culture took only a day. The Zambian people are so welcoming and open that by Monday, we were ready to dive right into whatever came our way. And we did just that. The Kondwa Center- Angela Malik is an amazing woman. What she has done for the community, her people, the children...wow! And she keeps going. Angela is bright, kind, savvy, sweet, energetic, smart and loving. She is the guardian of N'Gombe Compound. She is a hero of our times!
There is a mural on a very large wall in the school yard that Angela despised.....we are now painting a new mural there, one of children, rainbows, movement and community. We also took liberty to paint other walls with bright colors and designs that make the children happy, singing and wanting to join in! Paint is very expensive here so we have had to improvise and the block wall...well, this is a welcomed challenge that we are relishing in!! I still pinch myself that I am in Africa and am doing art! How cool is this!!!!
As we make our acquatinces at Kondwa - the staff is absolutely beautiful, inside and out, the children are definitely pulling at my heartstrings every time I think of them - we have also made time to meet other people of the community. Paul, Angela's grandson, Aaron, her first born son...both wonderful and we wish to spend more time with them. Marianne - Angela's childhood friend who is a business woman & miner in eastern Zambia.
All our taxi drivers rock! James, Max, Banda - thank you for answering all our crazy questions. Fanelli, Clement, Ruth and Noreen at the guest house, what would we do without you!? In Livingstone, all I can say is that when you come, you have to call Walter. he is our friend, our tour guide and transportation and we have loved every minute with him! He will someday soon be the #1 tour guide in all of Zambia! You rock Walter! Thank you for such a great time! Kelvin & Kelvin at the Maramba Lodge - keep asking questions, save your money and come to the US. Follow your dreams! the Grand canyon awaits you :) Sister Benedicta of Lubasi - you are the heart and soul of the word fundraising and I am inspired by your tireless mission to keep your children safe, well fed and supported in so many wonderful ways!
As I end this, we are typing like mad women in an internet place in Livingstone. Walter is patiently waiting to take us back to the lodge. And I want to buy him a Mosi just because! Tomorrow, we are going to the Lubasi home for children. To meet, play with, observe the ways of the children and staff. Later we plan to get down and boogie with the locals. My heart has been dancing since I got here and now I can really cut loose!
-Hillary
Have you ever had an experience that left you speechless? Not because of shock, but because words would not do it justice. It's like taking a picture of Victoria Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world, knowing that the photo only captures the moment in time and not the full beauty, majesty and amazement of that moment. This is what I feel when when I think of my time in Africa. Gia and I have filled our days with so many moments, experiences, events, memories, that I will be up for days and nights trying to sort it all out. I'll do my best to summarize for you....
Upon our arrival, the adjustment to the culture took only a day. The Zambian people are so welcoming and open that by Monday, we were ready to dive right into whatever came our way. And we did just that. The Kondwa Center- Angela Malik is an amazing woman. What she has done for the community, her people, the children...wow! And she keeps going. Angela is bright, kind, savvy, sweet, energetic, smart and loving. She is the guardian of N'Gombe Compound. She is a hero of our times!
There is a mural on a very large wall in the school yard that Angela despised.....we are now painting a new mural there, one of children, rainbows, movement and community. We also took liberty to paint other walls with bright colors and designs that make the children happy, singing and wanting to join in! Paint is very expensive here so we have had to improvise and the block wall...well, this is a welcomed challenge that we are relishing in!! I still pinch myself that I am in Africa and am doing art! How cool is this!!!!
As we make our acquatinces at Kondwa - the staff is absolutely beautiful, inside and out, the children are definitely pulling at my heartstrings every time I think of them - we have also made time to meet other people of the community. Paul, Angela's grandson, Aaron, her first born son...both wonderful and we wish to spend more time with them. Marianne - Angela's childhood friend who is a business woman & miner in eastern Zambia.
All our taxi drivers rock! James, Max, Banda - thank you for answering all our crazy questions. Fanelli, Clement, Ruth and Noreen at the guest house, what would we do without you!? In Livingstone, all I can say is that when you come, you have to call Walter. he is our friend, our tour guide and transportation and we have loved every minute with him! He will someday soon be the #1 tour guide in all of Zambia! You rock Walter! Thank you for such a great time! Kelvin & Kelvin at the Maramba Lodge - keep asking questions, save your money and come to the US. Follow your dreams! the Grand canyon awaits you :) Sister Benedicta of Lubasi - you are the heart and soul of the word fundraising and I am inspired by your tireless mission to keep your children safe, well fed and supported in so many wonderful ways!
As I end this, we are typing like mad women in an internet place in Livingstone. Walter is patiently waiting to take us back to the lodge. And I want to buy him a Mosi just because! Tomorrow, we are going to the Lubasi home for children. To meet, play with, observe the ways of the children and staff. Later we plan to get down and boogie with the locals. My heart has been dancing since I got here and now I can really cut loose!
-Hillary
