More Zambia Pictures

Well, after a flight cancelation, a 22 hour delay, a 5 hour delay, a missed connection, a split of our group, and a sprint through the Atlanta airport, we made it home, without my luggage.  50 hours after our first trip to the airport. 

- Ryan

(As I post this, Beth still isn't home.  Her group sat in a plane in Amsterdam for four hours as they replaced the plane's engine.  Then, they flew through New York and all flights were cancelled due to weather.  So, they rented a car and drove all night.  Hopefully they'll arrive home in the next couple hours.  Oh yeah, and Beth's luggage didn't make it back either.)

UPDATE:  Beth made it home this morning around 10:00 along with 5 others after driving all night.  Still no luggage though.

Zambia - Day 10

Finally got to teach the admin staff and local teachers here in the capital today. They were very excited for the training they had heard about from Mongu. Things went very well and Beth and I had a chance to play with the kids in that area as well. Taught them American football and they really caught on pretty well.

We had a nice farewell night for the team and headed to the airport. We were waiting for security and I got pulled aside by the airline. They told me our flight had been canceled and it felt quite surreal. I was so looking forward to seeing my girls but wait I must. We now sit in a very nice hotel in Lusaka so at least we are not stuck in the airport. I find out flight info in the morning so I will update then.

- Ryan

Zambia - Day 9

Since we got in last night at 2:00 am the day started a little late. We woke and ate lunch. We then headed off to the Misisi camp. The slums of Lusaka. What an interesting place to see. Kids playing in rivers of trash. Complete chaos on the layout of homes. We were told by our guide who helps kids of the area that there are 10,000 kids in the slum of a square mile or so who do not attend school of any kind. The est population is 40,000 in a sq mile.

To raise the spirits of the group we went to the cultural center where we could help spur the local economy. Every one had a great time buying and trading for times. I finally got rid of my softball shoes I have used for a few years. I was quite glad to see them go. I walked around the rest of time in my socks after I traded them for some cool items.

I wish I could record the sounds of the dogs carrying on here. It sounds like 200 dogs are down the street throwing an all nighter.

Tomorrow I teach the Lusaka teachers and admin staff on the computers. The same teachers we teach in the Misisi compound. Hoping what I teach can be retaught to the students in that place. The farmers are working on one more garden/small farm here that the locals will have to finish. Tomorrow night close to midnight we head for home. I really miss my three girls. I'll be there soon.

Sorry for a lack of pics recently. No Internet but I hope to have some wifi tomorrow.

- Ryan

Zambia - Days 7 & 8

Well, I'm still alive so that's a plus. No lion charge this year. Only a small croc who wasn't in the mood to play with me. We did come face to face with a large hippo on a walking safari but luckily I was faster then the person next to me so I wasn't too concerned. Nice evening in a world of its own.

Driving back to Lusaka, the capital, now. Have some classes to teach there as well as taking this group to a cultural market. We also plan to visit Misisi. A very large slum in the city where Kids Alive ministers and rescues some kids from.  Should be interesting.

Back in civilization

-Ryan

Ryan didn't send me any pics from the safari - but I promise to post them as soon as he sends them! - Ginny

Zambia - Day 6

Today was our final day in Mongu. We wrapped up computer lessons and finished up some other tasks for the week. We got to take the group to do some site seeing around Mongu. There was a leaving ceremony at the children's village tonight that was very touching. Tough to say goodbye to the people here. You really do build relationships in the short time you are here. They are so thankful for our involvement in their lives. I am thankful for their involvement in my life. They are wonderful people and I hope to continue to be here for them.

Tomorrow morning we leave for our safari. Internet will not be available so if I make it through without being eaten, I will be back in touch Sunday night.

Then back to computer classes in Lusaka on Monday.

 

  

Zambia - Day 5

Today was just another day teaching. It was the third day for two separate groups. We did a lot of email practice which they really liked. I also had them write me a story of what they wanted to do with their lives. Lots of good stories and dreams. All of them wanted to do something in public service which is great to see that the organization is making an impact not only on their kids' lives, but on the community as a whole. We also began to teach the advanced students how to maintain and fix the laptops.

Forgot to mention but Beth and I were ready to go back to the village from the guest house for teach yesterday and our bus wasn't there. So we decided that was a good time for our run. So we ran the mile and a half down the main street. It was a great run but boy did we get some crazy looks. Two white people running down a street in the middle of the day. We kept hearing little kids yell makooha (white person in their native language). A person in a car asked us of we needed help. It was quite entertaining. Much like last year I never felt unsafe or threatened at any time.

Tomorrow we finish teaching and begin some local site seeing.

Looks like my late night class just showed up so back to teaching I go.

Only one picture today, and it's a great one of Beth and this boy.  Can't wait to hear the story behind it.