Our Journey to Chipata

Last night we had dinner with Moses Masala (DH Projects Manager), Annie (his wife), and Nchima Nchito (a member of the DH Board here in Zambia); it was a wonderful way to start our time here in Zambia. As always, seeing Moses and his wife was a treat, but it was equally wonderful being able to talk with Nchima. We were able to talk with him about what is going on over here at Dwankhozi and on top of that we were able to pick his brain regarding what he sees as issues, how to solve those issues, and what his views are about education (along with other aspects of life). Unlike most dinners that we are accustomed to in the US, we stayed and chatted for a few hours until finally retiring to our rooms.

Riveting conversation before dinner with Moses, Annie, and Nchima.

After breakfast this morning we had two missions: 1) get the bags and 2) drive to Chipata. Notwithstanding our efforts, only one of those missions was completed. Read more to find out which of the missions was less than successful.

SPOILER ALERT: It was the bags.

The sign tells the story.

After getting to the airport and spending two or so hours figuring out where they were, we have discovered that they are in London. 🙁 So after a quick group meeting, we decided to split up the group and send most of us to Chipata while Beth and Donna stayed behind to wait for the supplies – and our clothes – to arrive. We packed the 10 of us into a van along with the bags that we did have as well as some of Bertha’s (Moses’ sister) and started on our journey.

Joe waits on a very picturesque staircase at the Lusaka International Airport.

The group meets up to discuss the less-than-stellar news at the airport.

The drive through the countryside was magnificent. Blue sky was interspersed with large, puffy cumulous clouds that made the landscape that much more beautiful. Passing through vast expanses of seemingly untouched country, small villages, and a couple of small towns, Moses masterfully maneuvered the van east to Chipata.

With only a couple of small bathroom stops and one stop for gas, we made it to Chipata by 6:45pm, checked into our hotel, and are now awaiting dinner with the teachers from Dwankhozi Basic School. Another day down, another journey completed, and still so much ahead of us; we cannot wait!

Our drive to Chipata from Lusaka was quite arduous, but Moses handled it like a champ. Weaving in and out of pedestrians that riddled the shoulders , potholes which were pervasive, and oncoming traffic, we arrived safely in Chipata this evening.

On the way to Chipata, Moses asked me to stop and take a picture of this sign – the high school he went to as a youth.

Again, stay tuned for more about our trip. I can almost assure you that the stories will only get more exciting.

Cheers,

Ryan