News and Notes - September 6, 2007

We have been incredibly busy the last two weeks. Today is the first day I have had a chance to really catch my breath.

Last week we spent three days in Lusaka getting the new Land Cruiser for the Church Development Program. As usual, there were complications and nothing happened exactly as it was supposed to, but we did get the vehicle.

On Saturday and Sunday we were busy with last minute preparations for the arrival of a group of Harding University students. Harding has opened its first African study abroad program right here at Namwianga. On Sunday 24 students arrived, ready for adventure (we hope). So far they have been a delightful group and we have enjoyed meeting and talking with them. Janice Bingham and Vann Rackley are here as their instructors, and Vann's wife Connie and their two children are also here.

They had a realistic introduction to life in Africa their first two days. They had trouble getting through customs and had to hire a clearing agent. Seven of their bags didn't make it to Livingstone. On Monday the internet was down and there were two lengthy power outages. Since there was no electricity, there was no water pumped into the shower house. Then on Monday evening the girls who are staying at the Hamby House were locked out because there was no key for the padlocked metal grill gate. We did eventually locate a key without too much trouble, and so far everyone seems to take the inconveniences in stride.

The daily schedule for the students starts with their first class at 6:30 in the morning. They finish their classes at 12:30 and then spend the afternoon in rotations at Eric's House, The Haven, Namwianga Rural Health Centre, or working with pupils at Namwianga Basic School.

One other blog-worthy event happened on Tuesday. David was driving our Toyota Raider to the Namwianga Clinic when a herd of cattle crossed the road in front of him. He waited for them to get by and then started to drive past. Just then two steers got into a fight. One of them pushed the other backwards toward the road and shoved his rump right into the left side of our vehicle. Their little scuffle snapped off the side mirror and left a nice dent in the fender. Just another day at Namwianga!