13 July 2008

When we spoke to Andy and Ashlee yesterday they were just cuddling up with a cup of hot cocoa. It has been cooler and Ashlee was in long pants and long sleeves. There disagreed about the actual temperature, Ashlee thought 60-70 and Andy thought it was warmer, but the villagers are still wearing their sweaters, so it must still be winter. We talked to them about the food that we sent to see if they still had some left.

They are trying to ration it out, since the “Hungry Season” starts in November and they do not know what to expect. They said it typically runs from November to January. We have been trying to figure out the right time to visit and had been thinking about Christmas, but knowing that it will be rainy and a time of famine, makes us thing that late spring would be a better time. I promised them that we would load them up on food as it gets closer, so they can go ahead and enjoy what we sent now, but I understand that sense of uncertainty.

I asked what meat they have been eating and so far it is mostly beef and chicken. There was recently an illness that came through that killed most the pigs and they have not been replenished. Ashlee said they were offered some warthog recently, and had she not been there she was certain that Andy would have purchased it. She said it was in a burlap sack and not appealing so she turned it down. She said that hippo meat is popular, but only in the rainy season. She thinks it is illegal so it probably won’t be in the shops, but she said they would like to try it some day.

They went on Friday night and stayed with the young American doctor and his family. There was a mission group visiting so there were a lot of Americans. Ashlee said she got to take her first shower in a month and while she couldn’t stay in too long because hot water is limited she did get behind her ears and belly button cleaned out. She said it is hard to get fully clean in a bucket. She also enjoyed being able to lie in bed and read past dark. In the morning they made French toast with the kids.

Ashlee said it is interesting that knitting is now work and not just a hobby, but she is enjoying it. She has been trying to write down patterns for what she knows. If you go to the fabric store she would love to have any of the free crochet or knitting patterns that are available and yarn is always needed. She met a lady that will soon be leave that had a whole box of clothing patterns that she gave to Ashlee so she is hoping there are some good patterns in there, but she has not had a chance to look through them yet. She has also started teaching an English class and Andy is teaching the kids Karate. They started teaching some organic farming techniques to about 10 local farmers. They are technically not supposed to be working yet, but the people are anxious to learn what they have to teach so they have started early. They said some places they have visited when they tell them that they can come back later tell them to do it now or not at all. They said that they other volunteers are in the same boat. They are still struggling with the language, but they can get the point across. They have a lot of English speaking people around so they are not picking it up as fast as some of the volunteers who are in more remote areas.

They are hoping to go to the Provincial House next weekend. They are only allowed to go every so often and they are ready for a break. They were warned that 6 weeks is about the limit before you need to get away for a couple of days and they are just reaching that point and are definitely ready for a weekend of television, electricity and running water.

7 July 2008

I missed reporting last week but we have talked to them pretty much every weekend. They seem to be doing pretty well. They are moving forward with their PC projects and Andy will start teaching some classes very soon. When we spoke to them on 29 June 2008 they had been to the Agriculture Show, which is like a state fair, where they had a booth. People come from all over and bring their best and largest crop items to show off. Andy and Ashlee did some demonstrations on organic farming and composting. They were able to meet people from all over the district that typically would be too far to visit. They told the people that if they want them to come to their villages to do demonstrations and teach to call them and they would make the trip. It seems that there was some good interest.

They are learning about how to acquire different and better food. It is all about who you know. There is a man in the village that can get/grows sweet red onions, and other foods, but he does not sell them at the market. You have to make friends with the guy and then he will let you have his vegetables. They have also made friends with an American couple from Tampa that are living in Kasempa. He is a doctor recently out of school and she is raising their two young boys and is currently 7 months pregnant. They were excited to meet other Americans and have invited Andy and Ashlee to visit any time. They are already making plans to visit with them this next weekend. They have a much more modern house with a decent kitchen. Dad observed last night that the husband will likely have to deliver his own child. That is kinda scary.

They have also found out who to talk to about getting clothes made in their village. Andy have a pair of interesting Capri pants made, which is the best kind to have for bicycle riding. His are green, yellow, blue and black with African shields all over them. They also learned that unless you specify otherwise, they pleat everything, so Andy knows to ask for no pleats next time. Sounds more like coo lots to me. Ashlee is also going to have some clothes made.

Jerry and Wanda sent them some seeds for marigolds that they received from one of their friends in Lithuania, and Ashlee has planted them so now the same marigolds will be on three continents. They received several packages in the last few weeks all of which they are very thankful for. They get so excited to get even the smallest things from home. Ashlee said she is having the hardest time with the food. She really misses food from home so be sure to include food on any packages you send. They also have an old battery operated CD player that I found in my old college stuff, so they would like to receive music too. Anything that is new that sounds good, or a mixed CD you make would be great. Andy is very into music. They said they played some music for the locals and the favorite was the Grateful Dead, but they love anything American.

Ashlee said that it is interesting that they have most everything to make Mexican food, but there is very little cross over. They have the ingredients to make tortillas but they really only use the corn for mush. Ashlee has been making tortillas and is planning to teach some of the villagers how to do so. Very one tracked minded concerning things. She said that one of their neighbors was cleaning out his garden since it is the winter season and there were several green tomatoes still on the vines. She asked is he was going to throw them out and he said he was. She stopped him and taught him how to make fried green tomatoes. The have everything needed, egg, cornmeal and seasoning. And they liked them. So rather than tossing all the tomatoes out he was able to feed his family. Something so simple has stretched their food supply out.

Ashlee said that she finishes her chicken coop, but now she can’t find anyone who will sell her a chicken. I guess they are pretty valuable. At least now she is ready. Andy has been working on a fence for their yard to keep the chickens and goats out of their garden. They learned that the pineapples in their yard will take 2-5 years to develop, but they are still hoping to eat one or two before they leave Zambia.

They have been told that the river that is ½ mile from their house will have crocodiles and hippos come the rainy season, so they are excited to see that. Hippos can be very mean, so they know to be cautious, but would like to get some good photos.

They have been lucky and been fairly healthy since arriving. Their friend Sarah has not been so lucky and has been sick three times since arriving and has a parasite which is common, but not great for the digestive system.

They had company and managed to have a decent American 4^th of July with burgers and beer. They have been put on warning concerning the issues with the Zambian president. He had a stroke on the 29^th while in Egypt and was moved to Paris. Rumors were leaked that he died, but that is not substantiated and the government is investigating how the rumors were released. I believe this is his second stroke so that is not good. It sounds like it is possible that they could be pulled out if government things to do not go smoothly. If you read anything about it text them with what you learn. They had only received a few reports via radio, but not much has been coming out. They are very anxious to know whatever we can tell them. I just sent them a text with what I learned this morning.