A new door opens

Ashlee was sitting on the couch sewing when we called this morning. The connect wasn't the best but it was dark and too creepy to sit outside on the phone. Andy was reading his book in bed. They we just wrapping up the day.
Ashlee was excited about some news they got this week. One of the directors in the Northeastern Province has fallen ill and needs to return to the States for treatment. She will not be fulfilling her commitment and there is a good chance that they will ask Andy to take the position. This the same job that Andy wanted to apply for their third year.If they take the job they may or may not stay for an additional year.It would depend on how things go. They would be relocated to Lulapula. If they stayed for a third year they would probably have to go to another province for the third year.
If they do make a move it would mean a more modern house with running water, electricity and computer access. Andy would also have a vehicle, likely one like the one we used on our trip there. Ashlee would likely have a full time job in the town. They have a foundation that makes bags and ships them around the country to markets in Lusaka and Livingston for sale. They currently only make one pattern of bag, but Ashlee could help them come up with another bag design or wallets as she has made several different types of bags in her time there. Another organization called Lulapula foundation educates on agriculture, nutrition, etc. similar to what they have been teaching in the village so she could also work with them.
Andy has worked a lot since they have been back but Ashlee hasn't had a lot to do. He has spent a lot of time on his bicycle. The PC is trying to get a new site 20k away from their location, Andy has been meeting with people there trying to work out the details. Lots of bike time back and forth.
If they get the new position would provide her more opportunities to contribute. She has been over to the hospital a couple of times, but that is all that is stirring right now. Ashlee would like to feel like she is doing something more. They are keeping their fingers crossed that it will happen, but don't want to get their hopes up. One more bonus would be that the Lulapula house where they would be living has a pedal sewing machine so that is an added bonus.
Hopefully the door to this new possibility will swing wide open and they can try something new for a while. That is if it is meant to be.

Happy Birthday Andy!

Andy and Ashlee had a houseful of guests when we spoke to them on Sunday. It was Andy's 32nd birthday and Ashlee had been spoiling him all day. She started with French toast for breakfast, baked beans and corn bread for lunch and gumbo for dinner. After seeing how much work goes into preparing food at their house I can appreciate what a gift that truly is. Kersey and a two others were visiting and it sounded like they were enjoying each other's company.
They actually had just return a few days earlier from Lusaka where the were taking some exams. They were delayed a few days on their return as Ashlee was sick and had a fever. She decided that a day on the bus with a fever and not able to drink any water as there is no toilet was not a fun time. So they stayed on a few days for recovery. They will now be at home for the next several months in the hut, but are looking forward to being in one place for a while.
Hope Andy enjoyed his day.