My holiday in Kitwe continues its merry way; weather continues cool with some mornings sunny enough to tempt me to the pool.
Staying at 'Casa Blanca', the Jesuit house next door to Kitwe ZNBC, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, source of those evening news bulletins at 19 hours which somehow contrive to be interesting despite past evidence to the contrary; hope springs eternal though we at Mother of Mercy hospice regrettably missed our best chance for fame.
Guy Scott, the deputy president, came to the hospice near Independence Day to make donations, visit the facility and make a speech promising financial help for the hospice (the inpatient units are still closed for lack of funding) as soon as possible. This splendid occasion was recorded and filmed by ZNBC and expectations were high for exposure on the evening news. Later we heard the item had been good; various staff were exhibited on film, I was looking forward to my personal 30 seconds of fame..but we in Chilanga had a power cut from 18.50 to 20.00- thanks ZESCO (Zambian Electricity Supply Company)
Here in Casa Blanca we are entertained with Sky TV but soon I will be reduced to ZNBC again- this deprivation rendered bearable by the downloading of podcasts of my favourite BBC radio programs onto my laptop. I'm investigating the possibility of renting BBC TV and films via the lovely Apple itunes, source of these precious podcasts. Sadly, the downloading of BBC TV is not allowed out of the UK; I would happily pay a UK licence fee to do so but this doesn't seem possible. Several radio programmes are also barred from the jolly art of podcasting; I imagine some copyright restrictions are in force, especially round broadcast music; Desert Island Discs has to shorten the music requested by its castaways.
This is supposition; will contact the BBC to see what's what.
Excellent find-Tall Horse Chardonnay with a giraffe on the label- recommended Christmas drinking (and that season could be extended indefinitely)
Sunday 30 December 2012
Monday 24 December 2012
Christmas in Kitwe
Did my Christmas Eve shopping this morning; main purchase was a couple of big bunches of Gloriosa Superba lilies, the national flower of our neighbour, Zimbabwe. I'll add a photo I took of these if the upload speed monster in my dongle agrees.
All is ready for Christmas: the pool cleaned, the floors swept, big tent erected on the cut lawn for 'midnight' Mass as the chapel only holds 50 and may more are expected. As Mass will be at 20.00, after dark, the tent is to keep off possible heavy rains as we are well into the rainy season. I remember to put some insect repellent on my ankles, the usual site of insect attention. A long skirt too?
We had our household plus visitors Christmas lunch yesterday: turkey and all the trimmings followed by an American apple pie baked by an English woman in Africa. Despite its mixed nationalities, it tasted good with vanilla ice cream.
Wednesday 19 December 2012
Staff Christmas Party 1 2 3!
Wednesday before Christmas, no clinic today and home visit programme cancelled for the occasion. The preparations began soon after 9 hours with a massive deep clean of the clinic area, a pleasant open air area, covered in case of rain or hot sun. Floors were swept, mopped and polished with 'Cobra red', the benches and tables rearranged, food cooked, tables set, Christmas tree and decorations set up....by the women.
Meanwhile the men had set up the new sound system, tested the microphone (a lot of 'testing, testing, hello, hello, one two three' was heard) and then tested the seating for comfort and conviviality. They also tested the installation of the decorations (visually) and waited for the fun to begin.
Which it did, starting with a prayer led by Eunice which led to some individual carol singing and a bit of dancing before it was decided we needed nourishment to continue.
A splendid lunch ensued in two stages; the first was roast chicken portions and sausages, served with rice or nshima with pumpkin leaves and tomato sauce with a choice of Coke or Fanta. After this there was much more dancing, followed by dessert, a deliciously sweet combo of iced cake, banoffee pie, icecream and sponge fingers.
Next, the 'Modelling' competition to choose Ms Hospice, the Princess and Mr Personality. To enter this grand competition, participants had to take the catwalk and strut their stuff as models, a panel of judges (the seated men) deciding on the awards.
Then the Sister in charge, the hospice manager, gave each member of her team an individual gift for which each had to sing a short song or dance to her.
The party ended with a closing prayer by Jean Pierre and all were exhorted to help restore the clinic to rights for tomorrow's patients.
I haven't seen a bunch of adults take such delight in an alcohol free party (though the breath of some of the younger men smelt a bit suspect) and join in the spirit of the season so uninhibitedly and I don't remember enjoying a party in such a relaxed manner myself since I was a child.
Meanwhile the men had set up the new sound system, tested the microphone (a lot of 'testing, testing, hello, hello, one two three' was heard) and then tested the seating for comfort and conviviality. They also tested the installation of the decorations (visually) and waited for the fun to begin.
Which it did, starting with a prayer led by Eunice which led to some individual carol singing and a bit of dancing before it was decided we needed nourishment to continue.
A splendid lunch ensued in two stages; the first was roast chicken portions and sausages, served with rice or nshima with pumpkin leaves and tomato sauce with a choice of Coke or Fanta. After this there was much more dancing, followed by dessert, a deliciously sweet combo of iced cake, banoffee pie, icecream and sponge fingers.
Next, the 'Modelling' competition to choose Ms Hospice, the Princess and Mr Personality. To enter this grand competition, participants had to take the catwalk and strut their stuff as models, a panel of judges (the seated men) deciding on the awards.
Then the Sister in charge, the hospice manager, gave each member of her team an individual gift for which each had to sing a short song or dance to her.
The party ended with a closing prayer by Jean Pierre and all were exhorted to help restore the clinic to rights for tomorrow's patients.
I haven't seen a bunch of adults take such delight in an alcohol free party (though the breath of some of the younger men smelt a bit suspect) and join in the spirit of the season so uninhibitedly and I don't remember enjoying a party in such a relaxed manner myself since I was a child.
Saturday 15 December 2012
How are you for food?
This is, as you can imagine, a leading question in a country where maybe 80% of the population live in a state of food insecurity, eating what they have available day by day but unable to plan far ahead because of lack of money and resources.
So, when we go out on 'Home Visitations' to visit the hospice ART (Anti Retro-viral Therapy) patients (those with HIV+ status, infected and on medication to keep them healthy enough to avoid the symptoms of AIDS as long as possible) at this time of food shortages, we have difficulty in discerning which patients would like some extra food and which are in dire need of help, especially the households with older people, babies, nursing mothers or small children.
We, the counsellor and nurse from the hospice team, rely greatly on the Zone Leader of the compound being visited. This person leads the team of Adherence Supporters who watch over and visit 'their' ART patients, checking on their adherence to the prescribed drug regime and their general health and welfare.
These, including the Zone Leader, are unpaid volunteers who take seriously Jesus' words "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me" and act as true neighbours to those who really need a friend.
So, we take advice from these local experts, giving food supplements where needed and if available from our kind donors, checking clinic attendance, monitoring vital signs: blood pressure, pulse and temperature, giving these people some attention and care.
All the time, I am very aware that we are trying to fix a leaky ship with sticking plasters, that this level of poverty and food insecurity is not OK in a country of increasing wealth. I hear on the BBC World service that real poverty is a problem in several European countries also, now that financial austerity is affecting many.
It's those at the bottom of the heap, the voiceless and disempowered ones, who bear the brunt of decisions made far away from the compounds and favelas, in the select suburbs of capital cities and the corridors of power.
So, when we go out on 'Home Visitations' to visit the hospice ART (Anti Retro-viral Therapy) patients (those with HIV+ status, infected and on medication to keep them healthy enough to avoid the symptoms of AIDS as long as possible) at this time of food shortages, we have difficulty in discerning which patients would like some extra food and which are in dire need of help, especially the households with older people, babies, nursing mothers or small children.
We, the counsellor and nurse from the hospice team, rely greatly on the Zone Leader of the compound being visited. This person leads the team of Adherence Supporters who watch over and visit 'their' ART patients, checking on their adherence to the prescribed drug regime and their general health and welfare.
These, including the Zone Leader, are unpaid volunteers who take seriously Jesus' words "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me" and act as true neighbours to those who really need a friend.
So, we take advice from these local experts, giving food supplements where needed and if available from our kind donors, checking clinic attendance, monitoring vital signs: blood pressure, pulse and temperature, giving these people some attention and care.
All the time, I am very aware that we are trying to fix a leaky ship with sticking plasters, that this level of poverty and food insecurity is not OK in a country of increasing wealth. I hear on the BBC World service that real poverty is a problem in several European countries also, now that financial austerity is affecting many.
It's those at the bottom of the heap, the voiceless and disempowered ones, who bear the brunt of decisions made far away from the compounds and favelas, in the select suburbs of capital cities and the corridors of power.
Wednesday 12 December 2012
Wet walk to the Post Office for mangos
Gentle rain today; so far the rains aren't really living up to expectations; the gentle stuff is somehow encouraging for the germinating maize but more torrential rain washes the artificial fertilizer out in the customary way.
So my wet walk didn't take place in stormy, lashing rain but a gentle trickle, easily fielded by my big umbrella. Having delayed in buying this essential piece of rainy season equipment, I made an impulse purchase and bought one for a bargain price at the Kalima Tower bus station in Lusaka. Many have shaken their heads, prophesying doom and an early demise for my apparently sturdy (oh no, not at the bus station!!) navy blue, large, with 'automatic erection' device and proper bent handle. The little thingies that go on the ends of the spokes to hold the fabric started to fall off the first time I used it so the doom seemed imminent. However, my good brother sent me a parcel of DIY stuff including gaffer tape and strong glue so the thingies are now more firmly attached than ever.
One of the purchases I hoped for today, after posting my letters and buying stamps, were some ripe mangos, unobtainable at my usual fruit stall. But not a mango to be seen at Chilanga market; oranges, apples and bananas which I already have, but no mangos
Pam's bakery was open, though so a brown loaf, fresh rolls and chicken pies were added to my bag, as were two bars of Cadbury's chocolate from the mini mart, carefully packed away from the still-warm pies.
I walked home, still mango-less, to find a friendly local farmer had sent us a big bag
So my wet walk didn't take place in stormy, lashing rain but a gentle trickle, easily fielded by my big umbrella. Having delayed in buying this essential piece of rainy season equipment, I made an impulse purchase and bought one for a bargain price at the Kalima Tower bus station in Lusaka. Many have shaken their heads, prophesying doom and an early demise for my apparently sturdy (oh no, not at the bus station!!) navy blue, large, with 'automatic erection' device and proper bent handle. The little thingies that go on the ends of the spokes to hold the fabric started to fall off the first time I used it so the doom seemed imminent. However, my good brother sent me a parcel of DIY stuff including gaffer tape and strong glue so the thingies are now more firmly attached than ever.
One of the purchases I hoped for today, after posting my letters and buying stamps, were some ripe mangos, unobtainable at my usual fruit stall. But not a mango to be seen at Chilanga market; oranges, apples and bananas which I already have, but no mangos
Pam's bakery was open, though so a brown loaf, fresh rolls and chicken pies were added to my bag, as were two bars of Cadbury's chocolate from the mini mart, carefully packed away from the still-warm pies.
I walked home, still mango-less, to find a friendly local farmer had sent us a big bag
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Pre-Christmas, Zambian style
As a 'would-be and trying' faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I look forward to his birthday with its huge significance in terms of Immanuel, God-with-us, God's love shown in our world.
But the Christmas commercial hype leaves me cold so I'm looking forward to another Zambian Christmas which closely matches my taste.
Many of the supermarkets are advertising on TV about Christmas offers,stocking up on 'seasonal fare' and even mounting displays of Santas complete with sleigh and reindeer...
But that's easy to avoid as I watch TV and visit Shoprite and Pick and Pay rarely so I can enjoy Advent as a time of spiritual peace and growth, looking forward to a new demonstration of the Incarnation, some special celebrations, hopefully including a good meal.
At the Hospice where I work, there will be parties: one for staff and one for the children in our ART (Anti- Retro-viral Therapy, medication for those who are HIV+) programme. Families look forward to a special meal; here, my heart goes out to those without enough to eat at this food shortages time of year.
I would defend myself against an accusation of being a 'Scrooge' but, being with each other, sharing and reaching out to those in need seems to me the best antidote to HUMBUG!
But the Christmas commercial hype leaves me cold so I'm looking forward to another Zambian Christmas which closely matches my taste.
Many of the supermarkets are advertising on TV about Christmas offers,stocking up on 'seasonal fare' and even mounting displays of Santas complete with sleigh and reindeer...
But that's easy to avoid as I watch TV and visit Shoprite and Pick and Pay rarely so I can enjoy Advent as a time of spiritual peace and growth, looking forward to a new demonstration of the Incarnation, some special celebrations, hopefully including a good meal.
At the Hospice where I work, there will be parties: one for staff and one for the children in our ART (Anti- Retro-viral Therapy, medication for those who are HIV+) programme. Families look forward to a special meal; here, my heart goes out to those without enough to eat at this food shortages time of year.
I would defend myself against an accusation of being a 'Scrooge' but, being with each other, sharing and reaching out to those in need seems to me the best antidote to HUMBUG!
Wednesday 5 December 2012
Bible Sunday
November 18th and no real rain yet despite some showers and thunder.
Short Mass this morning; only 1 hour 45 mins- a young visiting Franciscan priest not wanting to inconvenience folk by being late despite an extra procession; being Bible Sunday the Holy Bible was danced in and offered to the priest, then enthroned on a specially decorated lecturn. Later we had the offerings; each member of the congregation walks (or dances) up to put their collection money in one of two wooden padlocked boxes held by members of the 'lay' group responsible for the liturgy that week. These boxes are then taken outside the church entrance and a procession formed of these lay members, beautifully dressed in matching chitenges, T shirts and head wraps who dance in, bringing gifts which can include sacks of maize meal, bottles of cooking oil, vegetables, chickens and even goats (live) for a special festivity, either trussed like the hens or on the hoof. There is usually a chosen group of the congregation, men, women or youths, who are to bring something special-the preferred gift is money in an envelope but, again, anything goes.
Short Mass this morning; only 1 hour 45 mins- a young visiting Franciscan priest not wanting to inconvenience folk by being late despite an extra procession; being Bible Sunday the Holy Bible was danced in and offered to the priest, then enthroned on a specially decorated lecturn. Later we had the offerings; each member of the congregation walks (or dances) up to put their collection money in one of two wooden padlocked boxes held by members of the 'lay' group responsible for the liturgy that week. These boxes are then taken outside the church entrance and a procession formed of these lay members, beautifully dressed in matching chitenges, T shirts and head wraps who dance in, bringing gifts which can include sacks of maize meal, bottles of cooking oil, vegetables, chickens and even goats (live) for a special festivity, either trussed like the hens or on the hoof. There is usually a chosen group of the congregation, men, women or youths, who are to bring something special-the preferred gift is money in an envelope but, again, anything goes.
Afternoon off, Zambian volunteer style
Working on Saturday mornings for the first time in my life since student days, I value the half day off on Wednesdays. (Not really a half as the morning is from 8 hrs to 13 hrs whereas afternoons are from 14 hrs to 16 hrs- do the sums!)
Today life conspired to replace the desired rest, reading, computer session with a more hectic schedule.
First, the water went off; doesn't happen often here as we have our own borehole and well-maintained equipment; in fact the cleanliness of the pipes and tanks meansthe water is potable without further treatment. The morning showers were cold water only, a sign I should have recognised as foretelling the stoppage of the whole system and acted on by filling some basins and buckets to wash and flush the loo. But I didn't., so after a morning spent sorting through some rather dusty boxes of donated clothes, there wasn't enough water to wash before lunch, never mind the desired shower.
Earlier in the morning, I had started defrosting the fridge which had a huge iceberg adhering to the back wall inside. This took so long to thaw, even aided by a hairdryer and some boiling water, that we had a minor flood on the floor of the living room. So no water in the taps, too much water on the floor and then.....
...with a huge crack of thunder, torrential rain began to fall so we rushed round closing windows; here I had my one bright idea of the day and put several large bowls and jugs out under the spill-off from the roof, ensuring enough water to at least wash our feet, hands and faces tonight. The bowls filled in minutes, we continued to warm the ice and mop the floor until, with a satisfying crack, the iceberg parted with the fridge wall, the fridge restarted, the rain stopped and yes, you guessed it, water began to run from both taps.
Job done. Maybe next Wednesday we could try cat-herding, gathering smoke in colanders or some other apochryphal task but tomorrow is clinic day and I'm glad to be back to work.
Today life conspired to replace the desired rest, reading, computer session with a more hectic schedule.
First, the water went off; doesn't happen often here as we have our own borehole and well-maintained equipment; in fact the cleanliness of the pipes and tanks meansthe water is potable without further treatment. The morning showers were cold water only, a sign I should have recognised as foretelling the stoppage of the whole system and acted on by filling some basins and buckets to wash and flush the loo. But I didn't., so after a morning spent sorting through some rather dusty boxes of donated clothes, there wasn't enough water to wash before lunch, never mind the desired shower.
Earlier in the morning, I had started defrosting the fridge which had a huge iceberg adhering to the back wall inside. This took so long to thaw, even aided by a hairdryer and some boiling water, that we had a minor flood on the floor of the living room. So no water in the taps, too much water on the floor and then.....
...with a huge crack of thunder, torrential rain began to fall so we rushed round closing windows; here I had my one bright idea of the day and put several large bowls and jugs out under the spill-off from the roof, ensuring enough water to at least wash our feet, hands and faces tonight. The bowls filled in minutes, we continued to warm the ice and mop the floor until, with a satisfying crack, the iceberg parted with the fridge wall, the fridge restarted, the rain stopped and yes, you guessed it, water began to run from both taps.
Job done. Maybe next Wednesday we could try cat-herding, gathering smoke in colanders or some other apochryphal task but tomorrow is clinic day and I'm glad to be back to work.
Saturday 1 December 2012
World Aids Day
Today, 1st December, is World Aids Day and the celebrations and memorials were scheduled as a
torchlight procession on Friday night from the Post Office to the Catholic
Church (next door to the hospice- handy!) which was delayed a mere hour as we waited for the essential police escort (we were marching on the main, Kafue, Road) The second part was an 'Event' today, a
procession/march from the nearby Basic School to Parklands, the
Secondary School, a bit beyond the ....you've guessed it....Post
Office.
A very municipal event, made more ceremonious and special by the fact that it's the first since Chilanga gained its own status as a health Admin area; used to be combined with Kafue so all should be on their mettle.
This, sadly, did not prevent the District Commissioner from warning us as he 'flagged' us off on our procession last night to 'be punctual at 7 hrs tomorrow' and then being late himself. Imagine the scene at Chilanga basic: when we arrived on time, the boys' and girls' brigades, complete with marching band and team of majorettes from Kafue had been marching, drumming, twirling, dancing and hopping for some time. They kept it up for a while but lost heart as no-one arrived for the 'flagging' and drifted off for refreshments, toilets and some relaxing jokes and games. A deputy administrator, gripping a megaphone, tried to call the assistant who deals with the Commissioner's affairs but the phone was off.
News that he was on his way, brought everyone to their feet and the procession was formed with military precision, 4 abreast behind the correct banner. When nothing further seemed to be happening, we all drifted off to sit on bricks in the shade., to chat and relax. Some mums with babies sat on the grass and I found my ipod....
At 10.15, the great man arrived; his presence was announced and received with very faint cheers (we all have limits of unpunctuality), the flagging happened (inaudibly) and we were now, tired and less enthusiastic, permitted to march to Parklands.
There we had the usual protocols respecting the man most of us would have happily slapped on a braii, had one been handy. There followed poetry and drama, testimonials, dancing and singing exhibitions etc- all pleasant enough if there was time- these people, who had carefully prepared and dressed up, were put through their paces at a trot. Bottled water and plain rolls were handed out but well before the end, but I left early though it turned out I only missed 2 hours, poor compensation for the 3 hour delay.
A very municipal event, made more ceremonious and special by the fact that it's the first since Chilanga gained its own status as a health Admin area; used to be combined with Kafue so all should be on their mettle.
This, sadly, did not prevent the District Commissioner from warning us as he 'flagged' us off on our procession last night to 'be punctual at 7 hrs tomorrow' and then being late himself. Imagine the scene at Chilanga basic: when we arrived on time, the boys' and girls' brigades, complete with marching band and team of majorettes from Kafue had been marching, drumming, twirling, dancing and hopping for some time. They kept it up for a while but lost heart as no-one arrived for the 'flagging' and drifted off for refreshments, toilets and some relaxing jokes and games. A deputy administrator, gripping a megaphone, tried to call the assistant who deals with the Commissioner's affairs but the phone was off.
News that he was on his way, brought everyone to their feet and the procession was formed with military precision, 4 abreast behind the correct banner. When nothing further seemed to be happening, we all drifted off to sit on bricks in the shade., to chat and relax. Some mums with babies sat on the grass and I found my ipod....
At 10.15, the great man arrived; his presence was announced and received with very faint cheers (we all have limits of unpunctuality), the flagging happened (inaudibly) and we were now, tired and less enthusiastic, permitted to march to Parklands.
There we had the usual protocols respecting the man most of us would have happily slapped on a braii, had one been handy. There followed poetry and drama, testimonials, dancing and singing exhibitions etc- all pleasant enough if there was time- these people, who had carefully prepared and dressed up, were put through their paces at a trot. Bottled water and plain rolls were handed out but well before the end, but I left early though it turned out I only missed 2 hours, poor compensation for the 3 hour delay.
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