Some review with more to come…
I am so glad to be able to post again so that I can begin to share some of the details of our adventures with you all. As you know, I am back home. It was truly a whirlwind experience for me .. I will start at the beginning and write more later.
We arrived at Chimfunshi on Thursday evening, June 14, in the dark, after a very long journey (two overnight plane trips for most of us, followed by an 8-hour bus ride!). The bus took us through a section of Lusaka near the University, where we saw a neighborhood clearly inhabited by the privileged — larger homes hidden behind walls and gates. Once we were traveling out of Lusaka, I was moved to tears by a group of three boys (who seemed to fit the description of the “street children” whom we read about). They came up to the windows of the bus while we were at an intersection. Their faces were both sad and hopeful. Outside of Lusaka, we passed rows of houses (if they can be called that), clearly inhabited by the impoverished — tiny mud and straw huts. What was most striking to me were the number of people walking along the road — women with children on their backs (and often times with big loads on their heads), children (small children) walking, men carrying loads or riding bikes with big loads. We passed many road-side markets.
Chimfunshi, itself, is located about 1.5 hr. from Chingola (where we go to shop), near a village called Muchinchi. The longest part of the trip between Chingola and Chimfunshi happens when one turns off the tarmac – 18K of dirt road (with many potholes) — quite an experience when riding in the back of the cantor (more on that later). So, we arrived at the education center (where we were staying) just after dark, but with a campfire and hot meal ready for us. After dinner, Kristin and I hiked out to the danbo (flood plane) with one of Mark’s experienced students leading the way. We tried the satellite phone (it did not work) but were able to get through on the student’s cell phone (quite amazing when you think about it). We took a moment to enjoy the stars, which were incredible.
We woke up (most of us grateful for a horizontal night’s sleep) eager for the walk up to “the project” — the chimp enclosures. The first group of chimps were very rowdy — one even threw stuff at the group — a good reminder about chimp safety and etiquette that Mark taught us. We spent the morning getting oriented to the project site and saw many wonderful chimps (I especially liked watching the moms and babies!). Once back at camp, most of us went out to the danbo where we were joined by many children from the compund nearest the education center. Brittni brought soccer balls and jump-ropes, which were a hugh hit. We spent a couple of hours playing with the kids.
Tomorrow I will share more but that gives you a sense of the first 24 hours! I hope to post pictures tomorrow as well.
June 28th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
It was so great to find your posting today! Reading about your experiences gives us all a sense of connection to our girls and we really appreciate that! We will look forward to hearing more! We are so glad the site is up and running again! Thank you!!
June 28th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Thanks Molly, for the posting. I look forward to seeing pictures of the group and thank you for all your hard work in getting everyone there, and safely settled. It was a pleasure to meet you in Spokane. We look forward, as they say…”to the rest of the story”….Ron, Amy, And Kathie Messer
June 29th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
FINALLY received an email from Chelsey saying the time was passing too quickly! There is so much going on, they are all well, and having an incredible experience.
She says, “The children have stolen my heart – as always. They know me now and come up to me all the time and sit on my lap. I love them all and I want so badly for them to have better lives. Lenae raised a whole bunch of money for a school and one of her friends is a contractor and they are actually building the school right now. In the meantime there is a tent that we are holding classes in. Everyone is so excited to be able to go to school. They all come smelling of soap and in the their sunday clothes. Im always amazed at how much respect these people have for education. I wish you could be here. You would love working with them. They want to learn so badly – its been so fun teaching them!
The chimps are great as well. Rita has a new baby named Rusty and Rita’s daughter Renata has her first baby – Regina. The two mothers are always together and the babies are best friends. Often Renata will have Rusty and Rita will have Regina. Its very cute to watch. Dee Dee’s mom died last year, in child birth. Very sad! Thomas’s mom died too, but he is seven and one of the males has adopted him. Its actually very cute beacause Thomas follows Pan around everywhere and imitates him!
Time has gone by soo fast. I am headed to Muchinshi for five days and when I get back to Chimfunshi there will only be two days left. I never seem to have enough time here. ”
I just wanted to share, as I know I am so anxious for any news of our intrepid travelers!
much love,
~Meredith (Chelsey’s Mom)
July 1st, 2007 at 12:40 am
We have received a couple of emails from Shawna and we are happy to hear that the girls are having the adventure of their lives. We are amazed at the courage it must have taken for these young ladies to volunteer for this adventure. Our work has recently planted us in Abomosu, Ghana, so we too are experiencing Africa for the first time and can appreciate the feelings described when looking out from your vehicle and especially when looking into the eyes of the children. The girls will take lessons away from this that will serve them for a lifetime. We are looking forward to comparing our adventures with Shawna when we all get back to the US.
May they have a safe journey home,
Bill & Rene’ Ruff