Gonzaga University Psychology Program in Africa

Thanks to my wonderful husband, Brett, who is much more computer-savvy than I, we now have photos on-line (click the link in the previous post and enjoy!). And now, for some reason, we can’t post pictures directly so click the links provided within the post to see the pictures.

I thought I’d share a few more highlights of my experience. As I mentioned earlier, the first few days were spent getting oriented, watching the chimps, and getting to know some of the families. On our first Sunday, we were invited to Sylvia’s (Sheila Siddle’s daughter) for a “Braii” (BBQ). Sylvia lives at “the farm” — on Chimfunshi, but about 11KM from the education center. For our trip, we all piled into the back of a large truck (I made all of our students sit off the edge once we started rolling . We enjoyed seeing Sylvia’s place — a very picturesque spot right on the Kafue river (complete with a sign saying to watch out for rhinos and crocs!). Some of the students walked out to the “football field” to watch and/or participate in a soccer game with the local people (amazing players).

Tuesday was our first trip into town (Chingola) for shopping. Julia, Brittni, and Ali came along with Emily (Mark’s graduate assistant, who would be hosting them in Muchinchi). Laura, Jessica and I joined Lennae (another of Mark’s experienced students and the one building the school) for supply shopping, lunch (at a fabulous “pie shop” — puff-pastry filled with cheese for the equivalent of $1), a vist to the internet cafe, and a bit of shopping of our own. Our transportation to town and back was the cantor (a large truck covered with a wire mesh cage). The trip in was very crowded — about 19 of us in the back (our groups as well as a number of the local families). Laura sat in a crate and held a small boy on her lap. The return trip was less crowded with people but the truck was piled high with supplies. Laura and Jessica sat on top of bags of fruits and veggies (the market left-overs that Sheila buys for the chimps) — they reported an “unforgettable experience” to the rest of our students upon return!

Thursday was my birthday and my last day there. A couple of years ago (when I turned 40), I decided that I would do something new on each birthday to come and, boy, did I get to do something new on this birthday – a bush walk with the young chimps! After watching the chimps, it was absolutely wonderful to get to go in with the little ones up at the “orphanage” (Sheila’s house, where any new orphaned chimps are cared for). A small group of us went into the enclosure with a guide who is very experienced with the chimps. Once we were in, the chimps were allowed out. Alice (the largest of the group) came directly to me and got very interested in my shoe. In no time, she had unlaced it and was trying to take it off. Fortunately, I got her interested in lacing it back up and trying to tie it (which she worked on for quite a while). Once we set off on our walk, I got to carry one of the younsters. We got out to an area of trees and the youngsters all moved off to play up in the trees. Alice, Dee Dee and I investigated a bug. On our walk back, Alice wanted a piggy-back but she must weigh about what I do, so I convinced her to hold my hand instead. Watching and experiencing the chimps directly made me realize how close they are to us (very intelligent with a rich emotional life and strong family ties).

After the bush walk, I got to visit Muchinchi (Brittni, Julia, and Ali had spent their first night there and all was well with them). Together, we visited a school — just a foundation and a roof, no walls, which makes school during rainy weather very difficult for the kids who are fortunate enough to get to go. We also visited a developing women’s center (at present just a small grass hut) and talked with the women (through an interpreter) — we each introduced ourselves and learned about their plans to develop a chicken operation. They hope to raise funds to build a chicken coop and to buy chickens so that they can breed chickens to sell as well as to produce eggs. Emily (Mark’s student, who is living in Muchinchi this summer has established a non-profit called HANDZ to help support these projects.

Friday, I embarked on my 40plus hour journey home. I arrived safely (though quite exhausted) back in Spokane at 9pm on Saturday evening (June 23). And, although I am so glad to be home with my family, each day I imagine what our wonderful students are doing. With you, I eagerly await news from them and was glad to hear today that they are all well and enjoying their last few days at Chimfunshi before embarking on their trip to Livingstone.

This entry was posted on July 4, 2007 at 10:32 pm and is filed under Reflections . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.