July Update 2007

As our car passed through the gate to the Transit Home the children came running from all directions towards us screaming, Auntie Penny! Uncle Fred! Auntie Pat! You are here! Little arms were thrown around us and there were hugs and kisses all around. The boys grabbed our bags and began to haul them into the house. First came a tour of all the improvementsa spanking new and stylish tile floor laid everywhere but in the playroom, new beds, new bedding, new cabinets for their clothes. The beat-up sink in the kitchen had been replaced with a stainless steel one, this time with a drainboard. The building itself was in excellent repair and spotlessly clean.

Following the tour we all sat down in the playroom, first to pray and then to chat; the children wiggling with excitement. How is Auntie Claire? Why didnt she come? How do you explain to children that the trip takes days, and costs more than most Zambians earn in a year?

We met the new childrenMemo Mwape (to distinguish her from the other Memo Chisenga), Jackson, her brother; Charles called Junior, their cousin; Happy (pronounced aah-py), and Steve.

New children: Steve, Junior, and Happy.

The children were eager to tell us about school, what grades they were in and what subjects they liked best. They also asked about the people in Hudson, especially those for whom we had asked for special prayers.

Our bags, packed up to the allowable weight with donated toys and clothing, computer equipment, and some new items such as dolls with dark skin, were sorted out. Simone and Linda, the house mother, divided items up so that each child received a small package the next day. Excitement ran high as kids went through their gifts and admired each others, and then became absorbed in play with matchbox cars, Spider man action figures, and baby dolls that giggled and spoke. Also deeply appreciated were the letters sent by children to them.

The orphanage is quieter now with most of the children, dressed smartly and looking very preppy, spending 7 hours daily in school. While they were gone, we were reacquainted with old staff and introduced to the gregarious and friendly Richard Phiri and Tiko, a gentle and beautiful young social worker. We were also delighted by Claire McLaughlin from Ireland, an occupational therapist, now halfway through her 6 month stint as a volunteer.

Eddy was eager to take us to Musonda where amazing progress has been made on the hammermill and the new school classrooms. The hammermill needs only the installation of a transformer by the electrical company to be fully operational. The new classrooms, completed to the roof ine, have been constructed in only three weeks, a major accomplishment in Africa where machines are few and construction is done by hand. Eddy hopes to have them ready for the next term.

Additionally, the installation of a water line provides fresh, potable water for the residents of Musonda, who come to fill their jugs there. Everywhere there is a vibrant enthusiasm and deep gratitude for what you have made possible with your donations. We continue to be their major funder.

In following updates, I will go into greater detail on the progress being made, and plans for the future. Meanwhile, I have attached a more detailed report on the past year. I want to convey to you Eddy and Simone's profound gratitude for your sustained interest and generosity. For our part, we are astonished how far they can make the funding we send them go. Eddy is a dreamer, but the things he dreams come true.

Best wishes and deep gratitude,
Penny