Our work at Lifesong School is done, and today is Sunday, and we are going to worship at St. James' Anglican Church this morning. Apparently, the service is about 4 hours long, but we are going to leave after 2. We North Americans aren't used to such long services. However, with the joyful singing, the time passes quickly and happily.
Doug was very happy to be finished setting up the computers yesterday. Unfortunately, it meant that he wasn't able to join the rest of the group on our excursion to the Dag Hammarskjold Memorial Crash Site, lunch at Christopher's house (he worked for Ray and Eleanor when they were missionaries here in Zambia), and to the Mindola Ecumenical Centre and St. John's Theological College. It was a good day for us.
Life here at St. Francis Friary is so peaceful, and Brother Tony, Father Andrew, Evans the cook, Sandra and Bryce (who look after the guesthouse in which we are staying) have made us feel so welcome. It is a sanctuary after the busy days working at the school, especially trying to work around 210 curious, rambunctious children!
It has been wonderful to attend prayers in the mornings, and we have especially enjoyed Father Andrew's timely sermons. Right now, the Gospel readings are from the book of Matthew, and they are so appropriate for the work we are doing here.
As we anticipated, we have received so much more than we have given here. I can safely say that every one of us has found our time here so fulfilling, and we have been so warmly welcomed by our Zambian hosts.
Tomorrow, we leave for Livingstone to start our tourist activities. I think it's going to be a bit of a culture shock even then, but we hope it will be a good time of reflection and rest. However busy we have been though, we have found rest, inspiration and refreshment here at the Friary.
We are looking forward to seeing the famous Victoria Falls, and the wildlife we have not yet experienced (aside from Ted's birds).
Daphne and Moira will be staying on at Lifesong School until later on this week, when they join up with us again at Flatdogs Safari Camp on Thursday.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Jeanette Ratz
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Computer Lab Photos
Computer Lab
Computer Lab
Projector and Screen (white paint on the wall)
Computer Projector from Thunder Bay, installed.
Daphne tests the strength of the projector mounting blocks.
Every Do(u)g Has His Day
Today is my day. How long can it possibly take to setup a lab of 13 computers, one printer and one projector? A couple of days I thought, 5 days at most. Here I am on day 11 of the 10 working days at Lifesong School, and I am finally done. It took 4 days just to download the various windows updates for just the first computer (I setup one computer then copy it to all the others. This is called imaging.) . Everyone here is very excited about how fast the Internet is, and I can't believe it is this slow!
The carpenter built fine counters for the desks. A little high off the ground, but nothing we can't live with. However he didn't think to drill any holes through the desk to allow the wires to connect to the electric and network outlets (this isn't a Zambian problem, most 'computer' desks don't have any spot for the wires). He was coming on Tuesday, then on Thursday, then he finally showed up on Friday. It was quite a moment for me to be able to plug in all the computers and be sure they worked. Still no network though...
The network guy showed up on Thursday, had a quick look around and said he would be back on Saturday, or if not then Tuesday. Saturday, and Tuesday came and went, and late on Thursday afternoon four guys showed up and dropped off some of the gear. They didn't have all the gear, and would be back Friday morning (that would be work day 10, the last one...). They actually showed up the next morning and got to work. They weren't fast, but didn't make any mistakes, and had it complete by about 5:00 p.m. They forgot some mounting brackets for some gear but said they would come back on Saturday, which they did and finished the job. They also helped out with an Internet connection problem we were having, for which we tipped them 50,000 kwacha, about $10.
The printer, which we ordered on the first Tuesday (work day 2), and was right there on the shelf, in stock, also showed up on the second Thursday (work day 9). The printer was paid for by a Rotary grant, and rather than pay cash or cheque, it was simpler to do a bank transfer from the Rotary account to the computer store's account. The transfer went through on the first Wednesday, but the store owner kept saying he didn't have the money in his account. Eventually he agreed that the money was there, and released the printer.
The projector, which I brought from Canada, was installed quickly and easily by the Nu Vision work team. Job well done, especially Daphne who tested the strength of the blocks we nailed to the ceiling so the projector would be lower than the overhead fan (they don't have ardox nails here, and a Robertson screw is even more foreign.). In a country where it is hot and rainy for half the year, overhead fans are MUCH more important than computer projectors.
The computers are good middle of the road (high end here) HP systems with Windows 7. They were ordered out of South Africa, and arrived with power cables with ends for that country. For 10,0o0 kwacha (about $2) each, the local computer company cuts off the ends and puts on the local, UK style ends. Adapters cost 30,000 kwacha, so it was a simple choice. That was all complete in 24 hours, on the first Wednesday (work day 3).
So here I am on day 11 of 10. The group went out to see some sights and visit a friend of Ray & Eleanor Dunn (they lived here at one time). I went back to the school to network the printer and to setup the classroom control software (it allows the teacher to blank the student screens to force them to pay attention!). I don't mind missing the day trip because I came here to setup computers and that job is now complete. I hope and pray that the staff and students benefit from the new technology they have available to them.
I'll post some photos next, if the power doesn't go out... ! :-) - Doug
The carpenter built fine counters for the desks. A little high off the ground, but nothing we can't live with. However he didn't think to drill any holes through the desk to allow the wires to connect to the electric and network outlets (this isn't a Zambian problem, most 'computer' desks don't have any spot for the wires). He was coming on Tuesday, then on Thursday, then he finally showed up on Friday. It was quite a moment for me to be able to plug in all the computers and be sure they worked. Still no network though...
The network guy showed up on Thursday, had a quick look around and said he would be back on Saturday, or if not then Tuesday. Saturday, and Tuesday came and went, and late on Thursday afternoon four guys showed up and dropped off some of the gear. They didn't have all the gear, and would be back Friday morning (that would be work day 10, the last one...). They actually showed up the next morning and got to work. They weren't fast, but didn't make any mistakes, and had it complete by about 5:00 p.m. They forgot some mounting brackets for some gear but said they would come back on Saturday, which they did and finished the job. They also helped out with an Internet connection problem we were having, for which we tipped them 50,000 kwacha, about $10.
The printer, which we ordered on the first Tuesday (work day 2), and was right there on the shelf, in stock, also showed up on the second Thursday (work day 9). The printer was paid for by a Rotary grant, and rather than pay cash or cheque, it was simpler to do a bank transfer from the Rotary account to the computer store's account. The transfer went through on the first Wednesday, but the store owner kept saying he didn't have the money in his account. Eventually he agreed that the money was there, and released the printer.
The projector, which I brought from Canada, was installed quickly and easily by the Nu Vision work team. Job well done, especially Daphne who tested the strength of the blocks we nailed to the ceiling so the projector would be lower than the overhead fan (they don't have ardox nails here, and a Robertson screw is even more foreign.). In a country where it is hot and rainy for half the year, overhead fans are MUCH more important than computer projectors.
The computers are good middle of the road (high end here) HP systems with Windows 7. They were ordered out of South Africa, and arrived with power cables with ends for that country. For 10,0o0 kwacha (about $2) each, the local computer company cuts off the ends and puts on the local, UK style ends. Adapters cost 30,000 kwacha, so it was a simple choice. That was all complete in 24 hours, on the first Wednesday (work day 3).
So here I am on day 11 of 10. The group went out to see some sights and visit a friend of Ray & Eleanor Dunn (they lived here at one time). I went back to the school to network the printer and to setup the classroom control software (it allows the teacher to blank the student screens to force them to pay attention!). I don't mind missing the day trip because I came here to setup computers and that job is now complete. I hope and pray that the staff and students benefit from the new technology they have available to them.
I'll post some photos next, if the power doesn't go out... ! :-) - Doug
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Nancy's Photos
 |
| Nancy meeting Christopher |
 |
| Women's Fellowship group - in the Spirit!!! |
 |
| Wayne (Lifesong) with many helpers |
 |
| "And boys, this is where Thunder Bay is..." (Doug) |
Sunday, another beautiful day in Zambia!
Greetings Friends,
We have returned from joyful and uplifting worship with our American Lifesong friends at The United Church of Zambia. The church was cool today, a little cooler than usual and I was glad for Eleanor's tip to bring a shawl. The service was in Bemba, however, our complete Lifesong team was invited to come forward and sing! of course, our songs were in English, and there were people who helped us to understand what was being said. But not knowing the words didn't really matter, our hearts were lifted by the Spirit and love that was present. . Lifesong leaders and many of the children and teachers from Lifesong, attend this church and it was good to be with them today. Next Sunday, our plan is to go to an Anglican service in Kitwe.
During the week, some of us have been attending mass with the Franciscans, in their chapel at the Friary. Mass is early, before breakfast. Father Andrew and I have had some conversation, and he welcomes everyone. I am privileged to be the first female priest he has ever met. Hope I don't leave a bad impression for any who may follow! Our morning devotions have been based on the daily gospel, and hearing the reflection of the priest has been a beautifully timed message for our team. It is not difficult to feel God's presence all day long, because many speak of God often, adult and child. I had a powerful meeting with four adolescent boys under a tree the other day, and they speak humbly and deeply about God's presence in their lives. I am still rejoicing!
Our progress in four workdays at Lifesong is amazing. What teamwork! In the mornings we begin with marching orders from Wayne (Lifesong "Advocate for Orphans" from Illinois) The the work begins; painting of window bars and frames, priming of walls, exterior and interior, painting of trusses, ongoing completion of computer room, and preparation for the coming week of activities with teachers and children, and extracurricular visits for interested team members to medical facilities and a Rotary meeting. By the afternoon, we had many of the older boys from Lifesong helping us paint. The chatter and community has been delightful with them. There are little girls who live on the school property who have visited us too, and they are delightful, they love to sing. We have many many photos of progress both of the completion of the classroom and of the development of relationships between Zambians and Canadians. Our stories will live on long after the visit is completed.
Blessings, Nancy+
We have returned from joyful and uplifting worship with our American Lifesong friends at The United Church of Zambia. The church was cool today, a little cooler than usual and I was glad for Eleanor's tip to bring a shawl. The service was in Bemba, however, our complete Lifesong team was invited to come forward and sing! of course, our songs were in English, and there were people who helped us to understand what was being said. But not knowing the words didn't really matter, our hearts were lifted by the Spirit and love that was present. . Lifesong leaders and many of the children and teachers from Lifesong, attend this church and it was good to be with them today. Next Sunday, our plan is to go to an Anglican service in Kitwe.
During the week, some of us have been attending mass with the Franciscans, in their chapel at the Friary. Mass is early, before breakfast. Father Andrew and I have had some conversation, and he welcomes everyone. I am privileged to be the first female priest he has ever met. Hope I don't leave a bad impression for any who may follow! Our morning devotions have been based on the daily gospel, and hearing the reflection of the priest has been a beautifully timed message for our team. It is not difficult to feel God's presence all day long, because many speak of God often, adult and child. I had a powerful meeting with four adolescent boys under a tree the other day, and they speak humbly and deeply about God's presence in their lives. I am still rejoicing!
Our progress in four workdays at Lifesong is amazing. What teamwork! In the mornings we begin with marching orders from Wayne (Lifesong "Advocate for Orphans" from Illinois) The the work begins; painting of window bars and frames, priming of walls, exterior and interior, painting of trusses, ongoing completion of computer room, and preparation for the coming week of activities with teachers and children, and extracurricular visits for interested team members to medical facilities and a Rotary meeting. By the afternoon, we had many of the older boys from Lifesong helping us paint. The chatter and community has been delightful with them. There are little girls who live on the school property who have visited us too, and they are delightful, they love to sing. We have many many photos of progress both of the completion of the classroom and of the development of relationships between Zambians and Canadians. Our stories will live on long after the visit is completed.
Blessings, Nancy+
Friday, July 8, 2011
We're here and we're loving it!
Hello everyone! After 22 hours of flying and approximately 38 hours of travel, we arrived safely, sore, jet lagged, and most of all greasy at our accommodation outside Kitwe, the St. Francis Franciscan Friar's. The most striking first impression we received is that Zambians are extremely friendly and welcoming. Everyone waves, says "Mulishani" (hello) and asks "How are you?"
We are staying in cool, brick, retreat guesthouse. We have slept here for 4 nights now. We have found it to be very relaxing because of its "minimalistic" style and peaceful atmosphere. Our meals - which are provided - have been different...but tasty and filling! Lots of potatoes, local vegetables, local meat, fresh bananas and avacados, some sort of fruit loaf, and you can always count on "Nshiima" (overcooked corn grits).
The weather has been warm, with the peak heat occuring mid afternoon (~30C). But there is usually a nice breeze that keeps the temperature comfortable. It is quite dry (it's "winter" here in the southern hemisphere aka "dry season"). Surprisingly, the nights are quite chilly. We usually use 2 quilts and dress in layers once the sun goes down.
Our first visit to Lifesong consisted of an Orientation to our tasks and programs to be undertaken during our time here. One thing that David (School Coordinator) stressed is to focus on personal development rather than outcomes to make the most of this experience.
Since then we have been working on the new classrooms. Majority of our work has been painting walls and window, putting in ceilings, and setting up the computer room. We have also been preparing for our programs next week (teacher workshops, sports and games program, environmental education, first aid workshop, community mural...). We have really enjoyed getting to know the staff and students at Lifesong.
In our spare time we have enjoyed playing Euchre, group debriefs, yoga, reading, exploring, and birdwatching.
We are so looking forward to what lies ahead. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers :) xoxo
- The Haggarty girls ... Moira and Daphne
We are staying in cool, brick, retreat guesthouse. We have slept here for 4 nights now. We have found it to be very relaxing because of its "minimalistic" style and peaceful atmosphere. Our meals - which are provided - have been different...but tasty and filling! Lots of potatoes, local vegetables, local meat, fresh bananas and avacados, some sort of fruit loaf, and you can always count on "Nshiima" (overcooked corn grits).
The weather has been warm, with the peak heat occuring mid afternoon (~30C). But there is usually a nice breeze that keeps the temperature comfortable. It is quite dry (it's "winter" here in the southern hemisphere aka "dry season"). Surprisingly, the nights are quite chilly. We usually use 2 quilts and dress in layers once the sun goes down.
Our first visit to Lifesong consisted of an Orientation to our tasks and programs to be undertaken during our time here. One thing that David (School Coordinator) stressed is to focus on personal development rather than outcomes to make the most of this experience.Since then we have been working on the new classrooms. Majority of our work has been painting walls and window, putting in ceilings, and setting up the computer room. We have also been preparing for our programs next week (teacher workshops, sports and games program, environmental education, first aid workshop, community mural...). We have really enjoyed getting to know the staff and students at Lifesong.
We are so looking forward to what lies ahead. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers :) xoxo
- The Haggarty girls ... Moira and Daphne
Our Mission Statements
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)