Lyn (Vic) in Mwandi (Zambia)

One balmy Sunday 20th August under a tree, overlooking the river. How good is that?
Well I’m at the end of my second week in Mwandi and everything just keeps getting better. The experience of living in a third world community is an eye-opener. We all know that poverty exists and that some communities find it very difficult to find a meal each day – but here we actually live with these people and really feel their anxieties. Fiona’s vision and progress has been truly outstanding. (Fiona from SA has been a Volunteer in Mission in Mwandi for 4+ years).
It has been my pleasure to work through the clothes in one of the containers and to sort them into children, adults, babies and toddlers. There have been a lot of people helping, which has made the job a lot easier, and it was great to see the clothes being distributed to the local village children and the Sesheki Secondary students on the support programs.
The remainder of my weeks have been filled with painting, painting and painting; bookwork with Innocent (Fiona’s Store Officer), shopping for food and other things at Katima, Namibia, recording the heights of the children in the feeding program and sorting the arts and crafts in the second container. Apparently we are to start an asset register next week, so I think Heather (another ViM from SA) and I will be busy.
Max and Margaret (also ViMs from Tasmania) and Carol have been great fun and wonderful companions. We all start work early, meet again for lunch and share the meal preparations at dinner time. I’m usually off to bed at 8.30pm, along with everyone else.
I’ve never been to bed so early in my adult life but I’m ready for sleep by then. The noises through the night are interesting – not to the calibre of Livingstone’s train horns and church bells at all hours though.
Life in Africa is great! I’ve started to make a few friends and they are the epitome of gentleness. They speak quietly and respectfully and listen to what you have to say. The break from the children in my class in Berwick has been welcomed. I love teaching but needed some time out. The little children here are delightful and I intend taking some time out to spend more time with them next week. I’m looking forward to reading stories to them in small groups and learning some more words.
My impressions of Mwandi – the people are its focus. Everyone is extremely polite and greets you with affection and warmth every time you meet. Carol, my room mate, is a midwife at the hospital here and she says that the new shift of staff taking over escort her to the door when she is leaving. What a wonderful courtesy! We can certainly learn from that! The respect paid to colleagues and elders is paramount.
My inner strength is growing by the day. How could we not enjoy an experience like this? My part is to help where I’m needed and to look for opportunities to do so. And like all cultures there is always inequity.
Love to all, Lyn.

For more information on the People in Mission program, contact Kathy Periera, People in Mission Coordinator, Ph 02 8267 4230, kathyp@nat.uca.org.au