So, today was a bit confusing because it was like a Saturday and tomorrow will be like a Friday. So today was our day off. Slept in again—8 am—Woohoo! We got busy finishing our handouts for tomorrow’s inservice before hitting town. We hit the road around 10:15 and made it to Manda Hill mall to go to Game (the Zambian equivalent of Walmart). Today’s shopping list included craft items for our lesson at Easter Retreat (clear plastic cups do not exist in Zambia, fyi), food for our trip to Malawi (I cannot go 12 hours in a bus without food), and goggles (so that I don’t run into the wall or lane dividers anymore while swimming). The mini bus trip took a bit long to get there today; we had taken a big minibus and those take a bit longer since they want to fill up the seats. But it did give me ample time to take a picture of the chicken. J One of the roundabouts into town is sponsored by a company who has been building a moment in the middle since we arrived. Last week it was revealed to be a giant chicken! The thing is at least 10 feet tall, not including the 6 foot base. It’s pretty funny. J
From Game we jetted over to Arcades, speed walking style, for a movie. We were 15 minutes late, but knowing Zambian time, we’d be on time. And as you would have it, we walked in while the credits were finishing. J The walk over to the movie theatre was not so good, though. Earlier in the day I had cut myself in an awkward spot, so walking fast did not feel too pleasant. I will come back to the States with a 7 inch long gash/scar for sure. Then, as we were crossing the street—you’ll never guess—my flip flop broke! That’s all three that I have here now! And most of them multiple times! Not usually a big deal, but not good while you’re walking across the street going to a movie theatre. While still walking there, I also cut the same foot on one of the pointy curb things on the sidewalk. Another gash. Yay. As I was contemplating what to do for the journey back (after the minibus we have a 15 minute walk over rocks to the seminary) a man saw my shoe predicament as we approached the ticket taker. He assured me that he could fix my “slipper” by the time the movie was done, free of charge. Yes, a bit sketchy, but what else was I going to do (try to find a store here that carries my shoe size or walk home barefoot), so I gave him my sandal and went to the movie. Unknown was excellent and got my mind off the fact that I was 50% shoeless. As we left the theatre (and trying not to think of all the gross things I was stepping on), there he was with my fixed flip flop! Hurray! People are so nice here. J All he wanted in exchange was my number, but as I never remember mine, I took his and he was happy enough. Thank you kind stranger!
By now it was 2 pm and I hadn’t eaten since the play last night. Hunger struck. Zambia doesn’t really have fast food joints and we knew we’d be going out for dinner later, so we didn’t want to do a sit down meal. Stop number one was Subway. I didn’t want to taint my view of Subway and attempt it in Africa, so that was bypassed. Next stop was ZamChick Inn. On their menu they have chicken burgers and chicken nuggets. Wouldn’t you know, they were out of both. Sounds crazy, but this is a common occurrence here. Don’t order something unless you have two or three backups. So, ZamChick Inn was out. I had seen a stand on the way in and while T was waiting in line for the ATM, I checked it out and ordered all they had—burgers. Now, my readers who know me well know I do not like hamburgers in the States, but this was my only option. Also, I had been warned about the “mince meat” here that makes up the burgers, but the hunger has set it, so I gave in. T and I “enjoyed” our burgers, except not at all. I got about 3 bites in before giving up and trying to keep from gagging. T didn’t think about what she was eating and bravely finished hers. My stomach is still complaining about it 8 hours later. I don’t think this experience will help me give burgers another chance back at home!
So T and I made our way back to campus, heavy laden with 3 heavy bags bulging with supplies and groceries and a bouquet of flowers for Mrs. A. It’s her birthday today! The ride/walk back was pretty brutal with all my battle scars from the day and the heavy items, but we made it somehow. Mrs. A loved her flowers and her card and invited us insider for some cake that Mrs. D&D had made. Much better than the burger that was washed down with Tums. I ended up showing her some of my pictures of family and friends at home, too, because she had once shown hers to me and I know she really appreciates things like that. J She’s such a nice lady. T and I had her practically crying when she read her card. She is a widow with no children and she said how she never imagined she’d have two daughters like us! So sweet! J
Afterwards we had 3 hours to do some laundry, print and make copies for tomorrow, prepare what we were going to say tomorrow morning, and set up the room for the inservice. Two nurses from the States, along with a professor and his wife from the Seminary in Mequon, arrived from Malawi today. The nurses are here helping out with a few of the clinics and the professor was teaching some of the pastors here at a two week class. Anyway, all the missionaries, the Kingdom Workers, the guests, and T and I went out for dinner at Rhapsody’s, a very nice restaurant in Lusaka. We were quite a sight; 17 Mzungus at one table! It was a lot of fun. I had yummy Mediterranean penne with beef. We were able to chat a bit with the guests and a few of the missionaries who we don’t see often. T ended up knowing one of the nurses, so that was a kind of cool experience to meet up together in Africa surprisingly! We all stayed and chatted for awhile before heading back to campus and doing last minute prep for the morning and bumming around on our computers. We’re such Americans.
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