Lusaka Happenings

The past month has been full of running around and completing basic life errands. Even the simplest of tasks can take all day. Of course this was true in the village, but who knew it stood true in the big city too! The major accomplishments this month have been buying a motorcycle and a car, figuring out electricity, and trying to establishing a bit of "normalcy." These things were not as staightforward as they sound....


For the past few weeks, Joey has been getting to know our taxi driver,  "Uncle Lewis", very well. He has been going to his office at IAPRI almost every day. Three weeks ago Joey inquired about a used Honda motorcycle. There was one available and it seemed promising! However, it wasn't quite as simple as we had hoped. After several trips to the Honda dealership, multiple calls to the "boss",  2 break-downs and 2 repairs,  he finally has his transportation! The motorcycle will primarily be used to visit tomato farmers in their fields, but it also helps give Joey the freedom to get to and from his office without relying on taxis. Finally getting the motorcycle was a big accomplishment!

Stephen and I have also been relying on taxis since we arrived. The third day we were in Zambia, we found a used CRV for sale that seemed perfect for our needs here. Again, not that simple. The couple selling the car needed it until May 7th. After looking into a few other vehicles, we decided this CRV was worth the wait. Just like the motorcycle, it has taken nearly a month of visiting mechanics, applying for permits, getting police reports, car insurance, and road tax paid in order to have the car in our name. Today is the day the car is officially ours and we can finally move as we please!

We also had to figure out how to setup electricity  (something we certainly didn't think about in the village!). The way electricity works in the city is by purchasing units. You simply go to one of several "Zestco" posts (the only electric company) and buy units of power. You monitor your usage and "top up" when it is getting low. One evening last week the entire country lost power for several hours. Since arriving we have lost power for a few hours here and there, but we never experienced an entire country black out. The power was off from about 6pm-10am in our unit. Our water is run by a pump, which requires electricity, so we also had no water. When the power eventually came back on, the bathroom faucet was unfortunately left "up" and when we were heading upstairs we found the bathroom sink running full blast t and 2 inches of standing water all over the bathroom and bedroom floor! Never a dull moment around here. We quickly gathered up all the towels we could find and an hour later the floor was mopped up and drying out. We were VERY lucky nothing was left on the floor as things often are around here.


Besides getting our transportation and electricity straightened out, we have also been finding our groove here. Joey has been meeting with several tomato farmers in and around town which has been great, and just recently he met with his former Peace Corps Program Director who was a big help. Stephen and I have been meeting other moms in the area from all over the world and we have been attending a "bouncy baby" class each week where we sing songs, play with instruments and meet other babies around the same age. We also made it to church last week, which was nice to see. Stephen has gained 2 new teeth since we arrived, is now eating cheerios, toast and crackers and staring to show signs of being mobile! He continues to thrive here!

One of the common Bemba expressions used in Zambia is "panono, panono" meaning "slowly, slowly." After this first month back, we certainly have been reminded of this lesson. Things just happen to move slowly, slowly and you do your best to smile and know you will get there eventually!

Stephen ordering lunch at Sugarbush Cafe

Another picture at Sugarbush Cafe

Reading with Daddy on the veranda

Resting in his Zambian nursery

Hanging out outside of church

Taking a swim with Mama

Such a happy boy!