The weekend and the week so far

On Saturday, we all got up for breakfast and then loaded up onto the vehicle, for Choma, a town about an hour away. Most of us rode in Khaki Jackie while Pharmacy plus one took their vehicle. The ride was eventful thanks to one of our notary nauseous individuals who requested we leave windows open to keep her from getting sick. Now, you have to understand that Khaki Jackie is no ordinary vehicle. There is one long bench seat on each side(they face each other), and  each are supposed to seat six. Now that is fine for hopping down the road, but for an hour long car ride in Africa…it is okay. Saturday we had five on one side and six on the other I believe. Dr. Weaver drove, Dr. Tullos and his son, Ian, rode together next to her.  The wind was quite chilly with the windows opened, but we managed. Once arriving in Choma, we stopped at the post office before making our way to the markets. Now, the purpose of this trip was to shop for material and anything else we might need. We were also scheduled to visit the craft museum. So after a few of us mailed some things, we headed toward the markets for fabrics and what-not. I bought fabrics to have a quilt made for a friend and I also bought a couple others that caught my eye and were reasonably priced. I may have a dress or skirt made from them sometime before we leave here. There is a woman a few houses down from us who loves to sew things and sell them to us. I have already made several purchases. Anyway, the markets are basically a bunch of wooden tent structures lined all together. Once you enter it is almost like a maze and you really become aware that you are in a third world country. So, after some shopping we headed over to the craft museum for a quick picnic outside before going in. It was hard for me to eat because there were kids standing at the fence watching us eat and obviously wanting food. We did some shopping at the museum before leaving. As we left for Namwianga, we saw the kids I previously mentioned digging through the trash we had thrown out. When we got back to Namwianga, we went straight to the church for a Zambian wedding. We didn’t know the couple, we just knew we were invited. It was very long, but very entertaining. The wedding party danced down the aisle. I have a lot of video footage, but I must say that I felt very cultured. I will share upon request once I get homeJ  After the wedding, we came back for dinner and relaxing. I got sick on Sunday again, but I have pinpointed what it was that made me sick—it is one of the ingredients in a few of the meals we have here. Anyhow, so Sunday was good despite feeling icky. I really enjoy worshipping with the people here.  Sunday night Cari and I left fifteen minutes before everyone, so when we got to church let’s just say we stuck out pretty awesomely. We shrugged it off and sat among the congregation. The week so far has been good. I am still in a language group, but I am working with different kids and adults. In the mornings I am in the same place, but in the afternoons I am with a girl named Rita who has cerebral palsy. My time with her is relaxing in a way. I enjoy talking, reading, and singing to her very much. Today when I left her she cried—the only sound I have heard her make since I started working with her yesterday. It was reassuring to me. I told her I would see her tomorrow. After I worked with her, I headed over to another Haven to hang out with whomever I chose! Awesome.  So yes, the week has been good so far. I hope you all are well. I will try to get back on track with these entries! Love!