October Trip 2010

Jan 14, 2011

Oct 21st had Drs Bill Nelems, Gary O'Connor & Linda Hawker along with nurses Jessica Barker, Lianne Jones and Mary Mitchell landing in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia.  "Fresh" from 20+ hours of air travel in conjunction with a 10 hour time difference, the OkaZHI "advance team" set off to make the rounds of necessary meetings with Zambian officials. 

OkaZHI's remarkable success to date is due in no small part to the careful attention to meeting with all of the Zambian stakeholders each time we are in the country.  It is important that the government health ministers and educators know who we are and what we are doing, and after several years and numerous visits, they are starting to take notice.  In addition to the Canadians, Dr Silumessi and a team from Mongu were also involved in the official meetings where goals and strategies were discussed.

The second wave of OkaZHI volunteers landed in Lusaka the morning of the 23rd and were met by the first group and the Lewanika Hospital bus.  We were off to Mongu.....a mere 8 hours away!

The road between Lusaka and Mongu is straight, flat and paved.  There are quite a few large potholes, but overall it is a very good road with not a lot of traffic.  It was quite hot, in the 40's but although the bus was not airconditioned, the windows did open which allowed for a breeze appreciated by all.  A picnic lunch on the side of the road provided the opportunity to stretch legs.  With no gas stations or fast food restaurants to be seen, mother nature provides the amenities on the highway to Mongu.

The site of our "home" in Mongu was very welcome indeed.  What an oasis!  With 6 bedrooms, 4 functional bathrooms, a kitchen and large communal living areas, it was perfect, made more so by the fans in each bedroom! Several trips to the market and local Shop rite had the cupboards filled.  Each morning during breakfast, Lianne would post the Lozi word or phrase of the day, then the hospital bus would pick us up and transport us to Lewanika Hospital where we would spend the day in a variety of teaching scenarios.  We would return "home" in the late afternoon and take turns preparing the evening meal which was shared around a very large dining table.  A review of the day, sharing experiences and planning the next preceded bedtime.  The heat and humidity were often quite oppressive, but the bugs were friendly so all was good.

Participants in the courses taught were enthusiastic and very grateful for the learning opportunities.  Constructive suggestions were given for future programs.  "Come more often" and "stay longer" were a common theme, and heartfelt thanks given repeatedly

The only cool rainy morning we had, Nov 6th had us back on the bus for the return journey to Lusaka and airplanes.  It was early Saturday morning, the rains were starting, the streets of Mongu quiet as we left.  Reflections of the time we had spent, of the many challenges yet to be met would occupy our thoughts as we started our journey with new determination.