Nyasha stands in front of most of the books for the new Dadani Library. All the books are now unloaded and this is only half of them. Janco will bring the other half from Nelspruit, South Africa in July when he goes back to Zimbabwe for us to distribute food to our orphans again. They are still in awe that people from across the world would send them all these books. This was/is a completely successful project. All of you who were involved in this drive or who helped in any way can be proud of this wonderful project.
I told you about Memory and the hope of getting a job so she can help the family live a more decent life. She has gone for two interviews after we spoke to Kumalo and CT about her qualifications and abilities. Memory is an excellent seamstress, and she also designs clothes. She has gone all through the community letting people know about her sewing classes. Her willingness to work so hard. Will, no doubt, yield good results. Things are progressing well.
JUST A LITTLE FEEDBACK ALREADY
Mashonga sent us this photo of Memory posting her sewing classes all around Victoria Falls, Zim. She will earn a certain percentage for each student she brings in. She is motivated and working hard to get started.
We left Zimbabwe and two days later wound up at Janco's Dad's house. His name is Willie (pronounced "Villie"), and the guys made us a lovely dinner. I had been carry around a box full of Penzeys Spices for Janco since we got to Africa. It was time to give them to him. As a guide, Janco does a lot of cooking, and he is remarkably good at it. We have had DE-LICI-OSIOUS meals. He was delighted and gently asked us not to use too much of his new spices on our meal that night.
GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER?
Sam Simonenko, Mother of Shana Schutte, flew all the way from California to be part of our mission work. She has had a dream to help African orphans for a long time. She will combine her dream with our work to help many children here. We are very happy to have Sam join Helping Hands Touching Heart in our efforts here in South Africa.
CJ and I won't work her too hard until she gets over the 9 hours time difference. Talk about jet lag, this little trooper has it in spades. After a small dinner tonight, Sam dropped in bed like a rock and we have 't heard a peep from her since.
HOSTILE POLICE AND ANGRY WOMEN...
I almost forgot about our hostile policeman and vicious baboon experience in the same day. Well, let me tell you the stories...
We had gone into the town of Victoria Falls and was pulled over by the corrupt police for the 4th day in a row. He was checking the gears (underneath our Land Rover), all the tape that has to be on the vehicle and ALL the possible lights, blinkers, and hazards. We knew then he was going to keep going until he found something he could write us a fine for. Our nerves were a little on edge from the 4 times before. Janco was outside with him complying to all his requests. When the policeman poked his head in the vehicle still looking for something, CJ lost her temper and told him how ridiculous it was. His brilliant reply was that he was just trying to help us, AS he was writing a ticket. I asked how he was helping us? The Dude said by finding things that are wrong. Well! That did it! I jumped out of the vehicle, stormed around to where he was and went "postal" on him. Meanwhile, CJ was also yelling at him from inside the Land Rover. He backed away, and told Janco we were not being very diplomatic with him and my searing reply was that his corruption was why they don't get as many tourist as they used to because the police cheated tourists out of money making them feel threatened. He became more menacing... CJ and I both calmed down when the thought hit us that a Zimbabwe jail might not be near as comfortable as our lodge. That shut us up for real. Then we felt bad for losing our temper but angry because of the unfair system. Janco just told him that the ladies may not be very diplomatic, but what they are saying is absolutely correct. As a guide he has lost business because of the corruption with all the fake police roadblocks. So we paid the fine and left, still a little hot under the collar. Neat little Tidbit.....we were never pulled over again. I think he told his friends to watch out for the screaming, undiplomatic women... So they left us alone.
THE UNINVITED, UNWELCOME VISITOR!
So! After the police run in, we were a little exhausted what with all that yelling and everything. CJ laid down on the sofa in our living room. Now, our living room has a canvas wall so it can be completely rolled up and all of Africa is there to see and enjoy. I went up one level to nap on the bed and just as my head touched the pillow, CJ let out a blood curdling scream 😵 and being upstairs, I bolted down to our open air living room!! Standing there was a BOHEMATH BABOON! He was between me and my baby girl, threatening her safety... I screamed and carried on. He just stood there, menacing as he snatched candy off the coffee table. He lazily looked around for something else to steal. He was in noooo hurry. If you ever wonder whether fear or protection takes over when Your child is in danger, well, the baboon lost. I charged at him and he took off.. But ever so slowly. Scared the dickens out of me after it was over. But my baby is safe.
So, bad cops and aggressive baboons colored our world. "Just another normal day in Africa."
Stay tuned for more "from The Bush."
No comments:
Post a Comment