our last Saturday in Africa

Our last Saturday in Africa passed way too quickly and very quietly as we had a “free day” to allow students to begin studying for the final on Monday.  That being said, I have a sneaking suspicion that most students spent the day out and about – going to the market, visiting their host families, getting freshly baked rolls right out of the oven in the village store, buying more citenge’s at Gideon’s or Joe’s, or just relaxing and resting at the dorm.   A few got up super early (5:30 a.m.!) to watch the sun rise at the water tower.  (See the photo at the end of this blog taken by Melina for the beautiful view!) A few ventured out to the children's bible school they hold every Saturday morning nearby.  Larry picked up a bunch of rolls for us to take on our long drive 

back to Livingstone on Monday.  He also once again showed off his new lemonade-making skills, treating us to freshly squeezed lemonade at both lunch and dinner!  (What a gifted professor!)

A few of the ladies in the group went back to Vera’s to pick up their outfits, and a few spent hours having their hair braided African-style!  Here are Tamara and Alicia (who is also wearing a traditional African headdress) showing off their new do’s!

This morning, I met Jillian, a Johns Hopkins University student who arrived last night and will be doing research in Macha for the next three months.  I gave her a “tour” around the village and was amazed at how comfortable and at home I feel here after only a few weeks.  I’ll admit I was more than a little jealous of Jillian for her ability to stay for three months!  I know many (if not most) of us will leave pieces of our hearts here on Monday when we depart. 

We were treated to yet another feast at dinner, and picked up bags of unroasted peanuts that we’ve shelled the past few days to bring home and share with our loved ones.  I think whenever I see a peanut from here on out, I’ll think of Zambia!

Tomorrow morning is a special church service that will “begin” early (on African time that could be anywhere from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.!) and last into the early afternoon.  Our group will be sharing a song with our Zambian brothers and sisters during the service!  While some of us carry tunes in leaky buckets, we can definitely make a joyful noise!  And we intend to do so!  Then we’ll have the afternoon to pack (sob!) after lunch before having our last dinner in Macha (double sob!), followed by a debriefing session on Sunday night, where we’ll start to talk more about what going home will feel like (triple sob!).  Continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue to process this incredible experience!  Pray also for safe travels as we go!

I’ll write one more post tomorrow night (Sunday) and then we’ll be off and without internet access until we return to the States on Saturday, June 13th!  I know that as excited as we are to see our family and friends and share about our experiences, we’re also praying the next week goes VERY SLOWLY!