We are wrapping up our time in Kitwe. It has been a great 5.5 weeks here and I'm getting sad to be leaving so soon.
First, I'll update you on the past week...
Last Thursday we went to a recording studio, yes recording studio, that Lillian's son helps run. A couple of the older boys work there and plans had been arranged for Ava Michelle to sing a song with this Zambia artist named "Q". So she is officially going to be a Zambian pop sensation- unfortunately it will be after we leave so the fame will all be virtual. While we were there, everyone kept asking me to sing and not believing my claims to being tone deaf. Another owner named Truth asked me to help with their "logo" and by "logo" they meant "slogan". They wanted a loud, high-pitched voice- I was perfect for the job. So unless they find a better fit for the part, their slogan: "MEC Music Productions... We Jazz It Up!" will be in my voice!
They had a Christmas service at church on Sunday. We showed up at 8:30 am (the time the service was supposed to start) with our improvised version of macaroni and cheese (which was a hit!) Well, even Christmas happens on Zambian time apparently!
Supposed line-up: Reality:
normal service: 8:30-10:30 normal service: 9:20-12:00
caroling: 10:30-12:00 announcements and random time-fillers: 12:00-13:00
lunch: 12:00-14:00 lunch: 13:00-15:00
But don't worry. There was a dance party during worship. They called different groups- mothers, fathers, youth (ages 18-35), children- down separately to praise Jesus by moving their hips. As if we ever think we go unnoticed, Pastor D called us out when he asked the youth to come down. He said, "Risa and Michelle, that means you!" Of course we followed suit and danced with the other "youth". After the sermon, Dr. Mwila asked us to come and speak about what we've been doing at Dayspring. We did (in slow English) and thanked them for their hospitality. Then the whole church prayed over us for safe travels, good experiences and success finding jobs back in the U.S. Supposedly Dr. Mwila is a pretty powerful prayer so we'll see!
Then yesterday = actual Christmas.
Disclaimer: We knew it would be nothing like what we are used to but it was still wonderful, so no sympathy.
We had left out tap water and Weet Bix (these wheat cereal bar things) for Zambian Santa. We didn't have "biscuits" (aka cookies) or nshima and Zambians don't really "take" (aka drink) milk. I guess Santa wasn't impressed with our attempted substitutions because our offerings were still there in the morning, with no additions. We went to Grace to see the boys and hang out until Lillian came to get us. Finally her husband came an hour and a half (still on time, even early, for Lillian) and we went to their home in Riverside to join Lillian's sister, the Mwilas' four biological children, their "burse" (aka maid/nanny) and about seven of the younger kids from Dayspring who didn't go home for Christmas. We had lunch and honestly, the spread wasn't far from what we would have had at home- turkey, ham, potatoes (sweet and regular), gravy, yellow rice, cake and tea. It was delicious! The only thing missing was apple pie...
The boys at Grace didn't have their Secret Santa gifts ready so we postponed to today- hopefully an extra day was sufficient time to prepare. All in all, it was a great Christmas. Freedom from all of the fuss was a relaxing treat and not knowing what to expect allowed for a day of pleasant, simple surprises. Lillian invited us back for another African Christmas next year but I think I'll give in and plan on enjoying an American one (at least to some extent).
Countdown to departure from Kitwe: 3 DAYS! And I feel like we have so much to fit in. I'm not going to lie, I've contemplated the possibility of just spending our last two weeks here, where we've made friends and know our way around and are comfortable. But as soon as I let myself utter that last word, I realize that is exactly why we have to go. We've done what God planned for us to do in Kitwe, at Dayspring. The friendships we've built and invested in will no doubt continue on. The things we've learned- from Bemba phrases to flexibility to cultural tidbits to trusting in God's timing- will make the journey with us to Livingstone, then to Asia and finally back to America.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and enjoy bringing in the new year!
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