I have internet. Here in Zimba we have a satellite. When we go to Lusaka there is a dial up connection, we pay $3.00/minute and in Zimba it’s a flat rate for the satellite. That’s why I waited to email you when I returned from Lusaka.

I had a traditional Zambian meal of sigma, chicken with a red gravy, pumpkin w/butter (they eat it as a vegetable), & rape (it’s a green that taste like collars)Everyone sits down and the server comes to each one and pours water over your hands to wash your hands… they offered me a towel but I noticed no one else dried their hands. I ask about this and they said they usually don’t dry their hands before eating but they know the muzugu’s (white persons) do, so they offered me a towel. We ate with our hands. The nsima is thick and you take a piece, roll it in a ball, make a dent in it and it becomes your spoon to dip your food with. After the meal is completed then water is offered to pour over your hands to clean them. It was good…it actually reminded me of over cooked grits.

This week has been busy hosting teams, volunteering at the hospital & language study. We had two teams come yesterday at the same time. I hosted one in my home and the other in the main house. Edi (our cook) was at the main house but I run back & forth to make sure everything was going smooth (I really didn’t need to). Then after the teams left we had 3 guests to stop & spend the night on the way to Livingstone. Then one of the teams returned today and had lunch & dinner here. They were showing the “Passion” film tonight at church. I didn’t get to go because I had to prepare dinner in my home for a couple that is staying over night on their way to Livingstone. Zimba mission seems to be a perfect rest stop. I have enjoyed the company. So as you see, even though I am not doing nursing I have been busy.

Edi, the cook for the main house, has been a blessing to me. She has been teaching me how to cook the nsima, pumpkin to taste good without being in a pie and in return I have taught her how to cook southern fried chicken & make vegetable soup & cornbread. I gave her a small bowl of soup to try & she wanted to take it home with her to eat. The next morning she said everyone like your soup. I felt terrible…I knew I had only given her a small bowl & here she shared it with 4 other people.

The weather is wonderful here this time of year. It is in the 50-80’s during the day…50-60’s at night. I have been wearing short sleeves. The Zambians ask me is I am cold. They bundle up in coats, hats & gloves. July is supposed to be the coldest month. It is very dry…it hasn’t rained since I have been here. The rains do not come until November & December.

I also have language class’s everyday. I think I am doing well until I go out into the community and practice what I have learned. I have entertained the Zambians speaking CiTonga with a southern accent. They just laugh when I try and say something.

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Take care,In HIS GripJoan

Send Joan Email:
jpwallace51@yahoo.com