Back into routine!

Wow- we have now been living in Zambia for a month! It has gone so quick!
We have had a LOVELY half term and we are both really thankful for the break and time to settle in more.
Most of the time was spent relaxing, playing card games with other members of staff, practising table tennis (as Jona got utterly thrashed by the 12th grade boys!!) and preparing for next term.

One of the days we were offered to go on a trip to 'Mindola Dam' which is about an hour away from the school. There were quite a lot of members of staff who also went. It was great! One of the teachers has a small boat and took people out on it (However, we declined after learning about the resident crocodile -eek!). There was a small swimming pool (with a resident frog!) and an african braai (bbq). Was a brilliant day of getting to know people and enjoying a day outside of the school walls!

To be honest, the journey on route to the dam was quite eye opening. Seeing the living conditions of the majority of local zambian people is pretty tough. Living conditions are basic and a world away from our English housing. In some ways we feel so helpless...but we have also felt really challenged by the joy and welcome many Zambians have shown us even though they seem to have very little materially they are so joyful, cheery and their contented outlook is something that money cant buy ...

Yesterday was Zambian Independence day so it was great to meet with others and pray for Zambia; for leaders, government, young people, education etc. Followed by food and board games (with Jona losing again! hehe).

Jona is now busy preparing for his classes which start tomorrow and I am awaiting the arrival of the rest of the borders this afternoon. The 12th graders returned yesterday as many of them are sitting their igcse's at the moment.

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch and for following our blog- it is a great encouragement to know that people are thinking of us :-)

Jona and Kerry xxx