Inverness County Cares in Zambia: # 66 February 24, Aaron Andrew

This morning we bade farewell to the Chalice staff. They are on the way to Kawambwa with Sr Marjorie and Sr Agnes. After breakfast we went to our posts. Job descriptions were adjusted and we all went to work. John and John did a count of windows that need glass replacement and fixes to the mechanism which close the windows. Last visit here we didn’t repair window so the numbers of replacement panes are high-113. Often it is the window locks and opening mechanism which is faulty and the windows break when they swing in the wind.

John MacInnis used his electrical skills to install light fixtures and John Gillies is the scribe and keeps track of repairs needed and repairs completed. They met with Sr Auxillia and 9 priorities concerning infrastructure were set.

Colleen worked with 14 junior high student mentors and two teachers, Mr. Miller and Ms. Memory. A very keen group, who caught on very fast. They had so much fun playing, Crazy Eights, Old Maid, War and Go Fish. They will in turn teach their teachers and other students.

Charlotte was working with Rebecca a teacher who is blind and Charlotte a gave a braille lesson. We marvel at the abilities of teachers who are severely visually impaired or blind. They are very effective teachers and their classrooms are well managed.

Betty Jane went right back to the music room until 2:45. He worked with Blessings on the violin and then some boys who she played guitar with last trip came for more lessons. guitar 17 boys and girls came for lessons, they were soon playing Kumbaya.

Today it poured from noon till 3:30, a raincoat and umbrella are essentials here. At 3:00 we sloshed through the puddles to visit Bishop Aaron Andrew, Fr Leonard, Br Fenwick and Fr. Kelvin at their home. Bishop Aaron Andrew is 92 and still makes crosses to give away as gifts. He is still very sharp and is a great story teller.

We went on to the student’s mass and enjoyed the beautiful harmonies of their hymns. After mass we had some down time before supper. Some of us watched Sr. Matilda make the most wonderful doughnuts. They are very, very good. The industrious sisters sell popcorn and doughnuts to the students who have some pocket money. We hope to get her recipe tomorrow. After supper we distributed many of the gifts provided by the wonderful people of Inverness County and beyond. Happy sisters!!!

After supper we brought out the bags of items donated by people in Inverness County and other areas and the sisters gratefully received them. There were lots of squeals of delight, reminding us of the barrels of clothing we used to get from Boston in the 50s and 60s.