8-22-2001

11:00 PM

Quite the day. We (Billy and I) just got back to our room from what turned out to be a very busy and somewhat confusing day. First off, we understand that all of our Fed Ex stuff will be delivered tomorrow (Thursday) sometime (which is a good thing because our first concert is on Friday…and the medicine shipment has been found and is being cleared. Both of these are rather significant things to see completed, need I say.

Also, our power came back some time this afternoon so we are back in business. WE HAVE FAN!!! And I can charge the laptop, I went through both batteries…

So, that being said, I will capsulate from the point where Billy and I left with Pastor Friday to look at the Bread of Life church in Lusaka.

Pastor Friday picked us up and drove us into town, to where we planned to buy Kwacha currency. When we stopped in the down town, Pastor Friday gave some money to a couple of guys who were standing near where we parked, and as we walked to the money exchange, these to guys stood by the car and guarded it.

Reality check number 3,023.

We were unable to use our traveler's checks; they are not recognized at most Lusaka exchanges…sorry American Express. Billy had some US money that he exchanged so at least we had some operating capital. We then returned to the car, the guys went back to where they had been and we got in and left for the church.

The living and working places we drove past, outside of downtown, are beyond description. It defies Western logic as to how people can survive and operate in such surroundings. The bulk of the population here sometimes goes DAYS without eating, and those who are given supplies usually must defend those supplies or lose them to thieves. This not to say that everyone in Lusaka or Zambia is starving…it is to say that 90% or more will never know what it means to be full. My numbers might be off, but not by much if they are. Better said, I have NOT seen one overweight or “large” Zambian. Everyone is what we perceive as normal to thin in proportion to size.

Pastor Friday explained that Lusaka has no refuse system…at all…so everyone dries the trash outside and then burns it, it is otherwise deemed a health hazard…though the whole smoke issue wasn’t brought up…that’s why all the fires everywhere, and to keep warm at night.

I’m digressing yet again…so we got to the church, which will seat a couple thousand, and looked at their gear. They have only 2 speakers to cover the room. Billy and I hope to help them hang them before Saturday if possible. Currently these 2 speakers are on stands and not high enough to reach the back of the room. Pastor Friday then took us back to the Lodge where a 20 voice youth choir was waiting for all the Americans to return to, so they could sing for us. Eventually, everyone showed up and they sang beautifully. That was something I wish you could have heard.

Billy just told me to go to sleep…it’s almost midnight.

I’ll finish yesterday’s events, tomorrow.

I love you
W