Sixteenth week in Zambia 🔆🇿🇲

Week from July 14th to 20th

I’ve found a bit more time to go back to writing day by day… I like it better this way… so this week you’re getting a short update for each day!

July 14 – Visas and Bracelets

In the morning, we went to the NHQ to request an early renewal of our visa, since next week we’re planning to leave for a one-week vacation in Livingstone. Fingers crossed we don’t get arrested and actually manage to leave safe and sound, haha. In the afternoon, we had a workshop with Poli, a girl from our project who spent six months near Lusaka and is now heading back home to Bulgaria. She taught us how to make the bracelets she used to create and sell, so we can pass the skills on to our MAPSA girls. A way to help the team self-fund and leave behind something useful even after we’re gone. Evening spent between reports, articles, and the blog – at least a bit of relaxation, although I can never really sit still.

July 15 – KO Day, But Never Still

I wasn’t feeling too well, but I still joined the kids’ training early in the morning. Better to be out and about than staying at home, right?In the afternoon, Jamoca moved house – couches on the street and total chaos, haha.Then we had a value addition training session with the Under 15s and the girls, learning how to make ribbons and bonnets. At the end of the day: fruit and veggie shopping in town (with a ride from Gift Honda). Big discovery: zucchinis! I hadn’t found them here until now… and for those who know me, they’re one of my favorite vegetables – I was in withdrawal!

July 16 – New Houses and Baby Gang

In the morning, we had a training on savings, then we visited Jamoca’s new house.In the afternoon, I cooked nshima with some new friends and then went to the field to follow the training.Of course, as you already know, there are always kids at the field! Between sunglasses and photos… we looked like a baby gang!!!

At the field, something funny often happens: when I wear tops that leave my back uncovered, the kids start touching my moles. For them, they’re little mysteries to explore. They look at them with curiosity and begin touching each one… one by one.Oh, those rascals. Especially because some of the moles on my back stick out a bit, and I’m always scared they’ll accidentally rip one off, haha

July 17 – First Times and Birthdays

Since arriving here in Zambia, I’ve been observing everything around me, gathering inspiration. But lately, I’ve been trying to focus more clearly on what I want to do once I’m back – to start building my future. Today I had my first job interview entirely in English – a real mix of anxiety, satisfaction, and adrenaline. In the afternoon, we went to celebrate the birthday of one of the girls from the youth team: football, laughter, a bit of French with those who don’t speak English, and finally a quick grocery run.

I also started football training with one of the boys from the team (Jo)... who sometimes has the time and patience to teach me. For now, I don’t need much: I use a ball that Jo had punctured, but it works perfectly to start with. That day, he was training me barefoot, since he didn’t have any shoes… and during practice, his socks completely tore apart. That’s where the idea for the little gift the next day came from (see July 18).

July 18 – Savings, Stitching, and 20km on Foot

In the morning, another training session on savings. Then back home and some computer work. In the middle of it all, I paid 35 kwacha for 3 hems, and prepared a special gift: football socks for Jo, since his had ripped while training me. As always, I got home late… but with 20 kilometers walked to avoid paying for taxis.

July 19 – Matches, Panic, and Pizza

Morning matches, just like every Saturday. This time we decided to give the kids a small snack after the games.Panic: around the field there were also many other children and people not involved in the match… and when I started handing out the food, a huge crowd formed around me.I felt uncomfortable – I really wished I had something to give to everyone.

Evening with pizza together with his brothers, and then finally... sleep.

July 20 – Cleaning and the Field

Big cleaning day: kitchen, hallways, bathrooms, clothes… everything. Then a bit of computer time to relax, and in the afternoon, a friendly match (not MAPSA, not Mapalo All Blacks, but other teams).I like moving around and changing the air a bit… and today was finally a day where I managed to do everything.

Word of the Week

Panono panono = slowly slowlyI always use it when people speak Bemba… hoping I might understand something, haha.I also say it when the kids pull my hair or hug me a little too enthusiastically.

Photo of the Week

Annebelle

Updates

Our vacation has been postponed to August.We decided to delay the trip both to avoid any issues with the visa and because next week there's a super important match we absolutely cannot miss – Jamoca asked us to be there too, so… we’ll be present and pumped. In the meantime, we’re planning where to go… stay tuned for the full itinerary!