Operation Container Closure

Our first Saturday in Zambia was a fantastic day to relax and get more accommodated with our surroundings and group. Today we had a late breakfast at 8:30, consisting of jungle oats, rolls, and yogurt. The jungle oats (oatmeal) were just as tasty as I remember them from last year. The main event of our Saturday was to go into Kalomo town and see the markets there and have our first experience buying items in the market. I was fortunate to be able to spend alot of time with Dixie, one of my supervisors, during our time in the market. First we scoped out the entire market, answering questions all the way. Once we had seem almost everything, we then went back to the shops we were interested in. We soon met up with some of the other students and Dr. Tullos, and I took them through the food market. The food market has a terrible smell due the tiny dried  fish there called kapenta. The Zambians put this in there shema so they can have a source of protein in their diet.

After being finished with the market we headed back to the house where we had some free time before lunch. At that time the internet had been turned on, so we spent much of that time emailing and uploading blogs and pictures. For lunch today we had tuna sandwiches. After lunch we were given the task to unload some materials from a large container. This container is very easy to open, but extremely difficult to close. It requires lots of muscle to get it shut. I remembered that Dr. Weaver and I had struggled with this a year before. This time was no different. After emptying the container of all the necessary materials,  Dr. Weaver and I then had the responsibility of locking the container back again. As I pushed the lever as hard as I could (making ridiculous sounds of course) Dr. Weaver would press downwards, and the Kara would be ready to swing the lock into place. After a few tries and alot of grunting, we achieved success! Soon after though we realized that Dr. Weavers jacket was missing...and we soon concluded that she had left it in the now locked container. We reopened the container reluctantly, but successfully received her jacket. Now we had a new mission. Lock container door with 0% strength. It was a tough battle that resulted in probably more ridiculous sounds and much laughter, but with the help of Kaysie, Dr. Weaver, Kara, and I, We were able to lock the container! Success!

As a group we then sorted and organized all the materials on shelves and had a quick debrief, and then we were given free time. I spent the first part of my free time talking with Hayley and Catarina (Cat/ Cathy) We talking about the differences in our graduate programs and the difference in our accents. (Speech Path Nerds) Cat then had the idea that we should play parachute. Yes, she brought a parachute. You know the kid you play as a kid. A big round piece of fabric that you can bounce balls or, or run under, or sit under. Yes, she brought one, And it was a blast. We had a group of about 8. And we ran under it, sat under it, bounced sandals on it, and eventually found a ball to launch in the air. Surprisingly, it was really entertaining.

For dinner tonight we had hamburgers and then we spent time in Meagan's house talking about what we will be doing the next few days. During our meeting the power went out. I soon went out to enjoy the stars. They are so bright here. And you can see the milkyway galaxy. It is an amazing sight. When the power turned back on I spent a lot of time on the porch taking with Webster and Justin. Justin introduced himself in the typical Justin way, which is talk in Tongan and confuse all the girls. It was really funny. When Justin went to introduce Webster to the girls, he called him the Snowman, which is an inside joke between the 3 of use from last year. Those two are so funny. The rest of the night, I spent with them trying to learn new Tonga words. I think I'm starting to get better.

Thank you for all you prayers and support. Continue to pray for the group's safety. I believe tomorrow Lindsey and Tessa will start their journey towards Zambia, so pray from their safety as well.

Thank you.

Ben