Pizza, Furniture, and Life

PIZZA
When you are away from home, there just is not anything quite like things that are familiar. Every once in awhile, Kyle and I realize we want the things that were so readily available back home. It is on these "desperate" days that I strive to re-create whatever we desire with what I can find in Zambia.

Now given the nature of Shoprite, the local grocery, it is difficult to know what you are going to be able to find, as on any given day/week Shoprite will be missing some (or many) important ingredients. However, there was one night that with great success we were able to make a homemade pizza. Below you can see pictures. Our toppings were homemade pizza sauce, green pepper, soy pieces, and cheese!

FURNITURE
Also, we are happy to report that our furniture has finally arrived. Our landlord bought it in Malawi and brought to us last week. This week we went to "the Downshops" (an area of Chipata with primarily Indian owned businesses and also the part of town where you can usually find what you are looking for, as long as you are willing to wander for a bit) and bought cushions and fabric. We hired a tailor and had the cushions covered. Believe it or not, it is not hard to find a tailor. Many trained men and women set up business right in front of shops that sell fabric. They use old singer sewing machines that require no electricity!

WORK
Work is going well. The Christian school has requested that I make a presentation in January about discipline in the classroom. So I am working together with the Senior teacher over the next few weeks to develop a presentation that will be most appropriate for the teachers and administration. The school went on year-end break November 30th. The Zambian school year is three terms with a 30day break between each term. The new school year starts in January.

Kyle is also staying busy working with the Christian school's accountant to create current financial monthly records. It can be challenging work, as the pace is slower here and Kyle must be patient about the process. He also continues to encourage CBI to focus their vision, however, December marks the beginning of the rainy season AND the beginning of work slowing down. With the approaching holiday and unpredictable weather, it is hard to get anything done as meetings and gatherings are often canceled last minute due to inclement weather.

Eid ad-Adha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_al-Adha)
Monday, December 8, was an important holiday for Muslims around the world and in Chipata. This holiday commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Ishmael and God provided a ram. All over Chipata the groaning of goats could be heard, especially just over our rear wall! After they slaughter the goats, they share with friends, neighbors, and people in need. On this day, Kyle had the opportunity to go prayer walking near the mosque in the Downshops during the afternoon prayer. He joined another young, Zambian missionary who was sent to Chipata to reach out to the Zambian Muslim community. Below is a picture of the missionary, in the middle, and two Zambian Muslims with whom he has spent time. In the background is the the mosque.


RAINY SEASON
I can say with confidence that rainy season has officially begun! It pours for at least an hour just about everyday. However, I am not complaining because we have managed to stay dry and the rainy season is ripening the mangoes, so Kyle and I eat fresh mango from our yard just about every morning with breakfast!

MALAWI
Kyle and I just want to let everyone know that on Saturday we are going to Malawi for a spiritual retreat. We will return next Thursday. If you try to contact us, we may be out of reach, but will be sure to get back to you when we return.