Happy Holidays

I wanted to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I am spending Christmas day with Alain Degroot and his family. He and his wife, Anabelle, work for CIDRZ and they have 2 children. I met his family last weekend when I joined them for caroling in their community of Leopard's Hill. Watching all the children perform a play about the birth of Jesus really helped put me in the Christmas spirit. I tried to take some pictures to post on here, but it was too dark. Anabelle's family lives in Lusaka, so there will be a houseful. I am looking forward to it.

For New Year's Eve, I will be traveling to Zanzibar, a small island off the coast of Tanzania. A group of 6 CIDRZ workers are already there. I'll be joining them on either the 30th or the 31st.

A few people asked where to buy a calling card to call Zambia from the states. The best place I found is ZSCOMM. This website lists several different calling cards that charge different rates. I tried the cheapest one first, the “Go Africa Phone Card” and it did not last long at all, so don’t buy it. The only other one I have used is the “Africa Special Phone Card.” It was rated 4 stars, cost 5.9 cents a minute, and works well. The different cards are sold in $5 or $10 increments (some of them have a minimum number to purchase). The first time you order from this company, you have to call them to confirm your order, but after your first order, they send the pin number directly to you in an email. It doesn't cost me a thing for you to call (+011-260-96-642262), so feel free, just remember I am 8 hours ahead.

Britt, Lindsey and Bailey -- I'm sorry I won't be able to wake up with you on Christmas morning, but I promise I'll make it up to you when I return. I love you all very much. Have a Merry Christmas.

Transportation

I was given access to the above Mitsubishi ARV to drive at night and during the weekends. It's a little awkward driving on the left side of the road, but I'll get used to it.

I was also issued a cell phone (+011-260-96-642262). Please feel free to give me a call, but remember, we are 8 hours ahead, so 8PM in the states is 4AM here.

Accomodations

Entrance to the CIDRZ Flats.

Driveway into the flats with swimming pool at the end.

CIDRZ rents one side of this duplex. I am staying on the right side.

This is the living room. The dining room and kitchen are off to the left, and the 3 guest rooms are through the door in the center of the picture.

This is my room. You can see the mosquito net hanging above the bed.

This shower (with hot water) is in my room.

Arrival

Lusaka International Airport

After sitting on the runway for over an hour and spending more than nine hours in the air, I arrvied safe and sound in Lusaka at 7:30 AM local time. Above is the view of the Lusaka International Airport as I step from the airplane.