A Final Celebration
On our final day in Kalomo, we hosted our final Photo Workshop, complete with a photo gallery – which almost did not occur.
We had learned a long time ago to react to all thinks with a “no problem” mentality, which is probably why the trip had gone so well and our team had managed through things together without any major incidents. This was also to be the case with the photo gallery showing of the pictures our students had taken throughout the previous 12 days….
a) the printer we had purchased would not communicate with our computers
b) once the issue was resolved (faulty cable), the photos printed with what was accurately described as more of an ‘Andy Warhol’ type look (only certain colours worked, rendering photos red and blue – cool if we were aiming for a certain creativity, but we simply wanted pictures the kids could take home,
c) our alternative, putting the photos on display on the wall via a projector – a great idea, it seemed, was foiled given the power had gone out that morning and had no desire to return.
So, here we were – in a dimly lit room, with electronic equipment that was rendered useless, smiling at each other and knowing this was just another manifestation of how life is here in Zambia; no luxuries, and no promises that the ones available to us would work (my shower, the internet connection, the printer, electricity and water being a short list of examples). Needless to say, we sat back and simply enjoyed our time with the families of these students, viewing pictures on Colin and Christy’s laptops, and handing them their cameras to ‘exhibit’ their work to their guests.
Following this informal time together, where Coca-Cola, Orange Fanta, and Sprite were served to excited children, our host – Godwin, from the World Vision Zambia office – and our team prepared a short program, including some special music by Colin and Christy, and the singing of our respective national anthems. We then reflected together on the visit, with the ‘formal’ program ending. We continued to say express our appreciation to each other as we awaiting our return to Livingstone.
We were called outside by Godwin, and were surprised by a team of youth who started to dance and act out various dramatic stories (in the local language, which meant a lot of puzzled looks by our team, especially given the active response by the local people). We were advised following the presentation that this was a drama and dance that was used to educate local people on the values of hygene – which would have been my last guess, given the content. I was even singled out during the drama as someone who ‘had Canadian hair’ as part of the drama. I think it was supposed to be a positive thing, but the jury is still out on that.
Once this time together was over, we said our final good-byes and packed into the Land Cruiser to return to Livingstone, another 20+ hours of flight, and a welcome return home to our families. It was hard to think about leaving, but yet our experience had been so full that we knew we could do so without regret.
My reflections from my previous post sums up my feelings I am experiencing as we drive away from Kalomo, as we see the town become smaller in our rear window…
“I have inhaled the dust of this beautiful country, and long for the day that I am able to return to the dust that I am now washing off by shoes. I don’t know if – or when – that could happen, but I know my heart will return here often…”
