A Quiet, Busy Week

The last week and a half has been quiet around New Day with more than half of our staff gone for the holidays, and few workers on property. I have been trying to get some projects done that I want to finish before heading home to the states in early October. My list is long, but bit by bit (as they say here), I’m making headway.


Even though many are gone, there is still plenty of activity with the children. It is the school holiday, so we must try to keep them busy and out of trouble. I try to go down to see what the children are doing each day, and I have observed several interesting things that they have been doing on their school holiday.

They built themselves a little village.

Mama Joyce is teaching them how to make rag rugs.

They’ve been learning to take care of the goats and other animals with the help of Miss Debbie.

Kalenga has taught them how to do chores such as watering the flowers.

Wes had them picking up trash on the property, and also taught a few of them how to build a rabbit house.

Mama Lala had them down a few times to watch Little House on the Prairie.

Michelle has made sure they had their time of sports.

And Mulenga and Hildah have spent time reviewing what they learned in school so they don’t forget EVERYTHING over the holiday.

Other happenings around New Day have included…

…burning off the dead grass on our land. Wes said he would be back in 30 minutes for supper. Three hours later he came in covered with soot, hot and tired. It is quite a sight, but one that makes you pray a lot.

… a birthday party for Eness, our part-time cook. She was very surprised and it took her awhile to realize it was her birthday. She doesn’t know how old she is. She wasn’t sure if she was 24, I think Blu gave her that age, 34, or in her 40s. Hey, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to NOT know your age!

…and, I’m sure there are other things I have forgotten.

Well, I’d better get back to the project I am working