We made this ‘snowwoman’ between Christmas and New Years at Ryan and Sally’s house. She was obviously celebrating the world Junior hockey tournament being held in Canada. Unfortunately, Canada lost the gold medal game 6 to 5 against the USA. Canada has won the gold medal in the last 5 out of six tournaments and the Americans haven’t won since 2004. Since hockey ‘is our game’ we really don’t expect to lose at all. Regardless, we got to watch a lot of the games.
Our ‘snowwoman’ has held up well thanks to some cold temperatures. Today (Jan 11) it is snowing for only the second time since we arrived back in Canada on Nov 22nd. When people ask what it is like to experience Canadian winter again after a year in Zambia, I tell them it is more difficult to adjust to the lack of sunshine than the cold.
We will be returning to Zambia in less than a week. We have some exciting ‘irons in the fire’ but also realize the challenges that still exist due to the slump in the tourist market. We’ve had lots of time to discuss our adventure with family and friends which has also helped us formulate our goals for 2010. I guess that’s not too dissimilar to making new year’s resolutions which is something I never do. I actually quit smoking on November 22, 2009 (the day I arrived back in Canada) so that one can’t be on my list.
Last night, we had dinner with Marilyn’s cousins and Kim asked what we missed most while we were in Zambia apart from the obvious which is family and friends. In truth, I don’t think we missed anything other than family and friends. In fact, we can’t even think of anything we want to take back with us that we don’t already have.
Anyone who has been following my blog will know that life in Livingstone is very, very different from anywhere we have experienced in our years of travel. We see many international travelers on ‘safari’ who may or may not get to experience the ‘real’ Africa. We also meet many volunteers who come to Africa and we admire these individuals who take time to contribute in some way. However, most are ready to return home following their vacation or few weeks of volunteering. We, on the other hand, are anxious to get back to Africa and continue our work there.
As 2010 begins, Marilyn and I are proud of our accomplishments in Livingstone but they are fewer than we hoped and establishing a self-sustaining charity such as ours is much more complex than we could have imagined. It is demanding both in terms of time and adjustment to a totally different culture. Although we could have taken on any number of smaller projects we are still enthusiastic and ready to do all we can to make it a success.
We also realize that our adventure is not in the travel brochures. We are very much a part of the community of Livingstone and not just visiting from time to time. Each and every day is an exciting learning experience.
We want to thank our family and friends who have supported us financially and emotionally. Some are talking about visiting us in Zambia this year and that would be awesome. We really want to introduce you to our new friends in Africa and give you an experience of a lifetime. Of course, each visitor also gets two free tickets to the best cultural show in Africa. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.
Hello Bob and Marilyn,
I find it interesting reading your blog entries describing your plans and goals. I wish you well in your work in Zambia.
Also, Marilyn, I want to thank you again for the concert you did for us in the Hanley Hall. It was very much appreciated. One person said to me: “Marilyn’s singing always moves me.” Others also expressed their pleasure. The evening contributed to a good Christmas celebration.
God’s blessings to you,
Gary
Good wont have to smell the smoke when I get back, whenever it is. People will not understand that you don’t miss Canada. But I bet you missed Zambia like I do. Bob, I called you John. Forgive me. marilyn, Happy Valentines Day. You two are making a great contribution. In the words of Churchill: “Never Give Up”.
Dorsey