Sun’s up, uuh huh, looks okay…the world survives into another day
and i’m thinking about eternity – some kind of ecstasy got a hold on me.
I had another dream about lions at the door, they weren’t half as frightening as they were before
but i’m thinking about eternity
Up among the firs where it smells so sweet…or down in the valley where the river used to be
i got my mind on eternity – some kind of ecstasy got a hold on me
and i’m wondering where the lions are…
i’m wondering where the lions are… (Bruce Cockburn)
We arrived back in Canada yesterday after another trip from half way around the world. From JB to London we treated ourselves to first class and for the first time in all our trips to and from Zambia I actually slept. The 11 hours in the air for that segment of the flight seemed so short when sleeping on a bed. It also helped us feel so much more rested when we arrived at Ryan and Sally’s.
Regardless, it is a long trip and one’s normal rhythms are a bit out of whack. I woke up at 4am this morning with many things on my mind…..but mostly of the people in Zambia. Seems Africa, Zambia, Livingstone, and the people we left behind have all survived. Our last day was filled with people dropping in to say goodbye to us as we tried to pack up our last few items.
Some Rasta musicians singing for us on our last day in Zambia
We gave a lot of things away this time to friends, neighbours, and staff. Abel and Lefard, who worked their last night security shift at our home, and Jane, our housekeeper for the past two years, were beneficiaries. We delivered items to their humble homes. I can only hope their employment with us has helped both in terms of improving their lifestyle and their desire to have a better life.
Abel's family with Lefard (far left)
Jane's family at their home
We managed to arrange an interview for Jane with a local lodge, help Abel pay his next semester in high school and set up a small business, and provided reference letters and some possible job prospects for Lefard.
On Thursday we took time to enjoy a sunset cruise on the African Queen after each having a microlight flight over the Falls earlier in the day. The microlight was really fun as we soared above the Zambezi on what turned out to be a windy day giving a certain sense of instability to the flights. 
Bob in the microlight
Some members of the LTA Executive took us out for dinner on Saturday night to thank us for our involvement in Livingstone. I have served as a member of the LTA Executive for the past two years.
From l to r. Active, Willem, Kingsley, Marilyn, Bob
After our trip to Lusaka last week, Marilyn was busy every day helping to set up the new equipment we bought for the bands. The first Sunday Night Jam was held at Wasawanga Lodge on the day we left so we will have to get a report on how it went. Sunday Night Jams at the Arts Cafe were one of our favourite times and Marilyn loved playing keyboard with the many musicians who came to perform.
new amp and sound board
new speakers and bass bins
We purchased six extra bags of luggage each in order to bring back some personal items as well as some traditional handicrafts, drums, etc. We needed both of our vehicles in Livingstone to get them all to the airport so Daisy and Kelly helped out. We arrived at 9am at the airport hoping to put them through ahead of the rush but found out the British Airways desk didn’t open until 10am. Fortunately, our friend Henry who works at airport security was there and he arranged for the BA desk to open. All bags went through and we didn’t see them again until we arrived in Toronto.
Ryan picked us up at the airport with his trailer
We can hardly believe the changes in Evan (now 9 months old). He is crawling everywhere and is a real little darling. Now we have to get to know him and he us as his grandparents. 
I leave this blog with two images of Africa (so many pictures will remain in our heads forever). The first is our neighbour sweeping her yard with a small handled grass broom – notice the 45 degree posture. The last is another beautiful sunset – our last African sunset for a while. We don’t expect to return to Zambia until December or January (when it gets cold enough in Canada to motivate us) Meanwhile we’ll be directing the work of our foundation from Canada with Daisy being our ‘lady’ on the ground in Zambia.
