In Livingstone...

After 4 long days of travelling, we finally reached our home for the next several weeks in Livingstone, Zambia. Although we are a bit weary, we are happy to safely be with African Impact, now.

On our journey today, the realization of that we are actually in Africa began to set in. Leaving the Jo’burg airport, we took a bus from our gate to the plane and boarded right on the tarmac. The flight to Zambia was breathtaking. Above Jo’burg, we saw the tin roofs shining brightly below in the impoverished township communities. Crossing into the airspace of Botswana and Zimbabwe, we marveled at the open African bush and only imagined what unique creatures live there. Sadly, we flew directly over Victoria Falls, but were sitting on the wrong side of the plane to get a view. Once on the ground, we deplaned (again right on the tarmac) and made our way into a long and slow customs line. After paying the $135/person visa fee, we were finally in Zambia!

We were quickly greeted by Jess from African Impact and met our driver Chris and fellow volunteer Perri…who bears a striking resemblance to Leah’s sister Aimee. On our short drive from the airport to the volunteer house, we already saw slum-like conditions with the evidence of poverty all around us. This is going to be some experience.

Mushili House will be our home during our time in Zambia. It’s a nice enough place with a security guard manning the gate at all times. Simba and his family, Livingstone natives, live on the property as well. Once dropped off here, we found ourselves in a completely empty home as the other volunteers were enjoying a day off by having fun in the city. Soon, though, some arrived back home. We met new friends like Phil from England and Kirstina from Scotland. So far, it appears we are the only Americans and the oldest of the volunteers.

To be honest, today has seemed quite hectic, and I would have appreciated more direction from the African Impact staff regarding a whole host of things. Luckily though, the project manager Nix arrived around supper time with the week’s schedule and told us we’d have orientation first thing in the morning. It was a big relief to have some guidance about what to expect. Talking with the other volunteers has us excited for the weeks ahead. I’m anxious to report back with news from our first day(s) of work here in Zambia.

Until later,
Zac