Hello again

The second week group arrived safe and sound last night - tired but in great spirits and full of energy.

This morning they are still a bit jet lagged but ready to go.

We have had our orientation this morning and are now at the Arcades to exchange money and get some lunch.  Those of us who were at the orientation last week noted that the presenters were much more relaxed and at ease this week.  I do not think we realized how nervous they were last week.  It was the first time that PAF had hosted group like ours - and they were concerned about how we would react and whether they were well enough prepared.  They did a superb job and it is clear that they are more confident going into this week.

There is a wonderful outdoor market in progress here - with all sorts of Zambian crafts and clothing available  - and lots of opportunities for hard bartering - so we are planning to spend a good part of the afternoon here.  As I am typing I am being serenaded by Zambian drumming and singing - not your average mall experience.

Ben has brought some sort of gizmo that he promises will allow for posting of pictures......we shall see.

Tonight we are dining with another judge of the Supreme Court of Zambia - so there may not be time to get to the pictures until tomorrow after we get to Mazabuka.

I don't know if Phyllis mentioned that there is currently a new constitution being proposed for Zambia and a referendum is being held to vote on the new constitution.  Sounds familiar doesn't it?  The country is made up of 10 provinces - and so there are some similarities to the Canadian government structure.  We had a very interesting time meeting with one of the Supreme Court judges last week - and I am expecting an equally interesting discussion tonight.

I have been struck in all of our various meetings and discussions by the fact that the issues and problems being faced here are the same problems and issues as we face in Canada - it is only the magnitude and scale that is different.  And having said that - I am not sure that the aboriginal community in Canada would agree that there is such a difference in magnitude or scale.

There are certainly things that we can learn from Zambia - as much as there are things that Zambia can learm from us.  For example, I am wondering if the community school model may be something that might work well in our aboriginal communities - definitely food for thought.

That's it for now - hugs and love to all those following our exploits.

Jane Murray