Wrapping up and Moving on

Our last day at Chishawasha was sad but amazing. We had our last workshop with the Chishawasha staff, which went incredibly well. We facilitated some work on organizational and team communication and strategic planning, and in the end they said that ‘chishawasha will never be the same’ after the time we shared. And while this is the best compliment we could ask for, the reason it won’t be the same is because of the incredible resources within the staff team that have become unlocked during our time there. The ideas and communication and goals that came out of that session were nothing short of inspiring. We are so excited to see where they will go next and how they will continue to build on the work we did together.
Later that night we had our last dinner – we’re really going to miss nshima. Near the end of dinner we noticed a lot of activity. Shortly, mummy Maureen informed us that everyone was waiting for us in House One. We went over and found all the mothers and children seated in the large living area. We took our seats and were treated to the most amazing display of singing, dancing, and poetry. The children were so talented and rehearsed. The show lasted about an hour and a half and ended with a procession of thank you cards and handshakes and hugs from the entire 92 person family of Chishawasha. We were so moved. Jenny had to speak because Jimi couldn’t get a word out (which was funny because men aren’t usually supposed to show emotion that way in Zambian culture… but I think they overlooked the happy tears for the white guy). He’s almost tearing up now just thinking of it… jeeze man, pull it together!
The next day we got organized and said our final goodbyes. The staff at chishawasha gave us a beautiful gift – a traditional Zambian outfit for each of us (yes, we match). We were really not expecting it but were so grateful. We had a nice dinner out with Philip and Mary and then took a nap at a hostel until our 3am departure to Chipata.
Leaving Chishawasha was SO difficult. We’ve been so blessed by this opportunity and while we leave reluctantly, we leave feeling excellent about the work we did and knowing that we will always be welcome back. As Philip has said a number of times we ‘have no choice but to come back’. And we can’t thank the children, mothers, teachers, staff and Philip enough for all they have given us.
Safari Stories next,
Much Love – Jimi and Jenny