The dial has surely been turned up a notch here at Pestalozzi. I have been able to see this coming for quite some time, but the metal shop is in “full speed ahead” mode. As I will be leaving early in 2012, there is so much to coordinate and a lot of work to do in the shop. We are currently making 48 beds, with a ladder up to them. Underneath, we are building 48 desks and chairs, as a small study area for the more senior students that will be moving in to this area. We are starting two large “Rocket Stoves” (eco friendly, wood burning stove) and a braii (barbeque) pit. We also are extending a roof over this area. Then for the new kitchen, we are building 24 more benches. This is all taking place as we work on other smaller outside jobs that filter in.
So, I am very happy that the village is utilizing the resources that we offer in the metal shop. The guys are really doing nice work and put out a great deal of effort…..and NEVER complain. It is really one of the best experiences of my life to be able to share with them.
I am also training one of the Pestalozzi alums as a project manager for the metal shop. SHE is also putting out a very good effort and is a joy to work with. She is currently in charge of 4 projects that we have going, and is proving to have good attention to details. Again, she is a wonderful young woman and I feel so fortunate that our paths have crossed.
On top of all of this, Pestalozzi UK has recently committed to a new shop building, as the current one will be a kitchen next January 1. I have been very busy coming up with a design/site location, working with the architect, corresponding with the people investing in the project, working with the builder…..and then…… trying to get a business going that is worthy of all of this effort. And at the same time that I try to build the business up, I have to prepare to leave it and assure that it is sustainable.
The foundation of the new metal shop
The last few months are going to be a real whirlwind. But it’s FUN and surely a challenge.
Of course there are plenty of difficulties. But it seems the busier things get, the less comsuming the difficulties become.
I will very much miss the interactions with people from all over the world. For instance, last Saturday, Ilene and I went running with a couple of Dutch VSO volunteers and then sat around our apartment for a couple of hours, drinking tea and sharing stories from back home. Then it was off to Julius and Sarah’s house for a birthday lunch. They are good friends, from Uganda and we always have fun conversations. They want us to come to their wedding in a couple of years. They promise to make us a traditional costume for the ceremony. Julius informed me that he would like a cow for a wedding present. I really can’t wait to deliver on this one. I envision shopping around some small village for a good cow, negotiating a price and herding it to Julius’ house…probably with a couple of little boys to help out.
Julius, Sarah and "the Muzungu"
Then on Sunday, a lunch at a very nice farm owned by one of our board members. The guests were almost exclusively white Zambians that have lived here for fifty years, at least. They lived here when Zambia was Northern Rhodesia, in the Colonial era. They also lived through Independence, a change of government and the country name change to Zambia. The stories they tell of the old days and also of surrounding countries and their own struggle for independence are nothing short of fascinating. These folks won’t be around a whole lot longer and I feel so fortunate to be able to share in their stories.
I find that I have grown very used to this exposure to folks from all over the world. I think it is one of the things that I will miss the most when I leave.
Ah, that’s about all that is on my mind for this evening. I do miss the beautiful Pacific Northwest and my home in the Methow Valley and family and friends. But on my prior posting, I was reminded to “take in” all of these adventures, as I will be home soon enough – and I have “sat” with that. I have no doubt, I will be home for a while and will long for these opportunities once more.
It has been noticeably hotter than last year’s hot season….but rain is on the way!
Cheers,
Jerry
What a wonderful experience you are having and giving. We can’t wait when you both are here and can sit and listen to your stories from there. And yes, you will miss your new international friends, I think that was/is one of the hardest transitions for us still and we were only gone 6 months.
It is wonderful as always to hear from you. The sociality of your work really ressonates with me at this time. Having given almost all of our attention to creating and sharing our wood-fired ovens, we have met hundreds of sweet people that we would not have met otherwise. To work on basic things that are so good for the soul puts this incredibly difficult economy in perspective. It is clear that you have made as much of an impression on your friends as they have on you. Wherever you are, that place will be better for it.
Take care,
Kamron
Hey Knuck! Silently following along, love the updates. Will be in Djibuti next week – so close but still so far away… Wish I could have made it to Zambia while you were there… As always, let me know if you guys are passing through London on your return. xx
Hi Jerry and Ilene,
Funny that we should get your newsy blog today. As I was driving to a mentoring meeting last evening at the Okanogan Electric Bldg.thoughts of your nudging me into the program and your cozy home on the hill filled my mind on that beautiful fall evening with its lovely half moon. So it was wonderful to hear from you today. I must have sent out my message to the universe -”Jerry and Ilene, you are missed.”
Yes, your introduction back into the valley will be even more difficult than your transition to Zambia. Your slate was empty and open regarding all the new and exciting, although sometimes exasperating experiences you were to have. Your world has become so much smaller in one respect for you and yet your world of friends has exploded and your connections infinite.
Then you’ll come back here to this WASP community with its beauty and its limitations. Knowing you, Jerry and Ilene, you will bring back new ideas and new energy to the valley. You know that Barry Stromberger is teaching metal shop here at the high school – wonder why we ever dropped it? You may find that you see us with new and exciting eyes. Perhaps a new slate.
But do continue to absorb all those precious experiences and savor those new connections. We love you and will surely be glad when you’re back among us-but will you ?
Your work has been so meaningful and long term for the people of your village. You’ve given them skills with which to change and reshape their world and you’ve no doubt set high standards for their work and their personal expectations. As our friend John who spent time with the Peace Corps in Nepal and has gone back 4 -5 times continuing to help with their water and sewage systems found out by having the two permanent toilet blocks named after him, you never know the depth of your influence when you give with your heart.
Love,
Judith and Dave
Judith and Dave
Wow Jerry. That was a great entry. It is wonderful that you have been able to bring something so valuable to the village. You didn’t mention finances. Can I contribute $100 toward the project? How do I get it to you.
Much love, Carolyn Sullivan
All sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us all!
Kameron….I KNOW that I don’t have to explain the heart of our living in the basics of life. But it is always a topic that I would like to share with you over a beer sometime
Mysterious K2….it’s nice to know that you are following and reassuring to have “family” sharing the ride
Carolyn….your compassion never ceases. You could contact Kathleen Miller and she is able to deposit to my account…which I can then apply to a project here. But what is your preference? There are a couple of very hard working young women alumni women that are trying to save for college. Their parents have been gone for quite some time and they are struggling hard to get a step up in this world. That’s where my soft spot is at present. Our metal shop is pretty well financed and making money, so it’s been taking care of itself for the past year. A friend of mine has started a school up in the hills above a town called Chipata. Well, it’s really a large covered area that he has had built and he is certainly looking for funds for books, teacher’s salaries, supplies, a water system and on and on.
Judith….your support and heart always touches me. Thanks for your kind words throughout this little African adventure. I look forward to the day that we go out for a coffee in downtown Winthrop.
Scot….another person who I enjoy the thought of knowing that you are following along. I think of the conversation we had about overseas volunteer work before I left. We will carry on with that in the near future….if the universe will allow.
Excellent Blog Jerry~
You have accomplished so much in the time you have been gone. What a wonderful experience. Your writing is so good, you should start on a screen play when you get home. I’ld love to see your experiences on the “big screen”. We are looking forward to seeing you when you return. Chris