It is very exciting that the new metal shop will be completed before I leave Zambia. This little project seems to be picking up steam and my goal now is to leave it in a state that Grace, Maybine, Charles and Gift will carry on in a self sufficient manner. It has been a lot of work, but we are also getting wonderful support from the folks at Pestalozzi. We are able to show that it is a viable business and they are doing a great deal to make it happen.
So, we broke ground a while back
Breaking Ground!!
foundation work and then a slab
slab and corner bricks
Keep going guys….we need walls!
ahhhh, Dats the ticket!!
Now, I don’t mean to be a pain….but, do you remember the conversation we had about “high ceilings”?
They say the plaster and roof will be done by next week.
Very exciting….we will be moving in shortly after the new year.
Ilene and I are headed to Zanzibar over the Christmas holiday. We take a two hour bus ride up north, to Kapiri Moshi and then jump on an OLD, unreliable train for two days through northeastern Zambia and in to Tanzania to Dar Es Sallam (sp). From there we board a boat for a two hour ride to the island of Zanzibar.
We’re staying in a pretty low key spot, under palm trees, with a few feet of white sand beach to the Indian Ocean. Can’t wait for the break from a VERY hectic last two months.
Happy Holidays to all. After experiencing a very serious car accident within our family this past month, I am especially wishing you good health and warmth amongst you, your families and friends.
Cheers,
Jerry
Dear Jerry and Ilene,
Your legacy will surely live on, Jerry, through your metal shop. What a gift to the community and especially to the young men for whose lives this will make a difference. This was one of those gifts which you did not expect to give.
your pictures and captions always add such meaning to your narrative. I was almost tempted to climb the scaffolding to help in the efforts.
Your trip to Zanzibar reminds me of our quite, peaceful arrival in Queensland, Australia after months of readying our house and my class for our year of exchange. Whew! Now you’re almost ready to be transition the other way. We were so sorry to learn of your family’s accident and hope and pray that recovery and healing is happening.
Take care of yourselves and peace and joy to you both as you continue to do the work of ambassadors of peace and goodwill in the world.
Love from Judith and David
Jerry and Ilene,
You are an awesome dude and dudette! Thank you for creating such good karma in the world. We from the Methow LOVE you, Jill
Jerry, What a great contribution you and Ilene have made to Zambia, and this metal shop will be a huge part of that. I look forward to seeing you before too long!
Blessings, Rhoda
Beautiful work, Brother. Enjoy your vacation, take care of each other, and come home safe and sound.
Love,
John
Jer! You always amaze and astonish. What a big heart you have. Love to you both. Aletia
Dear Jerry and Ilene,
What an adventure you’ve had, while sharing your energy, creativity, and skills with many. I thoroughly enjoy reading your stories. I hope that you continue to write through the remainder of your journeys and through your transition back into the Western world.
With much love and best wishes for the new year, Leahe