Nicki here . . . Wednesday, June 4 at 1:55pm local time (7:00 in Lincoln).
Africa is beautiful. It will be hard to leave this all behind.
As you might imagine and from the previous posts you can tell that we worked very hard for 2 weeks.
The last few days have been for relaxation and enjoyment. And, it has been fabulous!
We have been on Safari - 2 days in Botswana and then most of us another 2 days in Nimibia - all at the Chobe National Park.
It is hard to imagine seeing elephants within 5 feet of us - just lumbering by. And, the Giraffes crossing the road in front of us. There was a huge herd of water buffalo and this morning we saw a battle between them and some lions.
I don't want to tell too much here - because you will all want to hear the stories first hand from each of us when we return. But, I will say, it has been fabulous. We would sit outside our rooms on our decks and look out and see the animals.
By now Sharon and Dan are on their way home. Austin has checked into a hostel for a couple of days. The rest of us are at the Ngolege lodge for a night or two.
Carolin, Nash and Chad head out tomorrow as do I (Nicki). The rest (Dorothy, Bob, Amanda, Chuck and Mary Ann) will be heading home in a couple of days.
Rotarians - be sure to book someone to speak to your club about the work we are doing here. It is a wonderful cause for some beautiful people. And, be sure to leave time to hear a little about our time on safari.
We will see you soon!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Our last day
It is hard to believe it is our last day in Zambia.
The workteam has been working very hard. Besides the training program, there has been building of mosquito net structures, drapery sewing, helping in the clinic, etc.
This morning we had a "graduation" party for the participants in the training program. It was fabulous. The students had 100% attendance during the 4-day classes, and they all came to the graduation. There was cake, and punch, and they all received gifts and a certificate of completion. This was an important thing for them as the Zambian government is requiring this training for all orphanage workers.
It is hard to describe what is going on here - but it is wonderful. They don't have the abundent crops that we have, but they have figured out how to combine them to get the nutrition they need. The people on the farm and in the orphanage are generally very healthy which is a good sign. Other than the HIV situation, of course, which is a huge problem in all of Africa.
We look forward to telling about our experiences and how we can continue to help these wonderful people when we return.
We have to sign off now - our ride will be waiting. We hope to write again soon. Tomorrow morning we leave for Chobe . . . and some relaxation time before our return home.
The Rotary Club of Livingstone wishes everyone there well - and we we will return soon.
The workteam has been working very hard. Besides the training program, there has been building of mosquito net structures, drapery sewing, helping in the clinic, etc.
This morning we had a "graduation" party for the participants in the training program. It was fabulous. The students had 100% attendance during the 4-day classes, and they all came to the graduation. There was cake, and punch, and they all received gifts and a certificate of completion. This was an important thing for them as the Zambian government is requiring this training for all orphanage workers.
It is hard to describe what is going on here - but it is wonderful. They don't have the abundent crops that we have, but they have figured out how to combine them to get the nutrition they need. The people on the farm and in the orphanage are generally very healthy which is a good sign. Other than the HIV situation, of course, which is a huge problem in all of Africa.
We look forward to telling about our experiences and how we can continue to help these wonderful people when we return.
We have to sign off now - our ride will be waiting. We hope to write again soon. Tomorrow morning we leave for Chobe . . . and some relaxation time before our return home.
The Rotary Club of Livingstone wishes everyone there well - and we we will return soon.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
From the Work Team ...
We are fabulous!
We apologize for not posting earlier - or more frequently - internet access is very limited for us.
We do want you all to know that we are fine. Everyone arrived and we are staying healthy.
The weather here is wonderful. It is only a bit chilly in the evenings and mostly because we are driving in game viewers (open vehicles).
The Guest House where we are staying is comfortable with hot showers. Lisa always as great food for us to eat.
The training for the orphanage workers, our primary focus for this trip, started on Monday and has gone VERY well. We have talked about general health, disease, injury and first aid so far. Today we are starting on Childhood development. The orphanage is fortunate in that there is a clinic close. But, much of what we are teaching them they also want to know how to handle at home "in the bush".
We were treated last night to a traditional dinner in Peter's village. Dinner consisted of Nshima, Relish and Somp. There is no electricity in the village - we ate under the stars.
The sky was very dark blue and the stars were brilliant - unlike anything most of us have seen. It is amazing how many stars can be seen when there are few city lights to interfere.
Dan is busy directing the building of mosquito net extensions for the beds in the orphanage. Bob is drawing building plans and helping with design ideas. Mary Anne has been sewing new curtains. Of course, Dr. Chuck, Dorothy, Sharon, Carolin, Amanda and Nicki have been working on the training for the orphanage workers. Austin has helped in the clinic but is a "hit" with the kids since he is tall and they can hang on him like a tree. Chad and Nash have been very hepful with many things - including cleaning up an ant infestation.
A few specific quotes . . .
Austin says "Zambia is fabulous".
Bob says "HELP!"
Dan says "even if our trip was over now, it has been a tremendous experience"
Sharon says "I am enjoying the teaching experience - working with these talented and smart women is a wonderful experience".
Nicki says "This is an incredible way to use our time and talent. They ask so little - and we can give so much".
We hope to post again soon. Saturday we leave the Farm and head to Botswana where we will be in a lodge. It is possible that we will have better internet access there.
Our best to you all from sunny, beautiful Africa!
We apologize for not posting earlier - or more frequently - internet access is very limited for us.
We do want you all to know that we are fine. Everyone arrived and we are staying healthy.
The weather here is wonderful. It is only a bit chilly in the evenings and mostly because we are driving in game viewers (open vehicles).
The Guest House where we are staying is comfortable with hot showers. Lisa always as great food for us to eat.
The training for the orphanage workers, our primary focus for this trip, started on Monday and has gone VERY well. We have talked about general health, disease, injury and first aid so far. Today we are starting on Childhood development. The orphanage is fortunate in that there is a clinic close. But, much of what we are teaching them they also want to know how to handle at home "in the bush".
We were treated last night to a traditional dinner in Peter's village. Dinner consisted of Nshima, Relish and Somp. There is no electricity in the village - we ate under the stars.
The sky was very dark blue and the stars were brilliant - unlike anything most of us have seen. It is amazing how many stars can be seen when there are few city lights to interfere.
Dan is busy directing the building of mosquito net extensions for the beds in the orphanage. Bob is drawing building plans and helping with design ideas. Mary Anne has been sewing new curtains. Of course, Dr. Chuck, Dorothy, Sharon, Carolin, Amanda and Nicki have been working on the training for the orphanage workers. Austin has helped in the clinic but is a "hit" with the kids since he is tall and they can hang on him like a tree. Chad and Nash have been very hepful with many things - including cleaning up an ant infestation.
A few specific quotes . . .
Austin says "Zambia is fabulous".
Bob says "HELP!"
Dan says "even if our trip was over now, it has been a tremendous experience"
Sharon says "I am enjoying the teaching experience - working with these talented and smart women is a wonderful experience".
Nicki says "This is an incredible way to use our time and talent. They ask so little - and we can give so much".
We hope to post again soon. Saturday we leave the Farm and head to Botswana where we will be in a lodge. It is possible that we will have better internet access there.
Our best to you all from sunny, beautiful Africa!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Greetings to family and friends!
I arrived safely but tired on Saturday. Since then we have started the physical exams on the orphanage children. Today Austin and I are traveling to a remote village for an all day clinic with the PA Sal. I am getting a new perspective on healthcare. Can't wait to share with you. Mom/Dorothy Zimmerman
To Erickson friends and relatives - It's wonderful to see the people and the Sons of Thunder Farm that Chuck has talked so much about. Their gardens are looking good from the water from the wells from Rotary. Love to all , Marianne Erickson
Though the walls are bare and the desks are meager at the Sons of Thunder School, headmaster Owen assures us that the school ranks highest in their Standardized Tests. I am looking at the possibility of purchasing desks for the school. Nicki Klein
Bob Perrin is drawing up designs for a new church. The foundation was laid the SOT didn't have an idea of what should come next.
Bob and Dan Wherry walked to the dam that has gone out and they are looking at repair possibilities. Dan's been the dish washer par excellance!
Amanda Perrin is drawing up the Nutritional Guidelines and doing the finger sticks today at the clinic.
Sharon enjoyed the Lunar Rainbow at Victoria Falls. Since there is a full moon, we went to the park at 6:30pm and as the moon rose, it created a fantastic rainbow in front of the falls. Sharon will be creating fun ways to introduce the Child Development and Infection Control info that the doctor and nurse have been developing for the orphanage workers seminar next week.
More later. Love to all!
To Erickson friends and relatives - It's wonderful to see the people and the Sons of Thunder Farm that Chuck has talked so much about. Their gardens are looking good from the water from the wells from Rotary. Love to all , Marianne Erickson
Though the walls are bare and the desks are meager at the Sons of Thunder School, headmaster Owen assures us that the school ranks highest in their Standardized Tests. I am looking at the possibility of purchasing desks for the school. Nicki Klein
Bob Perrin is drawing up designs for a new church. The foundation was laid the SOT didn't have an idea of what should come next.
Bob and Dan Wherry walked to the dam that has gone out and they are looking at repair possibilities. Dan's been the dish washer par excellance!
Amanda Perrin is drawing up the Nutritional Guidelines and doing the finger sticks today at the clinic.
Sharon enjoyed the Lunar Rainbow at Victoria Falls. Since there is a full moon, we went to the park at 6:30pm and as the moon rose, it created a fantastic rainbow in front of the falls. Sharon will be creating fun ways to introduce the Child Development and Infection Control info that the doctor and nurse have been developing for the orphanage workers seminar next week.
More later. Love to all!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Arrival in Livingstone
Dorothy, Chuck and Mary Ann arrived in Livingstone after a fairly uneventful trip and are staying at the Ngolide Lodge in Livingstone and waiting for the next group to arrive. Nothing stolen out of our suitcases in Johannesburg fortunately as this is a common occurrence. They had dinner with friends received an update of conditions in Zambia. The rains this past rainy season created problems for tobacco farmers who had moved to Zambia from Zimbabwe. This and the mortgage crisis caused some to go bankrupt.
Tourism is growing with several new hotels. However, the roads in many areas have been badly damaged and marked with numerous potholes also due to rains. Livingstone General Hospital has physicians from foreign countries such as China and former Soviet republics providing much of the staffing as the conditions at the hospital and the compensation are so dismal.
We will travel to the Farm tomorrow when the others arrive.
Chuck
Tourism is growing with several new hotels. However, the roads in many areas have been badly damaged and marked with numerous potholes also due to rains. Livingstone General Hospital has physicians from foreign countries such as China and former Soviet republics providing much of the staffing as the conditions at the hospital and the compensation are so dismal.
We will travel to the Farm tomorrow when the others arrive.
Chuck
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Rotary District 5650 Zambia Trip
After months of planning and preparation, The Rotary District 5650 team is ready to travel to The Sons of Thunder Mission near Livingstone, Zambia. The mission includes an orphanage, clinic, farming program school and church. Chuck Erickson, Amanda Perrin, Dorothy Zimmerman and others will evaluate the orphans as to their growth and development. Other team members are planning to instruct the orphanage workers We have prepared a preliminary outline and will finalize the curriculum upon arrival. In addition, some of our team will be painting and helping out around the farm as well as assisting in the clinic. We anticipate attending the Livingstone Rotary Club Meetings and discuss their programs and explore the needs in the area for future matching grants. We will also view the sites of boreholes (wells) that our current matching grant is funding.
Following our 2 weeks at the mission, we will travel to Chobe National Park in nearby Botswana for a safari.
We are excited for the trip and will keep you posted as to our experiences.
Sincerely,
Chuck Erickson, Team Leader and pediatrician
Additional travelers:
Amanda Perrin, nutritionist
Carolin Roehr, educator
Nash Roehr,high school graduate
Chad Jenkins, high school graduate
Bob Perrin, architect and Rotarian
Dan Wherry, attorney and Rotarian
Sharon Wherry, District Governor
Dorothy Zimmerman, RN and Rotarian
Austin Person, college graduate
Mary Ann Erickson, teacher
Nicki Klein, Rotarian
Following our 2 weeks at the mission, we will travel to Chobe National Park in nearby Botswana for a safari.
We are excited for the trip and will keep you posted as to our experiences.
Sincerely,
Chuck Erickson, Team Leader and pediatrician
Additional travelers:
Amanda Perrin, nutritionist
Carolin Roehr, educator
Nash Roehr,high school graduate
Chad Jenkins, high school graduate
Bob Perrin, architect and Rotarian
Dan Wherry, attorney and Rotarian
Sharon Wherry, District Governor
Dorothy Zimmerman, RN and Rotarian
Austin Person, college graduate
Mary Ann Erickson, teacher
Nicki Klein, Rotarian
Ready for Departure!
After months of planning, the Rotary Work Team is finally ready to depart for Zambia this week!
The group met last night to talk about last minute details and to distribute the last of the items we're taking to the orphanage kids.
Marianne just got confirmation on the safari this morning and encouraged us all to print our confirmation vouchers.
We are eager to meet all the wonderful people that staff the Sons of Thunder mission and the appreciative families and children that they serve.
Hopefully, all of our hard work to develop curriculum for the orphanage staff will be well received.
Once we're at the mission, we'll try to take a group photo to post.
Safe journey to all travelers! See everyone soon!
Sharon Wherry, District Governor Elect, Rotary District 5650
The group met last night to talk about last minute details and to distribute the last of the items we're taking to the orphanage kids.
Marianne just got confirmation on the safari this morning and encouraged us all to print our confirmation vouchers.
We are eager to meet all the wonderful people that staff the Sons of Thunder mission and the appreciative families and children that they serve.
Hopefully, all of our hard work to develop curriculum for the orphanage staff will be well received.
Once we're at the mission, we'll try to take a group photo to post.
Safe journey to all travelers! See everyone soon!
Sharon Wherry, District Governor Elect, Rotary District 5650
Sunday, May 11, 2008
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