Well, although there was much prayer and concern my lost/stolen items were not returned. I was able to replace those things that can be replaced though….
Matthew Winn, Christ United Methodist Church’s International Missions Director, was in Zambia the last week of June. It was great to have him in country where I could share some of my experiences and almost all that I had learned with him. It was a good “sanity” check. It’s so easy in our western minds to measure our success based on outcomes….number of persons won to Christ, number of churches planted, bible studies taught, etc. My role here is not so simple that I can measure my success by specific outcomes. Building relationships and trust is my main purpose and that is so subjective.
Matthew spent several days with Rev. Sitali Kukungu, National Superintendent of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church, and he was able to encourage me by the feedback received from the NS and the comments reported in his blog …
“We proceeded to Zimba and stayed at the Mission Guest House. Janet's flat is very nice, freshly painted, and just awaiting her personal items from the container that left Memphis in March...it is also due any day and she is quite eager for it to arrive. It is obvious that she has settled in very well...she is enjoying being there and the leadership in Zimba (and the national church office) are very pleased to have her. In fact, they already hold her up as a model for other missionaries. She has truly integrated into the Zimba community, living right with them on the hospital compound, and truly seeking to serve their needs rather than bringing her own agenda and priorities. It was quite obvious that the local workers view her differently than the other foreigners serving in Zimba. You can be very proud of the way she is representing CUMC.”
I left Zimba when Matthew and Alfred Kalembo did to travel to Lusaka. I needed to pick up my replacement passport and check on my work permit. Alfred actually let me drive his vehicle most of the way. My driving relieved Alfred and gave him some much needed rest but it also turned out to be a great experience for me. I was able to see where all the pot holes are. What areas to be cautious those to be extremely cautious. As the night came, I was tiring (it’s a 5 hour drive) and I was happy to give the wheel back to Alfred as we entered Lusaka.
The next day, Matthew, Alfred and I were able to find a replacement for my computer. Once again, I’ll borrow words from Matthew’s blog…
“Today we found a store to replace Janet's stolen computer. After checking a couple of places, we actually found the exact same model, comparably priced. The only catch was that they wouldn't take a credit card. So, while they began loading up her machine, we visited and called several bank locations before finding a place that would allow me to use a credit card to obtain the local currency needed to buy the computer. Then, they had a limit on how much they would convert that way, so we also exchanged some US cash, and then pooled the locally currency we had. In total, we needed a little over 6 million kwacha (roughly $1,500). However, this is a holiday weekend in Zambia and the banking computers where down this morning. So, the banks were packed and when we did finally got the currency, it was in 20,000 kwacha bills--a large stack of them. As we all three sat in the van counting out the kwacha before going back into the store, we had to laugh at this scene. Walking through the city with a brown envelope full of cash, into the store to count out 6 millions kwacha...well, that was a memorable experience!”
All this happened while I picked up my replacement passport, found out that my work permit had been approved and had my hair cut!
With computer in hand and a taxi driver waiting, I said my farewells to Matthew and Alfred. They were headed to Zimbabwe for a leadership conference and I needed to return to Zimba to prepare for the next group of visitors from the United States.
I was able to “hitch” a ride to Choma the next day with Frevia Kuluba, World Hope International. Choma is only 1 ½ hours away from Zimba so I thought it would be nice to travel in a private vehicle most of the way and only have to take a public coach for the last leg. It was nice. Frevia was one of the chapherones for the orphan choir that was in Memphis last October and it was good to see her and catch up. One of the things I needed to catch up on was whether she was pregnant or just eating a lot! She is pregnant and the baby is due in August.
Frevia and team dropped me at the bus station in Choma. It was perfect timing, a coach was to depart within the half hour. I purchased my ticket, said my goodbyes and waited to board. It was too good to be true!
When we went to board it was very apparent that there were very few available seats. As I struggled with my carry-on bags towards the back I was relieved to see one empty seat on the back row. 1 ½ hours…I can do that. Unfortunately, just as I settled, a lady returned to claim the seat I was sitting in. There were no available seats. Now, I was just a little upset that I had paid for a seat and there were none available.
As I made my way towards the front of the bus, the conductor kept telling me to wait and they’d find a seat. I made a few smart remarks (I’ve asked forgiveness) and continued towards the door. The next thing I know, the conductor pulls a Zambian lady off the bus and offers me her seat. I was appalled! This was very unfair and how could they expect me to take such an offer. I continued to leave the bus although at this point all the passengers probably just wanted me to take the seat and be quiet.
When I finally got off the bus I went directly to the ticket stand and told them to take my checked baggage off. They insisted I return to the bus and take the seat they had found for me. I refused and expressed how unfair it was for the lady they had bumped. They explained (if I would just listen) that she had agreed in Lusaka to give up her seat if needed. I asked them if I could talk with her and they told me it wasn’t necessary. I knew then, it was a lie. I found the lady and asked her if she had made such an agreement and she said no. I assured her that I would not take her seat and that she should return to the bus.
Once again I demanded they take my checked bags off the bus which they did. The bus departed and I began to demand my money back. I was told that since I refused the seat they found for me that no money would be reimbursed. Now anyone who really knows me knows how upset I must have been at this point…..I’d already told them I would never use their bus service again!
I’ve gained wisdom in my old age. I called Frevia and asked her to return to help me. As I waited I moved my things as far away from the area as I could until she arrived. When they saw I was not going to argue anymore and that I had the Calvary coming, they chose to refund my money before Frevia returned. Lesson learned.
I made my way home on another bus line and was happy to spend the night in my own bed. Mission accomplished….new passport, work permit approved and a bonus… a replacement computer.
Life is good!
