Home Visits

Today half of us went to visit the homes of some of the students at Greater Joy. It certainly was an insightful day. We visited five houses which gave us the chance to gain a perspective of what life is like for families living at completely different ends of the financial spectrum. It's safe to say we were all overwhelmed. To some extent, we all knew what to expect but nothing could have prepared us for what we saw today. It was heartbreaking to see how little they had and how reliant they were on one member of the family to provide for what we consider an overly large household (this is because they often culturally care for children who are not their own, if they are without means of support) . This was significant as it emphasised just how fragile each family's situation is and how a household could so easily be left with nothing. Despite this, their pride overpowered any sense of injustice of their situation. Each and every single household owner welcomed us into their home with such warmth and joy that you could not help but feel at ease.  I think what hit us most was in the second house a sixteen year old boy (our age) was totally immobile and dependent on his mother to feed him as he contracted malaria at the age of four. Knowing that his life will always require the help of another was an extremely overwhelming realisation, especially as there is no disability financial support provided by the government. Meaning that his mother would always be under a constant pressure to provide for the household as well to care and support this particular son - throughout her entire life, was a profound experience. This situation really brought home just how fortunate we have been to be born in a country that does provide government support to the people who need it, alongside the accessibility to things that we consider basic elements of everyday life, such as food, water, employment and housing.  All in all it was an eye opening experience that will certainly stay with us for a long time and hopefully will shape the conscious choices we make in the future for the better.

Love to all back home, miss you all,
Georg (Loulou), Clara and Sophie K.

P.S - Jenna said "Mum can you comment with your name so I know it's you".

Home Visits Monday 30th June

Each day that I am here, my appreciation of why I am here grows. Our work at the school is going really well; Mr Tisdale's mural marvel is incredible, the learning play area is really taking shape and our students' wonderful labouring skills are getting stronger by the day! The children at the Greater Joy School continue to touch our hearts with their beautiful smiles, loving embraces and genuine excitement. But today offered something new. A true insight into why this trip is so important, why the charity Beyond Ourselves is so worthwhile and why, despite the fact that you may be missing your loved ones, they are gaining so much from this wonderful experience. 

Today a group of us were privileged enough to go on a Home Visit. This is a chance for us to get into the community and visit the homes of the students at the school. To say that this was an eye opening experience would be an under statement. Our building/construction/painting work at the school has almost distracted me from where I am and why we are doing what we are. The Home Visit brought that reality home. The abject poverty was startling - the disparity between my life and theirs, that is based purely on chance and geography is tragic and heartbreaking. It would be very easy to be very sad for these people, to feel guilt and a sense of embarrassment but fortunately (and hopefully this is not just me) these will not be the feelings I leave with. It would be wrong to pity these people and part of the reason is because these families were proud of their homes - they welcomed us with warmth, kindness and almost gratitude that we had visited them. A truly humbling moment. Yes, it's tragic that in this day and age people have to live in this way (it would not be a lifestyle choice) but that they live with such pride and with such a positive outlook is inspirational and provides hope. My hope is that our world can find a way to offer more equality - it won't happen over night, perhaps not in my lifetime but I feel great hope that in a very small way the RVHS community, along with the wonderful charity Beyond Ourselves, has made a tiny contribution to making changes that need to be made. 

I feel very proud of our young people and I hope this experience will stay with them always.

Miss McEvoy

Down time

Day 4

Day 3

Hallelujah and Heads-Up!

Despite having spent such little time in Zambia so far, we all agree we have been immediately welcomed into the community and they have treated us like family. The Greater Joy Church ceremony was a new experience for all of the Zambia team. We have gained an understanding into how important their community, their relationships with each other, and the appreciation of every blessing they receive, is to them. 

The ceremony was a new experience for everyone (excluding Mr Cocker who has evidently practised his moves prior to the visit) and it was like no other; startled by the spontaneity of their outbursts of prayer and passion, we all embraced the opportunity to involve ourselves with those outside of the Greater Joy School and further our understanding of their beliefs. The Church community was incredibly welcoming and excited to share their weekly service with us and introduce us to their way of celebrating life.

After witnessing how close their community is, we decided ourselves to spend some time as a team. Thanks to Ellee (Eddie's sister) we have been introduced to a game called 'Heads Up' and have been playing non-stop and challenging the Gappies, Charlie and Alex, who despite being unable to score over 4 points have shared their stories and have equally become part of the team, adopting our humour and sass. 

We are thoroughly enjoying our time away and cannot wait to return to Greater Joy School in the morning and can't wait to see what new experiences we will embark on throughout the rest of the week. 

Missing you all lots, 

Katie, Chandler, Sophie T & Eddie 

P.s. Eddie is ready to move out here - sorry Jackie & Steve. 

Sunday best

I'm going to try and get to the blog first today because it is Sunday and so today was going to be a bit special.....  our visit to church.
We arrived at the Greater Joy Church at a little after 9am and as we walked in we could recognise the rows of chairs facing the pulpit and the congregation in their Sunday best.  Little else of what we saw or heard over the next hour was what any of us could recognise as a church service. Instead there was a 'praise team' of church volunteers leading the singing from the front in a lovely rhythmic and melodic way.
Now listening to Paul Simon's Graceland in 1986 doesn't make me an expert in southern African music but I can tell you that this small group of Chimwemwe volunteers really know how to knock out a banging hymn.
Jodie, our English director of Beyond Ourselves, then gave a lovely sermon which was simultaneously translated into Bemba by Angelina, our Zambian host and then Pastor Ospeck, Angelina's husband, spoke to the congregation, explained how the donations are going to be spent and thanked our students for their attendance and the work they will complete.
Highlight of my day?
Pastor Ospeck taking photos of his own congregation as they sang.
Sermon punctuated by Hallelujah's!!
The genuine joy of a group of people who respect their neighbours, their church and their Sundays.

I felt really welcomed by the community today. It was a fun, informal event which didn't compare to any of my experiences of a church service. I enjoyed the visit and all of our students seemed to leave the service with big smiles on their faces.

DAY 2.

Day 2 has been a whirlwind of emotions and team Zambia is stronger than ever. Today we've taken advantage of the kids not being in school and undertook as many projects as possible to create a better learning environment. Over the past day, we have managed to complete painting 4 blackboards in each classroom, dug a trench for a balancing beam, completed the majority of the mural in the outdoor learning environment and have painted all of the back wall! One of the highlights of the day has been seeing Miss McEvoy climb the windows like a monkey to attempt to reach the ceiling. After a few attempts, we ended up having her stand on a table and chair (ignoring her own regard for health and safety)! Another interesting find was learning that a goat farm is right behind the Greater Joy School, resulting in one black goat escaping and bleating.

With the taping and measuring of the blackboards finished in record breaking time (while Mr Cocker was swanning about with a rag and water pretending to clean), we all felt a massive sense of accomplishment seeing them painted a couple of hours later. As it means all of the classrooms now have an efficient way of teaching, this was particularly significant as we will be able to see the impact of our work in the days to come. 

After a short relax in our rooms, a quick trip to the shops (to replace broken water bottles, buy fresh orange juice for breakfast and to sample papayas) and a delicious dinner of pork steak and chips. We reconvened for a debrief in the lounge, which began with watching the Brazil vs Chile world cup game on the television. While waiting for extra time to begin, Jodie told us of her experiences which really put into perspective just how lucky we are to be in the fortunate position we have at home. Hearing that the chefs salary at the Greater Joy School is not even enough to cover the cost of rent, (let alone other basic amenities that we take for granted) really reminded us of the disparity between our two countries. Yet knowing that the chefs cooked all day to provide us with lunch on their day off, when they are cooking food that they would love to eat but simply can't afford, was incredibly generous and was such a kind-hearted gesture that we are extremely grateful for. As well as the hard work of the teachers and some local children who were determined to make a difference to their community. 

We are extremely proud of all our efforts today and can't wait to see what the rest of the trip brings. 

Rhianna, Sophie K and Jenna. 

Blackboards & Billy-goats

Room 5

Today we managed to paint six blackboards both inside and out. We continued contributing to the mural, finished the digging for the tyre trail and balance beams. As well as the trench for the pipe telephones. We also started the painting of the back wall, despite being distracted by the wild goat. We were totally amazed by the stray goat that wandered onto the land. Fun fun fun. Once again, the lunch served by the cooks, who came in on their day off without pay, was absolutely delicious. As a team, we continue to make new friends both old and young from the community. All is well among Team Zambia, however four of us are still waiting for our suitcases to arrive from Nairobi.

Hope all is well back home
Love to all,
Claudia and Georg

ps. managed to change my shoes mum, thought you'd like to know (Loulou)

A productive day...

Day 2 pics

Day 1 pics

Room 1. One suitcase. Three people.

Having 15 suitcases delayed, day one was... interesting. However, breakfast set us up in good spirits for the rest of the day, serving us all a mixture of foods varying from cereal to a full English. 

We arrived at the school at around 9am, driving in to a school of children looking out of the classroom windows frantically waving to welcome was us was amazing. As soon as we got off of the bus, we were instantly welcomed by the staff of Greater Joy (trying to learn the communities handshake at first was funny). We had a tour of the site and learnt about the history of the school from Angelina, and then begun our work. 

We were split off into our working groups, completing activities from: 

- Painting on a blackboard

- Pick axing 

- Serving lunch to the whole school

- Painting other walls 

- And of course playing and dancing with the kids

Overall, the kids' English is impressive, however Sophie T had a bit of a problem trying to keep the kids away from the wet paint on the wall, resulting in Sophie considering Google Translating "please step away from the paint" to show to the kids in Bemba. 

Our first experience was fun, interactive and enlightening. 

We are looking forward to tomorrow.

Room 1 (Honeymoon Suite with the biggest bathroom) 

Felicity, Jess and Hayley 

A Warm Welcome

We've had our dinner and are feeling the affects of our very busy first day...tired and aching.

Despite this our entire group are full of stories of the incredibly upbeat and friendly children and how rewarding today's work has been.

The jungle mural is on it's way, digging for the 'outdoor learning area' has begun (Eve and I attempted to use the pick axe, while our other group members excelled - we are making progress though!)

The luggage has arrived - apart from Laura's, Hayley's, Jess' and two teachers' - how unfortunate. 

Apart from this we have all had a wonderful day and are excited for the week ahead...

Clara, Eve and Laura 

(Hi mums) 

Greater Joy ... the greatest joy I have seen

After a fairly epic journey our welcome to Africa was certainly a baptism of fire! The Airports' baggage claim was a far cry from what we are used to! I joked and took mockery pictures of the hole in the wall that the bags were flung into...turns out the joke was on me! While we had made it to Zambia, our luggage had not! "It'll come tomorrow - don't worry about it!" Welcome to Africa...laid back,  it'll happen when it happens and time is flexible. With a quick shift of attitude, all was well...we had arrived and we had work to do! This has been the first valuable lesson of the trip and set the tone perfectly. We have very easily become materially obsessed and the thought of not having out toiletries, umpteen changes of clothes and shoe selection sends us to the brink! As Mrs Bentley immediately pointed out, some of the children that we would be working with, might not have a change of clothes all week. The word perspective is one that will undoubtedly be used throughout our time.
After a fantastic night sleep we were met with a hearty breakfast to fuel us for the day ahead. What was ahead? I wasn't fully sure what to expect! On arrival at the school I immediately felt welcomed; the friendliness, warmth and sense of community was incredible and infectious. After a tour of the school we met with Angelina and her husband, Pastor Ospeck. Her welcome was one of emotion and passion. A truly inspirational woman, who along with her husband founded the school. Her commitment to children and their education is admirable - a truly wonderful woman.
The group were then divided and given their tasks for the day - I'll let you read their blogs to find out all about this.
My first day can be completely summed up by the title of my blog. The children in the Greater Joy School are quite simply the warmest, friendliest, most beautiful young people. They have very little and yet they give so very much. Their smiles, enthusiasm and excitement is like nothing I have ever seen. They don't have fancy facilities - in fact, by our standards they don't have facilities at all and yet the genuine love of learning, playing and being part of this school community is phenomenal.
I have no doubt that my time here is going to be one of the best I have experienced. I'm so very excited for all that is to come.
Miss McEvoy

We have arrived!

We are all here safely at the guest house. It has been a long journey but our students have been amazing. They even stayed cool when they were informed that most of our luggage will arrive tomorrow! They are now busy exploring their rooms for the week, before dinner. Thanks to everyone for their comments and encouragement. I am sure the students will keep you posted on their experience in due course.

We're off!

Team Zambia have left school and are at the airport. Zambia here we come!

Exciting times

On the coach to heathrow, very excited and a little nervous but all is good!

Claudia 

We're away!

Onto the bus, and we're now on our way to Heathrow Airport! The bus is very hot and full of excitement, but we have a trusty driver, Miss Preston, to deliver us safely! Our journey has started!

Felicity 

 

A few more hours!!

I can't believe the day is finally here... My case is packed and I'm ready to go.. Although slightly nervous and apprehensive about what the next ten days is going to bring, I'm so excited. All our hard work is about to pay off and we have the best team to do the job! 

We are going to work so hard and be the best we could possibly be and make everyone who has supported us proud, thank you everyone so much for everything you've helped us achieve!

Today's the day

So, it's finally here. The day we go to Zambia. It doesn't seem long ago we were writing our applications, furiously baking cakes or bag packing and now we're finally off. I know I speak for all the team when I say how excited we all are even if slightly nervous. Hearing tales from last year give me some idea of what to expect but I don't think much can truly prepare us for life changing journey we are about to embark on. Everything's packed and the final countdown to 2 o'clock begins, when we load up the bus and head off to the airport. 

See you there Team Zambia

Georg 

Zambia - we're coming!

Finally finished my packing - hoping I've remembered everything from Mrs Bentley's list! My checklist has been furiously ticked and double checked and the excitement is beginning to kick in! After months of talking, bag packing, cake selling and so forth it is finally here! While I have some idea (mainly based on tales of last year) of what to expect, I am slightly apprehensive - I feel that I'm quite possibly on the brink of a life changing experience! Look forward to seeing all of Team Zambia tomorrow! 

Miss McEvoy 

Pre-journey Prep

After weeks of anticipation and excitement I'm glad to say I am fully packed and have bought lots of goodies for the pupils at Greater Joy. I cannot wait to meet them all (although I can wait for the hours of travelling that are looming closer!) Looking forward to seeing the rest of the Zambia team tomorrow:) 

Katie 

3 DAYS

Everyone has been counting down the days for so long and now we only have 3 more until we go to Zambia! It's gone so fast!! Exciting times! 

Jenna 

Hat horror

This wasn't quite what I had in mind when I asked my parents to order me a hat for Zambia...but nevertheless, the fuchsia-coloured sombrero is very much appreciated and I'm sure would compliment every outfit wonderfully *cough cough*- such a shame it doesn't fit in my bag haha :D 

3 days to go!! 

Sophie T 

"This time next week..."

Injections are done, suitcase is at the ready and the day has almost arrived. It is unbelievable that we will be in Zambia "this time next week" as I keep saying to my family - hence the title of this post! I cannot wait to experience a different culture and meet lots of new faces, as well as share this time with such great friends. I can already tell that this is going to be one of the best trips I have been on in my life!!

Laura

4 days to go...

We have 4 days until Zambia 2014 gets underway and it's scary how quickly it's come around! It's such a great feeling knowing we're only a few days away from seeing our hard work and fundraising over the past year actually make a difference! We've been packing for what seems like the last year (Rhi's bought Morrison's entire cereal bar aisle and learnt to French plait hair in preparation😂).  Soph seems to have bought every colouring book you can get! As we're both about to be room buddies, I guess you can say we're a tiny bit excited about the trip. Just a tiny bit! Reading the blogs from last year has got us slightly nervous, but we are mostly just looking forward to the amazing adventure we are about to embark on (as well as hoping our welcome home banner is as good as last years!)

 4 days and counting... WOOO. 

Rhianna and Sophie K. 

5 days 6 hours 50 minutes...

Counting down the hours now until we leave for Zambia and I think to say we're excited is a huge understatement. 

On the train home with Georgia equipped with an strong army of shopping bags full of stickers, balls, maracas, balloons and so so much more. 

Last few preparations to make before the challenging task of packing our army into our suitcase begins haha. Wish us luck! 

5 days to go. 

Sophie T & Georgia