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Page 8
Car breakdown
@@@@@After all the meetings were finished and we had visited with the farmers on my last trip to Choma, we set off in the afternoon for Lusaka. We had close to a five–hour drive ahead. My flight out of Lusaka would depart at six the next morning. And at three o'clock in the afternoon, our car broke down on the road.
@@@@@I didn't know what to do. I was desperate. Yet deep inside myself there was a smile I could not suppress. I could not help feeling happy, because I knew that Meishusama would do something to remedy the situation. I also knew that what we were doing in Mbabala would eventually grow, prosper, and spread to other places that needed us. I could not help but smile inside. I knew that more and more people would become involved in our activities. Perhaps it is good to experience a night of dried soap caking one's skin. Perhaps it is a good thing to have your car stop dead at the center of desolation. I began to realize that before anything can be achieved in this country or any other country, it is important for one to experience all that could go wrong, and learn what to expect so as to be prepared. It is important first to be taught these lessons well, before trying to help the farm ladies of the agricultural cooperatives. I knew in my heart that these little calamities were, in a strange and wonderful way, a gift and blessing, an opportunity given by God.
@@@@@But yet, our car was still dead on an empty road at the dry center of nowhere. And there still was that flight back home to catch at the break of dawn.
@@@@@Fortunately for us, one of our group had a home that was only a thirty–minute walk away. So, he went home, returned with two bicycles, and told us he would go to find someone with a car to drive us to the capital city. “Just wait for me,” he said confidently, and proceeded to cycle out of sight. So, we waited. We waited. And we waited some more. At five o'clock, we were still waiting and it was getting dark. There were no lights, so when night fell, we would not be able to see anything. Things like the many deadly cobras that live in the underbrush beside the road. We were a little concerned. So, we decided to move on while we could. We put all our luggage on the second bike that the man had left behind, and walked back to the settlement's guest house. It took us two and a half hours. When we arrived, we found out that our friend had managed to get a driver and another car, and had left to pick us up where he had left us on the road. There was no way to contact him. There were no telephones. So, we could only wait for him to come back. Another lesson learned: the next time I go to Zambia I will bring satellite phones. He returned to the guesthouse at 10:00 p.m., and we finally left for Lusaka. We arrived in the city at three in the morning. Fortunately, I had enough time to indulge myself with a shower before catching the jet back to the United States.
@@@@@All and all, looking back at my travels in Zambia, I have to admit that despite the discomfort and all the little crises, it was fun. It taught me how to be better prepared for the future. Soon, when I return to Mbabala, I expect to see some changes, changes for the better. Already, those twenty demonstration farms have planted new crops, five different kinds of vegetables in their Natural Agriculture demonstration farms. Next we will show them how to collect and save seeds before consuming the entire harvest. November is their next seeding season for their staple food, maize.
@@@@@I ask you to please keep these thousand farmers in your thoughts. It is through them that Shumei Natural Agriculture will blossom and grow in Africa. Although these women are proud, vigorous, and strong, they still need your prayers and your support.
@@@@@If you would like to help the farm ladies of Mbabala build a better future for themselves and their children, your donations are deeply appreciated. Remember that even small amounts of just five or ten dollars, less than the cost of a quick meal at a chain restaurant, can mean so very much to the families of rural Zambia.
Your donation can be sent to:
Alan Imai
The Zambian Project
Shumei International Institute
P.O. Box 998
Crestone, CO 81131
Please make your check or money order payable to SII.
If you would like to support this program in other ways you can contact Alan Imai by e-mail at info@shumeicrestone.org
Please title you message “Zambia Project, Alan Imai.”
Give what you can, but give from your heart, and know that your help will bring you blessings.
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