This trip to Zambia was incredible. A special thanks to all of the people that sponsored me to go. It would not have been possible without you. I hope that this blog has been a bit more of an insight into some of the thoughts and feelings that I have had on the trip. I have a love for Africa after going on this trip and will possibly be pursuing missions and development work in Africa sometime in my future.
I called this blog A Plumbline View, an engineer’s keyboard for a reason I have not yet described. A plumbline is a tool used by engineers to measure how straight something is. Engineers look for things to be straight and in order. I am no exception as I plan on being one after completing my schooling. I knew going into this that I would try to make things fit our North American view and the “proper” way. An excellent example was the squat toilets for Kafubu. I was looking for the North American way to do things. In that way I called my blog Eye of the Plumbline, because I knew that even though I would try to figure things out my way they would be different. I hope you have enjoyed seeing Africa from my perspective and if you would like to hear more about it I am always willing to share.
The Lord has shown so much of Himself on this trip. I have learned a lot about myself, creation, Zambian culture and the love of God that transcends all generations and cultures.
Blessings as you go out to serve Him in all that you do.
Soli Deo Gloria
To God Alone be the Glory!
Nathan Couperus
Co-mingling
An example of how the species interacted in the wild, a herd of elephants and a couple of giraffe crossed paths and were available for a photo opportunity.
Hippos
A group of hippopotamus's enjoying the mud, water, and sunshine. But, do not get too near, or they will charge!!
Crafty
A mask at the market in McCooney. A display of both the skill of the artisans and the way we felt a bit deceived of their lifestyle
Victoria Falls
The corner of Victoria Falls, we couldn't see any more because of the mist. There are pictures of the entire thing on google images if you want to see what the entire thing looks like.
Bob's Bananas
Hannah learns how to divide the bananas into hands from Bob who runs the Northrise Farm. In the back ground you can see the bunch on a cord, with the bananas being cut out by another Northrise farm employee.
Prosthetic legs
A man puts the finishing touches on a prosthetic leg. This was one of the two shops that build them in Zambia.
Bridging Cultures
I shake hands with Victor, or do I?
Dressed for the weather
While the North American group dresses in short sleeves Zambians are dressing for winter as temperatures drop below 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Farenheit)
Permanent Basins
Here are the small basins that the center was teaching the farmers to plant within in order to conserve nutrients between years.
Group Huddle
The group gathers for a debrief on what is left to do on the plot before we finish up work. The bucket irrigation kit is in the foreground.
True view
Nathan and Kaongolo show who was really shaking hands as the trick is revealed.
The bore holes
10 bore holes converge in a larger basin.
Lunch Conversation
Students converse over a lunch of Nshima
Fresh fish
Fish cooked by myself and Kaongolo. It tasted and smelled better than it looked if you were wondering.
Burying Tradition
Two women do men's work as they complete the labour intensive task of filling in a trench.
An Introduction to the Pilot Project
The Kafubu engineer gives fellow engineer Dalton a description of why the community chose squat toilets. You can see the foundation for three units that will soon be separated by walls.
Cow
One of the varieties of cow they had there, I'm not exactly sure which type it is. Notice the stampede of cows beside her right ear.
A bridging of cultures
Round bales lie next to a banana plantation illustrating two different agricultural staples
The Bus is Here
The guys prepare to load the bus at the dormitory before school. What you do not see is all of the guys scrambling in the dormitory to get out on time. (They were on Zambian time where as the bus followed North American time.)
What lies in the Future of these Children?
One of Nathan Rider's photos of a boy in Chipulieusu.
Chipulieusu Children
A few of the children in Chipulieusu. This photo was also taken by Nathan Rider. Notice the child with the bow around his neck, the children pointing their fingers like guns, and the hand with the slingshot. These children were found of games of war.
Dorm Life
Excellent conversation breaks out on dating and North American Values
The Cooks
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My fellow chef and teacher Kaongolo and I pose after creating 17 portions of Nshima and fish. The guys enjoyed it even though they had to wait until 10:00pm to consume it.
The Serious Dorm Guys
This is an odd picture of the guys. One would not see the guys in this mood on a regular basis as they warm up quickly to strangers. This seriousness was a rare occasion so I thought it was worth documenting.
The guys as we know them
These are the guys as they can be seen on a typical evening. They were college students who enjoyed laughing and having a good time.
Tim Hortons in London
Sightseeing in London
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