Our last days in the village...

Ennie grinding corn: she tried to teach us but I could never keep up with her!

Playing 'drums' on a water barrel with Avery's grandaughters Sandra & Patricia

One more picture together...getting ready say our goodbyes to our dear friend Simon


Ennie preparing the 'sweet drink' for the Celebration the next day

While Ennie's beautiful daughter, Juite looks on

The Global Village Team with locals, HFH Zambia affiliate staff & volunteers in front of Ennie & Michael's new home



Everyone was invited to celebrate at the Dedication party which took place at Michael & Ennie’s, where a Bible was presented to each family as ceremonial ‘keys’ to their new homes.

There were beautiful speeches and the afternoon was filled with impressive talents - singing, dancing, and drummers who had come to perform for the special event.

The happy new homeowners, Michael & Ennie (above) and Irad & Barbara (below)



Let's get this party started!!! Simon leads the way for the dancing as the ladies keep the harmonious songs flowing even before the drummers begin to play...

It doesn't take long and almost everyone is up...
It was hard keeping up with the dance moves and, though we tried as they patiently showed us, we probably provided more comic relief than anything. Everyone had fun regardless.

The women all looked so radiant in their brightly colored Chitenje's

Local drummers came in to perform for the special event

Even the little ones put us to shame with their moves!

We had worked with the family in creating a Family Tree diagram on paper,

which we displayed at the Celebration.

Everyone, both young and old, seem to enjoy the party!

Even Ennie's father (far left) kept up with the best of them!

***

We enjoyed an unforgettable dinner and campfire with the family that evening, where we were honored with farewell songs led by Ennie and her beautiful voice.
This last night under the Zambian stars was like a dream, I’ll always remember their incredible harmony and the sincerity in their voices as they put each of our names into a chorus. One song addressed each of us and went something like this..."if we do not meet again, we will see you in heaven..." Once again, like with so many other moments during our stay, this had such an impact on us and I found it a challenge just holding back my emotions. Their voices epitomized the joyful finality in the build, the love we felt for this wonderful family who had become our friends, the sadness of the reluctant goodbyes we would soon have to say, and finally,

the incredible opportunity of the journey itself.

To our dear & wonderful ladies, a very special Zikomo! Thank you!

For giving us your time and your friendship and for allowing us into your homes, lives and hearts. For your warmth & patience, from your introduction to your farewell, the memories in between will stay with me forever. In the words of Fidas “We will not forget you”, truth be told I am convinced that with friends like this, ‘forgetting’ would not be possible for any of us.

Avery looking stunning in green

Fidas with her ever-gorgeous smile

The beautiful & strong Annie
with youngest son Jackson.

***

To our all our friends in Zambia and to those of this beautiful country who allowed us the privilege of being their guests and working side by side with them, I say once more in Nyanja, Zikomo! Thank you!

Saying a reluctant goodbye to one of many beautiful sunsets I will always miss...

***

For our last morning in Namununga I write...

So this is goodbye...this has been an unforgettable journey for which I am so grateful to have been part of, and I have no doubt in mind this will not be my last time here. Africa has always had a hold on my heart for as long as I can remember, and now my blood runs thick with the desire to return. As an African-born friend of mine told me before I headed over to this incredible country: "I know you will love Africa Miranda, and Africa will love you back"...a love that became so real and overwhelmed me more than I ever dreamed possible. So this is a very reluctant and temporary goodbye –or ‘Salani bwino’ – until next we meet again!