Tuesday May 26, 2015

Today was the first full day in Macha! Macha is much different than Lusaka. In Macha, there are many dirt roads that connect from place to place. It has more of a homey, community setting than Lusaka. Whew, it was an early morning for us girls. We woke up at 6, had breakfast at 6:30, and then left for a brisk walk in order to make it on time to MICS (Macha International Christian School). We first joined in on the chapel service with the children.  MICS welcomed us by the children singing Togan songs while the teachers danced. Then each child went through the line of MWS players and shook our hands to further welcome us to their school. The ages of the children ranged from 3-17 years old.

Next, we started our clinics. We headed to the soccer field and the first group was the youngest children. They were adorable! We played games, such as relay races, follow the leader, stretching, tag, and head-shoulders-knees-and-toes. Mostly the little ones just ran off some energy and had a bunch of fun. The next clinic was with second-fourth grade children. We played games such as soccer relay races, 2 v 2 soccer games, and head it catch it. The final clinic was full of middle school age and up. Their games consisted of steal the bacon (a fun, competitive soccer drill), head it catch it,  and 2 v 2 up and out (a 2 v 2 soccer game). The clinics were a success and the kids were joyful, attentive, and fun loving. And they all especially loved futbol (which we really liked!)

When the soccer clinics were finished, MWS headed back to the Rec Center for a delicious, more traditional Zambian meal. The meal consisted of Nshima with soup, Kapenta (little fish with the eyes still in), Buntele (cabbage with nuts), rice, and yummy leftovers. Many people weren’t so found of the Kapenta, but some thought it tasted like fish jerky. Coach didn’t even branch out and try it! However, MWS is a daring team and most of the girls tried the little staring fishies. The Buntele tasted like cabbage with peanut sauce, sorta. That was pretty good! A lot of girls also have taken a liking to the Nshima with the soup. This meal was the most authentic meal we have had so far.

Think we were tired yet? Nope! Led by Corie, we walked to an area that had outdoor shops.  The shops were held up by wood with various materials used as a roof. They were very interesting! They were filled with many things. All the girls really wanted Chitenges (Sh-tang-ies). A Chitange is colorful and beautifully patterned piece of fabric. Many Zambian women use Chitanges to carry the babies on their back. They are also used for drapes, décor, table clothes, clothes, ect. We all found vibrant Chitanges for pants and wall décor for the apartments next year. We left happy campers.

More time with children! After school is out many of the children head to the Rec Center. The Rec Center is a part of the compound in which we stay. The Rec Center is full of activities, like soccer, volleyball, football, reading, basketball, and playing games and cards. We played many 5 v 5 soccer games with the boys. Also, there was singing and dancing with Audra, Liv, and Ally and reading with Courtney. We had loads of fun with the kids just doing whatever they wanted to do!

After the clinic, our gracious hosts cooked us another delicious more “American” meal. We had chicken salad. All the vegetables were home grown and right from the garden. At the end of the meal, the plates were clean to say the least.

After dinner, we headed to the house of the lady whom is hand making our pants and shorts. She was so so so kind and probably very overwhelmed with the number of orders that came her way today. Nevertheless, she was a great host and an extremely welcoming woman. The people here have such big hearts.

Just about now, we are all very tired and ready to hit the hay, but looking forward to another day tomorrow!                             

With warm hugs and kisses to our family and friends, Missy