Our day started with the usual 2 1/2 hour mass at the Sancta Maria Mission. It was filled with a lot of beautiful singing and dancing. We definitely need to practice our dance moves before we return next year. Marie and Scott went with Fr. Lazarus to an outpost village in Kamilende for mass. It was about an hour away. Kamilende was an amazing experience, the villagers were so devouted to God. They were in the planning stages of building a larger church. It was beautiful to be praying with them. And the ride with Fr. Lazarus was one to remember. He is a very kind soul.
Just before the evening events started we had a nice visit from Michael's uncle. Fr Bob shared a story about Michael's uncle: "In 2008 a young man from a village far away came to Father to say his sister was very sick and asked Father to help him. He asked Fathers advice and Father Bob talked to the doctor and asked him to meet the girl and her family at the river. After the doctor checked her over he gave her some medications. The doctor saved the young girl's life. Today Fr. Bob met the boy who is now grown up and beginning to teach. The boy told Father that the girl has been praying for father ever since. Fr. Bob said no wonder I have been so blessed with all of her prayers." It was a touching reunion.
We had a send off celebration in the evening. The festivities included a delicious meal of cabbage, nshima chicken, and goat amongst other delicacies. We gave thanks to our generous donors who made everything we were able to accomplish possible. We passed out gifts that we brought from home to the people of Sancta Maria. They also presented us all with beautiful things from Africa. The girls all received bracelets, bags/purses made from chatanga material, earrings and a wooden African carving. The men received bracelets, wallets, necklaces and a wooden African carving. These handcrafted gifts will be treasured for years to come.
The next morning we got up early and had mass with the sisters and all of the missionaries in the chapel at the priests house. We celebrated the feast of St. James. It was special because it was our day of departure and St. James parish in Bay City is where this adventure to Lukulu all began 8 years ago.
We hit the road at about 8:45 am. The long 5 hour BUMPY! BUMPY! road was cut down to 2 1/2 hours and the bumps were at a minimum. They recently grated the roads. Sister Pat said its the best the roads had been in 10 years and that they probably grated them because it's an election year. We stopped for our usual lunch in Kaoma at Chimuka's Kitchen. Some of us had pot pies, while others had sausage or even a whole fish. Head and all. We visited a market where they sold woven items; trays, baskets and purses. The money all goes to the women who make these goods to help them to become more sustainable. We continued on our journey to Lasaka after lunch. We were finally on the tarmack/asphalt road. As we entered Kafue National Park we were eager to see elephants, lions or even a zebra. The excitement started when we saw our first baboon, followed by some wart hogs (so cute). We saw many beautiful impala and water bucks. The highlight came when John spotted a leg dangling from a far off tree. We put it in reverse and sure enough there was a leopard sitting up on the tree just enjoying his afternoon. What a beautiful sight!
Shout out to "Chop Liver". AKA Alex.
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