Fr. Bob gets picked up by Zambian police!

So as you can see from the title we have had an eventful couple of days! Starting with Monday Ali, Jill, Joe, and Alexis were at the youth center working on the dormitory. Little did we know that Fr. Bob and Fr. Singini were well on their way to the police station! Turns out Fr. Bob didn't get his visa approved.... JUST KIDDING!!! Fr. Singini left his drivers license at home and Zambian police don't mess around when it comes to no drivers license. We  went about our day as usual after that! We had Lunch then met with the youth groups of St. Lawrence and St. Francis! They are very dedicated to their parish and are trying very hard to get more youth involved! Lastly we were able to sit in on a live radio debate at St. John's secondary school hosted by the oblate radio station. (Secondary school is high school) the debate was where the community of Zambia needs to focus on ending corruption. (They use corruption to describe people taking bribes, mostly doctors treating rich people because they pay them more or in the career business giving the job to someone who has offered you money) some blamed the parents for setting a bad example for their children and some also blamed their generation because they have their own minds and can think for themselves. It was so intriguing to see such young ambitious minds intellectually debating things like this in Zambia.

     As for Tuesday we began our day at the youth center as always then Ali, Jill, and Alexis decided that they knew their way around Mongu enough to visit the Malomo house again. Well we quickly realized that we did not know our way around Mongu and got lost. However we met some adorable school kids and intelligent teachers along the way! Somehow by the grace of God we stumbled upon the main road that at least led us to the youth center to take a breather. Mind you there are no clouds and the weather here is currently reaching 100 degrees. So we now have a whole new respect for the walking culture of Zambians. After our breather we got directions from the friends of the Malomo family and made our way there! Once we arrived she cooked us rice and veggies aside from the main dinner meal she had to make for the youth group meeting. She took is into the markets to buy bangles that the locals wear, it was quite the experience!  Lastly, after supper hosted by the Akah family, Joe finally talked Fr. K into taking him to get a hair cut from the locals! Joe was very surprised that a haircut here is only 1 US dollar.

    Today was pretty lax minus the dormitory work we had. We moved lots and lots and LOTS of sand. So we then suggested to the contractor that we wash and and paint the walls to use our skills to their full advantage :) we have to give credit to these amazing workers that they work sun up and sun down with very little breaks! They are very hard workers! Then lastly we met with the Lourdes youth group and talked about the challenges that they face as a parish. Afterward they hosted dinner for us all. The youth funded and prepared this dinner themselves. As a mission group we will be giving a donation to each parish and sending thank yous along with the gifts we gave them earlier!

So thank you so much for all of your prayers and support again we greatly appreciate them and don't know where we would be without them. However before we come to an end we would like to congratulate Chad Kingsbury on becoming the Gilrs Soccer head coach at Nouvel Catholic Central!!! Goodjob Dad I love you!!!! -Alexis

God bless!!