“I drove up, backed up the truck, unloaded the wheelbarrows and Emmanuel (Headmaster) asked me to come into his office. I walked in, he asked that I sit down and wait. Then he said we have a special program, but first you have to remove your glasses…”You’re under arrest and I have to blindfold you”. I asked “what’s my crime?” In Emmanuel’s typical fashion, he said, “Have faith”.

Then, blindfold on, Emmanuel escorts me, with no clue where we’re going. After a few stumbles, we got to the green school block and then a chorus rings out,

“WE HAVE A NEW BABY!!”  SPLASH !!!!!!!

I’m doused with buckets of water! I take the blindfold off and it’s all the teachers laughing their heads off. Turns out, it’s Zambia custom to celebrate a birth (in this case, my birthday) in this fashion. I was drenched and am still drenched as I sit and type this!!

After, I was escorted into the new yellow classroom, teachers waiting, with a desk at the front, all of the other desks removed, a single candle burning, a birthday card on the table and the festivities began. Class after class after class after class, children came in and presented me with a song, a poem, a tribal/native dance; it went on for 30 minutes! It was very, very, very special. To hear beautiful children’s voices echoing off  the walls of the classroom. A letter home like this can’t possibly do it justice, but I know you all know that it reaches into something deep inside you that’s indescribable.

And then for you Chellie, they held a candlelight service in your honor. Emmanuel opened it up by telling the kids and teachers they wanted to do something special to ensure you heal properly so you’ll be back soon again. It started with a native song- soft, gentle, kind and very, very touching. Then one of the teachers read a passage from the bible, followed by another teacher saying a prayer for your safe recovery and thanks for you.  There is no force in the celestial system that could possibly stand up against such touching love. It was truly like a chorus of angels.”

 A letter home from Kevin at Charity Community School (also known as Chimoza Community School)