The Circle of Life!

Ian is now 13! It is so frightening to think that he is now a teenager. He had the most amazing birthday party yesterday. We drove in from Lusaka yesterday (more about that later), just in time to load up the Land Rover and Cruiser to head out to Jordan's Rock. It is a huge, smooth rock sticking up out of the bush near Namwianga. It has long been a site for gatherings and was where Ian's party was planned. We had a fire up on the rock to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, topped off with a chocolate Leonard birthday cake. The evening was topped off by watching the sunset in the African bush. Ellie gave him his choice of her photographs, Beckie and Gene gave him some Kwacha and he received cards from many of his new friends here. He was so moved. I think the day had a big impact on him.

Back to the last several days. I drove the Land Cruiser to Lusaka (5 hours with one stop [Tooters] half-way) to get Keri at the airport. Several passengers rode with me. The traffic was horrible in Lusaka but I made it to the hotel with a great deal of help from one of Ellie's friends. From the hotel, it was an easy drive on out to the airport. Keri's flight was only a little late and she was happy to be in Zambia at last. We drove back to the hotel (Golfview Lusaka Hotel) to deposit Keri's luggage and then took a cab to Manda Hill Shopping Center. Ian found his World Cup soccer balls and we ate supper at the Kilimanjaro Cafe. By the time we were done and headed back to the hotel, it was dark. Never, never drive in Lusaka after dark! The next morning we headed through Lusaka successfully, met Ba Hilali at the specified spot and headed through the Zambian Southern Province back to Namwianga.