Counting out the kwacha for 50 pair of shoes at Zamleather in Lusaka. Mom and Dad had met a gentleman on the plane from Cape Town to Lusaka that had given them a tip to get leather shoes at a discount from this place. After driving through some sketchy areas in Lusaka we ended up in an Industrial area, and drove up to the tanning factory.
Bertha, the ZamLeather customer service rep, was amazing. Not only did she accomodate our large order in a matter of 2 hours, she gave us a good discount, and was totally excited about the project as well.
With a promise to send her pics of the kids, we packed up the shoes and were on our way.
Transporting 4 big bags of 91 shoes proved to be a wee bit of a challenge, but people were helpful along the way. Here, the bus guys are stuffing them in the bus from Lusaka to Choma, under my watchful eye.
Big day. Here we're setting up our distribution line. We weren't sure how it was all going to go down as the rain was pouring down. But Twembo and Gift were hopeful that all would go well. Gift had been up since 6:30am rounding up the usual kids to make sure they still came despite the rain.
Our regular meeting spot, under the big tree, had to be shifted due to the heavy rains, but the half constructed house right next door proved to be ideal. Here the 130 kids are waiting...
We carried on with our regular Saturday morning routine...singing first lead by 2 of the older kids.
Prayer for the kids
Older kids are always responsible for their younger siblings. Here Chakawa, age 10, has brought her little baby brother along.
Mom provided the morning story. She read a book about the Christmas story and how God had given us this gift. Twembo translated it into Tonga.
Twembo and a little relative (he told me this was his “uncle”…I think the translation might have been a wee bit off!)
The girls always have their hair braided so sweetly.
One of the leaders. Here she's reciting a bible verse.
Luundu and Melody.
This little one could spout off long passages at a time.
A really cute observer.
Christopher picking up his new pair of shoes.
Figuring out sizes.
Sunday and his new shoes.
Dad playing the role of shoesalesman.
It really was a soggy day...umbrella in one hand, shoes in the other.
Writing down the names of the 40 kids who haven’t yet got shoes. We’re heading to Choma this week to pick up the remaining pairs.
Counting out the numbers
Another satisfied customer. We are all so thankful to everyone who supported the Christmas shoe project. School starts Jan 7.
