The Bridge Saga....

Well, the bridge saga continues. After repairs were made at the end of December, the bridge held out until our first heavy rain (8 inches in 48 hours!) After that, a crack began to develop, and it is now growing. Actually, Blu came back today and said the bridge is pretty much gone - cars are crossing with 2 wheels on the bridge side and the other wheels on the rocks that have been piled to fill the crack. We'll see what happens after the next heavy rain!

Many have asked what the plans are for the bridge, fundraising, etc. We are unsure at this point how much we are able to do physically due to liability. We have contacted our chief, who is aware of the problem and has been in touch with the District Commissioner and the Mayor of Choma. Everyone is aware of the situation and a Disaster Management Team came out last week to look at it. This is encouraging that they are aware of the problem and trying to make plans - we are just unsure of a timeline and feel pretty helpless! It certainly did make for an interesting week though. If the bridge fills up, certain teachers are unable to arrive for school. Our volunteer team of 4 arrived, 3 trips to Choma needed to be made, Wes & Laurie left today with Protashow to get the team that arrives tomorrow, and our staff of 19 leaves Monday morning to catch a flight in Livingstone - crazy!

The new crack..

The team of 4 arrived Tuesday to a full river - they opted to wade across though! Welcome Uncle Ricky & Aunt Niki!

They (and their luggage) made it across! Welcome to Jud and Denise!

Trevor helped haul luggage!

Wes checking it out - we make multiple trips down to the river/bridge every day to check it out.

Vehicles are still crossing!

After having many trips put off, the housemothers REALLY needed to get to Choma before our trip (to get their hair done of course! And to get money.) So on Friday morning, when the bridge was passable, they set off! (Protashow is keeping the bus parked at his house across the river.

Unfortunately, by the time they got back, the river was fuller than it has been this rainy season, so they decided to take an alternate way home (added 2 hours to the trip!) They were in good spirits though and didn't mind riding in the back of the truck!

This is the bridge you have to cross on the alternate route.

After all was going so well, the truck got stuck. They all piled out to help and were back on their way in an hour (Blu had to walk to 2 different villages to find some men to help push them out.)

In other news, New Day has temporary custody of a 1 week old baby, Elizabeth! We won't officially post about her coming until Social Welfare grants us full custody - they are waiting for her father to bring in a death certificate for her mother and sign over consent forms.

Trevor terrorizing every Zambian he saw with this chameleon :)

Joy sitting like a big girl!

Margaret Anne taking phone calls!

Our team of 14 more arrive tomorrow, and 6am on Monday the rest of us are headed on our Staff Retreat! The team, Gaye, Trevor, Mariah, the Langstons, and Mom & Dad will hold down the fort until we are back on February 24th! Prayers are appreciated!