Sunday 20th - Travelling Day

Yaz and Cat:

Sunday morning was interesting. A power cut meant that we all had to pack our suitcases, clean our rooms, and have breakfast by torchlight. We just about coped and we don't think anyone left anything behind. If anyone did, it was likely the staff as we weren't able to have any coffee. 

Not as much to report during the day on Sunday; we spent about 8 and a half hours on the coach travelling from Lusaka down to Livingstone, where we drove through the Elephant Corridor and encountered some wild elephants in the side of the road. We promptly leapt out of our seat to take photos, but don't worry, the kids were in their seats with their seatbelts on. 

We crossed the border at Victoria Falls and the reaction from the students (and staff) was pretty special. We walked across the bridge in "no man's land" between Zambia and Zimbabwe and could feel the mist and hear the roar some distance away. I think all of them are now eagerly awaiting our day trip next week! 

Sizinda Camp in Zimbabwe is much more rural and traditional which both staff and students appreciate. There are several viewing platforms for watching the sunrise, and you can see the mist from Victoria Falls in the distance. We had our first taste of local African food, and it was delicious! After dinner we sat around the campfire, and some of the Young Leaders taught us some songs. It took the kids a while to warm up, which was surprising considering how loudly (and badly) they love singing on the buses, but after a few minutes everyone was up dancing and having a lovely time. After some stargazing and down time, it was time to hit the sheets. 

This morning, as few of us tried to watch the sunrise. Sadly, it seemed to be the only cloudy day that we've experienced so far on the trip, but alas, we will try again tomorrow. 

I'm sure if you could see all the students, you'd be so proud of how they are conducting themselves. It's been truly beautiful to see how they are interacting with local people, including children, adults and the young leaders. The impact of this trip is already evident and I know they're all very grateful to be here. 

In about an hour and a half, we'll be heading out to work on a construction project in a care home and a recycling project that an ex-student, George Young, has setup over here. 

We promise we're looking after them, and we are looking forward to sending you more updates soon.