On the road again

My counterpart and I biked to a nearby farm (15 km) where the Star (Society tackling AIDs through Rghts) Circle was working in their community gardens.  It was one of those amazing days which are just full of discovery and positive vibes.  The weather was conducive to biking--between rains and cool.  The scenery was lush green (not at all like the picture above which was taken during dry season).  The best scenery were the butterflies.  They were so varied in size and color and flitting in front of us like they were thumbing their noses, saying "NaNaNaNaNah Nah!  We are the ones that got away!"  They knew I was cheering for them as catepillars in November when their cousins got caught and eaten.  I always rooted for the ones who would make it to the other side to entertain us with their beauty. One even let me observe her at close range drinking deeply of the nectar of the flower stamen from which she hung all relaxed--probably in a sugar coma.
We arrived during the Star Circle meeting when the treasurer and president were giving out loans to buy seed and fertilizer to members who paid back their first loans.  As this was occuring one-on-one, the other members were hoeing the fields.  The treasurer asked if it was true that I would help them get a hand pump to irrigate their fields during dry season.  I said "Yes" and raced up here to Kasama (not by bike) to write a grant for them.  Since the members are all touched by HIV--either living positive or surviving family of AIDs victims, they can get help through PEPFAR--the US Presidents' AIDs fund.
The chairwoman invited us to her home for a drink made of corn (I know, I know).  I was shocked to see a cool grape arbor and many potted plants in the yard--very European-- and then learned that her husband had been to Italy and Switzerland when he worked for an international company.  He even brought back a grape vine which grew well and bore fruit. These people have vision and will be very valuable in teaching their members better farming methods.  I am excited about supporting their work. It is a priviledge to live this close to the Zambians and witness their progress.