Thede Connection- HAITI/Zambia: August Trip to Eastern Zambia. Lots of photos.

We left early on Friday morning with Rev. Samson driving and his brother joining us as far as Lusaka.

This meant that Cory would only need to drive about half way to Nyimba where we would spend the night.

We started off early at 5:40 a.m. which allowed us to be through Lusaka before noon.

We stopped in Chongwe to pick up some lunch from the grocery store and continued on our way.

Meals on the road tend to consist of meat hand pies, fried chicken and fries, sometimes small pizzas, chips, cookies, apples or tangerines.

We also travel with a large 5 gallon jug of water.

Bridge over the Luangwa River.

We saw large rock formations, drove through mountains and crossed the big bridge over the Luangwa River.

Thankfully we arrived in Nyimba before sunset. The TVs didn't work in either room but the beds and rooms were clean, the area quiet, and the rooms came with breakfast for two.

The next morning having added on a third breakfast we headed out after eggs, sausage, toast, fries, coleslaw and tea.

Petauke Wesleyan Church

We stopped in Petauke meeting the pastor at the grocery store and then he took us to the church.

We spent a bit of time talking with 3 of the pastors for the church and praying with them. After loading up again with food and gas we headed east to Katete.

During this leg of the trip we saw smoke staring to billow ahead of us and soon came to an overturned fuel tanker. [picture at end]

A few people stood close by and we decided to rapidly pass- feeling the intense heat as we did.

A little ways down the road we turned for pictures only to see several small explosions as the whole truck went up in flames.

We are so very thankful that we weren't a few minutes earlier nor later as it would have delayed our next meeting and travels.

In Katete we picked up Pastor Rodwell and drove a little ways to his home where we met his wife.

A short visit hearing about the ministries and enjoying tea before heading onwards.

He overseas five churches, the furthest one takes 3 hours either on a taxi or motorcycle to visit.

Now we were heading to the famous South Luangwa National Park.

Normally the Waze app does pretty good but I missed that 'she' had changed our route..so we took a narrow, bumpy dirt road north which only added thankfully about 20 minutes on our time line.

Once back on the paved road the deep potholes slowed us up significantly.

We passed over a mountain pass into the Luangwa valley. After a couple false turns quickly corrected we found the signs for Crocvalley Camp shortly after the sun set.

We had not pushed for confirmation of our tents...thankfully the family room was open and provided for us at the tent price, 1/2 of the normal price for the family chalet.

There was still room on the morning and afternoon/night game drives as well. [I'll do a separate post on the accommodations and park]

On our return trip we were delayed by a group of about 15 vehicles full of folks celebrating the reelection of President H.

They would not let anyone pass going in the same direction as they were.

Thankfully When we came to a T in the road we parted ways.

We also stopped for a bit of shopping early on at an African Textile shop and a shop that makes jewelry out of snares and supports anti-poaching.

This time we stayed on pavement and traveled further east to Chipata where we met Rev. Royd and his wife touring the church, school, and their tomato gardens.

We enjoyed our short time together and prayer.

After loading up with food, water, and gas we started back west.

A second overnight in Nyimba was followed by an overnight in Lusaka so that shopping could be done.

Shopping: trees, plants, food, DAPP stores for second hand clothing, a pharmacy for dog medication.

When we were almost back to the turnoff at Pemba we saw in the headlights a full grown cow and calf in the middle of the road dead.

A car had pulled over and a man was helping his wife sit by the side of the road.

We pulled over to see if we could help.

Using a bit of our water we tried to flush out her eyes because she complained of glass being in them. I thought I saw the glimmer of glass with my phone light but hard to tell.

So I advised her not to move her eyes around at all until the hospital staff could examine her. After praying with her we headed on our way.