Volunteer teacher Kirsty Lickfold has thrown herself into all things Limapela with admirable ability and confidence. She is spending time in both schools, as well as with the Kafakumba Singers and other young people in the Baluba / Fisenge communities. I often ask people who are new to Africa what their shocks have been during their first few weeks. One of Kirsty’s was seeing the way in which a marketeer handled a live chicken that she was trying to sell — deftly, but none too gently!

Both our schools are running very smoothly. The dry weather and an unusually healthy bank balance last month have made it possible to work on long overdue paved stone paths at Limapela and both interior and exterior painting at Luyando. I would very much like to have ceramic tiles laid on all eight classroom floors at Luyando, but that bank balance is not now quite so healthy! We will need around NZ$ 5,300, but the end result will be well worth the expense, as we have already found at Limapela, where all floors are now tiled.

On the medical front, sadly, our 11-year old Limapela pupil Demerycia Malama has had to have further surgery on both eyes to correct what has turned out to be a recurring condition. Dr Kwendakwema has generously performed the surgery free of charge this time, for which we are all grateful. Medical needs crop up often without warning, and treatment can be expensive, so we are grateful to those who have donated to this department.

Once again, our grateful thanks to you all for your interest, support and prayers.

— Matthew and Alison Raymond