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| The Zambezi..... |
As you can see I have changed my blog address. I was having problems uploading photos on the other site so I have copied all the posts from the previous site and will continue on this one!
In the Southern hemisphere we talk about Christmas in July when its the coldest time of year! Well that means the Christmas cards I received today on the 25th June are early! Thanks so much to those who sent them!
Schools were closed mid March and only opened again the first week of June for exam classes. Yesterday the President informed us that all other classes will remain closed until after the cold season, so that may possibly be August, we have not been given a date.
I was able to finish off the draft Child Protection Policy and send to all the contributers for review before it should go to our Synod meeting to be adoped. However, we are not sure if the Synod meeting will go ahead - it is scheduled for end of August.
I miss visiting the schools and interacting with the children and teachers. I am not sure how this will be in the future but am hoping it will not be too long until I can do something constructive with them again!
Churches were allowed to open a few weeks ago if they had a certificate from the Ministry of Health after inspection to check that all the health measures were in place, e.g. social distancing, hand washing facilities, wearing masks.
I have not yet gone to church as I don't feel that all the measures are being followed. I have seen photos and videos of face masks being worn around chins or no face mask at all, choirs singing as usual....so I will wait!
I have been home most of the time. I do take walks in the morning around sunrise which these days is just after 6am. Its cold but certainly wakens me up for the day! Due to roadworks on some of the roads, I have not done as much walking lately but do a workout at home and sometimes walk in the late afternoon. Of course it means I can still take some photographs but am quite limited! I have been able to take a few shots of nature round the roads and in my yard.
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| Granadilla (passion fruit) with poinsettia behind |
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| Blue waxbill |
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| Cool winter afternoon sky |
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| A leaf or a butterfly |
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| the same butterfly.... |
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| a minibeast....a katydid...amazing eyes |
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| a rhino beetle |
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| transparent wings.... |
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| symmetry of nature...incredible |
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| cape gooseberries |
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| miniature roses... |
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| weaver looking for food... |
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| male sunbird... |
We are advised to wear face masks in public spaces and most people have been doing that but in the last couple of weeks many people are saying there is no covid-19 in Zambia - the rate is rising very slowly. Today we have recorded 1497 cases with 18 deaths. I recognise that this is very minimal compared to most European countries. Our borders were closed very quickly which I think helped curb the spread of the virus but it is still in Zambia and we do need to take precautions. The rate in South Africa is rising rapidly and I fear this could still happen in Zambia if people are no longer taking care!
Unfortunately one of the disadvantages of wearing the face masks is the litter that is left behind. That is why we are advised to wear fabric reusable face masks! This was found right outside my gate!
One of the positive things about staying home is that I have had a lot of interaction with my family and friends across the world - using zoom or other social media. This has been great but can also be exhausting! I was able to join with the midweek in Bushvale (my sending congregation) which was a real blessing! And being able to join in so many worship services online has been wonderful but of course I miss the social interaction of real people. I spend most of my days alone but I enjoy being outside (it may be cold but its dry). I can read and do some work and the days just seem to fly past! I am blessed!
Thank you for following my blog and I hope you will leave a message too!
Until next time,
Blessings and love,
Diane x
Continuing to pray for you Diane as the abnormal becomes more normal. Loved your stunning photos. How amazing is our God!!
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