Drew's African Odyssey - Mwange Refugee Camp, Zambia

Today, I went out to Mr. Davis's village to visit his wives and children. I brought them some kapenta (the local fish), beans and tomatoe that should feed the family for about a month. I also brought out a picture of him to give to the family that I had taken at easter. As soon as I gave it to his wife, she burst out crying and wouldn't even look at the picture. She is in a rage that he left her with the 5 children. When I asked her where I could find his second wife, she wouldn't even acknowledge that he had one, though they just live down the street from each other. It is quite common for a Zambian man to have two wives, but less common for the wives to get along. I had to find out where the woman lived from somebody else in the village. When I went there, I left her some money and gave my condolences. I didn't know what else to do. it was very hard.

The rest of the day was spent at my friend Barry's house. His mom prepared a great meal for us of kapenta, n'shima, beans, sweet potato and soup. SO GOOD! I'm still getting used to the fact that when I go over to someone house for dinner, you are waited on hand and foot and you don't eat with the women (usually). Most families will have at least two maids who will do all the cooking and cleaning. These maids usually rely on the family for food and sometimes lodging but will not be paid any regular salary.

The day finished at the Red Cross club with some pool and TV.

Posted by: Drew Gardiner / 11:56 AM