(Written on May 13)

Hello again from beautiful (if a little windy today) Zambia!

Things at Nyumba Yanga are especially busy as we approach the much anticipated 10 Year Anniversary Celebration for this Saturday. All the girls are busy setting up, decorating, and practicing their performances for the day's events. We've heard the choir sing each morning, and have got to watch some of the amazing dances the girls seem to have choreographed themselves. One of the highlights has been the Bare Feet Theatre's contribution, heading a dramatic/musical sketch that some of the older girls will preform, depicting how Homes of Joy brings them “peace, love, and everything we need”. Bare Feet Theatre is an NGO that is in touch with vulnerable communities around the country, bringing creativity and unity to them through theatre and arts.

There will also be a fundraising activity where the girls will showcase some of the skills they have learned here, and will sell the things they've produced. They have been divided into groups according to their preference: knitting, gardening, Chitenge tye-dying, and cooking being a few of the skills they'll be highlighting for the guests. The older girls will help with the selling, pricing and exchange of money (especially those who express a passion for mathematics) while the younger ones will be scattered about the lawn or in the houses, showing the guests how to produce what they do. I was fortunate enough to work with the knitting group yesterday. They make scarfs, ponchos and doormats, all very beautiful and expertly crafted. There is definitely a lot of talent on display along side the wonderful things that guests can purchase.

Tomorrow, there will be a visit from the Irish ambassador. The girls went to the Irish Embassy on St. Patrick's Day and sang the Irish national anthem (in the Irish national language!) for the staff there. They were clearly a big hit! This morning they were up early practicing “The Fields of Athenry”, a traditional Irish folk song that, while it sounds lovely coming from their lips, is a little bizarre to hear from a choir in Zambia. Singing is another thing these girls do very well, though. It's a pleasure to listen to them each morning.

For the next few days we'll certainly be busy getting ready for the celebration. Until then, take care!

Angi