You can tell the drunk drivers in Zambia because

...they drive strait.

I've been kind of silent because Beth's friend Crystal is visiting us from Canada, and I've been sick for the last week. I think I'm starting to see the downhill slope and being totally recovered, but I opted out of the bike adventure today so as not to push it too far.

On Wednesday I drove us over to Kalenge, and let me tell you, it was a white knuckle experience! The road right below Ikelnge is the worst part, and I was worried about a) getting stuck, b) tearing the bottom of the truck out or c) tipping the truck over. Going downhill isn't that bad--you just keep it in low gear, ride the brake, and let the truck carefully go down straddling the deep channels and not going into the bush on either side. I felt like a drunk driver because I was weaving all over the road, but there was no other way down. Going up hills is scary because you can't see the gaping holes as well from that angle, so you have to make lightning decisions about which is the best way to go.

I must admite I was praying pretty hard and had a death grip on the steering wheel. It is so easy to hit a bump, get a little air time and loose your wheels. We arrived safely at Kalenge after about an hours drive, and then we had a picnic lunch before visiting Alice T. briefly to find out how to get a hold of a tailor we had heard about. After dropping off some cloth to be made into bags for Beth and Crystal, we headed to the Kalenge market. They get most of their stuff from Congo, so we were hoping to find a better chetengi selection. There weren't that many shops open, but we were able to find plenty of chetengi for our various purposes, and then we went ahead and turned home as we didn't want to be trying to get back in the dark or in low light. I was more worried about getting back as there were more uphills to deal with, but once again the Lord's hand was with us and we made it back safely and in one piece.

Yesterday we stayed around the station except when we got a call from the Ronalds that there was mail, could we go pick it up. Of course! So we piled in the truck again, and bumped our way into Ikelenge. I had four packages and several letters, Beth had two packages and some letters, and there was a whole bunch of stuff for the missionaries in the Congo that we recieve mail for. Good thing too since they came down yesterday to pick up their mail and go shopping!

Today two more of our staff memebers are arriving back, so we're going to have a big dinner down at Margie's. I'm excited to see them back, but that means the school term is about to kick off again! I feel more ready than last term about some things, but others I still feel like there is so much to do. I guess I should go look in my classroom today--it was supposed to be cleaned and the floor waxed. Its been such a good break, but I'm kind of looking forward to getting some structur back!