A much anticipated visit

When my parents came to see Zambia, to see me, they tasted the many flavors of life in Zambia, "abnormal" as they saw many of them to be :)
First we vacationed. A safari in Botswana, which gave us glimpses of the natural beauty of southern Africa.
The impala scampered around everywhere
But so many other animals roamed the vast lands of Chobe game park.
But soon enough, we were on our way out of the leisurly tour, with a need for nourishing mauwi fruit to sustain us into the village.
It's a rough road into Nakeempa, but Dad's driving skills improved quickly as he plunged into lakes, and hobbled through the ruts.
Everyone was eagerly anticipating their arrival
And my host Dad had a plethora of stories to tell and things to show.
They encountered life out of the big city
and were given a proper welcome as the chicken was slaughtered just for them.
The church was buzzing at the news of 2 more mukuwas (white people)
and they were fed incessantly
but don't be fooled by the pace of it all...there's always time to sit (women on the ground of course)
We made a special time to visit baby Ashley though. And her "grandparents" as they were called, were delighted to see my name-sake.

but maybe she isn't so thrilled about her name, or me....look closely.

At least her young sister wanted us there.There were many new experiences they had in the 2 day trip to Nakeempa, and after we left the bush, the experience of Christmas in Zambia felt different as well. Jocelyn and I tried to force it, but somehow it's not quite the same.
We kept trying to get into the spirit, but as they left the day after Christmas, it was still a sad goodbye. No doubt though, it was a Christmas and a visit to be remembered, one which has allowed me to continue on.