Travel Tips

I was so gratified upon meeting the other team members who had also worked so hard to get a spot on our Habitat team! I knew what each of them had to do to get there, the application process, the fundraising, the planning, getting the time off, but most of all having the initiative to travel to Africa where they would work with people and help them build their homes-- i knew immediately we all shared this important commonality!

Each teammate--from the US and Canada-- brought their own special qualities (and items) which greatly enhanced the overall experience had by the group-- and by the people of the Habitat community.

One group member brought her guitar and with it friendly song... Another with a walkman and suitcase of clothes to donate, and yoga and karate for all to see and marvel at! Others had resourceful wisdom or anomalous humor... Some exuded vibrance and life, while others were more calm and laid back.

11 strangers with different backgrounds, interests and personalities-- all in a foreign country for the first time, all staying together in one small house, all on a mission to help others...

I made special friends in Zambia that will remain special friends for life. We share a unique experience together and some of us are planning to do it all over again---together.

For most, this was our first African voyage. Most of us met in London (for the first time) and then flew to Lusaka. I flew in the day before- and thus met the tired and jet lagged bunch at the airport upon their arrival. After staying the night in Lusaka at a beautiful guest lodge, we headed for the small village 4 hours north of Lusaka where we would build houses alongside the members of the Habitat community.

We didn't know each other or what to expect.

Upon arriving at our destination- a small community comprised exclusively of Habitat houses called Nkwazi - we were greeted by a large group of enthusiastic children that reminded me of grade school kids just let out for recess. This photo shows some of these kids on that unforgettable first day.

Their beautiful, curious and welcoming smiles and vibrant spirits will always be a cherished memory. They made us feel welcome instantly, a rare feeling to experience -and with such intensity - upon arriving to such a foreign place.

The colorfullness of this photo somewhat elicits the image conjured as I recall my brief but extraordinary time staying with the people in Nkwazi.

While in Nkwazi, we stayed in a Habtiat house like those we built.

There were four rooms in our house (and in most). The rooms are quite small by Western standards. There were two bedrooms, one sitting room, and one pantry. The brick walls were bare and unpainted, the same on the outside as on the in. There were no furnishings or decorations in our house, as it was ready for a family to move into after we left. Behind the house there is a bathroom and a washroom. Most of us were pioneering enough to rig up shower bags that we had brought. However a few of us opted for the bucket and sponge method which resembles something more like how the local members of the community would bathe. There is no running water or electricity in the community.

Upon first glance at the house, each member of the group assuredly had a different impression. Some may have expected something more elaborate, while some may have expected something less delux than these simple, yet solid, brick homes.

Regardless of each volunteer's initial thoughts, by the end of the trip we all came to respect the process of creating these safe structures which for most families replaced a dwelling not fit to be even called a home-- a place no person should have to live in.

This photo shows our team leader, Nikki, who turns around and smiles upon arrival at our homestead to be.