Action in Africa

What’s up y’all

Thirtyfive days ago I set out on a journey to build a house, meet some new people, see how things are on the other side of the world and to help make a difference in the lives of those who need help more than you and I. Well I believe I can tell you that I accomplished all of that and then some. The last four and a half weeks was like a roller coaster ride that stopped at the peaks to let you ponder and see what was ahead and then the rush back down into the valley, complete with corkscrew turns and loop-d-loops as well. Would I hop on the ride again?? Of course I would and probably in the front car with my hands in the air as well.

I had the oppourtunty to work and get to know a lot of great people. When we started we wished we had more high tech tools to get the job done quicker and easier. Well for me also known in Zambia as Mr. Chelenga, it really didn’t make a difference to me. But for the rest they knew it was going to be some hard work. When all was said and done the tools we had were sufficient and the job was well done. Due to the limited supplies we worked together as a team and built two ladders and sure they weighed 80 lbs each but they worked. This forced us to work closer together and side by side for two weeks putting the roof on a house from scratch.  No prefab materials, just the good old fasioned hammer and nails, nails and more nails. Because of this we got to know each other really well. Sure Brady and Shaun do crooked work but Denise, Sharla, Arnold and myself are perfectionists and it showed with our quality of work. Boy those girls can drive a nail. I feel sorry for any man who rubs them the wrong way. Did I mention the powersaw only had a blade big enough to cut through only 3/4 of the oil stained, wet and hard to cut wood? well now I’m telling you and Dave, Ted and the Eric the chief made out well with what they had. I have to admit it was scary at times seeing Eric on the roof and standing on 4inch boards but that man sure knows how to hammer. Hes definitely got mad (carpentry) skills. He even worked a whole day with one soleless shoe. Thats right his shoe sole fell off in the morning and he worked the whole day like that. What a trooper.

Even though I did not get to spend as much time with Christine and Marlene our trip to Victoria Falls provided a few more days to get to know each other. And I have to say Christine is a real team player. Both ladies provided laughs and insite during the whole trip. Christine you would be a great poker player and I definitely wouldn’t play you for money with that poker face.

The local Zambian workers were great as well. These guys can seriously work hard.  Everything they do is buy hand and scratch including the massive septic tank the dug by hand.  This thing was at least 10 to 15 feet deep, about 10 feet wide and 50 - 70 feet long.  I may stand corrected but I know I am not off by far.  Imagine using a shovel to dig your own swimming pool????
South Africa is a beautiful country but like in all countries the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer and here it is to the 1000th degree. There is a lot of work that has to be done there as well as for most of Africa. One thing that intrigued me was the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. This hospital has 3 500 beds, 11 000 nurses and 500 doctors. And believe it or not it is still expanding.  After seeing the hospitals in Zambia I have whole new respect for those people who work there.  And we think we have it bad with our healthcare system.

If you ever get a chance to go to South Africa and drive the garden route and visit Cape Town do not pass on the oppourtunity. All I can say is breath taking, beautiful, spectacular, etc.. Don’t forget the safari! And definitely don’t forget to take your time and live and breath the rich culture. All the wine you can imagine and its cheap too. Nothing like going to the bank machine and withdrawing 5000 bucks and then seeing another 20 000 in your account. I’m rich %@#$*! enjoy and savour the feeling at least until you go home and do the conversion.

I would like to thank Ted and Alice Price for your inspiration and strong will to do what they did to honor the memory of Wayne. Getting this team together was a phenominal job and you both did a wonderful job at making everyone feel like a family. And I couldn’t thank them without thanking John Chalkas for making this all possible and organizing our time in Zambia. Lets not forget the rest of the team Denise, Arnold, Shaun, Christine, Marlene, David, Andy, Eric, Sharla and Brady (you two are great sports). Mary thanks for the espresso’s. Rochelle your pretty cool but you need to work on your rice crispy bricks. Actually you can probably market them to construction companies. Just get it patented and you will be a millionaire overnight.

Shalini you were a great addition to the South African adventure team. Thanks for your sense of humour and tolerence. I just hope the African Killer bugs and baboons are nicer to you now that your back in the T Dot. PENGUINS!

I would also like to thank all of the family and friends who gave me the support to do this. Your words of support and inspiration mean a lot to me and I thank you for that. Thanks to all of those who donated to this cause. It was great to see the generosity of everyone who I approached. Sorry I was not able to get to everyone who wanted to donate but time was limited. If you still want to help its never too late.

Last and definitely not least I want to thank Julie for all she has done for me. Thanks for your support from beginning to end. You were right there for me from the beginning, you worked hard at the fundraiser and made me proud. You taught me a valuable lesson in life that I will never ever take for granted. Thanks for opening my eyes.

Well thats all folks it was a great time and I hope you enjoyed the updates. As promised to all families involved I looked after your loved ones and made sure they all got home safe and sound. Now do me a favour and look after them while they are at home. By the way I am still looking at an Andy sitcom. Thanks again and stay tuned for more Action blogs. This is the home of Action Adventures no matter where I am. So when the title “Action in Africa” changes its not that I have signed off, its because I’m not in Africa stupid! Just kidding your not stupid.

Peace

Action Out!

P.S. Sorry about spelling and grammer the spell check doesn’t work. Patrick I need your help AGAIN! Thanks brother for making “Action in Africa” and lotug.com a reality. You rock! Oh Yeah!

P.S.S. Sorry but there is one more blog to come How could I forget Part II of the Morgan in London Adventure.