To market, to market...

Today we took the kids to downtown Kitwe so they could experience a small taste of the market. We didn’t visit the actual open air market because it is so crowded and somewhat scary for them. I will eventually take each of them one at a time. We did spend time driving through the outskirts. They thoroughly enjoyed it from the car. Hearing their constant dialogue was a hoot!

“Hey Mom! See those underwear and bras? Are those used?!?! You did bring some new extras right??”

“Whoa! Check out how many crates that guy is carrying on his shoulders! Why do ladies here carry things on their heads, but men carry them on their shoulders?”

“Awwwww, look! Another cute baby in a chitenge! Zambian babies are so adorable!”

“Wait! Are those live chickens sitting in that bowl? That’s weird. Talk about fresh meat!”

The pictures I am sharing were taken by them from the windows. We went to a grocery store somewhat similar to stores in the states. I had my phone out the whole time with the calculator whirring. Trying to figure the monetary exchange rate as well as the weight equivalents gave me a headache. The kids are sharing some of their thoughts after their excursion…

Savannah: I loved seeing all the fresh produce; including the live chickens that were sitting in bowls in the marketplace. When Mom left her window down, people would yell “muzungu” (white person) at us when we would drive by.

You have to look close on this one to see the chickens in the bowl.

Jonas: Dad’s driving in Zambia is a little different than it is in the States. Actually, it’s pretty fun. Claire thinks it’s a tiny bit scary.

quick side note: here is our new vehicle. It was shipped over from Japan. Everytime we start it up an electronic Japanese woman's voice welcomes us (at least we think that's what she is saying)

When we are driving in rural areas, as a special treat we allow the kids to open the sunroof and stand on the seats. They create quite a scene when we go past the creekside bathing sites!

 Claire: When we came out of the store, there were ladies lining the sidewalk selling fresh produce. Dad bought some bananas. A boy about my age came up to the car looking for kwacha, so we gave him a banana. That was probably the only food he will eat today. When we were trying to leave, he walked alongside our car asking for more bananas. “Please, sir. You help me.”

Larissa: When we went to the market, the lady at the door took my baby doll from me and put a sticker with an x on it on her foot. She gave her back to me. Mom said it was because they wanted to make sure that I wasn’t stealing a baby from the store. The store was pretty crowded so I held on to Mom’s purse strap the whole time.

When you arrive at the market, street boys came running up to your vehicle. They try to help you find a place to park in the crowded streets. For about 15 kwacha (a little less than $3 US) they will guard your car and wash it while you shop. When you come out of the store or are carrying packages from the market you are thronged by willing helpers. “Madame, I help! Madame, here! I help you!” This is a new experience for us having grown up in small town America. We are praying and working through what we will give to the needy young people. It is good to plan ahead and bring a bag of apples or a bunch of bananas.