Visitng the Lubasi Home

Sunday in Livingstone found the RTW Adventure Family physically tired for the first time since departing Newark on November 2nd.  Or at least the first time that we were willing to admit it.  It is hard to believe that more than a month has passed since we left the States.  Without planning or discussion, it became apparent that we all needed to sleep-in a bit.  As a result, we did not get moving until mid-morning.  After some breakfast at Jollyboys, Roman, Mabret and Dad spent some time in the pool cooling off and recharging their batteries. Mom found some shade and read for a bit.  

Around lunchtime, we made the very short walk to town and, like a beacon in the night, a wonderful coffee shop appeared.  After enjoying lattes and mochachinos, we strolled through town and briefly stopped at the outdoor markets.

The balance of our afternoon was spent visiting with the children who reside at the Lubasi Home in Livingstone.  The Lubasi Home is an orphanage for children ranging in age from toddlers to a 19 year old who is currently attending college.  Many of the children residing there are orphans as a result of the AIDS pandemic and other diseases that continue to plague Africa.  The home opened in 2001 and in 2010 the trusteeship was handed over to the Catholic Church and specifically the Diocese of Livingstone.  There is a Board of Management which consists of community members and representatives of the Diocese.  

The Lubasi Home employs "mothers" to care for the children.  They alternate day and night shifts caring for the children and providing help with household chores and school work.  Many of the children had not been to school prior to arriving at Lubasi.  The children attend school in the community and return when the school day is complete.  There are ordinarily between 40 and 50 children residing there at a time.  Since opening, more than130 children have lived at Lubasi.  The program will provide financial support for the children who are able to complete high school studies and enter college.  

The Lubasi Home does not have any major source of funding but instead relies on the Livingstone Community and beyond for cash or in-kind donations.  Many local businesses donate food regularly.  Roman and Mabret made a donation on behalf of Ms. Valerio and Mr. Kromko's 3d and 4th grade classes at WNIS. All the children send a thank you back to NEPA.  

Below are some pictures from our afternoon at Lubasi.

While helping out at Lubasi, we met an incredible group of young women who were also spending the afternoon at the orphanage.  They were accompanied by their teachers and were nearing the end of four months traveling Southern Africa as part of a semester abroad for high school girls.  The inspiring young women are from across the U.S.A. and the program is The Traveling School.  Check them out at www.travelingschool.com  

They were kind enough to allow us to jump on their bus when it was time to leave. We all ended up at Olga's Italian Restaurant in Livingstone for dinner. Below is a pic of their table.  Shout out of thanks to our new friends.  Keep up the great work.

Olga's Restaurant is also doing good work in Livingstone.  All of Olga’s profits go to the Youth Community Training Center (YCTC) in Livingstone which is  a certified training school built by the Diocese of Livingstone.  The school provides free training in catering, carpentry, tailoring, plumbing, computer and bricklaying to orphans and vulnerable youth. Some of the graduates of YCTC are now employed at Olga’s.  In addition to the great work that they do at Olga's, the food was outstanding.  Definitely the best meal that we had while in Livingstone.