Nationality: Irish
Favourite Colour: Green
Time in Zambia: over 20 years
Favourite drink: Johnny Walker Whiskey
Sister Christina was one of the first people we met when we first came to Mongu. We had only been corresponding with emails and text messages prior to our arrival. We thought for sure that she was a young local girl from the funky way she wrote her text messages, but upon meeting her we realized she was an experienced Irish Nun!!
The Moya O Kenile house (meaning Holy Spirit in Losi, a local tribal language), was built 5 years ago with Sister Christina’s Magic. She first went and asked the traditional king for the land. This is something that most locals would never do, let alone a foreigner. Next she designed the compound and houses, down to the type of nails used for construction. There are fruit trees and vegetable gardens that supply most of the food for the convent. Sister Christina ensures that the compound is self sustaining and chooses to be economically friendly and global minded. They recycle and use a compost, which many Africans fail to do.
She is literally a jack of all trades. She can be found doing yard work, painting, mixing cement, and baking scones. Her guava jam is a staple in our household and we often find fruit and vegetables on our doorstep from our little angel. She is familiar with the cultures and traditions of Zambia, and more specifically the Losi people. We often go to her for advice ranging from how to wrap a chintenge (a traditional Zambian wrap skirt) to how to clap properly when meeting the Losi King.
So whether it is advice or just a cup of tea, Sister Christina is our girl. She makes our house feel like a home.
Favourite Colour: Green
Time in Zambia: over 20 years
Favourite drink: Johnny Walker Whiskey
Sister Christina was one of the first people we met when we first came to Mongu. We had only been corresponding with emails and text messages prior to our arrival. We thought for sure that she was a young local girl from the funky way she wrote her text messages, but upon meeting her we realized she was an experienced Irish Nun!!
The Moya O Kenile house (meaning Holy Spirit in Losi, a local tribal language), was built 5 years ago with Sister Christina’s Magic. She first went and asked the traditional king for the land. This is something that most locals would never do, let alone a foreigner. Next she designed the compound and houses, down to the type of nails used for construction. There are fruit trees and vegetable gardens that supply most of the food for the convent. Sister Christina ensures that the compound is self sustaining and chooses to be economically friendly and global minded. They recycle and use a compost, which many Africans fail to do.
She is literally a jack of all trades. She can be found doing yard work, painting, mixing cement, and baking scones. Her guava jam is a staple in our household and we often find fruit and vegetables on our doorstep from our little angel. She is familiar with the cultures and traditions of Zambia, and more specifically the Losi people. We often go to her for advice ranging from how to wrap a chintenge (a traditional Zambian wrap skirt) to how to clap properly when meeting the Losi King.
So whether it is advice or just a cup of tea, Sister Christina is our girl. She makes our house feel like a home.
2 comments:
Dear Jessica & Leanne: I wanted to be there when I read this and spend some time with all of you and Sister Christina. She even reminds of my Mother (& Grandmother) and all the things she could do particularly when they were homesteading in northern Saskatchewan during the depression. We are home now after our trip to the wedding in Oregon (it was beautiful and we were treated royally by Keith & Corrine,)two days at Cannon Beach where our Irish Luck was with us and 1 more day in Washington. Great Accommodation at all places & ate & drink too much. We picked blueberries at Corrines' and broad beans & garlic. Cooked them in the Mirco at the beach. Next week we will be going to a shower for Lindsay LeClair. Guess Mom & Dad are at the lake this weekend. We will stay put. Can't tell you how much we are enjoying hearing from you, love every minute of reading of your adventures. Sounds likke you are doing a great job of teaching as well. Love to you both and give my regards to Sister Christina. Where was she born? What a wonderful life of giving.
Please Ladies, it is LOZI and NOT LOSI!
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