The Start of Our Adventure

Our journey started at 8am

It wouldn’t end til God knows when

We packed the bus but left some space

For those waiting at the Cinema Showcase

We had two stops along the way

We all want wee’s, the girls’ did say

The second stop did cause us worry

The bus wouldn’t start in a hurry

The girls and boys they had to push

An get us back on in a rush

No more stops you should all know

Until we depart at Heathrow

We arrived on time and loaded trolleys

The check in clerks were really jolly

Leona, Katie and Jonny were real bad

Too much luggage they did have

How lucky they were not to pay

We’re a travelling group we did say

We left on time, the flight was great

But at Nairobi we had to wait

Doreen and Dave they beat us there

Of the paparazzi they did take care

By Scouts and Girls’ Brigade we were met

We don’t even know their names yet

They surprised us all and they weren’t glum

They entertained us with their drums

A couple of hours before we rest

Fingella Lodge, it was the best

At 6am we left the site

We had to arrive before the night

Three stops we made for the loo

You had to watch and mss your shoe

The hole in the ground you had to hit

So you didn’t step into it

45 minutes down a rugged lane

It’s a good job the driver is sane

Upon a narrow bridge we came across

Would it hold all of us?

The men got off to check how wide

And across it the bus they did guide

Our advance party they were there

Mark and Mel for us will care

They told us of rules not to break

And our time here will be great

Our tents were set up in time for tea

Lots of anticipation of what we will see

An early night was had by all

In preparation for all our toil

After breakfast we all got dressed

In green polos to look our best

Off to the school we were taken

In the back of a truck rocking and shaking

All the school children we did meet

The little ones were really sweet

An opening ceremony we did attend

Their thanks to us they did extend

The first brick was laid and photo taken

Lots of hand they were shaken

Piles of bricks were moved around

By lines of people hand to hand

Now there ready for the work to start

And we’ll do it with all our heart

An afternoon of fun and things

Was taken by all, in the hot springs

A luxury in which we all partake

Til the next time we can’t wait

The waiting is over it’s time to start

In the building we’ll all take part

One team’sup early to feed us all

Bacon sarnies went down a ball

In working clothes we’re all clad

A mile to walk that’s not bad

On site the brickies they were waiting

Until we were at our workstation

Trowels in hand and cement all mixed

Lay the bricks quick, that’s the trick

Five rows we laid on our first day

A good day’s work Doug did say

Keep it up and it’ll be a success

About the roof we can only guess

First day over, it’s time for food

Hope the cooks have been in the mood

They served it up and fed us well

Meat and veg did go down well

After showers or springs our time was our own

Each found their relaxing zone

Around the campfire singing songs

Or in the Lodge we did throng

Lights out on site at 10o’clock

Son into tents we did flock

Now we’re all in the swing

Work became the normal thing

Moving bricks in a human chain

How many bricks have we lain?

Throughout the week we’ve seen great sights

The children watching all us whites

Mother’s queuing at the baby clinic

To see the doctor for a minute

Our nurse has been very busy too

Sometimes even has a queue

More work than she thought there’d be

Lots of paracetamol and many a cut knee

We’re glad she’s here we all see

To soothe us at the end of a long day

Sunday’s here we decide to rest

So we can all go on and give it our best

Off to Church half of us go

The Zambians put on a real good show

Lot’s of singing and some translation

As we listen to the words of this Nation

Jean