One of the things people say they miss most when they leave Africa to settle back wherever they first came from, is friendship – I’ve never left but I believe it’s true. I’ve met and become friends with so many people in my 40 odd years as an ‘expatriate’. People leave and leave a void. Luckily these days you can still keep in close touch on sites like Facebook and Twitter. Anyway I digress!

See that picture? That’s me holding up a packet of strawberries – did I buy them from Spar in Livingstone? Did I h*ll! They were brought to Chanters Lodge for me by David Gregersen after he’d Twittered about his fabulous strawberries & I begged for some! David is @DavGreger on Twitter if you’re interested and is a great follow! Shortly after this picture was taken I scoffed the lot in secret, in one sitting!

David and Linda Gregersen live in Kalomo, Southern Province, Zambia – they have a great blog Gregersenblog – David says “This is my (Linda’s) account of our life at Namwianga Mission in Kalomo, Zambia. We teach at George Benson Christian College preparing students to become secondary teachers. We frequently travel to area villages and churches to tell the story of Jesus Christ. We are supported by our home congregation of 20 years, Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ in Austin, Texas.”

The Gregersens have been great supporters of Chanters Lodge since I’ve known them and continue to be so, recommending us to everyone who passes through their fantastic mission. Sometimes a phone call “we’re on our way overseas Richard, can we come for one last bream fillets and chips before we go?” They’ve coped with the hardships and problems that come your way in Africa in amazingly good spirits – very tough times in Linda’s case. I believe they’re currently deciding whether next year will be the time for them to return home, which brings me back to where I started – if they do decide ‘time’s up!’ I for one will miss them like H*ll! (They’re Christians so I can’t spell it out!)

Thanks again Dave and Linda!