Endings and what's next?

Just writing this today as we are off to Kafue tomorrow for a couple of nights hopefully to see some large cats  - but not too close - and for some out of town experience.  So we are just back from various meetings and an exciting visit to the bus station to get our tickets for the journey.
The heat makes everything very tiring to us northerners and just seeing the temperature at home is 9 degrees not the 34 we have here makes me quite jealous!

The week has been gratifying and busy. Lots of contacts about the future to follow up and time reflecting on the evaluations. There has been so much hard work and really interesting response from the trainees in both locations. A great deal about the change in relationship and communication, a real emphasis about how hidden stories emerge and how people find a voice through the  art . Also in writing about their own art making the trainees have shown great insight and honesty about what it has meant for them and consequently how important it is for their patients.

Tuesday was the day at Chainama to present the certificates and celebrate everyone's achievement. Dr Phiri the Senior Medical Superintendent, presented the certificates accompanied by senior staff from all departments. The art work and notes were on display and much interest was shown.
At the end - much to our surprise we were presented with a beautiful framed art work by Margaret who the very talented lady based in the OT department who has been our great support this year and last. Then in addition a wonderful Zambian dress each in the national colours again made by the tailors in OT Esther and Belita. It was very touching and I hope we were able to convey how much we have learned from all of them. There does seem to be a real determination to support and develop Therapeutic Art practice in various ways. We also had chicken and chips provided again for all.
We came home later to a wonderful meal of kapenta - tiny dried fish, nshima and vegetable relishes cooked by a friend who is staying here - Quite a day!
We had also to get ready for UTH and supervision and possibly presentations there and going through the evaluation with Dr Paul. We did not get the presentation done but got some really useful feedback and advice about the way forward from Dr Paul and an agreement to do the presentations next Wednesday as so many folk were not able to be around. The ongoing  Therapeutic Art supervision  group is a really informative process and the intention is to keep it going once we have left.
Thursday was continuing with planning, following up contacts and going though the work and notes. The day goes really quickly. You have to start early to make the most of the cool part of the day and keep yourself going through the heat with the help of fans and mangoes!
Today we had another follow up meeting with Sylvester at the posh shopping centre he uses as an office! Learning more about his plans and projects and seeing where our work overlaps. Very productive. So now we are packing - the forecast is that the rain will start but the bus journey promises to be hot.