After reading my last post, I realized I made a mistake...I have met 2 men named Moses, and I used the wrong last name when I mentioned Moses and Noria....their last name is Mudaala, not Munsaka. I know most of you would not know the difference, but I am aware that some of my parent's friends who have been here in Nahumba might read these stories and all of you certainly would have caught my mistake! I really don't know much of what I am talking about, so bear with me! The other day I called a young boy Moongo for most of the morning. It wasn't until the real Moongo showed up, that I realized the first boy was Junior! He never corrected me! Oh well, that's how they are here - so kind hearted, loving and accepting.
Today we had 21 children for our Bible Hour! All the same ones, with one addition, and it went very well again. One of the cutest things happened around 9:20 this morning. We begin at 10:00, but at 9:20, I heard a knock on the door. There stood 2 little boys with big smiles, ready to come in! I chuckled as I thought to myself that this is not very typical...being late is customary in Zambia...but these little guys were ready to go and made sure they didn't miss a minute of Bible Hour! Since we weren't quite ready, I had them play outside for a little while, until more came (many of them arrived by 9:45!). They sure were eager!
This afternoon I had a wonderful time of fellowship with Maudie Makani, the mother of 9 children. What a dear lady! She is a devout woman of prayer and it was a pleasure to sit and chat with her about parenting, prayer, church life, godliness, trials and joys. She, along with four or five other women, rise as early as 4:00 AM a few days a week to gather for intercessory prayer. During General Conference, they did that every morning. She commented how when she is praying faithfully and seeking the Lord on a consistent basis, she is free from sickness and physically strong. Quite contrary to what one might naturally think, but that's our God - He becomes our strength in our weakness.
This evening we had our weekly Wednesday evening Bible Study, and it was a special treat to have Ken join us. The pastor of Nahumba BIC was there, as well as Bishop Hammakang'andu. Afterwards, one of the ladies commented how wonderful it was to have Ken there, and how much she appreciated his comments, and his pastor's heart. Once again, I was beaming inside, so proud of my husband and grateful to have him as MY pastor! It doesn't take long for his pastor's heart to come out, even across the oceans! The topic was on caring for the poor, and Ken had some good questions as we all interacted on this difficult topic. We all agreed we need discernment in
knowing exactly WHO the poor really are around us. The folks shared that many here act like they are poor, but are cheaters or liars. One way many of them care for the poor is to give them small jobs to do, since lack of employment is so huge here. I was so humbled as I sat and listened to these dear people who all have so much less than me, yet are looking for ways to care and minister to the poor around them. God Bless them.
Before we left the Bible Study, Pastor Choongo asked Ken to preach at Nahumba BIC church on Sunday. Ken smiled and hesitated and said, "Well, I never preached with an interpreter"...to which the Bishop replied, "Good, then you should do it at least 2 times!" I think Ken will agree to preach this Sunday, but he said he will let them know for sure tomorrow. I am so excited that I will get to hear my favorite pastor preach a message, much sooner than I thought! Yippee!
Ken brought along a great book fresh off the press....When Sinners Say "I Do", by Dave Harvey. We are reading it together aloud, and are enjoying some great disscusion as a result.
I wish I could respond to each of you that leave a comment, but since I can't, please know how much it means to me to hear from you in this way. Thanks so much for taking time to comment and thanks for your prayers and encouragement.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Getting Better and Children's Hour
I am happy to report that Ken is feeling better! He is getting his strength back and only feels congested in his head, not his chest. It could be a case of the 3 D's...dust, dirt and dryness. What a nice scene today...he and Dad just left for a walk to town. I'm so glad they can spend some time together. Up till now, Ken just didn't have the energy to do much.
Mother and I had a great turnout of 20 children yesterday morning for our "Children's Bible Hour". The ages ranged from 2-14. What a joy to see them
sing, smile and listen as we shared the good news of the Gospel. They also colored some pictures, which all ages enjoyed very much. It went so well, and the children were very well behaved. We had no problems at all, and they were all so polite and attentive. Later that day, we had the opportunity to commend some of the parents on the excellent job they are doing with their children, evidenced by their wonderful behavior and attentivness. They will come again this morning for an hour.
Last evening, Moses and Noria Munsaka, and 2 of their children came to our home for dinner and we had a good time fellowshipping together. It was nice for Ken to meet them. Moses does evangelistic work in the area by conducting crusades. They shared a disappointing story with us...They have been hoping to start a candle making business for extra income, and upon going to Zimbabwe for a crusade, the folks there wanted to know how they could best pay Moses and Noria for the work they did during the crusade. Moses mentioned their desire for a candle making machine, and the people generously gave one to them in appreciation of their ministry. However,
upon leaving Zimbabwe to return to Zambia, the machine was held at the border, and they were made to pay $200 in order to bring it into Zambia. Obviously, they do not have that kind of money. They were given a form to bring back with the money to get the machine. Please pray the money will be provided and that the machine will indeed be there when they return for it. This is just a taste of what is happening in that country - it is sad.
Yesterday afternoon, Mother and I went to Pastor Choongo's home and visited with him and his wife. They have 7 children, and I have really enjoyed getting to know them. With the exception of their firstborn, all of their children came to the Bible hour in the morning. We took them some clothing. I didn't have any dresses for their little girls, so I am going to buy a few for them sometime during the next few weeks, maybe when we are in Livingstone. People are so appreciative for anything they receive. Again, I marvel at the contentment and joy they have, despite having so little. I have so much to learn from them.
The children will soon be returning to school. August was their holiday, but next week they will return to school. Next week we hope to take a few trips, so Ken can see some of the surrounding towns.
Oh, by the way, I think I forgot to mention that everything went wonderful with immigration. The new officer they have is so cooperative and friendly. It was nothing like what we expected! My dad will be traveling with a few other folks to Lusaka on Friday to pick up his work permit....better late than never! At least he will have it for his final month here.. sometimes the wheel turns slowly around here. But oh, I love it...the fast pace of home might be an adjustment for me after 15 weeks of a relaxed pace! But my heart is longing for home - I miss my family, friends and home church greatly :)
Mother and I had a great turnout of 20 children yesterday morning for our "Children's Bible Hour". The ages ranged from 2-14. What a joy to see them
sing, smile and listen as we shared the good news of the Gospel. They also colored some pictures, which all ages enjoyed very much. It went so well, and the children were very well behaved. We had no problems at all, and they were all so polite and attentive. Later that day, we had the opportunity to commend some of the parents on the excellent job they are doing with their children, evidenced by their wonderful behavior and attentivness. They will come again this morning for an hour.
Last evening, Moses and Noria Munsaka, and 2 of their children came to our home for dinner and we had a good time fellowshipping together. It was nice for Ken to meet them. Moses does evangelistic work in the area by conducting crusades. They shared a disappointing story with us...They have been hoping to start a candle making business for extra income, and upon going to Zimbabwe for a crusade, the folks there wanted to know how they could best pay Moses and Noria for the work they did during the crusade. Moses mentioned their desire for a candle making machine, and the people generously gave one to them in appreciation of their ministry. However,
upon leaving Zimbabwe to return to Zambia, the machine was held at the border, and they were made to pay $200 in order to bring it into Zambia. Obviously, they do not have that kind of money. They were given a form to bring back with the money to get the machine. Please pray the money will be provided and that the machine will indeed be there when they return for it. This is just a taste of what is happening in that country - it is sad.
Yesterday afternoon, Mother and I went to Pastor Choongo's home and visited with him and his wife. They have 7 children, and I have really enjoyed getting to know them. With the exception of their firstborn, all of their children came to the Bible hour in the morning. We took them some clothing. I didn't have any dresses for their little girls, so I am going to buy a few for them sometime during the next few weeks, maybe when we are in Livingstone. People are so appreciative for anything they receive. Again, I marvel at the contentment and joy they have, despite having so little. I have so much to learn from them.
The children will soon be returning to school. August was their holiday, but next week they will return to school. Next week we hope to take a few trips, so Ken can see some of the surrounding towns.
Oh, by the way, I think I forgot to mention that everything went wonderful with immigration. The new officer they have is so cooperative and friendly. It was nothing like what we expected! My dad will be traveling with a few other folks to Lusaka on Friday to pick up his work permit....better late than never! At least he will have it for his final month here.. sometimes the wheel turns slowly around here. But oh, I love it...the fast pace of home might be an adjustment for me after 15 weeks of a relaxed pace! But my heart is longing for home - I miss my family, friends and home church greatly :)
Monday, August 27, 2007
A Quiet Week Together
Although our first week back together has been different than what I expected (with a not-so-well husband!), it has been wonderful being together. Ken is still quite fatigued, and seems to have some congestion in his lungs, but we are glad his fever broke and he seems to have caught up in his sleep. I tend to lean towards a doctor visit, but he keeps thinking he will get better. (any surprise there?!) He isn't strong enough to take a walk to town (or even much around Nahumba!) But we are both so happy to see each other every day and we thank the Lord for that.
Yesterday my mother and I spent some time in the garage organizing some Christian Ed materials that were sent over from the states a while ago. There are boxes and boxes of overstocked materials for Preschool, primary, teens, young adult and adults. Numerous pastors have come to load up materials to take back to their churches, so I have helped them find the specific things they are looking for. I hope to spend many more hours in there getting it all organized before I leave, so that it is easy for people to find things.
Mother and I took a walk today, inviting all the children in Nahumba to our Children's Bible Hour the rest of this week. Tuesday - Friday, we are hosting an hour of singing, story time and crafts. We expect to have 20 children come.
Tonight my Dad and I listened to Ken read the first chapter of Dave Harvey's book, "When Sinners Say 'I Do'". It's a great book on marriage.
Our days have been fairly quiet - Ken taking it easy, and Matt doing school work. But I still have plenty of energy and have been enjoying interacting with the women, especially Emma. Today I enjoyed helping her with the laundry. It was another beautiful warm day, and a fast drying day for the wash!
Tonight the sky was beautiful...I love the African sky when the sun sheds its glow on the horizon. I try to take it in, so I won't forget what it looks like when I leave. I'm starting to feel a twinge of sadness in thinking of leaving....realizing there are people I wish I could get to know better, but I hope to use these last 2-3 weeks wisely and make the best of them. The other side is that I get quite excited in thinking about re-connecting with dear family and friends that I miss so much!
Yesterday my mother and I spent some time in the garage organizing some Christian Ed materials that were sent over from the states a while ago. There are boxes and boxes of overstocked materials for Preschool, primary, teens, young adult and adults. Numerous pastors have come to load up materials to take back to their churches, so I have helped them find the specific things they are looking for. I hope to spend many more hours in there getting it all organized before I leave, so that it is easy for people to find things.
Mother and I took a walk today, inviting all the children in Nahumba to our Children's Bible Hour the rest of this week. Tuesday - Friday, we are hosting an hour of singing, story time and crafts. We expect to have 20 children come.
Tonight my Dad and I listened to Ken read the first chapter of Dave Harvey's book, "When Sinners Say 'I Do'". It's a great book on marriage.
Our days have been fairly quiet - Ken taking it easy, and Matt doing school work. But I still have plenty of energy and have been enjoying interacting with the women, especially Emma. Today I enjoyed helping her with the laundry. It was another beautiful warm day, and a fast drying day for the wash!
Tonight the sky was beautiful...I love the African sky when the sun sheds its glow on the horizon. I try to take it in, so I won't forget what it looks like when I leave. I'm starting to feel a twinge of sadness in thinking of leaving....realizing there are people I wish I could get to know better, but I hope to use these last 2-3 weeks wisely and make the best of them. The other side is that I get quite excited in thinking about re-connecting with dear family and friends that I miss so much!
Quick Update on Dad
Here's a portion of an e-mail I got from my Mom last night for anyone wondering how Dad is doing ...
Dad was better today, but still trying to recuperate. He did go to church with us this morning, but was tired out by the time we got home. His fever had broke during night, but then he had a fever this afternoon of 100.4, so he took some more tylenol. He is coughing and is congested, and still pretty weak, but at least his head cleared up some and he is not disoriented anymore. I am eager for him to be back tohimself, but it may take a few days. I think he just needs some rest and relaxation, and Zambia is a fine place for him to get that :) It's just so good to have him here!!
Thanks for your continual prayers,
Sarah
Dad was better today, but still trying to recuperate. He did go to church with us this morning, but was tired out by the time we got home. His fever had broke during night, but then he had a fever this afternoon of 100.4, so he took some more tylenol. He is coughing and is congested, and still pretty weak, but at least his head cleared up some and he is not disoriented anymore. I am eager for him to be back tohimself, but it may take a few days. I think he just needs some rest and relaxation, and Zambia is a fine place for him to get that :) It's just so good to have him here!!
Thanks for your continual prayers,
Sarah
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Health Update on a Quiet Day
Ken is still not feeling well; he slept for 18 hours straight, and then today was up for short periods, between his 3 naps. He is battling a low grade fever, fatigue, a cough and head congestion. It appears that he came quite depleted of energy, and has had difficulty sleeping pretty much the whole ten weeks we were separated. I kid him saying he is suffering from a form of "love-sickness", and he smiles, says I am right and tells me how good it is to be with me :) So it could be a combination of sleepless nights, change in altitude and time, and perhaps a touch of some bug as well. I feel bad for him; missing out on some opportunities to interact with these folks, but he'll get there with time.
Today Mother and I went to a women's session at General Conference and it was good....lots of women's choirs singing. They all wear the same thing...white hats or scarves on their heads, white blouses and black skirts. Then when they are done singing, and take their seats, they put on a BIC chitangi over top of their skirt.
My Dad informed us of the outcome of an important decision that was voted on this afternoon. There was a vote whether or not to re-elect the present bishop for another 5 years. Bishop Thuma Hamukang'andu was re-elected. The other name on the ballot was Rev. H. Sikwela (This information is for my parent's friends, especially those of you who have served here in Zambia and know these names!)
Tonight after the meeting, a number of the pastors and their wives, along with Esther Spurrier, are going to join us for some dessert and tea. Mother has been enjoying getting everything all set up....puttering away in the kitchen! I hope Ken will be able to join us, but he has been sleeping most of the evening, so he might not be up to it yet. Either way, it will be nice to interact with these folks who are very special to my parents.
My friend, Heather, who is in Macha, stopped by today. It was so good to see her, and Ken was able to meet her in between his naps :)
I had a wonderful surprise today....I got a call from Ryan and then an hour later, Sarah called! It made for a happy day :) It doesn't take much! Just for the record, I would consider every day a happy day, but it was a special treat on this happy day to hear voices from home :)
I miss you all!
Thanks for your continual prayers for my dear husband.
Today Mother and I went to a women's session at General Conference and it was good....lots of women's choirs singing. They all wear the same thing...white hats or scarves on their heads, white blouses and black skirts. Then when they are done singing, and take their seats, they put on a BIC chitangi over top of their skirt.
My Dad informed us of the outcome of an important decision that was voted on this afternoon. There was a vote whether or not to re-elect the present bishop for another 5 years. Bishop Thuma Hamukang'andu was re-elected. The other name on the ballot was Rev. H. Sikwela (This information is for my parent's friends, especially those of you who have served here in Zambia and know these names!)
Tonight after the meeting, a number of the pastors and their wives, along with Esther Spurrier, are going to join us for some dessert and tea. Mother has been enjoying getting everything all set up....puttering away in the kitchen! I hope Ken will be able to join us, but he has been sleeping most of the evening, so he might not be up to it yet. Either way, it will be nice to interact with these folks who are very special to my parents.
My friend, Heather, who is in Macha, stopped by today. It was so good to see her, and Ken was able to meet her in between his naps :)
I had a wonderful surprise today....I got a call from Ryan and then an hour later, Sarah called! It made for a happy day :) It doesn't take much! Just for the record, I would consider every day a happy day, but it was a special treat on this happy day to hear voices from home :)
I miss you all!
Thanks for your continual prayers for my dear husband.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Another Patient
Today Ken and I took a walk to town and back by ourselves, and it was great having him as my walking partner. We were able to get caught up on our lives and went on our first "date" in 10 weeks! We recommend weekly dates, for those of you who know us well...sorry we slipped up on that for a while! Hopefully we will get back into the habit now :)
About halfway through our morning, he said he wasn't feeling too well - his head was congested and he had a fever, and he felt wiped out. It was then that he said he really hadn't felt very well physically since he's been here, but was trying to "push through." Bless his heart; I'm sure he was pushing through for my sake too! I think he came a bit exhausted, then didn't sleep on the plane hardly at all, and hasn't been able to get a full night's sleep since he's here, probably mostly due to the time change. He slept all afternoon, and hopefully will get his energy back and will be healed quickly. We were planning to go to Ron and Erma Herr's tonight for our monthly meeting with other missionaries. Matt and I will probably go, and maybe we will let Ken sleep. The Herr's live next door, so maybe he will join us if he feels up to it later on. So once again, I come to you asking for your prayers, for my dear husband. Thanks!
About halfway through our morning, he said he wasn't feeling too well - his head was congested and he had a fever, and he felt wiped out. It was then that he said he really hadn't felt very well physically since he's been here, but was trying to "push through." Bless his heart; I'm sure he was pushing through for my sake too! I think he came a bit exhausted, then didn't sleep on the plane hardly at all, and hasn't been able to get a full night's sleep since he's here, probably mostly due to the time change. He slept all afternoon, and hopefully will get his energy back and will be healed quickly. We were planning to go to Ron and Erma Herr's tonight for our monthly meeting with other missionaries. Matt and I will probably go, and maybe we will let Ken sleep. The Herr's live next door, so maybe he will join us if he feels up to it later on. So once again, I come to you asking for your prayers, for my dear husband. Thanks!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Laughs, Walks and School Work
It sure is nice walking around, hand in hand with my man! We enjoyed walking home from town today on the path that I have come to love...as we waved to children, greeted them, and chatted the whole way. Today was a relaxing day as Ken tried to catch up a bit on his short nights of sleep. We had some laughs last night as we tried to go to sleep. Within minutes of turning off the lights, Ken heard the buzzing of a misquito at his face, so we quickly turned on the light, trying to find it and end its life. Well, this continued for quite a while....giving up after not finding it, turing off the light, lying there for a little while, then hearing it again, then turning on the light, etc. etc., So then we decided we would use the
misquito net(s) above the beds. Only problem is that we are sleeping on 2 twin beds pushed together. The beds have misquito nets over them, but when you push them together, obviously both nets are no longer above the beds. Well, we managed to squish into one bed so the net could be over us. I think we got a few hours sleep like that, until somewhere during the night, Ken switched to the other bed and somehow had part of the net over him too! He did tell me in the morning that when he woke up in the middle of the night, the net was actually lying on my face, because it came off the bed frame.....oh my, what will tonight hold? But it's all good, cause we are together!
Ken is slowly meeting people, but is amazed at how many names we know....it reminds me that we have been here for quite a while! Ken joined my Dad in going to one of the Conference sessions this afternoon. I stayed home and helped Matt with his school work. Ken brought a packet of assignments from PDELA, Matt's cyber school. Classes begin Aug 27, so he has to get some things done before we get home. I guess his summer is over!
Just as we were getting ready for supper, Edwin and Koyi, the couple who just got married 2 weeks ago, stopped by, so we invited them to join us for supper and we had a wonderful time fellowshipping with them around the table. Any day now, they will be leaving for Siavongo, where Edwin will be pastoring.
Please say a prayer for Given. He has been sick most of the week, with Malaria and the flu, and is very weak. I know he would appreciate your prayers.
Even though it is getting warmer, it is so beautiful. Every day has been sunny. I hear PA is getting some much needed rain! None here :)
misquito net(s) above the beds. Only problem is that we are sleeping on 2 twin beds pushed together. The beds have misquito nets over them, but when you push them together, obviously both nets are no longer above the beds. Well, we managed to squish into one bed so the net could be over us. I think we got a few hours sleep like that, until somewhere during the night, Ken switched to the other bed and somehow had part of the net over him too! He did tell me in the morning that when he woke up in the middle of the night, the net was actually lying on my face, because it came off the bed frame.....oh my, what will tonight hold? But it's all good, cause we are together!
Ken is slowly meeting people, but is amazed at how many names we know....it reminds me that we have been here for quite a while! Ken joined my Dad in going to one of the Conference sessions this afternoon. I stayed home and helped Matt with his school work. Ken brought a packet of assignments from PDELA, Matt's cyber school. Classes begin Aug 27, so he has to get some things done before we get home. I guess his summer is over!
Just as we were getting ready for supper, Edwin and Koyi, the couple who just got married 2 weeks ago, stopped by, so we invited them to join us for supper and we had a wonderful time fellowshipping with them around the table. Any day now, they will be leaving for Siavongo, where Edwin will be pastoring.
Please say a prayer for Given. He has been sick most of the week, with Malaria and the flu, and is very weak. I know he would appreciate your prayers.
Even though it is getting warmer, it is so beautiful. Every day has been sunny. I hear PA is getting some much needed rain! None here :)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Together!
Many thanks to Sarah for filling in for me yesterday while I was a bit "detained" :) I will warn you all now...I might not be as faithful these next 4 weeks as I have been for the past 10 weeks, in getting these posts to you; somehow I don't think I will have as much "free time" on my hands! Or could it be that now I just want to spend time with my husband instead of the computer?! I will try my best to keep up with it, but I know you will understand if I am a bit distracted :)
Needless to say, I truly am overjoyed to be reunited with Ken! I think we both feel a little like newly-weds! This evening when I looked at him I said, "Can it really be that I get to sleep with you again tonight? That is TWO nights in a row!!" Oh, it is so good to be together. We both agree this was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, and the Lord would have to speak very loudly to ever be separated this long again, as long as we both are living! I know some couples do it all the time, but we decided it's not for us!
Ken is adjusting well, although he is still trying to catch up on some short nights of sleep. Everything went fine in Johannesburg, and even though he had to pay for the extra luggage enroute to Livingstone, we rejoice that his luggage came with him!
Today I gave him a walking tour of Nahumba and introduced him to many of the people here, who were all eager to meet him (since of course, they heard of my growing anticipation of his arrival!) We drove into Choma for a few stops, and hope to take the walking path tomorrow if he is feeling up to it.
One of these days soon, I will do a little interview with my husband, so you can hear his initial impressions of Africa! But for now, it's time for me to spend some time with him!!
Grateful for the man I love....Beth (yes, I am smiling!!)
Needless to say, I truly am overjoyed to be reunited with Ken! I think we both feel a little like newly-weds! This evening when I looked at him I said, "Can it really be that I get to sleep with you again tonight? That is TWO nights in a row!!" Oh, it is so good to be together. We both agree this was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, and the Lord would have to speak very loudly to ever be separated this long again, as long as we both are living! I know some couples do it all the time, but we decided it's not for us!
Ken is adjusting well, although he is still trying to catch up on some short nights of sleep. Everything went fine in Johannesburg, and even though he had to pay for the extra luggage enroute to Livingstone, we rejoice that his luggage came with him!
Today I gave him a walking tour of Nahumba and introduced him to many of the people here, who were all eager to meet him (since of course, they heard of my growing anticipation of his arrival!) We drove into Choma for a few stops, and hope to take the walking path tomorrow if he is feeling up to it.
One of these days soon, I will do a little interview with my husband, so you can hear his initial impressions of Africa! But for now, it's time for me to spend some time with him!!
Grateful for the man I love....Beth (yes, I am smiling!!)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Overjoyed ...
I just talked to my Mom on the phone ... they are back at the house WITH Dad!! And Mom is completely overjoyed! She said it was a wonderful reunion, and she can't believe he is actually in Africa with her. Although my Dad didn't get much sleep the past 2 nights, he is doing well too. They were still busy finishing dinner and unpacking when I talked to her ... and with all the excitement going on, I don't think Mom will send me a post for today, but you will likely hear from her tomorrow!
Thanks for your prayers,
Sarah
Thanks for your prayers,
Sarah
Monday, August 20, 2007
He's in South Africa!
I received a very short email from Ken saying he is in Johannesburg, South Africa, in his hotel for tonight, so I am quite excited as I head into my last night of sleeping alone in Africa :) If you have any other questions, well...you will have to wait, just like me, because my husband is a man of little words, especially in emails! I will just assume his luggage is with him, that he had a good flight and all is well! I will fill you in with the details after seeing him in person tomorrow!! Oh, how wonderful to know he is now on the same continent as me!
Matthew has a bad case of "dad-eagerness"...i.e. what some might call a bit "hyper"! But he's allowed; it's been a long time!
Today was laundry day and grocery day, and another beautiful day in Zambia. We met more people that my parents knew, both at the house and as we were in town. It never ceases to amaze me how many folks they know in this place! I'm sure that will continue this week, as Zambia General Conference takes place right here at the Choma Secondary School. Many will gather from Wednesday through Sunday for special meetings. The Guest House is full and it will be a busy place. Ken is coming right in the middle of the busiest week of the summer, but don't worry...we'll be sure to get some alone time and rest time! I am already looking forward to taking walks with him, showing him the many paths of beautiful Nahumba. It will also be a great
time to meet many of the special people that mean so much to my parents, so I am glad he will be here when so many of them are in town. My Dad is also hoping to have some of the pastors over to our house to give Ken an opportunity to relate with them.
Well, time to TRY to get some sleep! Tomorrow is a BIG day in my life :) Thanks for your prayers...
My heart is filled with a thousand songs
Proclaiming the glories of Calvary
With every breath, Lord how I long,
To sing of Jesus who died for me -
Lord, take me deeper, in the glories of Calvary.
Matthew has a bad case of "dad-eagerness"...i.e. what some might call a bit "hyper"! But he's allowed; it's been a long time!
Today was laundry day and grocery day, and another beautiful day in Zambia. We met more people that my parents knew, both at the house and as we were in town. It never ceases to amaze me how many folks they know in this place! I'm sure that will continue this week, as Zambia General Conference takes place right here at the Choma Secondary School. Many will gather from Wednesday through Sunday for special meetings. The Guest House is full and it will be a busy place. Ken is coming right in the middle of the busiest week of the summer, but don't worry...we'll be sure to get some alone time and rest time! I am already looking forward to taking walks with him, showing him the many paths of beautiful Nahumba. It will also be a great
time to meet many of the special people that mean so much to my parents, so I am glad he will be here when so many of them are in town. My Dad is also hoping to have some of the pastors over to our house to give Ken an opportunity to relate with them.
Well, time to TRY to get some sleep! Tomorrow is a BIG day in my life :) Thanks for your prayers...
My heart is filled with a thousand songs
Proclaiming the glories of Calvary
With every breath, Lord how I long,
To sing of Jesus who died for me -
Lord, take me deeper, in the glories of Calvary.
Almost there ...
I just heard from my Dad ... he is in Johannesburg! Lord willing, he will see Mom and Matt tomorrow!
Sarah
Sarah
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Africa Bound!!
My dear husband is Africa bound tonight, so please pray for him. He will leave Dulles airport at 5:20 and will arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday afternoon. He will stay overnight in Jo-burg and then will fly to Livingstone Tuesday, arriving at 12:50 PM, at which time his wife will be one excited woman!!! Given will be driving us to the airport. Needless to say, I can't wait! Ten weeks was a long time, but it is coming to end, and what a happy reunion we will have :) Matthew and I are so eager to be with him and have him share in our experiences in this "home away from home".
As you pray for his safe traveling, we have one other prayer request...He knew all along that South African Air allows two 70 lb. suitcases, but just this past week, he found out that his connecting flight from Jo-burg to Livingstone is a different airline and their "restrictions" appear to be ONE 40 lb piece....thus a potential problem. SAA says he should be ok since he is coming from overseas, but that isn't completely reassuring. Please pray that they waive the restriction for him and that all his luggage comes with him and he won't have to pay for the extra weight. For all of you that know him, you would know Ken would have had little more than a carry-on if he was just bringing HIS belongings! However, being the kind, gracious guy that he is, he has agreed to bring some things for others with him and some things
to give away to the Zambians, as well as a few requests from his wife and son :) What a guy, huh? And many thanks to Hollis and Allie for picking up some things on my list and to my sister Deb, for helping him pack. I felt so bad I was not there to help him, but soon I will be by his side and will be the helper that God intended me to be for him :)
Thanks for your prayers!
Miss you all so much - Beth
As you pray for his safe traveling, we have one other prayer request...He knew all along that South African Air allows two 70 lb. suitcases, but just this past week, he found out that his connecting flight from Jo-burg to Livingstone is a different airline and their "restrictions" appear to be ONE 40 lb piece....thus a potential problem. SAA says he should be ok since he is coming from overseas, but that isn't completely reassuring. Please pray that they waive the restriction for him and that all his luggage comes with him and he won't have to pay for the extra weight. For all of you that know him, you would know Ken would have had little more than a carry-on if he was just bringing HIS belongings! However, being the kind, gracious guy that he is, he has agreed to bring some things for others with him and some things
to give away to the Zambians, as well as a few requests from his wife and son :) What a guy, huh? And many thanks to Hollis and Allie for picking up some things on my list and to my sister Deb, for helping him pack. I felt so bad I was not there to help him, but soon I will be by his side and will be the helper that God intended me to be for him :)
Thanks for your prayers!
Miss you all so much - Beth
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Another Special Lady
Thanks for your prayers. I am feeling much better and recovering today. We are praying that Matthew escapes the bug and will stay healthy.
Yesterday we had the privilege of visiting a dear older woman, Rachel Mushala. The drive back to her place was adventure, but fortunately Emma was with us and guided us through the dirt paths and high grass, past numerous other farms and houses. My parents were good friends with Rachel and her late husband when they were here years ago. Rachel and her husband helped translate the Bible into Tonga and they were pillars in the church. In addition to losing her husband, she has lost 3 of her 5 children, and now takes care of a number of her grandchildren. One of her daughters and her children live with her, while her husband works in the Copperbelt. Her
eyesight is failing her and she is not as mobile as she once was. She shared both joys and sorrows in bringing up her granchildren, some of whom are not following the Lord. Her strong faith in the Lord, even through difficult times, both past and present, was an inspiration to us and we had a lovley time with her. My Mother prayed for her before we left.
The past few days I have been helping David, Emma's youngest son, with some English and Math work. I am going to save some of his Math questions for when Ken arrives! David is in 11th grade at Sikalonga Scondary School, and they are currently on break.
Matt gets his stitches out Tuesday morning before we head to the airport for Ken. Oh, happy day that will be....is sure is around the corner now. He gets on the plane tomorrow! Yippee!
Yesterday we had the privilege of visiting a dear older woman, Rachel Mushala. The drive back to her place was adventure, but fortunately Emma was with us and guided us through the dirt paths and high grass, past numerous other farms and houses. My parents were good friends with Rachel and her late husband when they were here years ago. Rachel and her husband helped translate the Bible into Tonga and they were pillars in the church. In addition to losing her husband, she has lost 3 of her 5 children, and now takes care of a number of her grandchildren. One of her daughters and her children live with her, while her husband works in the Copperbelt. Her
eyesight is failing her and she is not as mobile as she once was. She shared both joys and sorrows in bringing up her granchildren, some of whom are not following the Lord. Her strong faith in the Lord, even through difficult times, both past and present, was an inspiration to us and we had a lovley time with her. My Mother prayed for her before we left.
The past few days I have been helping David, Emma's youngest son, with some English and Math work. I am going to save some of his Math questions for when Ken arrives! David is in 11th grade at Sikalonga Scondary School, and they are currently on break.
Matt gets his stitches out Tuesday morning before we head to the airport for Ken. Oh, happy day that will be....is sure is around the corner now. He gets on the plane tomorrow! Yippee!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Prayer Request ...
My Mom has picked up what seems to be the same virus that my Pop-pop and Nana had. Please pray for a speedy recovery and her full strength to be regained quickly. She is thankful she got sick before my Dad arrives on Tuesday.
Thanks for your prayers,
Sarah
Thanks for your prayers,
Sarah
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Back to Good Health
So glad to report that both of my parents have recovered from the virus. It was wonderful having Mother back in the kitchen today and seeing her stronger again. Today I helped Emma's son, David, with his math, but I sure could have used the expert assistance of my son Ryan (an 8th grade math teacher!). I got a little stuck with some of the formulas he is working with, but I kept his notebook overnight and figured most of it out so I am more ready to help him tomorrow. What I don't understand, I will hand over to Ken when he gets here! David is also going to bring his English over and I will help him with some of that as well. He is in grade 11, and he only has notebooks that he writes in; no text books. No wonder so many have a hard time getting good grades.
In case I didn't mention it, schools are off for the month of August. They go year round, but have breaks in April, August and December. To pass, the student must have above 40%. Many of them are struggling to get that. Often their parents have not gone to school, and are unable to help them. In order to get extra help at school, teachers typically charge something exta, and so many cannot afford that, so many are not helped.
Uncle Doug and Brent painting at Nahumba basic school
Aunt Dar and Mindy painting at Nahumba basic school
In a conversation with a teacher the other day, he told me of a student who slept all morning during his class. Upon inquiring with the student, he found out that the boy had eaten breakfast the day before, but had no lunch, dinner or breakfast that day, because his family had no food. He looked at the teacher and said, "I'm just sooo hungry, I can't stay awake." The teacher took him to his house and gave him some food, which was quite a sacrifice and act of love, considering the meager pay teachers get. He continued to tell me how God provided for his own family after they gave to this student. I am continually amazed at how the people here have so little and are so content. They do not complain. We regularly hear stories of
God's faithful provision for them. There are so many things we are learning.
Well, it's midnight here on Thursday, so that means only 5 more days, folks! The 10 week separation from my dear husbnad is actually coming to an end and I am so happy I could cry! (Anyone that knows me knows that isn't an exaggeration! If I think too long about him, the tears actually do come!)
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in the way we should go, and gives us grace for each moment of the way.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Jackpot at the Post Office and No Maleria
My Mother definitely does not have malaria; we got a second test today and it was negative. There is a virus going around that evidently hit my parents. We are hearing that many others are sick as well, so we hope it does not spread any more. Matthew and I are healthy and well. My Dad is up and around and even drove to town today, and is recovering, but he did take a nap this afternoon, which is not the norm, so he is not quite back to normal. My Mother is now gaining some strength, and ate a little breakfast and lunch, in between her morning and afternoon naps :) But we are so grateful they are getting stronger each day. Thanks for your prayers.
Today we hit the jackpot at the post office! Many thanks to Meg, Jared, Ryle and Ben for the picture, photo and letter. Thanks too, Jen, for the wonderful letter and adorable photos of little Ryan :) And Brent and Mindy.....well, your package of sweets was recieved with much joy! How kind and thoughtful of you to send us each a little care package of our favorites that we can't get here :) Sarah, the package you sent 5 weeks ago, still has not arrived, and I doubt we will see it :( But we will keep checking. Meghan's letter was postmarked Aug 9 and we received it Aug 15...SIX days is not bad at all!
I am so excited that I will see Ken in less than a week!! Yippee :)
Today we hit the jackpot at the post office! Many thanks to Meg, Jared, Ryle and Ben for the picture, photo and letter. Thanks too, Jen, for the wonderful letter and adorable photos of little Ryan :) And Brent and Mindy.....well, your package of sweets was recieved with much joy! How kind and thoughtful of you to send us each a little care package of our favorites that we can't get here :) Sarah, the package you sent 5 weeks ago, still has not arrived, and I doubt we will see it :( But we will keep checking. Meghan's letter was postmarked Aug 9 and we received it Aug 15...SIX days is not bad at all!
I am so excited that I will see Ken in less than a week!! Yippee :)
Health Update
I wanted to give an update on my parents. My Dad felt achey and sluggish all day yesterday, and only drank tea. He will try to eat some food today. He rested and took it easy. My Mother slept all day and was very wiped out. I did manage to talk her into getting a bath to try to wake her up, but the bath did not wake her up; she went right back to sleep. She has only had a little sprite to drink. I feel so bad for her and I miss her not walking around and talking to us; it was was way too quiet today. Please pray that her headache leaves and that she regains her strength and that she can begin eating today. Unless something drastically changes, we will get her re-tested for malaria later today. It could be a virus as well, since they both got it the same tme. Thanks for your prayers; hopefully I can report some good news later today! Beth
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sickness and A Gash ...
I am happy to report that I am very well, but I am sorry to report that my 3 "patients" have needed some TLC in the past 12 hours. Monday evening after supper my Dad did not feel well, and by 10:00 he was bringing up his supper, had chills and was very weak. Then a few hours later, my Mother did the same. By 1:30 we all retired, hoping to get some sleep.
This morning Dad woke up feeling a bit better, but achey and weak. He was not able to keep his toast and vitamins down, so he will stick to liquids for most of the day. Mother is still in bed (it's 2:00 pm) and seems very wiped out, and had a headache when she briefly woke up this morning. Knowing that these are all symptoms for malaria, Emma thought it would be best for them to get tested, so she walked up to the secondary school and brought the nurse down to the house with her. The nurse took some blood and Emma walked the samples to Choma Hospital.
It seemed like Dad was doing better than Mother, so the initial test results surprised us when they came back saying Mother did not have malaria but Dad did! So, my Dad was pretty sure they were wrong! Given offered to take him for a second test. Meanwhile, while we were deciding what to do, Matthew comes in with a gash above his left eye! He was feeding Jasper's (Given's son) rabbits and when he removed the heavy rusted mesh cover, he cut his head. It was one of those "iffy" wounds. If he was back home, I would have said he probably needed stitches, but here, I just wasn't sure I wanted to have him get any, and I thought he might just have to settle with an "African scar". So we decided Given would take Dad to get a second test, and Matthew went along. While they were there, the doctor looked at Matt's wound and decided it needed 3 stitches. Matt's last tetanus shot was 9 years ago (which we thought was fine since it was within 10 years), but the doctor said here in Zambia they prefer every 5 years, so he also got a tetanus shot. He will go back to the doctor on Friday and get the stitches out next week.
So then the pharmacist came out and said Dad's test was negative! So....now we are thinking we might want Mother to get a second test, cause maybe the first results got switched. Emma watched them do the 2 tests, but she could not see which was which. It's interesting....a simple piece of paper that I wrote their names and ages on, and then a glass slide with the blood sample taped to the paper with a piece of masking tape labeled with their name....it sure had the possibility of getting mixed up! We will probably wait till tomorrow and see how she is, and then get her re-tested. Since we are all taking the doxycycline for Malaria prevention, that should help any symptoms to be minimal. Hopefully, that initial test was completely wrong and neither have it, but we will wait and see. If she does have malaria, she will take some medication that should speed up the healing process.
So, keep praying for strength for both Dad and Mother. We have been blessed with great health up to now, and we are confident that the Lord will continue to pour out his grace upon us and strengthen us in every way.
Thanks for your prayers....nurse Beth :)
This morning Dad woke up feeling a bit better, but achey and weak. He was not able to keep his toast and vitamins down, so he will stick to liquids for most of the day. Mother is still in bed (it's 2:00 pm) and seems very wiped out, and had a headache when she briefly woke up this morning. Knowing that these are all symptoms for malaria, Emma thought it would be best for them to get tested, so she walked up to the secondary school and brought the nurse down to the house with her. The nurse took some blood and Emma walked the samples to Choma Hospital.
It seemed like Dad was doing better than Mother, so the initial test results surprised us when they came back saying Mother did not have malaria but Dad did! So, my Dad was pretty sure they were wrong! Given offered to take him for a second test. Meanwhile, while we were deciding what to do, Matthew comes in with a gash above his left eye! He was feeding Jasper's (Given's son) rabbits and when he removed the heavy rusted mesh cover, he cut his head. It was one of those "iffy" wounds. If he was back home, I would have said he probably needed stitches, but here, I just wasn't sure I wanted to have him get any, and I thought he might just have to settle with an "African scar". So we decided Given would take Dad to get a second test, and Matthew went along. While they were there, the doctor looked at Matt's wound and decided it needed 3 stitches. Matt's last tetanus shot was 9 years ago (which we thought was fine since it was within 10 years), but the doctor said here in Zambia they prefer every 5 years, so he also got a tetanus shot. He will go back to the doctor on Friday and get the stitches out next week.
So then the pharmacist came out and said Dad's test was negative! So....now we are thinking we might want Mother to get a second test, cause maybe the first results got switched. Emma watched them do the 2 tests, but she could not see which was which. It's interesting....a simple piece of paper that I wrote their names and ages on, and then a glass slide with the blood sample taped to the paper with a piece of masking tape labeled with their name....it sure had the possibility of getting mixed up! We will probably wait till tomorrow and see how she is, and then get her re-tested. Since we are all taking the doxycycline for Malaria prevention, that should help any symptoms to be minimal. Hopefully, that initial test was completely wrong and neither have it, but we will wait and see. If she does have malaria, she will take some medication that should speed up the healing process.
So, keep praying for strength for both Dad and Mother. We have been blessed with great health up to now, and we are confident that the Lord will continue to pour out his grace upon us and strengthen us in every way.
Thanks for your prayers....nurse Beth :)
Monday, August 13, 2007
Thirty Wonderful Years!
Thirty years ago today, I married my best friend. Today he is still my best friend, and I would marry him again, because I think he is the best!Thank you, Ken, for asking me to marry you! The best years of my life have been spent with you, and I love you more than ever. Thank you for loving me in an understanding way and for modeling to me what it means to live for God's glory. You have been such a positive influence in my life, and so much of who I am today, is because of your powerful example. I am so grateful that the Lord kept you for me! I respect you and love you with all my heart. Being separated from you these 9 weeks (soon to be 10!) makes me cherish you all the more. I have missed so much about you, but especially I miss you by my side, leading me wisely, tenderly caring for me, and experiencing life together. This is the first anniversary we were not able to be together, but in 8 days, we will celebrate as we re-unite once again! I have observed and heard from the Africans here that married couples don't show much (if any) affection in public. Well.....I am in love with my husband, and it's been way too long since I've seen him, so I plan to be very close to him! Can't wait to see you in 8 days, my love! Then I can tell just YOU the rest of my thoughts, cause I could go on and on!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Sunday at Mwapona BIC
My dad has been trying to expose me to various churches here, so today we visited a different one in Mwapona, not too far from here. It is the middle of many villages and is a growing church. The message was given by a student who is presently at Sikalongo Bible Institute and he spoke on John 15 - Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. They interpreted the message just for us, so we would not be left out!
When my parents were here in 1989, there was not a church in Mwapona. Someone had a burden to plant a church and they were able to use some materials that were stored here at Nahumba mission for the church building. The last time my parents were here, one wall of the church was grass. Today, the entire structure is up and now they are in the midst of building a larger one, because they pack it out! The congregation gathers regularly to make bricks, and all around the present building is a dirt trench, where they plan to build the larger one. When they get the basic structure up, they will tear down the existing one and use the materials from the old one for the new one. When you realize how little these folks make, and how little they live on, it is amazing to see the work that is already done. Piles of new bricks were in the areas surrounding the church. It was obvious that these people are committed to serving and sacrificing to build the kingdom of God in their village. There were many children in this church; at least 40 under the age of 12. Our hearts were saddened as we met the man (a former pastor who is presently unemployed) who lost his wife shortly after we arrived. I think I referred to the situation in an earlier post. He is left with 7 children. We just don't understand how people make it in situations like this. His name is Daniel, so say a prayer for him if you think of him and his 7 children.
The nights are still a bit cool here. I am surprised that I am still sleeping in my flannel PJs with many covers, but some of that might change when I soon have someone to keep me warm :)
The days are beautiful, just like every day we have been here. I have heard it is hazy, hot and humid back home. It will be nice coming from one cool season to another cool season...that suits me just fine, since fall is one of my favorite seasons!
God has been so faithful in keeping us healthy and feeling great physically. I think my body agrees with this African weather!
Matthew is doing well, but is missing his dad, family, friends and his bed! I am proud of how he is relating to the people here. He is growing in being respectful and I always enjoy seeing him look people straight in the eye, with his winsome smile, as he gives a manly handshake to those he greets. I see him growing up before my eyes. We are thoroughly enjoying the book on relationships; I'm so glad I brought it along. It is a special time we have together each day as we read and discuss the chapters, applying it to our lives.
Tomorrow is a very special day...more about that when tomorrow comes!
When my parents were here in 1989, there was not a church in Mwapona. Someone had a burden to plant a church and they were able to use some materials that were stored here at Nahumba mission for the church building. The last time my parents were here, one wall of the church was grass. Today, the entire structure is up and now they are in the midst of building a larger one, because they pack it out! The congregation gathers regularly to make bricks, and all around the present building is a dirt trench, where they plan to build the larger one. When they get the basic structure up, they will tear down the existing one and use the materials from the old one for the new one. When you realize how little these folks make, and how little they live on, it is amazing to see the work that is already done. Piles of new bricks were in the areas surrounding the church. It was obvious that these people are committed to serving and sacrificing to build the kingdom of God in their village. There were many children in this church; at least 40 under the age of 12. Our hearts were saddened as we met the man (a former pastor who is presently unemployed) who lost his wife shortly after we arrived. I think I referred to the situation in an earlier post. He is left with 7 children. We just don't understand how people make it in situations like this. His name is Daniel, so say a prayer for him if you think of him and his 7 children.
The nights are still a bit cool here. I am surprised that I am still sleeping in my flannel PJs with many covers, but some of that might change when I soon have someone to keep me warm :)
The days are beautiful, just like every day we have been here. I have heard it is hazy, hot and humid back home. It will be nice coming from one cool season to another cool season...that suits me just fine, since fall is one of my favorite seasons!
God has been so faithful in keeping us healthy and feeling great physically. I think my body agrees with this African weather!
Matthew is doing well, but is missing his dad, family, friends and his bed! I am proud of how he is relating to the people here. He is growing in being respectful and I always enjoy seeing him look people straight in the eye, with his winsome smile, as he gives a manly handshake to those he greets. I see him growing up before my eyes. We are thoroughly enjoying the book on relationships; I'm so glad I brought it along. It is a special time we have together each day as we read and discuss the chapters, applying it to our lives.
Tomorrow is a very special day...more about that when tomorrow comes!
Wedding #2
Edwin and Koyi's wedding was beautiful! My parents are very good friends with Edwin's uncle and aunt, the former Bishop Enok Shamapani and his wife Lastina. They raised Edwin, due to his parents not having the resources to. Edwin's parents were at the wedding and it was precious to see the love and closeness of the family. His parents are obviously very proud of him and very appreciative of Enok and Lastina.
The highlight for me was the message given by Rev Dennis Mweetwa, who is the Sikalongo Bible Institute principal. (SBI is where my Dad taught for a while on one of their previous trips here, and is where young men are trained to be pastors.) Edwin just graduated from SBI and was just recently assigned a church in Siavonga, about 250 km from Choma. Dennis's message centered on what a Christian marriage should be. He encouraged the husband to truly leave and cleave, and become one. He stressed the fact that marriage is 2 sinners living together. We must admit our sin and humble ourselves with each other and turn to Christ for forgiveness, grace and hope. He spoke of the importance of humility and teachableness, and open communication. It was refreshing to hear sin and grace preached about! The ceremony was just short of 2 hours long. The reception began at 14 hours and went till 18 hours, so we had a full day.
One interesting observation - Edwin wore black for the ceremony, but changed to a white suit for the reception! The line up (brides maids and groomsmen) also changed their attire for the ceremony.
There were about 300 people at the reception, and the church was quite full for the ceremony, but near that number. I enjoyed the music they had chosen for the wedding, most of it familar. She walked in to a Twila Paris song, Faithful Friend.
At both weddings, they make an event of signing the marriage license, going into a separate room with the minister and 2 witnesses in the middle of the service. Then after it was signed, the minister spoke a second message to them as a married couple.
This couple smiled more...especially the groom at the reception. The bride was still fairly serious, although she did smile here and there :)
The highlight for me was the message given by Rev Dennis Mweetwa, who is the Sikalongo Bible Institute principal. (SBI is where my Dad taught for a while on one of their previous trips here, and is where young men are trained to be pastors.) Edwin just graduated from SBI and was just recently assigned a church in Siavonga, about 250 km from Choma. Dennis's message centered on what a Christian marriage should be. He encouraged the husband to truly leave and cleave, and become one. He stressed the fact that marriage is 2 sinners living together. We must admit our sin and humble ourselves with each other and turn to Christ for forgiveness, grace and hope. He spoke of the importance of humility and teachableness, and open communication. It was refreshing to hear sin and grace preached about! The ceremony was just short of 2 hours long. The reception began at 14 hours and went till 18 hours, so we had a full day.
One interesting observation - Edwin wore black for the ceremony, but changed to a white suit for the reception! The line up (brides maids and groomsmen) also changed their attire for the ceremony.
There were about 300 people at the reception, and the church was quite full for the ceremony, but near that number. I enjoyed the music they had chosen for the wedding, most of it familar. She walked in to a Twila Paris song, Faithful Friend.
At both weddings, they make an event of signing the marriage license, going into a separate room with the minister and 2 witnesses in the middle of the service. Then after it was signed, the minister spoke a second message to them as a married couple.
This couple smiled more...especially the groom at the reception. The bride was still fairly serious, although she did smile here and there :)
Friday, August 10, 2007
Hurrah for Given!
Today I thought of my son-in-law Brian. Given reminds me of Brian ... a guy who can fix just about anything! Emma, my Mother, I are so very grateful that Given fixed the washing machine! He found out what was wrong, bought a part and worked on it today and got the spinner working. Now we are praying that it will last for a while. Evidently, this machine was purchased the same time 2 others were...this was the only one still working, so we all thought it's life was over. But no....Given came to the rescue once again. Given, I thank the Lord for you! My hands, wrists and shoulders thank you...and Matthew thanks you too, cause he was going to be in for some serious wringing in the days ahead!
An interesting thing happened today. I had the cakes all made and the bride and her matron came over this morning to see them. They informed us that some girls will stop by later to pick up the 7 cakes. Well....to our surprise 3 young girls knocked on the door, and said they were here to get the cakes. Only they didn't have a vehicle! They were going to walk the 10 minute trip through the fields, carrying these decorated, uncovered cakes that I spent hours on! Needless to say, the bakers had to confer with the man of the house on this one, because we were a bit protective of our cakes. We decided to call the groom (I didn't have the bride's number), and although he did not know the plan, he agreed that it didn't sound like a
good idea, so we graciously sent the girls away empty handed. A few hours later the matron came with the bride's sister and sister-in-law, and after trying gracioulsy to clear up some misunderstandings, they walked the path carrying 3 of the cakes and the young girls returned for the other 4. I wonder if that would have happened in the rainy season! TIA :)
An interesting thing happened today. I had the cakes all made and the bride and her matron came over this morning to see them. They informed us that some girls will stop by later to pick up the 7 cakes. Well....to our surprise 3 young girls knocked on the door, and said they were here to get the cakes. Only they didn't have a vehicle! They were going to walk the 10 minute trip through the fields, carrying these decorated, uncovered cakes that I spent hours on! Needless to say, the bakers had to confer with the man of the house on this one, because we were a bit protective of our cakes. We decided to call the groom (I didn't have the bride's number), and although he did not know the plan, he agreed that it didn't sound like a
good idea, so we graciously sent the girls away empty handed. A few hours later the matron came with the bride's sister and sister-in-law, and after trying gracioulsy to clear up some misunderstandings, they walked the path carrying 3 of the cakes and the young girls returned for the other 4. I wonder if that would have happened in the rainy season! TIA :)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
This Week Flew By!
Can it be that it is Thursday and I did not post anything since Monday? I am so sorry, friends! This week has flown by and I can hardly remember what I did! Now for you who know what I am counting down, the fact that this week went fast is good news! My dear husband arrives in 11 days and I really don't mind the days flying by right now!
My hands are getting a good work out this week. The spinner to our washing machine died, so even though we can wash our clothes, we have been rinsing them and wringing them out by hand! We all decided we will wear everything for many days before we put it in the wash! It wouldn't be too bad if it was just our wash, but we had lots of sheets and towels to do this week, because the guest house was full of men who stayed there for the youth camp this past weekend. If fact, Wednesday was the most I worked in a long time! Emma had to go to a funeral, so my mother and I cleaned the guest house and did all the laundry from it. Fortunately it was a great drying day, and even though the towels were initially a bit heavy on the line, they dried
before the sun went down :) And thanks to Matthew, who did a lot of the wringing of the towels. He is much stronger than us and we appreciated his help. He also helped me wash the floors in the guest house and scrubbed the tub till it sparkled!
My friend Heather left yesterday for Macha and I miss her lots! We had such fun together. She spent a number of evenings with us, eating dinner together, playing rummicube, watching CARS, and just talking. I will miss her a lot. We really hit it off, and I hope we stay in touch, even after we go back to the states. She will be in Zambia till the end of October, and we will definitely see her a few times before we leave. By the way, the day after I asked you all to pray for her health, she was all better! Thank you. She and I had gotten in a great habit of taking walks daily. Now I might have to see if Mother wants to join me, because I really liked walking. Lately I have not taken as many walks to town, but that might be
due to having more things to do here, like laundry, cleaning and baking wedding cakes! It's been good to keep busy; gotta have those 11 days fly by :) Sorry....I just REALLY miss my husband; this is LOOOOONG! God has been so faithful, though, even in my times of loneliness; he is my ever present help and joy.
The cakes are all baked with the icing on, and Friday I will decorate them. They are nothing to brag about, but they will taste good! This is the last wedding cake I will ever do, so no more ideas about "my new talent"! You know how it is, between my Mother and I, we are not good at saying no!
So, we are doing fine and in some ways it is feeling like home...if all of you were here, then it would! The only thing missing is all of our family and friends. But it no longer feels like a strange place. I see why my parents call it their second home. But for me, there is a special man at my REAL home who is all alone and I can't wait to see him on August 21 face to face!!
My hands are getting a good work out this week. The spinner to our washing machine died, so even though we can wash our clothes, we have been rinsing them and wringing them out by hand! We all decided we will wear everything for many days before we put it in the wash! It wouldn't be too bad if it was just our wash, but we had lots of sheets and towels to do this week, because the guest house was full of men who stayed there for the youth camp this past weekend. If fact, Wednesday was the most I worked in a long time! Emma had to go to a funeral, so my mother and I cleaned the guest house and did all the laundry from it. Fortunately it was a great drying day, and even though the towels were initially a bit heavy on the line, they dried
before the sun went down :) And thanks to Matthew, who did a lot of the wringing of the towels. He is much stronger than us and we appreciated his help. He also helped me wash the floors in the guest house and scrubbed the tub till it sparkled!
My friend Heather left yesterday for Macha and I miss her lots! We had such fun together. She spent a number of evenings with us, eating dinner together, playing rummicube, watching CARS, and just talking. I will miss her a lot. We really hit it off, and I hope we stay in touch, even after we go back to the states. She will be in Zambia till the end of October, and we will definitely see her a few times before we leave. By the way, the day after I asked you all to pray for her health, she was all better! Thank you. She and I had gotten in a great habit of taking walks daily. Now I might have to see if Mother wants to join me, because I really liked walking. Lately I have not taken as many walks to town, but that might be
due to having more things to do here, like laundry, cleaning and baking wedding cakes! It's been good to keep busy; gotta have those 11 days fly by :) Sorry....I just REALLY miss my husband; this is LOOOOONG! God has been so faithful, though, even in my times of loneliness; he is my ever present help and joy.
The cakes are all baked with the icing on, and Friday I will decorate them. They are nothing to brag about, but they will taste good! This is the last wedding cake I will ever do, so no more ideas about "my new talent"! You know how it is, between my Mother and I, we are not good at saying no!
So, we are doing fine and in some ways it is feeling like home...if all of you were here, then it would! The only thing missing is all of our family and friends. But it no longer feels like a strange place. I see why my parents call it their second home. But for me, there is a special man at my REAL home who is all alone and I can't wait to see him on August 21 face to face!!
Monday, August 6, 2007
The Dress, the Cake and Waiting ...
Allie, good questions! (Keep those comments coming .. .I love them! And so does Matt!) The Bride's dress was very pretty. As it turns out, she wore the one that the groom rented. (I may have said he bought it, but I was wrong...they rent the dresses here.) Evidently, it wasn't the size that was the problem, but the matron did not care for it. She has a lot to say about the wedding, I think...she's sorta in charge. Anyway, the bride liked it so they went with it. We have had a number of situations like this....we hear one thing and then find out another story quite different than the first. I guess that happens in any country!
As for the bite sized pieces of cake, I'm not sure if this is common (I'll let you know after the next wedding!), but 2 13x9 oblong cakes were used for the people, and there is no way that will feed as many people that come to the reception. From what we heard, it is not uncommon for people to come to the reception that were not invited! Emma made 5 round cakes, but they were for other purposes..one to preserve for the first baby, one for the matron, one for the groom's family, one for the bride's family and one for the line up. We are making the cakes for the wedding on Saturday, and maybe we will suggest making another 9x13, so everyone can get more than a bite size piece of cake...we'll see! I figure, what's eight cakes if we're already making seven?! Should be interesting.... Oh, by the way, on Sunday, we found out that a number of people went to the wrong church for the wedding ceremony.
Many of the same people were invited to these 2 weddings. The ceremonies are held at different churches and evidently some went to the church where the second wedding is going to be held. I'm sure that was disappointing.
Today I waited. It was good for me to wait. Patience is a virtue! I was accompanying a woman to Batoka and was told that we were leaving around 7 AM. So a little after 7, I walked to her home, but she said I was too early. She would come and pick me up between 7 and 8. Someone came for me at 9:20. Yes, patience is a virtue, and living in Zambia helps me work on that virtue!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Sunday at Youth Camp
There is a youth camp being held at Choma Secondary School this weekend. Today we went to 2 of the services. This morning we heard Bishop Hamukang'andu speak on Spiritual Growth. He encouraged the youth to obey their parents, to keep Christ their priority and to receive the grace that teaches them to say no to ungodliness. This afternoon we heard a message addressing the affects of secular music, which is definitely infiltrating this country more than in the past. We stayed a little bit afterwards to see some quiz teams compete....brought back many memories of being on the Lancaster Brethren in Christ quiz team way back!
Once again, my parents met some dear friends that they hadn't seen yet; today they were delighted to spend some time visiting with Esther Siadibbi and some of her siblings. Esther was named after my mother, and is now 17, which reminds us how many years it has been since they were frist here in Nahumba.
Please pray for Heather, a nutritionist from the states, who has been here a week. We have become very good friends; and have "hit it off" amazingly well! She has been staying in the guest house but will be leaving for Macha on Wednesday. She has not been feeling well the past 2 days. She is here with Help Mercy and has come all alone, so she didn't know a single person. Ron and Erma Herr and us have been reaching out to her, and have had great conversations with her. I will miss her when she leaves on Wednesday.
Once again, my parents met some dear friends that they hadn't seen yet; today they were delighted to spend some time visiting with Esther Siadibbi and some of her siblings. Esther was named after my mother, and is now 17, which reminds us how many years it has been since they were frist here in Nahumba.
Please pray for Heather, a nutritionist from the states, who has been here a week. We have become very good friends; and have "hit it off" amazingly well! She has been staying in the guest house but will be leaving for Macha on Wednesday. She has not been feeling well the past 2 days. She is here with Help Mercy and has come all alone, so she didn't know a single person. Ron and Erma Herr and us have been reaching out to her, and have had great conversations with her. I will miss her when she leaves on Wednesday.
The Shirt Story
A Short story (: ( A Shirt story ) By: Matayo
This started out in Livingstone. My Family and I were done bartering for the day, when some guy called me and said he liked my long sleeved gray t-shirt. He said he will give me something free from his shop in exchange for my shirt. Then he took me all the way back to his shop. He said to pick something, so I picked up a Giraffe that I liked. He said that the Giraffe was made by him, and I had to pay twenty thousand kwacha. But thank goodness for Given, I told him what the guy said to me.
Then Given just told the guy to exchange the Giraffe for my shirt. With that said and done, he and I were both happy, went out of the tent shops, and my Mom took a picture of us, with me holding the Giraffe, and the guy wearing my long sleeved shirt...THE END (:
All right, I want to hear from my Friends and Family.
AND DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT!!! (:
P.S. by Mom: For those of you who know Matthew well, he almost always is wearing at least 3 layers of shirts. This was one of those days that it came in handy, since he lost the top one!
This started out in Livingstone. My Family and I were done bartering for the day, when some guy called me and said he liked my long sleeved gray t-shirt. He said he will give me something free from his shop in exchange for my shirt. Then he took me all the way back to his shop. He said to pick something, so I picked up a Giraffe that I liked. He said that the Giraffe was made by him, and I had to pay twenty thousand kwacha. But thank goodness for Given, I told him what the guy said to me.
Then Given just told the guy to exchange the Giraffe for my shirt. With that said and done, he and I were both happy, went out of the tent shops, and my Mom took a picture of us, with me holding the Giraffe, and the guy wearing my long sleeved shirt...THE END (:
All right, I want to hear from my Friends and Family.
AND DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT!!! (:
P.S. by Mom: For those of you who know Matthew well, he almost always is wearing at least 3 layers of shirts. This was one of those days that it came in handy, since he lost the top one!
The Wedding
Weddings sure are different here, but still very beautiful. I'm sure no two weddings are alike, so it will be interesting to go to another one next Saturday. I will give my thoughts in bullets:
- It was to start at 10:00. After getting some advice from Emma, we felt confident we would not miss anything if we arrvied between 10:30 and 11:00. The wedding began at 12:15!
- The bride and groom were very serious and during the ceremony, the bride looked down. The minister made some funny comments, and others laughed, but not them. They hardly looked at each other.
- The "line-up" (bridal party) sure can dance. They walked down the aisle doing an impressive step together. Being able to dance well tops the list of requirements for who gets chosen.
- At least 6 cell phones went off during the church ceremony. Video cameras and still cameras were being used all during the ceremony. This was quite different than when my parents were here 4 years ago.
- Upon unveiling his bride, the groom gave her a hug, not a kiss. From what we heard, a kiss is more common. They did not kiss the entire day. Public display of affection is not common, even among married couples. (Hope they aren't too shocked when they see Ken and I showing affection....it's been a long time!)
- When the groom quietly said "I will", the minister looked at him and said, "Speak up like a man!"
- Everyone got a bite size piece of cake.
- Gifts are mostly monetary, and are given publicly and the Kwacha is counted and reported by others. The bride and groom are uninvolved with it, and for the most part, would not know who gave what.
- During the reception, the bride did look up, which was different than most, according to my mother. Watching the bride and groom stay so serious makes you wonder if they are enjoying themselves, but then we must remind ourselves why they are looking that way....to show respect to the family.
- The mother of the groom stood up and danced and cheered after various people shared encouraging words.
- Details were not important. In a way, if was refreshing to see minor things not made major things. It didn't matter if the shoes didn't match, or if the cake wasn't perfect, or if the dress needed altered and ironed. This might be different next Saturday....we'll see. Family backgrounds could make a difference.
- Once out of the reception, the couple smiled and greeted people. That was
the first I saw them smile!
There are over 1000 youth at a youth camp here now, at Choma Secondary School. It started Friday and goes through Wednesday morning. We will go to a few services on Sunday, and hopefully next week. I will give updates as we go to the services.
- It was to start at 10:00. After getting some advice from Emma, we felt confident we would not miss anything if we arrvied between 10:30 and 11:00. The wedding began at 12:15!
- The bride and groom were very serious and during the ceremony, the bride looked down. The minister made some funny comments, and others laughed, but not them. They hardly looked at each other.
- The "line-up" (bridal party) sure can dance. They walked down the aisle doing an impressive step together. Being able to dance well tops the list of requirements for who gets chosen.
- At least 6 cell phones went off during the church ceremony. Video cameras and still cameras were being used all during the ceremony. This was quite different than when my parents were here 4 years ago.
- Upon unveiling his bride, the groom gave her a hug, not a kiss. From what we heard, a kiss is more common. They did not kiss the entire day. Public display of affection is not common, even among married couples. (Hope they aren't too shocked when they see Ken and I showing affection....it's been a long time!)
- When the groom quietly said "I will", the minister looked at him and said, "Speak up like a man!"
- Everyone got a bite size piece of cake.
- Gifts are mostly monetary, and are given publicly and the Kwacha is counted and reported by others. The bride and groom are uninvolved with it, and for the most part, would not know who gave what.
- During the reception, the bride did look up, which was different than most, according to my mother. Watching the bride and groom stay so serious makes you wonder if they are enjoying themselves, but then we must remind ourselves why they are looking that way....to show respect to the family.
- The mother of the groom stood up and danced and cheered after various people shared encouraging words.
- Details were not important. In a way, if was refreshing to see minor things not made major things. It didn't matter if the shoes didn't match, or if the cake wasn't perfect, or if the dress needed altered and ironed. This might be different next Saturday....we'll see. Family backgrounds could make a difference.
- Once out of the reception, the couple smiled and greeted people. That was
the first I saw them smile!
There are over 1000 youth at a youth camp here now, at Choma Secondary School. It started Friday and goes through Wednesday morning. We will go to a few services on Sunday, and hopefully next week. I will give updates as we go to the services.
Dancing Maniac
I know everybody wants to hear more. So I'll give it to you. Ok, I know some of you praise me back home at how well I dance. But I have to tell you I was quite put to shame today (Saturday) at the wedding. There was a young man about sixteen in the bridal party that was, pretty mad good, (as some of my cousins would put it!) I video taped him on my mom's camera. I think when you see it you all will believe me. So no more compliments on my dance moves till I get better. And remember that some African dude totally put me out of the competition. But lets hope I will learn a few things while I am here. And I'll be ready for the next wedding :)
MATAYO
MATAYO
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Day Before the Wedding ...
Tomorrow is the wedding. Today we just heard that the groom bought the bride a dress and when she tried it on, it was too small. They don't know where they will get a wedding dress. Emma, who is also making the wedding cakes, walked to a woman's home late this morning who has some wedding dresses for sale. She wasn't home. Emma will go back this afternoon. The bride will not be around today since she is at her home village having a pre-wedding celebration. Emma explained that this is not the norm; usuallythe bride will go and look for her own dress, try it on, and then the groom will buy it. For some reason, this bride has asked the groom to do just about everything for the wedding. Other people will be bringing everything she will wear. Hmmm...interesting :)
I will be taking good notes as Emma decorates the cakes this afternoon. Next week at this time, my mother and I will be in charge of the wedding cakes for the second wedding. However, I think I will offer some kwacha to Emma and try to put her in charge! It was a weak moment when I agreed to do that job! Oh well, there's not near the pressure here than in America. There's no way I would do this back home. But it's a way to help out, so we will do our best !I'll keep you posted!
Names Part 2
As I was talking to some women, I noticed them referring to their husband's by their last names. It would be like me talking about Mellinger when I am talking about Ken. Last names are very important here. Many men go by their last names, and my parents don't even know some of their first names, because they have never heard anyone mention them! Upon getting married, many husbands give their wives an English name in place of their Tonga first name. But these English names are not used very often among the Zambians themselves. In Zambia, I would be known as "Bina Ryan"..the mother of Ryan (my first-born). Bina is prounounced "Bean-a". I have tried to learn the names of their children, so I can call the women by their Zambian names. Anytime we talk "their" language, it's appreciated greatly by them.
Also, relatives are not the same here. The women we would call Aunts, they call Mothers, so a person could easily refer to numerous women as "Mother". The people we call cousins on the father's side, they call sisters and brothers, but on the mother's side, they are called cousins! When Emma refers to her brother or mother, we usually ask her, "Is that your REAL brother?"... "So you mean your REAL mother?" Most families have relatives living with them, most often due to AIDS or the inability to provide. One custom here would be very hard for me...you do not talk to your in-laws, and you don't even relate to them. It is a way of respecting them, in showing you are lower than them. Just yesterday, Emma was walking in town with Edwin, who is getting married to Koyi next Saturday. Edwin saw Koyi's father coming down the sidewalk, and he immediately went into the nearest shop, because he must avoid him. Some would cross to the other side of the street to avoid the 2 meeting. If a message needs to be given to the father-in-law, the son-in-law would give the message to someone else to deliver. After a while, they might begin to slowly have communication, but it would look quite different....If you see 2 men kneeling in town talking, it would most likely be a father-in-law with a son-in-law beginning to have a little communication. After many years, sometimes 10-15, they might start talking, if they are confident of your respect. Carl and Phoebe, I am quite grateful to have a close relationship with you! Am I sure am glad that Ken can come and stay here in the same house with his in-laws in a few weeks!! I guess that will seem quite odd to these folks!
We have had some wonderful talks this week with a most humble and dear friend of my parents, Overseer Moses Munsaka from Ndola. He has been staying in the guest house all week. He will be presiding at the wedding this Saturday and has been doing premarital counseling with the couple this week. He has spent a good amount of time in the states, so he knows the difference in the 2 cultures quite well. His insight is so helpful and he has patiently and graciously answered my ton of questions! From marriage relationships, to courtships, to raising children, to death and funerals, to Biblical principles and Zambian customs, we have had such meangingful fellowship with him. I wish I had a tape recorder!
One of most shocking things that he witnessed while in the states was when he was at a wedding and the folks "dinged" their glasses for the couple to kiss. The bride was not close to the groom, so she said across the room, "Just kiss my Mom!" Moses couldn't believe his ears! For someone who would not even talk to his mother-in-law, this was unfathomable! The other disturbing thing for him during his stay in the states was when a woman died. The family he was living with went to the funeral home after the death, and Moses was so troubled to see the woman's husband there in the funeral home ALONE.... In Zambia, the community swarms to the home of the deceased immediately, for days and nights, providing comfort, care, meals, prayers, love, etc. There is no way someone would be left alone in that situation. Hopefully, that is not the norm even in the states, but I know it happens. In our pride and self-sufficiency, we often want to be "left alone" when we are hurting. But God created us to be relational, and perhaps we are missing out more than we realize when we "go it on our own". Moses articulated it well....with our "typical" funerals, it seems that we focus more on the dead person than on the one who is left, while their funerals are focused on the one left, who needs the support and love. It makes me think....I am very touched with the love they pour out on each other. People will walk hours to go to the home of a grieving friend. To send a card and not be present is offensive; your presence is what counts. People are very important here. Yes, we are in a very different culture. I have to remind myself that my customs are just as strange and different to them as theirs are to me! But then sometimes, I think they have it way over us! I am learning much from them, but how much will it change me? More unanswered questions...
Also, relatives are not the same here. The women we would call Aunts, they call Mothers, so a person could easily refer to numerous women as "Mother". The people we call cousins on the father's side, they call sisters and brothers, but on the mother's side, they are called cousins! When Emma refers to her brother or mother, we usually ask her, "Is that your REAL brother?"... "So you mean your REAL mother?" Most families have relatives living with them, most often due to AIDS or the inability to provide. One custom here would be very hard for me...you do not talk to your in-laws, and you don't even relate to them. It is a way of respecting them, in showing you are lower than them. Just yesterday, Emma was walking in town with Edwin, who is getting married to Koyi next Saturday. Edwin saw Koyi's father coming down the sidewalk, and he immediately went into the nearest shop, because he must avoid him. Some would cross to the other side of the street to avoid the 2 meeting. If a message needs to be given to the father-in-law, the son-in-law would give the message to someone else to deliver. After a while, they might begin to slowly have communication, but it would look quite different....If you see 2 men kneeling in town talking, it would most likely be a father-in-law with a son-in-law beginning to have a little communication. After many years, sometimes 10-15, they might start talking, if they are confident of your respect. Carl and Phoebe, I am quite grateful to have a close relationship with you! Am I sure am glad that Ken can come and stay here in the same house with his in-laws in a few weeks!! I guess that will seem quite odd to these folks!
We have had some wonderful talks this week with a most humble and dear friend of my parents, Overseer Moses Munsaka from Ndola. He has been staying in the guest house all week. He will be presiding at the wedding this Saturday and has been doing premarital counseling with the couple this week. He has spent a good amount of time in the states, so he knows the difference in the 2 cultures quite well. His insight is so helpful and he has patiently and graciously answered my ton of questions! From marriage relationships, to courtships, to raising children, to death and funerals, to Biblical principles and Zambian customs, we have had such meangingful fellowship with him. I wish I had a tape recorder!
One of most shocking things that he witnessed while in the states was when he was at a wedding and the folks "dinged" their glasses for the couple to kiss. The bride was not close to the groom, so she said across the room, "Just kiss my Mom!" Moses couldn't believe his ears! For someone who would not even talk to his mother-in-law, this was unfathomable! The other disturbing thing for him during his stay in the states was when a woman died. The family he was living with went to the funeral home after the death, and Moses was so troubled to see the woman's husband there in the funeral home ALONE.... In Zambia, the community swarms to the home of the deceased immediately, for days and nights, providing comfort, care, meals, prayers, love, etc. There is no way someone would be left alone in that situation. Hopefully, that is not the norm even in the states, but I know it happens. In our pride and self-sufficiency, we often want to be "left alone" when we are hurting. But God created us to be relational, and perhaps we are missing out more than we realize when we "go it on our own". Moses articulated it well....with our "typical" funerals, it seems that we focus more on the dead person than on the one who is left, while their funerals are focused on the one left, who needs the support and love. It makes me think....I am very touched with the love they pour out on each other. People will walk hours to go to the home of a grieving friend. To send a card and not be present is offensive; your presence is what counts. People are very important here. Yes, we are in a very different culture. I have to remind myself that my customs are just as strange and different to them as theirs are to me! But then sometimes, I think they have it way over us! I am learning much from them, but how much will it change me? More unanswered questions...
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Money ... Buying and Giving
In the States, homes cost about 10 times the cost of a car. Not so in Zambia. Cars cost very similar here, about $20,000. However, to buy a plot of land and build a very simple, modest home, it would cost about $20,000 to build. Thus, most people do not have cars. Remember, the average person makes $1.00 per day here.
Many people ask for money, and it is so hard to know who and when to help. More than once, my parents have helped individuals only to find out later they did not use it for the intended purpose, and were taken advantage of or lied to. It's the exception, but it happens. Dishonesty is such a great temptation when resources are slim. I sure have a hard time not giving to everyone, but my Dad has helped me understand that it's ok to say "no". They can accept that, and do not hold it against you. People you don't even know might ask for money. Some children ask for biscuits that come to the house. I always want to say yes, but I found out the other day, that it would be best if I kindly refuse, because these particular children were supposed to be in a nearby school, and should not have been at our home
playing. If I continue to give treats to them, I will be encouraging them to come back, when they should be in school. Oh, I need wisdom and discernment. I have found that often the ones who ask, are not where they should be! The ones that don't ask, are the ones to give to.
We love to give things to the children here! The majority do not ask, and they are a pleasure to give to! The children always hold out their hands when receiving a gift; they never take it from your hand. I love it! They are very respectful and appreciative. Many of the women also have a custom of a small curtsy when greeting you...simply bending at the knees slightly; again, it speaks of respect and honor. It makes me think of how I can grow in showing honor and respect to others.
From Matthew!
Mwabka-(greetings)From MATAYO (Matthew)
I know that everybody is waiting to hear from me, and asking questions like, when is MATAYO going to put something on the blog?
My mom has told you her side of the story, and it is time to tell my side of it.
The days Fly by.
It all started seven weeks ago as most of you know, and our time here is already half over, which is sort of sad, and sort of happy at the same time, to go back to Family and Friends. My Father is coming in three weeks which is a joy to my Mother, and I. Weddings, Weddings, Weddings, and, well more weddings (: A week before we left I went to a wedding, and I thoght that was my last wedding for a long while but it was not so. I come here and after being here a week I find that I am going to three African weddings. I have my first African wedding this Saturday and another one the following Saturday. I don't know when the third wedding is. The other day my Mother asked if I could guess who got engaged back home. It took me awhile till
she said somebody you know well. Then I said... Kirk Gable! So I want to give Kirk my congrats and his wife to be. It was once said between Kirk and I, that Kirk said I was going to get married before him. Looks like he was wrong after all. (:
More to come tomorrow ...
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