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 :)
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