I have never blogged before and after this I may never do it again.. I am unable to put all the blogs back to correct chronological order so good luck. Read them starting by clicking on January then to April etc. except, April 23 appears right after this. If any one can guide me as to how to change the posts corrctly by date, PLEASE let me know.
Thanks,
Jan
Monday
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Benita and I wake up at 12:30 AM and walk to the bathroom. Then she could not sleep. After taking her meds she did. We got up at 7 :10 AM to a nice breeze. Thanks Gary again, for the liner idea ! I slept with it on top of my sleeping bag. We had a team meeting and then I prepped for Easter dinner. I was able to finish all that I needed to do today. Yay! Eggplant ragout, made with Kev's eggplants - done; Roasted peppers over the gas flame - done; coleslaw - done; green beans ready to go; apple slices with cinnammon maple glaze - done; OK then.
Mariel teaches us how to wear our chitanges and after we put them on, she tells us to get in the cars..we are going to Songwe Village to see Tabisa, the baby I brought clothes for. Wow! As we pull up to the village, the kids were playing a circle game. About 15 of them ages 2-8 with tattered, dirty clothes but great big smiles and gleaming eyes. We sat with about 5 of the Moms and Anne. She is Tabisa's great Aunt and has offered to raise Tabisa, since her Mom died two weeks ago of AIDS. Anne is sixty years old and a wise woman. Tabisa was born two months premature and Mariel asks my opinion of her. I held her and played with her and she reacts and looks like any normal three month old. She was cooing and telling me stories. She is so pretty. We got good news too...Tabisa is HIV NEGATIVE !! Thank God !
Benita and I went to play with the kids. We taught them 'Ring around the Rosey"; "Duck Duck Goose" and "London Bridges Falling down". By the end of each game they were all singing the words. We all laughed including their Moms. When I saw a little boy standing in the road I went over and asked if he wanted to play. He looked at me and said " But, I do not speak English". I took his hand and he joined in. Funny, they taught us Zambian game and what a blast we had. There was another little boy, about 2 years old, walking around tripping on his pants. I went over to help him pull up his pants and bring him to the circle. When I pulled up his pants, I saw that his pants were not too long or falling down. His one leg was five inches shorter than the other. He played too and then I had to go and sit down. I am not 6 any more in case anyone was asking! But, I would not have changed anything. This experience will be with me forever. When we were ready to leave, the kids formed a big circle around me and Benita and we all hugged as one big group. As the car pulled away, they kept smiling and waving...
It is 8:30 PM and I have to dry my hair and relax and go to sleep. Easter SUnday tomorrow and a lot of people to feed.
I almost forgot that this AM we organized all the school supplies and clothes in trailers. I did the clothes so I could sit. As I found baby hats, I put one on someone's head and took pictures. Wezi and Paul were first, then Mariel and Bev.
Now we have ants in our tent and I just killed some on my bed. I think I will DEET then right now. Yuk. I am relazing with Elaine Elias tonight. Good night !
Mariel teaches us how to wear our chitanges and after we put them on, she tells us to get in the cars..we are going to Songwe Village to see Tabisa, the baby I brought clothes for. Wow! As we pull up to the village, the kids were playing a circle game. About 15 of them ages 2-8 with tattered, dirty clothes but great big smiles and gleaming eyes. We sat with about 5 of the Moms and Anne. She is Tabisa's great Aunt and has offered to raise Tabisa, since her Mom died two weeks ago of AIDS. Anne is sixty years old and a wise woman. Tabisa was born two months premature and Mariel asks my opinion of her. I held her and played with her and she reacts and looks like any normal three month old. She was cooing and telling me stories. She is so pretty. We got good news too...Tabisa is HIV NEGATIVE !! Thank God !
Benita and I went to play with the kids. We taught them 'Ring around the Rosey"; "Duck Duck Goose" and "London Bridges Falling down". By the end of each game they were all singing the words. We all laughed including their Moms. When I saw a little boy standing in the road I went over and asked if he wanted to play. He looked at me and said " But, I do not speak English". I took his hand and he joined in. Funny, they taught us Zambian game and what a blast we had. There was another little boy, about 2 years old, walking around tripping on his pants. I went over to help him pull up his pants and bring him to the circle. When I pulled up his pants, I saw that his pants were not too long or falling down. His one leg was five inches shorter than the other. He played too and then I had to go and sit down. I am not 6 any more in case anyone was asking! But, I would not have changed anything. This experience will be with me forever. When we were ready to leave, the kids formed a big circle around me and Benita and we all hugged as one big group. As the car pulled away, they kept smiling and waving...
It is 8:30 PM and I have to dry my hair and relax and go to sleep. Easter SUnday tomorrow and a lot of people to feed.
I almost forgot that this AM we organized all the school supplies and clothes in trailers. I did the clothes so I could sit. As I found baby hats, I put one on someone's head and took pictures. Wezi and Paul were first, then Mariel and Bev.
Now we have ants in our tent and I just killed some on my bed. I think I will DEET then right now. Yuk. I am relazing with Elaine Elias tonight. Good night !
Sunday
Sunday, May 15, 2011
FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE UNDERSTANDING OF THIS BLOG, PLEASE START WITH JANUARY 2011 FIRST AND CONTINUE FROM THERE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER ENDING WITH THE POSTING OF MAY 5, 2011
ENJOY THE PICTURES AT THE END OF TH BLOG.
HOPEFULLY YOU WILL GAIN SOME UNDERSTANDING OF MY JOURNEY AND ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I DID.
BLESSINGS,
JAN
ENJOY THE PICTURES AT THE END OF TH BLOG.
HOPEFULLY YOU WILL GAIN SOME UNDERSTANDING OF MY JOURNEY AND ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I DID.
BLESSINGS,
JAN
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 and Wednesday May 4, 2011
Five am and I am awake! Anxious to see Fran. I shower and wash my hair to hold me for the 1 1/2 day travel home. Yea, eggs and toast for breakfast. Then our final devotions and the Overland team prayed for us. Saying goodbye was difficult. These are special people. I do not want to leave but I cannot wait to hug and kiss Fran. I miss him!
We stopped at Songwe to se Wezi's friends curios. I bought the other two salad sets I need for Sue and Allyson. Then I saw a beautiful little wooden bowl. I was short on kwacha so we bartered. The young man asked if I had socks or shoes. Socks I had, shoes I left at the base. So, for my kwacha and a pair of my socks I complete my purchase. Wezi then gives me a bracelet made of coconut shell.
My rash is driving me crazy today and worse itching than it had been. We stop at the dressmaker so Benita could buy Howard a shirt. This is where we were going to have outfits made of chitange matererial but we ran out of time. We stopped at the Shop Rite one last time and I buy Fran chocolate. By our car are some guys selling curios through the tall fence. Bev tells me they are "swindlers" while Julie and Benita look at their items. I see copper bracelets and Bev says 20 kwacha is a fare price. So I negotiate with the guy since all I have left is 7500 kwacha. We haggle and he finally accepts my kwacha and I get a copper bracelet for $1.35 US. In the airport the same thing was $25 US. Copper is the only export of Zambia, a nice memento. Beverly brought us more aprons from the woman in Livingstone and I bought three. Lori was able to find her beach bag and it was much nicer and cheaper than the ones I had seen for her at the market.
We meet at the airport which was confusing with no signs or help to direct us. But, I am on the plane now and AOK. TIA !!! Once we can get to our luggage before checking it, I will get some Benadryl. After a two hour flight to J burg, we land without any problems. The benadryl has not helped my rash and itching at all. The J Burg airport is beautiful and we have 5 hours to walk and shop. Benita and I stay together while Kate runs to buy a t shirt for her son. Julie ends up with us for awhile and she buys a beautiful necklace and earrings. I found elephant earring that I like for myself. I finally found a gift for Gary - wine stoppers and a necklace for Jason that is the same type he wears. We saw witchcraft dolls with ropes and beads and got freaked out. We had learned about the ropes at Sitchalobe since some girls there had them applied by the witch doctor. Hard to believe they were selling these in the airport. Most peopl would just think they were cute and buy them not knowing their true significance.
We were tired so head to the Gate. There was Kate reading her book. That is what she enjoys! I decide to find a pharmacy for some cortisone cream. Kate is concerned that I will miss the flight. I assure her I will be back in time. I pass Lori and Julie sitting at the food court and after a short chat, I head off to the Pharmacy. Yea I get cortisone cream....$8. US But I would have paid any amount at this point to get relief. I walk out of the store and suddenly get dizzy and very sweaty. I sit down for a few minutes and then start walking to the Gate. Oh no...I am very nauseous. All I ate today was an egg, a slice of toast and a protein bar I brought from home. I layed on chairs and prayed. About 7 PM they announce our flight to JFK is cancelled. We had just finished a pat down security check twice in the airport. They had us all walk through the airport to the SAA Counter where we checked in earlier. I felt weak and told Lori I could not walk any further. They got me a wheelchair and whisked me through the airport and security to the rest of the team in line for instructions. I ask for a plastic bag because I feel like I am going to vomit. I am freezing cold ! Wonderful Kate stays right by my side and prays for me. I was praying for me too ! I had to go off to the side and vomit with some dignity if that is possible in an airport. Many people were required to remain in JBurg another 24 hours for the next flight to JFK. Julie was our spokeswomen to make a mess simpler for all. Because of my being so sick, SAA was putting us on the next flight to the USA but it would land at Dulles. That's OK we were leaving in a few hours. Everyone was steaming and I am so cold. Kate gives me her sweatshirt and I get out my blanket and long sleeve blouse. My skin is burning up with fever but I am still freezing with chills. My hands are like ice cubes. We board the plane and I take phenergan and doze for a little while. We did not know this, but we have to land in Dakar, Senegal. We are not allowed off the plane for the 1 1/2 hour layover but security comes on the plane to check the seats and overhead bins.
once we took off, I started with more vomiting and just made it to the bathroom 3 rows away. Three more times and I hope it is done. An airplane bathroom is the worst place to get sick. They served dinner but I did not want any food. Of oourse they were serving my favorite....lamb. Not my favorite tonight. I try to sleep but feel cramped in my seat.
We arrive at Dulles and now hoave to figure out how to get to JAX. After much frustration on all ends, Julie and I got a flight home that night. I had travel insurance so Celestial Travel said to just call them the following day. Julie had booked her own flight so it was all through SAA. Our tickets were booked as two separate flights so we were out of luck, except for me with insurance. Lori and Kate decide to rent a car and drive 12 hours to get home. I could not have done that the way I feel.
At 6:30 I finally meet Fran. Phillip is there to meet Julie. We are two very happy but very weary travellers. Fran fills the tub for me and I take a hot bath with epson salts. Hopefully it will make the rash and itchy better. I am still very nauseous but am sipping on cola. I AM HOME !!!! I sleep next to Fran !! YEA !
We stopped at Songwe to se Wezi's friends curios. I bought the other two salad sets I need for Sue and Allyson. Then I saw a beautiful little wooden bowl. I was short on kwacha so we bartered. The young man asked if I had socks or shoes. Socks I had, shoes I left at the base. So, for my kwacha and a pair of my socks I complete my purchase. Wezi then gives me a bracelet made of coconut shell.
My rash is driving me crazy today and worse itching than it had been. We stop at the dressmaker so Benita could buy Howard a shirt. This is where we were going to have outfits made of chitange matererial but we ran out of time. We stopped at the Shop Rite one last time and I buy Fran chocolate. By our car are some guys selling curios through the tall fence. Bev tells me they are "swindlers" while Julie and Benita look at their items. I see copper bracelets and Bev says 20 kwacha is a fare price. So I negotiate with the guy since all I have left is 7500 kwacha. We haggle and he finally accepts my kwacha and I get a copper bracelet for $1.35 US. In the airport the same thing was $25 US. Copper is the only export of Zambia, a nice memento. Beverly brought us more aprons from the woman in Livingstone and I bought three. Lori was able to find her beach bag and it was much nicer and cheaper than the ones I had seen for her at the market.
We meet at the airport which was confusing with no signs or help to direct us. But, I am on the plane now and AOK. TIA !!! Once we can get to our luggage before checking it, I will get some Benadryl. After a two hour flight to J burg, we land without any problems. The benadryl has not helped my rash and itching at all. The J Burg airport is beautiful and we have 5 hours to walk and shop. Benita and I stay together while Kate runs to buy a t shirt for her son. Julie ends up with us for awhile and she buys a beautiful necklace and earrings. I found elephant earring that I like for myself. I finally found a gift for Gary - wine stoppers and a necklace for Jason that is the same type he wears. We saw witchcraft dolls with ropes and beads and got freaked out. We had learned about the ropes at Sitchalobe since some girls there had them applied by the witch doctor. Hard to believe they were selling these in the airport. Most peopl would just think they were cute and buy them not knowing their true significance.
We were tired so head to the Gate. There was Kate reading her book. That is what she enjoys! I decide to find a pharmacy for some cortisone cream. Kate is concerned that I will miss the flight. I assure her I will be back in time. I pass Lori and Julie sitting at the food court and after a short chat, I head off to the Pharmacy. Yea I get cortisone cream....$8. US But I would have paid any amount at this point to get relief. I walk out of the store and suddenly get dizzy and very sweaty. I sit down for a few minutes and then start walking to the Gate. Oh no...I am very nauseous. All I ate today was an egg, a slice of toast and a protein bar I brought from home. I layed on chairs and prayed. About 7 PM they announce our flight to JFK is cancelled. We had just finished a pat down security check twice in the airport. They had us all walk through the airport to the SAA Counter where we checked in earlier. I felt weak and told Lori I could not walk any further. They got me a wheelchair and whisked me through the airport and security to the rest of the team in line for instructions. I ask for a plastic bag because I feel like I am going to vomit. I am freezing cold ! Wonderful Kate stays right by my side and prays for me. I was praying for me too ! I had to go off to the side and vomit with some dignity if that is possible in an airport. Many people were required to remain in JBurg another 24 hours for the next flight to JFK. Julie was our spokeswomen to make a mess simpler for all. Because of my being so sick, SAA was putting us on the next flight to the USA but it would land at Dulles. That's OK we were leaving in a few hours. Everyone was steaming and I am so cold. Kate gives me her sweatshirt and I get out my blanket and long sleeve blouse. My skin is burning up with fever but I am still freezing with chills. My hands are like ice cubes. We board the plane and I take phenergan and doze for a little while. We did not know this, but we have to land in Dakar, Senegal. We are not allowed off the plane for the 1 1/2 hour layover but security comes on the plane to check the seats and overhead bins.
once we took off, I started with more vomiting and just made it to the bathroom 3 rows away. Three more times and I hope it is done. An airplane bathroom is the worst place to get sick. They served dinner but I did not want any food. Of oourse they were serving my favorite....lamb. Not my favorite tonight. I try to sleep but feel cramped in my seat.
We arrive at Dulles and now hoave to figure out how to get to JAX. After much frustration on all ends, Julie and I got a flight home that night. I had travel insurance so Celestial Travel said to just call them the following day. Julie had booked her own flight so it was all through SAA. Our tickets were booked as two separate flights so we were out of luck, except for me with insurance. Lori and Kate decide to rent a car and drive 12 hours to get home. I could not have done that the way I feel.
At 6:30 I finally meet Fran. Phillip is there to meet Julie. We are two very happy but very weary travellers. Fran fills the tub for me and I take a hot bath with epson salts. Hopefully it will make the rash and itchy better. I am still very nauseous but am sipping on cola. I AM HOME !!!! I sleep next to Fran !! YEA !
May 5, 20111
I wake up at 3 AM and am nauseous. I have a piece of toast and some soda. I go back to sleep and wake up at 9. I am still very itchy and the rash is no better. I see the dermatologist and get an oral prescription and a cream for the itchy rash. I told her about the corn harvest but she could not give a definitive answer. The cream works in a few hours. Thank you Jesus. Nausea and fatigue continue through the next few days and into the following week. I finally had hunger pangs. By the end of the week, May 11, I am still nauseous so when I went for accupuncture, I told him I was nauseous so he relieved the nausea with needles in my wrists. Thank you God !
I call the travel insurance company and after a very unproductive conversation the woman tells me that "since I got back to the US that is all that matters and they probably will not reimburse me for the $679 flight from Dulles to Jax !!
I showed Fran my curios last night and this am he downloads my pictures and the music I recorded of the children singing. Their singing has left a permanent indentation in the portion of my heart that I left in Zambia. Quite a good trade off I would say. Their voices are so pure and with perfect harmony....It has to be God's gift, because they are untrained musicians.
Fran asks me what color I want him to repaint the front door. I just burst into tears. Through my tears I reply " I just came from a place where people do not even have doors and you are asking me what color I want ours to be". Priorities. This pretty much puts my journey to Zambia into perspective.
AMEN !
I would like to thank all the members of my team - Lori, Benita, Kate and Julie, our Overland Leaders Mariel and Bev and the members of Overland Missions in Zambia, all my friends who supported me both financially and with many prayers, and my family for being so encouraging about me going on this trip.
Most of all, I thank God for making this journey to Zambia a totally life changing experience.
I call the travel insurance company and after a very unproductive conversation the woman tells me that "since I got back to the US that is all that matters and they probably will not reimburse me for the $679 flight from Dulles to Jax !!
I showed Fran my curios last night and this am he downloads my pictures and the music I recorded of the children singing. Their singing has left a permanent indentation in the portion of my heart that I left in Zambia. Quite a good trade off I would say. Their voices are so pure and with perfect harmony....It has to be God's gift, because they are untrained musicians.
Fran asks me what color I want him to repaint the front door. I just burst into tears. Through my tears I reply " I just came from a place where people do not even have doors and you are asking me what color I want ours to be". Priorities. This pretty much puts my journey to Zambia into perspective.
AMEN !
I would like to thank all the members of my team - Lori, Benita, Kate and Julie, our Overland Leaders Mariel and Bev and the members of Overland Missions in Zambia, all my friends who supported me both financially and with many prayers, and my family for being so encouraging about me going on this trip.
Most of all, I thank God for making this journey to Zambia a totally life changing experience.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Today was our day of total rest and relaxation. We went to the 3 star resort "Native Sun". The grounds were manicured and the pool was beautiful, cool and refreshing. We had non alcoholic drinks served to us on our lounge chairs. I had a Caribbean Joe - pineapple and coconut but it needed more coconut. It was nice to be waited on. We had lunch there and watched the monkeys trying to steal food. There are uniformed guards with sticks to chase them but as soon as the monkeys see the guard, even from 500 feet away, they take off. My lunch was a nibblers basket with chicken strips, a spring roll, an Indian meat pie and BBQ ribs. All small pieces but enough to eat. There was a Piri Piri sauce for dipping but I did not like it until I mixed it with ketchup because it was very strong of vinegar. The bill for the day was $14 US. I thought the chlorine pool would clear up my rash but it has gotten worse. Bev, Kate, Benita and I went to the local Mukuni market and I got a nice carved elephant with tusks. He is cute! We got a phone call from Mariel and had to hurry for our dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. We were told it left at 4:30 when it really leaves at 4PM. They waited for us, good thing. The cruise went up the Zambezi River above Victoria Falls to see wildlife and the beautiful African sunset. our boat looked like the "African Queen". Other boats were new, sleek and fancy and just looked out of place in Africa. Dinner was grilled chicken and an undescribeable sausage, potato salad, coleslaw and rolls. We saw a few big hippos and heard them steam off almost like whales. We only saw one out of the water and it was huge. JD photographed a beautiful bird called a "Jesus bird". I want a copy of it.
After the cruise we went for ice cream which was not good and then back to the base to pack for our trip home tomorrow. Wezi brought us curios he had made and I bought a beautiful malakite aqua stone with cow horn insertions bracelet, a salad serving set, a small bowl. I was so tired that I fell asleep while Benita was still packing and writing her journal. Our last night in Zambia brought bittersweet memories.
After the cruise we went for ice cream which was not good and then back to the base to pack for our trip home tomorrow. Wezi brought us curios he had made and I bought a beautiful malakite aqua stone with cow horn insertions bracelet, a salad serving set, a small bowl. I was so tired that I fell asleep while Benita was still packing and writing her journal. Our last night in Zambia brought bittersweet memories.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
We had a choice of attending Church with Pastor Dragon's Church or staying on base and have Church with Jeff Martin. I chose to stay with Jeff. Jeff is the head Pastor on the base and an great speaker. He is very descriptive and laughs a lot due to his Glory for God. I do not remember what he said to do, but, I closed my eyes and saw clouds and blue sky and then an angel appeared just above the left shoulder of Jesus. I saw myself kneeling at the feet of Jesus and he put his hands on my shoulders and said "you will be ok". I started crying and could not stop. I told the group what happened and that now I knew what everyone was talking bout by being saved. After the service, I went to my "special place" on the third step overlooking the Zambezi river.
The one part of the river that had been a whirlpool every time I looked at it, was no longer a whirlpool, but a white line of water joining into the rapids. After reflecting and watching the river for awhile, I went back inside and Jeff asked how I was doing. I told him I felt totally drained. We talked and he told me that my story of the whirlpool was a parable. I returned to my tent with an awful headache from crying so much and fell asleep. I woke up just in time to go to Women on Fire to be held in Songwe Village and led by Candy Martin. Again it was awesome with the Songwe women hugging us and more singing. We worshipped, prayed and I laid, hands on many women praying, for them and with them. Each member of my team was asked to speak. I was last. The words that came out of my mouth amazed me ! I did not even think about what to say. It just all came out and my team members had big smiles on their faces. When I finished, Kate high fived me with joy in her eyes and tears in mine.
Back to base for dinner followed by a team meeting. I gave both Paul and Mariel an Angel pin and told them how special they were. They were both touched by what I had done.
Now Benita and I can finally journal. She and I keep discussing God and Miracles and her Church. She and her husband Howard are pastors of a Church in Philipi, West Virgina. She says her Church is a bunch of misfits having left many other Churches.
Have to sleep now.
The one part of the river that had been a whirlpool every time I looked at it, was no longer a whirlpool, but a white line of water joining into the rapids. After reflecting and watching the river for awhile, I went back inside and Jeff asked how I was doing. I told him I felt totally drained. We talked and he told me that my story of the whirlpool was a parable. I returned to my tent with an awful headache from crying so much and fell asleep. I woke up just in time to go to Women on Fire to be held in Songwe Village and led by Candy Martin. Again it was awesome with the Songwe women hugging us and more singing. We worshipped, prayed and I laid, hands on many women praying, for them and with them. Each member of my team was asked to speak. I was last. The words that came out of my mouth amazed me ! I did not even think about what to say. It just all came out and my team members had big smiles on their faces. When I finished, Kate high fived me with joy in her eyes and tears in mine.
Back to base for dinner followed by a team meeting. I gave both Paul and Mariel an Angel pin and told them how special they were. They were both touched by what I had done.
Now Benita and I can finally journal. She and I keep discussing God and Miracles and her Church. She and her husband Howard are pastors of a Church in Philipi, West Virgina. She says her Church is a bunch of misfits having left many other Churches.
Have to sleep now.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Today we went to the awesome Victoria Falls. It is one of the seven wonders of the world. I rode with JD and he told us stories of demonic possesion and cruelty and cannibalism but I will write more about that later as I am very nauseous now and will only give details of some of the today. Victoria Falls is AMAZING and powerful. We saw beautiful rainbows and a double rainbow and walked the bridge across. The mist was so heavy it was like a torrential downpour and blocked our view. We got drenched even through raincoats. Since it is just post rainy season the thundering water and mist were exceptional. Some of our group hiked down to the river but three of us passed. Too physical after the walk we just had so we went "curio" shopping at the craft market. The vendors were so forceful that I was intimidated and it did not take me long to purchase a mahogany rhino and and hippo, a carved tigerfish (the local fish in the Zambezi River) for our guest bathroom, a carved Mukuni mask of the wife of the leader, and then I left. JD rescued me and we walked to the end of booths where Paul's Dad was. I bought a beautiful bowl from him with elephants, giraffes and guinea hens on it. When we all regrouped, we went to the Mukumbie market to purchase chitanges, fabric, nmsima spoons and a true Zambian broom. This is the locals market so we saw the Kapunta stand, covered with flies, and an aroma I will not soon forget. The market reminded me of the Arab section of Jerusalem. Lunch was at a restaurant called Zig Zag's and we ate outside. I had a "croc burger" that was delicious. It was almost like a fish sandwich unlike alligator that is more like chicken. I always have a local meal when traveling. We went to Shop-Rite Plaza to a CD store and I bought a CD of African music by the same singer Mariel had played in her car. I also bought Rooibos decaf tea and the coconut cookies we had used for s'mores. Benita bought candy for her girls. My rash is still bugging me. Benita and Kate have it too but not as severe. NO bug bites though !!
So, JD told us many stories. One was of a man who stole his own daughter from his wife. He took her to a far off village and left her with a couple, for reasons unknown, except, he did not want her to remain with her Mom (his wife).
Her Mom found out where her daughter was so she walked for four days to Zimba to find her. When she did find her, she had scars and fresh cuts on her body and was emotionally unstable. The couple had sliced her with knives. She and her daughter walked home and after about a year, the daughter has almost returned to normal.
A man in a remote village was found eating a body of a two year old. When the head of his village asked him why, he replied, "I always do". The Chief reported him to the authorities who removed him from the village.
Many stories of demonic possesion were also reported with people being chained to trees. The good part is that the demons were released and the people saved by their converting to accepting Jesus Christ into their lives. We, unfortunately did not witness any of these but it must be amazing when it happens.
So, JD told us many stories. One was of a man who stole his own daughter from his wife. He took her to a far off village and left her with a couple, for reasons unknown, except, he did not want her to remain with her Mom (his wife).
Her Mom found out where her daughter was so she walked for four days to Zimba to find her. When she did find her, she had scars and fresh cuts on her body and was emotionally unstable. The couple had sliced her with knives. She and her daughter walked home and after about a year, the daughter has almost returned to normal.
A man in a remote village was found eating a body of a two year old. When the head of his village asked him why, he replied, "I always do". The Chief reported him to the authorities who removed him from the village.
Many stories of demonic possesion were also reported with people being chained to trees. The good part is that the demons were released and the people saved by their converting to accepting Jesus Christ into their lives. We, unfortunately did not witness any of these but it must be amazing when it happens.
Saturday
Friday, April 29, 2011
I woke up so full of energy this am. We had our usual oatmeal but today it did not agree with me. I feel nauseous. Coke Zero does not help so I try my ginger chews and peppermint WOW drops. Some relief. I still have the itchiest rash I have ever had and now it has spread up to my armpits. We did some projects for the school this morning.
Lunch in nshima and cabbage sauteed the way I cook it. The nshima has no flavor wo I add a peach chutney that was great ! I layed on the outside back sofa, listened to music and fell asleep. Everyone feels wiped out today. We have tried to see the Royal Wedding without any luck. We did see Kate's gown though. Very pretty.
It is so hot today. The sweat keeps rolling off my face. Yuk !
I see dark clouds over the gorge and decide to take a shower before the thunder and lightening strike. It is getting very windy and gusty. After my shower, I go back to my tent, get inside and a gust of wind picks up the side of my tent, tilts the beds and moves the floor so their is a 6 inch ripple in the middle of the floor. OK God, you just rocked my world!! What are you trying to tell me? I just stood there looking at the tent floor. A thunderstorm rolled in so hopefully it will cool off. Mariel said it is unusually hot for this time of year. I had my laundry done and now it is getting even wetter with the rain.
I grabbed my skirt and clean undies just in time. We are going to Songwe at 4:30 for "Youth on Fire" led by Paul. He is so excited that we are coming. He is twenty and wants to be a pastor. He is great with the kids !! For some reason we nicknamed him "Hollywoood". He helped me with the clothes and went to Sitchalobe with us too. It was good to hear from Fran and Sue today. So, Benita, Julie and I went to Youth on Fire. Kate and Lori stayed at base. I ran back to our tent to get our flashlights as it will be dark before we return. OH no.....water on the floor of our tent from the rain.
It was a another amazing meeting of little children and teens singing again. At first I told Paul that I could not speak but after Julie and Benita spoke, i felt a sudden urge that I had to speak too, So, I did ! I told them how in January, I heard about the mission trip to Zambia and not being afraid to go etc. etc. Then I told them that I was not sure of what good I had been to them but that I was blessed by their beautiful voices and singing and had received far more than I had given.
JD picked us up and we slip slided our way back to base in the mud. It was like ice and we did spin out once. My sandels had about an inch of mud on the bottom and it was like glue. It is not a good night. All my clothes and towels were outside so they were all wet. I had no shorts to wear and no towel for a shower. I had mud all over my legs and feet. Water in the tent. Itchy rash. I just want to go home.
I got 2 towels from the kitchen..1 for me, 1 for the tent floor. Once I took a shower I felt much better. I used up all the memory in my camera recording the kids singing so not more pictures for me. But it was worth capturing their singing to ake home. Lori and Benita are taking some so I will get theirs. Benita and my rash are spreading and getting itchier if that is possible. Now the others are getting it too. Mariel thinks it might be from stinging nettles.
It is 8:30 PM and Benita and I are just hanging in our tent.. The rain has stopped and it is cooler, finally. I will listen to my IPOD and get sleepy. I am having animal crackers and thinking about Owen and Eva, and Shirley Temple. Tomorrow we are going to Victoria Falls and then a safari drive.
Lunch in nshima and cabbage sauteed the way I cook it. The nshima has no flavor wo I add a peach chutney that was great ! I layed on the outside back sofa, listened to music and fell asleep. Everyone feels wiped out today. We have tried to see the Royal Wedding without any luck. We did see Kate's gown though. Very pretty.
It is so hot today. The sweat keeps rolling off my face. Yuk !
I see dark clouds over the gorge and decide to take a shower before the thunder and lightening strike. It is getting very windy and gusty. After my shower, I go back to my tent, get inside and a gust of wind picks up the side of my tent, tilts the beds and moves the floor so their is a 6 inch ripple in the middle of the floor. OK God, you just rocked my world!! What are you trying to tell me? I just stood there looking at the tent floor. A thunderstorm rolled in so hopefully it will cool off. Mariel said it is unusually hot for this time of year. I had my laundry done and now it is getting even wetter with the rain.
I grabbed my skirt and clean undies just in time. We are going to Songwe at 4:30 for "Youth on Fire" led by Paul. He is so excited that we are coming. He is twenty and wants to be a pastor. He is great with the kids !! For some reason we nicknamed him "Hollywoood". He helped me with the clothes and went to Sitchalobe with us too. It was good to hear from Fran and Sue today. So, Benita, Julie and I went to Youth on Fire. Kate and Lori stayed at base. I ran back to our tent to get our flashlights as it will be dark before we return. OH no.....water on the floor of our tent from the rain.
It was a another amazing meeting of little children and teens singing again. At first I told Paul that I could not speak but after Julie and Benita spoke, i felt a sudden urge that I had to speak too, So, I did ! I told them how in January, I heard about the mission trip to Zambia and not being afraid to go etc. etc. Then I told them that I was not sure of what good I had been to them but that I was blessed by their beautiful voices and singing and had received far more than I had given.
JD picked us up and we slip slided our way back to base in the mud. It was like ice and we did spin out once. My sandels had about an inch of mud on the bottom and it was like glue. It is not a good night. All my clothes and towels were outside so they were all wet. I had no shorts to wear and no towel for a shower. I had mud all over my legs and feet. Water in the tent. Itchy rash. I just want to go home.
I got 2 towels from the kitchen..1 for me, 1 for the tent floor. Once I took a shower I felt much better. I used up all the memory in my camera recording the kids singing so not more pictures for me. But it was worth capturing their singing to ake home. Lori and Benita are taking some so I will get theirs. Benita and my rash are spreading and getting itchier if that is possible. Now the others are getting it too. Mariel thinks it might be from stinging nettles.
It is 8:30 PM and Benita and I are just hanging in our tent.. The rain has stopped and it is cooler, finally. I will listen to my IPOD and get sleepy. I am having animal crackers and thinking about Owen and Eva, and Shirley Temple. Tomorrow we are going to Victoria Falls and then a safari drive.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Breakfast was nsima porridge and fruit. Nsima is a maize staple of the Zambian diet. It tastes like cream of rice. The Zambians eat it in varied forms and for diner have it with kapunta....tiny dried fish.
We broke camp and headed back to base. We were all so anxious to be able to take showers and then a nap. So, after unloading the cars, I go to my tent for my shower supplies only to get to the showers and find out NO WATER ! NO hot water, No cold water, NO WATER PERIOD !!!! We wait and wait and keep checking, but no water. We all feel very yucky. No shower since Monday PM and it is now Thursday afternoon. Cottenelle wipes do not do the job. I slept for a few hours hearing the workers pass our tent. Still no water.
Today I feel bumbed out but I do not know why. I read my emails and only saw the pictures of Gary's finger but no explanation. It looks awful. Sue wrote that Jason got the classes at the Art Institute. Fran sent an attachment from Joe Fobert but I could not open it. I just feel like crying. They told us these feelings we normal after spending time in the bush. Withdrawl I guess.
Tomorrow we will do more preschool work for Bev. Benita and I talked and we want to go to another village and see more Zambian people. We will see what happens. We are all antsy this afternoon.
I have an ugly red, raised very itchy rash on my arms from picking the corn and brushing through the stalks.
Julie is upset because Phillip is not writing much either. Benita misses her girls. Lori is just bummed. Strange day.
We broke camp and headed back to base. We were all so anxious to be able to take showers and then a nap. So, after unloading the cars, I go to my tent for my shower supplies only to get to the showers and find out NO WATER ! NO hot water, No cold water, NO WATER PERIOD !!!! We wait and wait and keep checking, but no water. We all feel very yucky. No shower since Monday PM and it is now Thursday afternoon. Cottenelle wipes do not do the job. I slept for a few hours hearing the workers pass our tent. Still no water.
Today I feel bumbed out but I do not know why. I read my emails and only saw the pictures of Gary's finger but no explanation. It looks awful. Sue wrote that Jason got the classes at the Art Institute. Fran sent an attachment from Joe Fobert but I could not open it. I just feel like crying. They told us these feelings we normal after spending time in the bush. Withdrawl I guess.
Tomorrow we will do more preschool work for Bev. Benita and I talked and we want to go to another village and see more Zambian people. We will see what happens. We are all antsy this afternoon.
I have an ugly red, raised very itchy rash on my arms from picking the corn and brushing through the stalks.
Julie is upset because Phillip is not writing much either. Benita misses her girls. Lori is just bummed. Strange day.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I had forgotten my meds when I packed so I did not sleep well and I feel grouchy this morning. I have my Coke Zero for breakfast. I need caffeine. After breakfast of Oatmeal with peanut butter and apples, we walk to a widow's home to help harvest her dried corn. Phenise is forty years old and her husband died March 23, 2011. We finished in about an hour and she was overwhelmed. To thank us, she gave us a huge, green squash that she called a pumpkin. Again, the children were there and helped us as well as two other women. One came over to me and when I introduced myself, she said her daughter's name was Jan too. I prayed with her.
We sat with Phenise and the women and children for awhile and really learned a lot. They walk about three miles, six times a day to get water because their well pump is broken. I took more pictures and found a little guy that captured my heart. He is less than two years old and just adoreable. Hard to tell they are malnourished with their pudgy faces and big cheeks.
I feel so itchy and dirty. The kids kept coming to me and saying "Photo me, Jan". So I would take their picture and then show them. We heard a bell and then came the goats. There were three herds, each with a little boy chasing them.
Back to our campsite. It is 11 am and we are ready for naps. All our meals are cooked over an open wood fire since the propane stove we brought was broken. Everyone feels like we are gaining weight daily as we eat a ton of carbs. The flies are awful today even with the breeze.
I forgot that last night withg Pastor Joseph interpretting. he said "caput" which means death in Tonga. We all laughed and told him we have used that term not knowing what it really meant.
At 3 PM we had a worship service with about 20 kids and adults. Lots of singing which we have all learned to love. Kate, Benita and I gave our testimonies. Mine was about when Gary got burned.
At 7 PM we started again with about 80 people. Singing, worship and blessing people. Prayers again for a lot of headaches, bad dreams and stomach pains. SO many comp;lain of seeing bad things at night. I was empowered and prayed for healings. WOW !
We all crashed at 10 PM.
We sat with Phenise and the women and children for awhile and really learned a lot. They walk about three miles, six times a day to get water because their well pump is broken. I took more pictures and found a little guy that captured my heart. He is less than two years old and just adoreable. Hard to tell they are malnourished with their pudgy faces and big cheeks.
I feel so itchy and dirty. The kids kept coming to me and saying "Photo me, Jan". So I would take their picture and then show them. We heard a bell and then came the goats. There were three herds, each with a little boy chasing them.
Back to our campsite. It is 11 am and we are ready for naps. All our meals are cooked over an open wood fire since the propane stove we brought was broken. Everyone feels like we are gaining weight daily as we eat a ton of carbs. The flies are awful today even with the breeze.
I forgot that last night withg Pastor Joseph interpretting. he said "caput" which means death in Tonga. We all laughed and told him we have used that term not knowing what it really meant.
At 3 PM we had a worship service with about 20 kids and adults. Lots of singing which we have all learned to love. Kate, Benita and I gave our testimonies. Mine was about when Gary got burned.
At 7 PM we started again with about 80 people. Singing, worship and blessing people. Prayers again for a lot of headaches, bad dreams and stomach pains. SO many comp;lain of seeing bad things at night. I was empowered and prayed for healings. WOW !
We all crashed at 10 PM.
Tuesday April 26, 2011
After packing the the cars, we drove the bumpy, deeply rutted roads to the Village of Sitchalobe, in the African bush country. Bev's car kept stalling and we got stuck in ruts but we arrived safely. We were greeted by a group of children lying on the hot sand/dirt, with big smiles and sparkling eyes. Our campsite is adjacent to the village and next to the one room mud hut school. Our "bathroom" is a hole in the ground inside of a thatched hut. We used a chitange for the door. Aiming was difficult as the hole was not more that 8 inches square. The sand is reddish orange and very hot. It actually softened my toenail polish and sand then got imbedded in it. Flies are everywhere and the little ones get into our eyes. Very annoying! PB and J sandwiches for lunch and apples for dessert. I feel like a Queen. I have a tent to myself with a mattress.
Pastor Joseph and Paul are with us to act as interpretors and for our safety. Time to rest now as we have a 6 PM conference with the villagers. I miss talking to Fran more than anything. My back and leg are great !! I pray as much as I can for total healing. Dinner was rice and boiled chicken with potatoes and gravy. It is amazing how fast it gets dark here. By 6:15 it is pitch black. but the stars are amazing.
There was a funeral today so the women did not attend as planned but about 55 children came ! So, TIA and we changed gears as we have done so often on our trip.
The kids have beautiful voices and they love to sing. Their smiles are huge and their eyes are so big. It was lightening in the distance and when the rain came, we all moved into the school house. Benita told the story of Moses and Lori told them the story of David and Goliath. They are so attentive. We then prayed and asked iof anyone wanted us to pray especially for them. Some said yes, while others just smiled. There were two girls sitting next to me who kept giggling when they looked at me. The one closest to me touched my arm and then we were holding hands. I asked her what her name was and she replied "Mabel". I told her my middle name was Mae, named after my Aunt Maebel". She looked at me and said "Jan Mabel"? I said yes and we both laughed. I asked her if I could pray for her and she said yes. I place my hands on the heads of both the girls and I prayed for them. Then another girl came to me with her hand on her stomach. I asked her if it hurt and she nodded yes so I prayed her healing. Mariel brought another girl to me who said her head hurt. I layed hands on her aw well. Then Mabel brought her sister over to me for prayer. I told them we would be her again tomorrow to meet with the Moms. She said she had school but would come after school. This was all done in the dark with only one flashlight on. After the kids left, I started crying. I was so moved by what had just happened. Me, praying and laying on hands like I did ! That was a milestone for me. It was amazing how almost all had the same prayer request - headaches, nightmares, and stomach aches.
It was bedtime and we were exhausted. I put on my IPOD and fell asleep. At 4 AM the roosters decided it was daylight and started crowing. Every rooster in the area joined in! GO BACK TO SLEEP ROOSTERS ! No such luck, but I did rest to my music.
Pastor Joseph and Paul are with us to act as interpretors and for our safety. Time to rest now as we have a 6 PM conference with the villagers. I miss talking to Fran more than anything. My back and leg are great !! I pray as much as I can for total healing. Dinner was rice and boiled chicken with potatoes and gravy. It is amazing how fast it gets dark here. By 6:15 it is pitch black. but the stars are amazing.
There was a funeral today so the women did not attend as planned but about 55 children came ! So, TIA and we changed gears as we have done so often on our trip.
The kids have beautiful voices and they love to sing. Their smiles are huge and their eyes are so big. It was lightening in the distance and when the rain came, we all moved into the school house. Benita told the story of Moses and Lori told them the story of David and Goliath. They are so attentive. We then prayed and asked iof anyone wanted us to pray especially for them. Some said yes, while others just smiled. There were two girls sitting next to me who kept giggling when they looked at me. The one closest to me touched my arm and then we were holding hands. I asked her what her name was and she replied "Mabel". I told her my middle name was Mae, named after my Aunt Maebel". She looked at me and said "Jan Mabel"? I said yes and we both laughed. I asked her if I could pray for her and she said yes. I place my hands on the heads of both the girls and I prayed for them. Then another girl came to me with her hand on her stomach. I asked her if it hurt and she nodded yes so I prayed her healing. Mariel brought another girl to me who said her head hurt. I layed hands on her aw well. Then Mabel brought her sister over to me for prayer. I told them we would be her again tomorrow to meet with the Moms. She said she had school but would come after school. This was all done in the dark with only one flashlight on. After the kids left, I started crying. I was so moved by what had just happened. Me, praying and laying on hands like I did ! That was a milestone for me. It was amazing how almost all had the same prayer request - headaches, nightmares, and stomach aches.
It was bedtime and we were exhausted. I put on my IPOD and fell asleep. At 4 AM the roosters decided it was daylight and started crowing. Every rooster in the area joined in! GO BACK TO SLEEP ROOSTERS ! No such luck, but I did rest to my music.
Monday April 25, 2011
After breakfast we went to Makuni Village to distribute vitamins to about fifty people. The interpretor had introduced us all by name when we arrived but it still blew me away when each person who came up to me said, "Hi, Jan". They were all very appreciative for the vitamins and the friendship we showed. The one thing they asked for was the empty cardboard box that the vitamins came in.
We then drove to the second village but there had been some confusion about the time so noone was there. Instead, we went to see a seventh grade class. The teacher allowed us to participate in asking the children questions and if their answer was correct, Mariel threw them a piece of bubble gum. After class was over, I taught them how to blow bubbles with their gum They all thought that was funny, I sat next to a little boy who near the end of the game had not gotten gum so I coached him with the correct answer.
It is funny that when we speak Tonga and mispronounce the words, they laugh at us so we all start laughing.
We left the school and after a very bumpy ride, we arrived in Livingstone to have a local "fast food" lunch. Mine was a chicken and mushroom pie. It was like a pot pie in puff pastry and delicious. Then we each got and ice cream cone for $.50 US. It was not like Rita's or Ben and Jerry's but it was cold and refreshing. It has been very hot and dusty. I took my shower before dinner so it was cold, but felt good. Dinner was leftover Mac and cheese, salad and a casserole with the Easter pork and rice with vegetables.
We are going out to the bush tomorrow and they have planned to put a mattress on top of the car for me so I would not have to sleep on the ground. Their concern for my back is overwhelming. These are GREAT people. I hope we see some animals. We saw baboons today but so far that is all for the wildlife. This is the only disappointing thing so far. "No problem" "TIA"
This is Africa.
We then drove to the second village but there had been some confusion about the time so noone was there. Instead, we went to see a seventh grade class. The teacher allowed us to participate in asking the children questions and if their answer was correct, Mariel threw them a piece of bubble gum. After class was over, I taught them how to blow bubbles with their gum They all thought that was funny, I sat next to a little boy who near the end of the game had not gotten gum so I coached him with the correct answer.
It is funny that when we speak Tonga and mispronounce the words, they laugh at us so we all start laughing.
We left the school and after a very bumpy ride, we arrived in Livingstone to have a local "fast food" lunch. Mine was a chicken and mushroom pie. It was like a pot pie in puff pastry and delicious. Then we each got and ice cream cone for $.50 US. It was not like Rita's or Ben and Jerry's but it was cold and refreshing. It has been very hot and dusty. I took my shower before dinner so it was cold, but felt good. Dinner was leftover Mac and cheese, salad and a casserole with the Easter pork and rice with vegetables.
We are going out to the bush tomorrow and they have planned to put a mattress on top of the car for me so I would not have to sleep on the ground. Their concern for my back is overwhelming. These are GREAT people. I hope we see some animals. We saw baboons today but so far that is all for the wildlife. This is the only disappointing thing so far. "No problem" "TIA"
This is Africa.
Wednesday
EASTER DINNER MENU
Fire roasted red peppers with mozarella cheese and a drizzled with garlic/basil oil
Rosemary roasted roast pork
Eggplant ragout
Green beans
Oven roasted and seasoned potato wedges
Maple cinammon apple slices
Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese
Sliced tomatoes with feta cheese
Coleslaw
Lemon Bars a la Bev
Chocolate cake with Chocolate icing a la Mariel
Rosemary roasted roast pork
Eggplant ragout
Green beans
Oven roasted and seasoned potato wedges
Maple cinammon apple slices
Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese
Sliced tomatoes with feta cheese
Coleslaw
Lemon Bars a la Bev
Chocolate cake with Chocolate icing a la Mariel
Sunday, April 24, 2011 EASTER....IN ZAMBIA, AFRICA
We had a light but great breakfast of homemade from scratch cinammon rolls. Our team led Church with about 35 people attending. Benita's beautiful voice accompanying her talented guitar was moving and Kate gave Thanks to God with a perfect sermon. Lunch was egg salad sandwiches to hold everyone over until Easter Dinner a la Jan.
We had dinner about 4:30 and everything was cooked to perfection ! JD kept asking me when dinner was going to be ready! I set the tables to be one long banquet table. Someone covered them with chitanges for table cloths and another brought candles.
JD stood at the far end holding up his empty plate before going for seconds. Everyone said they felt so blessed by my cooking and my team members were blown away. They said they were dispensible but that I could not be replaced ! Quite the compliments, and they made me feel sooooo special. After a long and exciting day, I took a shower and listened to music again. What a great group of people at Overland. What a Blessed Easter!
We had dinner about 4:30 and everything was cooked to perfection ! JD kept asking me when dinner was going to be ready! I set the tables to be one long banquet table. Someone covered them with chitanges for table cloths and another brought candles.
JD stood at the far end holding up his empty plate before going for seconds. Everyone said they felt so blessed by my cooking and my team members were blown away. They said they were dispensible but that I could not be replaced ! Quite the compliments, and they made me feel sooooo special. After a long and exciting day, I took a shower and listened to music again. What a great group of people at Overland. What a Blessed Easter!
Saturday April 23, 2011
Benita and I woke up at 1 AM and had trouble going back to sleep but we finally did. After breakfast we had a Team meeting then we went to clean and organize trailers of school supplies and clothes. I was in charge of the clothes so I could sit. As I found baby hat, I placed one on a team members head, starting with Paul and Wezi and then took pictures. We all had a good laugh. The before and after pictures of the trailers are lik night and day. Beverly was sooo appreciative of our help.
Then I prepped food for Easter Dinner. I roasted the peppers on the flames of the gas stove and then marinated them in a garlic and basil infused oil. I made coleslaw, eggplant ragout with my Greek recipe which is the same way the Zambians cook their eggplant. COINCIDENCE ?! Green beans are cleaned ala Julie and I created maple cinammon glazed apple slices.
After lunch, Mariel teaches us how to wear our Chitangea(sarongs). Then she tells us to get into the car and we go to Songwe Village to meet Tabisa and her fellow villagers. Tabisa is the baby I bought clothes for. She was born two months premature and is now three months old and looks absolutely beautiful! Her Mom died of HIV two weeks before our arrival. Tabisa will be raised by her Great Aunt Anne who is sixty years old. It is very unusual for a family member to offer to take on this type of responsibility in Zambia. Anne is a beautiful person !! One of the outfits I boiught for Tabisa says "I love my Aunt". Great news arrived .....Tabisa tested negative for HIV !! As we drove up to the Village the kids of Songwe were playing games and and when they saw us, great big smiles appeared on their faces. There were about 15 kids aged 2 to 8 or 9 years of age. We sat with some Moms and the infants and talked with them. The children were laughing and having fun. Benita and I decided to go play with the kids. We taught them Ring around the Rosie, duck, Duck, Goose, London Bridges falling down. There was a boy standing in the road so I went over and asked if he would like to play. He replied "I do not speak English" in perfect English I might add. I told him that was ok, took his hand and he joined in. Another little guy was watching too. He was about 2 and his pants, torn and dirty seemed to keep falling down and he would trip on them when he walked. So, I went over to help him and bring him into the circle games. But, when I pulled up his pants, I realized they were not falling down, his one leg was about 5 inches shorter than his other. We all had a great time laughing and playing the circle games and the Moms laughed too. When we were ready to leave, the kids formed a circle around me and Benita and hugged us as one big group. Their smiles melted my heart. i was pooped from playing games for 6 year olds but would not have traded places for anything. What a great experience and memory of Songwe. At 8:30 PM I have to dry my hair, relax and go to bed. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I relaxed listening to Elaine Elias on my IPOD and fell asleep.
Then I prepped food for Easter Dinner. I roasted the peppers on the flames of the gas stove and then marinated them in a garlic and basil infused oil. I made coleslaw, eggplant ragout with my Greek recipe which is the same way the Zambians cook their eggplant. COINCIDENCE ?! Green beans are cleaned ala Julie and I created maple cinammon glazed apple slices.
After lunch, Mariel teaches us how to wear our Chitangea(sarongs). Then she tells us to get into the car and we go to Songwe Village to meet Tabisa and her fellow villagers. Tabisa is the baby I bought clothes for. She was born two months premature and is now three months old and looks absolutely beautiful! Her Mom died of HIV two weeks before our arrival. Tabisa will be raised by her Great Aunt Anne who is sixty years old. It is very unusual for a family member to offer to take on this type of responsibility in Zambia. Anne is a beautiful person !! One of the outfits I boiught for Tabisa says "I love my Aunt". Great news arrived .....Tabisa tested negative for HIV !! As we drove up to the Village the kids of Songwe were playing games and and when they saw us, great big smiles appeared on their faces. There were about 15 kids aged 2 to 8 or 9 years of age. We sat with some Moms and the infants and talked with them. The children were laughing and having fun. Benita and I decided to go play with the kids. We taught them Ring around the Rosie, duck, Duck, Goose, London Bridges falling down. There was a boy standing in the road so I went over and asked if he would like to play. He replied "I do not speak English" in perfect English I might add. I told him that was ok, took his hand and he joined in. Another little guy was watching too. He was about 2 and his pants, torn and dirty seemed to keep falling down and he would trip on them when he walked. So, I went over to help him and bring him into the circle games. But, when I pulled up his pants, I realized they were not falling down, his one leg was about 5 inches shorter than his other. We all had a great time laughing and playing the circle games and the Moms laughed too. When we were ready to leave, the kids formed a circle around me and Benita and hugged us as one big group. Their smiles melted my heart. i was pooped from playing games for 6 year olds but would not have traded places for anything. What a great experience and memory of Songwe. At 8:30 PM I have to dry my hair, relax and go to bed. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. I relaxed listening to Elaine Elias on my IPOD and fell asleep.
Tuesday
Friday April 22, 2011 GOOD FRIDAY
We wake up with the sun this morning. After having what will become our daily breakfast, oatmeal and fresh fruit, we have a tour of the base. We see the rapids of the Zambezi River, the gorge carved by God, and across the gorge is Zimbabwe. Prayer point is so beautiful but my special place will be off the back of the main building on the third step overlooking the river.
We head out to the strorage trailers to organize school supplies and clothing. Wezi and Paul help us. I was able to sit and do the clothes so each time I found a baby hat, someone on the team had to wear it. We took so pictures of them as well as the trailers, before and after our hands at work. Bev has us prepare school supplies. First we laminate animal pictures. Then glue them on the outside of cereal boxes and cut them out. That way, no advertisement is seen on the finished pieces. Each set is a matching game for preschoolers.
Mariel asks me to help her cook dinner so I can adjust to the kitchen for cooking Easter dinner. My thank you to people at the base, and Mariel and Bev, is to give them a day off from kitchen duty. I will cook Easter Dinner for all. The kitchen is a great big working kitchen, but the only electric appliances are a toaster and a hand mixer. Lunch was grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches and fresh watermelon. So our dinner tonight is mashed potatoes made by hand with the biggest masher I have ever seen. Also green beans, BBQ chicken, salad, and scratch cheddar cheese/scallion biscuits. YUM!
Kevi, the gardener at the base has a great garden. He will pick beautiful eggplant for me to use for Easter. Many plants and bushes new to me grow there as well. I will prep food tomorrow after we pack the vitamins for distribution to the villagers on Monday. Tuesday we head out further into the bush for three days. The Village there is called Sitchalobe.
We have separated to have two per tent which is really nice. Benita is my bunkmate. SHe and her husband Howard are pastors in Philipi West Virginia. They have two girls, 11 and 13.
After showering with water that is wood fire heated, we head back to our tents to journal. I feel teary eyed tonight. Similar to how I felt when I saw the Acropolis in Greece for the first time. Benita and I both wake up at 12:30 AM for a restroom call. Then she has trouble falling back to sleep. It was warm in the ten but we wake up at 7 ish to a nice cool breeze. Gary, thanks for encouraging me to buy a silk sleeping bag liner.. I slept inside it, on top of my sleeping bag most nights until it cooled off enough to pull my sleeping bag over me and zip up. The liner was the most used item I brought, next to my head lamp.
We head out to the strorage trailers to organize school supplies and clothing. Wezi and Paul help us. I was able to sit and do the clothes so each time I found a baby hat, someone on the team had to wear it. We took so pictures of them as well as the trailers, before and after our hands at work. Bev has us prepare school supplies. First we laminate animal pictures. Then glue them on the outside of cereal boxes and cut them out. That way, no advertisement is seen on the finished pieces. Each set is a matching game for preschoolers.
Mariel asks me to help her cook dinner so I can adjust to the kitchen for cooking Easter dinner. My thank you to people at the base, and Mariel and Bev, is to give them a day off from kitchen duty. I will cook Easter Dinner for all. The kitchen is a great big working kitchen, but the only electric appliances are a toaster and a hand mixer. Lunch was grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches and fresh watermelon. So our dinner tonight is mashed potatoes made by hand with the biggest masher I have ever seen. Also green beans, BBQ chicken, salad, and scratch cheddar cheese/scallion biscuits. YUM!
Kevi, the gardener at the base has a great garden. He will pick beautiful eggplant for me to use for Easter. Many plants and bushes new to me grow there as well. I will prep food tomorrow after we pack the vitamins for distribution to the villagers on Monday. Tuesday we head out further into the bush for three days. The Village there is called Sitchalobe.
We have separated to have two per tent which is really nice. Benita is my bunkmate. SHe and her husband Howard are pastors in Philipi West Virginia. They have two girls, 11 and 13.
After showering with water that is wood fire heated, we head back to our tents to journal. I feel teary eyed tonight. Similar to how I felt when I saw the Acropolis in Greece for the first time. Benita and I both wake up at 12:30 AM for a restroom call. Then she has trouble falling back to sleep. It was warm in the ten but we wake up at 7 ish to a nice cool breeze. Gary, thanks for encouraging me to buy a silk sleeping bag liner.. I slept inside it, on top of my sleeping bag most nights until it cooled off enough to pull my sleeping bag over me and zip up. The liner was the most used item I brought, next to my head lamp.
Monday
Thursday, April 21, 2011
We arrived at Livingstone airport and were greeted by Mariel and Bev. We went for lunch. I had a Greek salad and fried calamari and grilled shrimp. Wait, I am supposed to be in Africa....calamari?? We went to the grocery store and funny enough, it is a Shop Rite. We have to change our US $ into Kwacha. Food is very expensive. A small can of mushrooms is $3.USD. After buying a few supplies we are off to our homebase at Overland Missions Rapid 14.
It is a rough dirt road and takes about 30 minutes to get there. We arrive at the main building where everything happens. It has cement walls with front and back tent flaps open. The roof is thatched and beautifully beamed inside. It is beautiful to walk inside and to be able to see the gorge right out the back with the mist of Victoria Falls visible. If you walk to the steps, you see the Zambezi River....AMAZING VIEW !
We are going to have a great Lasagne dinner with garlic bread and salad prepared by Mariel. SO, I guess I will not be losing much weight here if this menu continues.
We are taken to our tent where we unpack and freshen up. Then to the main building to meet our new friends and have dinner. Everything is made from scratch on the base including mayonnaise, cakes and icing, rolls, BBQ sauce, taco shells and chips, biscuits salad dressings etc. due to the high cost of food. Zambia imports everything and it's only export is copper.
We are all tired from the trip so we head to bed at around 10. Tomorrow we wake up in AFRICA !
Our
It is a rough dirt road and takes about 30 minutes to get there. We arrive at the main building where everything happens. It has cement walls with front and back tent flaps open. The roof is thatched and beautifully beamed inside. It is beautiful to walk inside and to be able to see the gorge right out the back with the mist of Victoria Falls visible. If you walk to the steps, you see the Zambezi River....AMAZING VIEW !
We are going to have a great Lasagne dinner with garlic bread and salad prepared by Mariel. SO, I guess I will not be losing much weight here if this menu continues.
We are taken to our tent where we unpack and freshen up. Then to the main building to meet our new friends and have dinner. Everything is made from scratch on the base including mayonnaise, cakes and icing, rolls, BBQ sauce, taco shells and chips, biscuits salad dressings etc. due to the high cost of food. Zambia imports everything and it's only export is copper.
We are all tired from the trip so we head to bed at around 10. Tomorrow we wake up in AFRICA !
Our
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
So the big day finally arrives, and very early as well. We get up at 3 AM and leave at 4 as Fran will be driving Me, Lori and Kate to the airport for a 6:15 AM flight to JFK. Meeting at Target was a great plan. We all get into Fran's car and we are off to Zambia !! When we arrive at JFK we meet Benita for the first time. We get breakfast and before we know it, time to board for our 15 hour flight to Johannesburg South Africa followed by a 2 hour flight to Livingstone, Zambia. All our flights were great and I even managed to get some sleep! Unusual for me when flying.
The meals in flight were very good and I have a new great snack - popcorners
The meals in flight were very good and I have a new great snack - popcorners
January 2011
Fran and I went to Church this morning and in the main hall was a table set up with a sign "Zambia, Mission Trip". I have always wanted to go on a mission trip but something always prevented me. Either the work entailed physical work beyond my ability or I could not get the time off from work.
So, I spoke with the woman at the table and she explained that the trip was to dispense vitamins and food supplements to the local Zambians and that we would be weighing and measuring the growth of children at an "under five Clinic". WOW this was perfect for me ! My 43 years of nursing could be put to God's use! Like the movie "Pay it Forward".
I looked at Fran and said "I am going!". He replied, "don't you want to pray about it?. No, I know God has called me to do this!
And so my journey to Zambia begins. Over the next few months I have to gather supporters to help finance my way. Our departure date is April 20, 2011 for two weeks. . Most people's first Mission trip is to Mexico, Costa Rica, even the USA. But not mine, I am going to Zambia, Africa for my first ever Mission Trip !!
SO, I start talking to friends and I got mixed feedback. Mostly, people said "Are you scared?"
Scared of what I replied. I have nothing to be afraid of. I am going to do God's work and his Angels will guide my way and keep me safe.
As time gets closer, my support arrives daily in the mail. Very slowly but surely I receive money to finance my trip. However, I never quite reach my goal. No biggee, I am going anyway!! I get my immunizations, buy a sleeping bag with mosquito hood, Deet, antimalarial medications, camping pants with zip off legs, and a safari type hat (I borrowed Fran's). I practice packing probably 5 times before the final pack on April 19.
So, I spoke with the woman at the table and she explained that the trip was to dispense vitamins and food supplements to the local Zambians and that we would be weighing and measuring the growth of children at an "under five Clinic". WOW this was perfect for me ! My 43 years of nursing could be put to God's use! Like the movie "Pay it Forward".
I looked at Fran and said "I am going!". He replied, "don't you want to pray about it?. No, I know God has called me to do this!
And so my journey to Zambia begins. Over the next few months I have to gather supporters to help finance my way. Our departure date is April 20, 2011 for two weeks. . Most people's first Mission trip is to Mexico, Costa Rica, even the USA. But not mine, I am going to Zambia, Africa for my first ever Mission Trip !!
SO, I start talking to friends and I got mixed feedback. Mostly, people said "Are you scared?"
Scared of what I replied. I have nothing to be afraid of. I am going to do God's work and his Angels will guide my way and keep me safe.
As time gets closer, my support arrives daily in the mail. Very slowly but surely I receive money to finance my trip. However, I never quite reach my goal. No biggee, I am going anyway!! I get my immunizations, buy a sleeping bag with mosquito hood, Deet, antimalarial medications, camping pants with zip off legs, and a safari type hat (I borrowed Fran's). I practice packing probably 5 times before the final pack on April 19.
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