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
Sunday
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.
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