Sunday 10th March

Sunday - We decided to visit a new Church this week and went to CCC (Christchurch Community Church) and Hettie from Isubilo joined us.  They meet in the Ndola Theatre, so the seats were very comfy!  As it had been International Women's Day the previous Friday, the ladies were in charge, except for the Pastor giving the sermon.  We enjoyed good worship, a sketch,  testimonies and a powerful sermon. Afterwards we, and the other visitors, were treated to wonderful cake and fizzy drink.  In the afternoon we washed the vehicles as we hadn't been able to do it on Saturday due to the rain, just before it poured with rain again. 

Monday - is our day off, so we all did our own thing.  This was the day we heard the sad news about Fred's Sister (see previous post).  Fred  has now been able to visit Kabwe and visit his sister's grave. His brother-in-law, who we have just heard, is now in a stable  condition in hospital but he has a long way to go.  Please continue to pray for Fred, his brother-in-law and his family.  Fatal road accidents are common in Zambia so we would value your prayer as we travel around.  Fiona (friend of Charlie and Sharonne) came to look around the Guest House. She had been on a short term  SoapBox Trip and had helped to build the guest house, so she was thrilled to see the finished product.

Tuesday - International Youth Day - so another public holiday!  As we were not going to Kamfinsa, Marci invited us to her house to meet her  'nephews', for an 'afternoon of fun' - and 'be prepared to get wet'!  We had a great time; first of all listening to them read, and then lots of games involving water.  The boys thought our attempts to balance beakers of water on our heads was hilarious, as we tripped and fell and they hopped without spilling a drop.  We had an extra team member today as Fiona came along.

Wednesday - Jan started the day teaching for an hour at MFA, before catching up with the team at Farm Fresh.  More backbreaking clearing,  raking the  ground ready for planting and mowing of lawns.  Our reward was lovely Nshima this time with sausage, cabbage relish and a tomato sauce.   In the afternoon we went to Isubilo.  The heavens opened and we got soaked getting out of the car.  Hettie asked us to take some Mealie Meal to one of the orphanage houses, as  2 young  boys were about to take it in a wheelbarrow, in the pouring rain, to the orphanage about 1km away.   Jan duly obliged and got very wet again.  On leaving we gave little Marvin a lift, we thought he lived at the orphanage, however Tim had a lovely wet walk through the market as he directed him to his house, the rest of us following in the vehicle. Marvin obviously loved walking through the township with a Muzungu!

Thursday - Jim and Jo went off to Kamfinsa to meet up with Pastor Albert to go to a cell group.  After biking another half hour they arrived at the hut to find the group meeting  had been moved.  Another half hour cycle was undertaken to find the group. Jo led the study and a great time was had, however as it finished it started pouring down with rain and they had a very muddy wet ride back to the car.  Meanwhile Jan dropped Tim and Natalie at St Anthony's  - visiting the cerebral palsy unit, while Jan went to Jacaranda Mall to get some bits and pieces before joining them.  This time they met the 'Teacher' who was very welcoming and invited us to come and help anytime.   In the afternoon we had our first lecture from Laurie (a Canadian) on LifeKeys, looking at how God created each of us with different gifts and talents.  The evening finished off with a great team time which included more studying  of Epheshians, led by Natalie.

Friday - Jim went off to Immigration to get our visas renewed.  He wasn't looking forward to this, as we had heard lots of horror stories of waiting for hours in line.  The rest of the team went to work alongside Lifeline.  Jo stayed at the playgroup with the children, while Tim, Jan and Natalie went with Kris, Royd, Elizabeth  and Janet (all in one Landcruiser.  The aim- we thought-  was for Kris,  Royd and Tim to measure the wells and then later to return and  make lids for them to install Zoe water pumps, while Natalie and Jan with Elizabeth and Janet  visited Lifeline clients in their huts.  As we are learning, nothing goes to plan.  After measuring the first well, Royd and Janet went off to find another 'close by'.  An hour later they still hadn't returned.  We stood around the vehicle as more and more children came to investigate these 'muzungus'.  Impromptu games and versions of 'heads, shoulders' knees and toes'  were played to pass the time.  Eventually Royd and Janet returned and we all piled back into the car. As we drove off Tim was waving enthusiastically from the boot and was wondering why the children didn't respond, until he realised the tinted windows rendered him invisible to the children!  We went to a Lifeline clients home and Tim helped make the concrete for a well top.  Jan and Natalie helped draw the water from the well.  It was fascinating to see how you can manage with so little mechanical and proper materials to make a well lid so quickly.  Elizabeth and Janet spent a long time talking to the lady of the house, and her 16 year old daughter who Elizabeth thought was pregnant!  In the afternoon we went to St Anthony's to play with the children and babies.  We finished the day by going  for a curry to celebrate Jo's birthday a day early.

Saturday - Jo woke to a decorated house and a chorus of Happy birthday.  After breakfast we went to Isubilo where the Youth Forum gave a talk on Sexual Relationships from a Biblical perspective.  They had been told it was Jo's birthday so sang her happy birthday and one of the boys performed a rap in her honour. Later they celebrated in their 'traditional' way by throwing lots of water over her.  Over lunch Jo opened her presents and we all had a piece of homemade Banana cake- Jo's fav!  In the afternoon we went to Marci and Bill's house for a Braai.  We had a great time playing  a game of croquet and eating fantastic food (steak to die for). Americans certainly know how to entertain.  Later we played a card game called 'Chronology'.  We had a really good evening which ended with another birthday cake and rendition of Happy Birthday. Best African birthday ever!  Jo and Natalie finished the evening off stargazing, wrapped up in blankets to protect themselves from mosquitos!