PICTURES ON THE WEB

There are pictures up from the trip. A link is provided on the side bar. The password is zambiamissiontrip2008@gmail.com. The password is zambia2008. Enjoy.

THOSE SERVED

Click to enlarge

One person served would have been an
accomplishment, but it is encouraging to see all the people that were served.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

This picture shows the group on the bus leaving Zambia. Thousands of people have been served and many have given their life to Christ.

The blog may go on for a little while giving some recollections of the trip, so don't give up on us yet. It was an amazing experience. Personally, I wish I was still there. I will share more later.

WE ARE HERE

Hello faithful followers of the blog. Each member has now arrived in Zambia. We are all gathered at the French's house getting organized. The group that just arrived is trying to catch their breath before we hit the mission field. The status of the blog is undetermined. We are not sure what the internet connection is going to be like, but if we are able to blog, we will. We know that each of you are anxiously awaiting updates of our trip, so we will try to provide them.

FISHY LESSON

I just witnessed a cross cultural lesson. Shema Man (Mark Taylor) has gained a good amount of rapport with the construction guys at Mapepe. They respect him and enjoy his company. Today he was able to use that influence to teach a lesson.

Some of the guys complained about their portion of the gifts they were given when "the container" came over the other day. The container is a large box shipped from the States. It contains things the French's cannot fly over, things people donate to the French's and to the medical mission. The French's joyfully give packages of clothes, towels, etc. to people they know from the school and this includes the construction workers. One of the things furiously complained about was the length of a towel. It was a verbal attack so strong against someone who they felt got more than them the woman was sick from crying. When Mark and I learned that this was some of the guys we have grown to be fond of we were quite disappointed.

It should be noted that jealousy is a strong part of the Zambian culture. These people are born and raised in survival mode. They do not find it fair if someone gets even the smallest amount more than them.

Today Mark was able to use his influence and teaching ability to encourage them to act better. He bought them fish for the third time. This helps not only the workers by feeding them, but also helping the woman who is selling the fish. After dividing out the fish he gathered them all around. He explained to them, "This is a gift. I am sharing this gift with you. Some people around you are not getting this gift at all. They could be jealous because they are not getting the fish." He explained, "When you receive a gift you are to accept it for what it is. You are not to become jealous when someone gives you a gift, because they could choose not to give it to you."

Mark used a teaching tool to cross cultures in teaching about jealousy. Although we may not fully understand the roots of jealousy in their culture, it is important to teach against the principle, which Mark did well.

READY TO GO

I have been here a week and a half. I have been able to get my body clock aligned with Zam time. I have learned a bit about what Zambia is like. Met some new people. I have had my worldview enhanced, been able to explore some of my natural assumptions, some of which I have posted here. Developed some solid friendships with the guys and gal who have come early from the states. That in itself has been a wonderful experience.
Now, we are two days away from starting the actual mission and I am ready. I am very anxious in doing what I came to do. Serve. I am ready to go out into the communities and help the Zambians with their physical ailments and showing them Jesus in the process. Although I am not a medical expert, I will be glad to assist in whatever way to help out the mission. Please continue to pray for our effort.

THEM ZAM NIGHTS

Friends and family back home may be interested in knowing how we pass time during the Zambia nights. Last night we were entertained in a good ol' sing a long led by Shema Man and Mapepe Joe.

Shema Man jammin' out with the old time classic-"Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash.

Mapepe Joe thrilled the crowd with old rock and roll classics. The highlight was the Monkees, "I'm a Believer".

airport

I rode with Syndey today to pick up three of our team at the Lusaka airport.The others are scheduled to arrive in Lusaka tomorrow.Stephanie's aunt Margaret arrived with Dr.David Moore and Judy Floyd.David has been before and is one our team's eye doctors.Judy is a nurse at Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville.Maragret is a retired nurse from Ohio.We enjoyed a time of fellowship and had another good meal.We are making plans for the rest of the team's arrival with bedding and other logistical issues.Again I will say the memories made are tied in with the challenges,fatigue and dealing with the issues that come up with any project.I am looking forward to sharing what we can from the villages once we arrive.

Bus Severely Damaged

Two nights ago Moonga and Wisdom (two of our Zambian friends) barely escaped with their lives in a terrible bus accident. They had just finished delivering students to our mission villages, when they encountered a Tanzanian Trucker driving on the wrong side of the highway. Moonga maintained incredible control by avoiding flipping the bus that was towing a trailer during the accident. The bus ran through a ditch a hit a group of roadside markets before coming to a stop.

Moonga received lacerations to his left hand and Wisdom has a deep gash on his left hand and a major contusion on his face. Neither are feeling well at the moment. It was a close call. I have included a picture on the blog of the front of the bus.

We have now made new arrangements to borrow a bus from a brother in Kabu and we continue to pray for the arrival of our new bus. The new bus should arrive tomorrow. Two buses and our other vehicles should provide satisfactory transport to and from our village clinics.

Our main group should be on the way to JoBerg, South Africa as I write. They will arrive in Lusaka in two groups tomorrow. The first group around 1 pm and the second group at 5 pm.

Please be praying for the safe arrival of our team.

If Ever there was a Time to Pray

It was nearly 10 pm Zambia time (3 pm Central US). As we prepared for bed and a good night sleep, we made the decision to pray for our coming mission trip and our group in route from the United States. For what do you pray? Safety? Good Health? How about airlines following travel schedules?

I am sure that I do not always know the best words to share or the most important requests to make before God. I am thankful that as a Christian that the spirit speaks in my behalf. I like the old King James version that says, "Groans in our behalf." Groaning is exactly the FEELING I have right now

After spending an entire year preparing to share our medical expertise(Not mine personally as I am not in the medical profession) with the people of Zambia we meet mighty opposition from the evil one. He has injured some of our Zambian workers in a Bus accident. This tragedy has completely removed one mode of our transportation (One bus down and out). He is stalling the arrival of the other bus. He has put the travel plans of our group in a total mess as they try to make connecting flights.

Yet I know that we will serve no matter what occurs. If we have to setup a clinc right here at Mapepe Bible College, then we will. We came to serve not to be served. We must not be led away from our goal or the devil wins.

Now is the time for all Christians to pray without ceasing for the Mapepe Medical Mission. We must lift our voices as one to God. Let us not lose sight of our goal and purpose. "For the Son of man came not to be served, but to be served, and to ransom his life for many."

It is not always smooth sailing

Every trip local or abroad will have it's setbacks. Looking back on your travels...remember being stuck in the airport,car trouble,getting sick,losing your passport,wearing your welcome thin at someone's home. Remember fish and company begin to stink after three days. Our team has had a setback. The rest of our team as I write this are stuck in a Chicago airport. Missed flights,overbooked flights,cancelled flights...all seem to be the norm now a days. Our team has been caught in this web.

The question is,"What now?" So you are stuck in an airport,out of money somewhere,broke down,etc. It will settle down. The smoke will clear. It will end soon. Then you look back and ask yourself..."How did I handle myself?" Did you make a fool of yourself? Did you say things you should not have said? Did you break under the pressure? The cool thing about it all is the fact that it all blows over and you can look back and say..."That was really fun." Make the best of your lower moments. Laugh at yourself. Smile at adversity. They really are the things you talk about for years to come.

STELLA'S HOUSE

Last year some people from Sycamore View helped build a house for Stella. This is what it is looking like presently.
Stella and her children inside their home.

Stella and family outside her house.

Stella's new out house.

ZAMBIAN SINGERS

Last night we were blessed with live entertainment. After eating a delicious meal a few of the girls in the neighborhood sang some songs for us in a Zambian language.
The French's daughter Natasha is on the far left. Their grandaughter Susan is below her.

BLESSINGS

I often hear, "I am reminded that I am so blessed" in reference to an experience in a developing country. That comment has started to bother me. It has been a little while now that something about that graded on my nerves as I heard it. Finally, I was able to process it out with Joe today.
"I am blessed"= air conditioner, unlimited amount of food, TV, and a nice house. When we say we are blessed we are basing our blessings on material things. That is a shame. Granted, we would be ignorant not to recognize that we have more and our more makes things easier a lot of times. However, looking only at material blessings ignores what truly enrich our lives.
As Joe mentioned, slowing down our lives like is often done here can create positive relationships. I have been able to build relationships with people here because of the slowed down lifestyle. That is hard for us to recognize as a blessing.

Also, as one of the missionaries mentioned the people are more likely to feel dependent on God because they do not have 401 (k) plans and as structured life styles. This environment provides a context to develop a trust in God we are unable to develop.

I suppose what I am trying to say is spiritual blessings are what should be placed as most important in our lives. Measuring how we are blessed because we have more material things removes us from recognizing what is truly important in life.

Packing Trunks

Today was a day of preparation as we packed trunks with medications, packed food supplies, and inventoried cooking equipment. We now sit and wait for the container and the main group to arrive. We are ahead of last year in having all the medical trunks marked, thanks to the work of Mike Murphy and the early team (Charlotte Bradsher & Linda Myers).

I still have just a few things to complete like exchanging kwacha, picking up bowls, and final food items. As usual, everything is on Zambian time.

Does the rest of the world operate on a different time management system than the United States. Are we to clock and time conscious? In Zambia, everything is truly Zambian. There is Zam-Chick, Zam-Beef, and most of Zam-Time. What is Zam-Time you ask?

It appears that in Zambia nothing has to be on time and nobody has to be on schedule. An activity begins when everyone arrives. If you are told to come back tomorrow that means come back in several days. If they say it be ready today that means it will be ready tomorrow. If they tell they don't know when it is going to be ready, that means look out you are in for a long wait.

Is that irresponsible on the part of Zambians? Maybe yes or maybe no! In America we are so time conscious that we have express lanes and fast food, drive thru banking and Post Office drop boxes, and of live in a world of lonely and detached people.

Could drive thru windows and home delivery have led to less and less personal touch and communication? I think, you bet it has! If I go in the bank, I meet people and talk to people and establish on-going friendships and relationships. If I go in the restaurant, I slow down, talk to people, identifying and appreciating humanity. No man is an island.

We are so busy that we have no time for each other. Today I was unloading a container, Nepa (a Zambian) happened by the work. He stopped and talked with Justin and me for several minutes. One of the things I really love about Zambians is they always have time for people. They don't watch the clock or worry about the time. They will always have time for YOU....

Maybe there are some things we can learn from our Zambian friends!!!!

building materials

Today, my time was spent finding,loading and delivering building materials for both the new chicken house and the new grocery store. Both are ready for concrete slabs. In the US I would have measured the area to be covered,used a ratio to determine the amount needed and called the cement company who would then schedule delivery. I could charge it or pay upon delivery. I have done this, so to see and experience the Zambian way was quite an experience.

It started by Paul the foreman looking the areas over for a short time and determining the amount needed. When I asked him his method he said..."I just know." The grade was set. We set out in the flat bed to purchase stones. He asked that I drive the truck and reminded me with a grin that the drivers were on the opposite side of the road in Zambia than US. I knew that, but I appreciated the reminder. I had to be safe. I was in a foreign country in someone's vehicle with 8 men standing or riding beside me.

We drove to a compound were the poorest of the poor live.We drove right up among the shacks to a pile of crushed rocks. I backed up beside the pile and the workers began shoveling stones into a wheel barrow. They counted the number of loads knowing our truck would only carry approximately 25.Each wheel barrow cost 5 thousand kwatcha ($1.25 US).These rocks were crushed from larger rocks by hand. People sit all day and crush rocks dug up in their community often close to the side of the road for others to purchase.

We purchsed about $30 worth of stones to carry back to the chicken run. We made two trips. The last load was purchased at another compound and we unloaded it for the slab at the new store. These stones will be mixed with sand (on site) and bags of cement. This is all done by hand on the ground and wheel barrows transport it to the foundation. All day when something was said in their language I asked what was said. I learned of their methods in family matters as well as life in general. We laughed and talked serious.

There was concern over a man that had died today in one of the compounds we purchased stones. He was ninety years old. The talk among the men was over this man and his magic powers. He could apparently point to a woman that was pregnant and make her miscarriage.

They were glad he had died. He was evil. His group of other evil men had caused trouble for years. Later that day one of our workers said the man was still alive but had turned into a cat then later a dog. I told them I did not believe. They said the same man had made an American go back to America by making him go into a hut....step through a door.....and when he came out he was in America. I told them I did not believe that either.

Again a great day in Zambia learning of another culture far from home.

My day in Zambia

My name is Glenda Rountree from Louisville KY. This is my second year at this location for a Medcal Mission. I volunteered to come with the early group, hoping to contribute something worthwhile prior to the team arriving.

The jury is still out on how much I am contributing, but the journey has been extremely touching and my outlook is changing daily. Joe has been diligiently taking care of many tasks, including being the chief cook. Today I tried to relieve that burden and volunteered to prepare the evening meal. Mainly, northern beans and cornbread. Easy - right? Well, things are slow in Zambia. You can't just run down to the corner and get the needed ingredients. The stove works in slow motion and the end of that story is.... we ate the beans and everyone was very complimentary... but I am a very good cook and I know they were not that great.

Yesterday I witnessed the demonstration of Zambia Christian counselling. There is a major problem with theft - loss of jobs - loss of trust - and other emotional events occuring at the school. The wife of one of the accused came to Lori to explain the reprecussions that her family were experiencing. I sat and listened as Lori passionately talked about forgiveness, love and the need to go forward. It was so humbling for me to realize this family was in serious trouble and
I complain about such minor things as the weather.

God has been good and I am very blessed to be here. My prayer is that I will be the arms and feet of Jesus and touch many lives in a postive way.

fish for dinner?

Today I was helping the building crew. They let me install the 6 panes of glass for Stella's new office. They actually were impressed. I never told them I had glazed windows from my childhood. After lunch, we were laid block preparing the foundation for the new grocery store.

It is amazing what you learn while you are doing a job along side guys from another culture. I have to admit they have not taught me any new techniques over the past two years of working with them. Their ways are usually primitive and nothing I would choose to use back home. What I have learned from them are more in the ways of their culture,views on life and their curiosity of me and my country. Today a lady passed by us with a large tub on her head. She stopped and set the tub with it's contents on the ground. The guys stopped working and gathered around. I went over to see the excitement. She had a tub of freshly caught fish for sale.

I asked James,"How much are the fish?" She was selling 8 for 30 thousand kwatcha. That is about 9 dollars.I went inside my guest house to get my camera and while there checked my cash. I went back outside and gave 30 thousand kwatcha to Kelvin. I told him to buy as many fish as he could with the money and divide it among our workers. They all scrambled for a piece of plastic wrap off the ground to carry their fish.

We went back to work but with a different attitude. These guys were pumped. They were having fish for supper! I had no idea how many people I just fed for less than $10.I am sure there are many biblical applications I could ponder and apply. Maybe at a later date I will. For now I will rest tonight knowing the abundance of my life and the new friends I have met will have fish tonight for supper.

Corn is Survival

I have always liked corn. Cream corn, corn caserole, shoepeg corn, and corn on the cob I enjoy corn. Being from the southern United States and growing up on grits, I grew to have a great appreciation for the finer points of corn. My grandmother lives in the town where they had the International Grits Festival. Corn has intricately tied into my life.

Of course, corn was a side dish. Eggs, bacon, toast, and grits that was the order of the morning at Hink's Grill in Albermarle, North Carolina. But corn as main dish, corn for daily survival, corn as a staple food, that would be a stretch for me. Stretch or not, Zambains survive on corn. Shema, as it is fondly referred to, keeps a nation from starving to death. Shema or Mealie Meal, another common name, keeps Zambia and Africa from starvation. Never has corn ever been so important to me, you, and the world. Corn one of the most common crops in the United States.

It was not a year ago that I told my son-in-law that if I had the money I would open an Ethanol Plant. With the high prices and fuel shortages and Ethanol Plant, might bring a windfall of money. Well, that was a year ago. Today I fear that such production would bring about the starvation and possible genocide of many nations in our world. Do you feel these are strong words? Wild words?

Somebody has to be concerned about the starving, underprivileged peoples of this planet. Somebody has to speak a word for the hurting. Fuel or starvation....you pick!!

Happy Together

What a great team we are assembling here at Mapepe! The early team is inspired by the enthusiasm we are encountering from people both on and off campus.

We have gone through our supplies that remained from last year and found everything in good working order. Let me say a personal thanks to the work of Charlotte Bradsher and Linda Myers who purchased and organized all of our medications. Every med was labeled and placed in a storage trunk. They did a super job.

Another very special person, who I met only a few days ago is Susan Brownfield. What a servant! Susan has cleaned things, counted things, and washed things!! She has made it possible for our team to stay focused on our mission, instead of being distracted by basic daily chores of life. I feel really spoiled. Yet Susan never minds to complete even most common task. Thanks Susan for showing us what it means to serve.

Serving on a Medical Mission is not just about medicine, there are a lot our tedious tasks that have to be completed each day. With a large group, there is plenty of food to be bought and cooked, there are a lot dishes to be washed and floors to be swept. So when you lay down to pray tonight, please pray for every aspect of this mission trip.

We were created to serve not to be served!!!!

THE COMPOUND

Today I went to the compound with some of the locals. The compound is a "neighborhood" near where we are staying. We went to the compound to pick up some bread, tomatoes, and candy. We also were able to visit Stella's home on the way there. For members of Sycamore View, that has meaning. I plan on adding pictures of the home later.

Back to the compound. This was my second experience in which I was the only white person around. This experience was different because of the setting. In the compound there are several shops and run down homes. This is the environment you see on movies and the stereotypical thought of Africa. As the locals shopped I waited and drew a crowd. At the football game I only received stares. At the compound I drew followers. Children followed and self proclaimed "drunkards" wanted to talk. I could not understand a few of the guys, but the white man was an attraction with or without conversation. Also, it is worth mentioning that I was asked if I knew J. Lo, P. Diddy, Eminem, and Denzel Washington.

The funny thing is that I was not intimidated. In Memphis if I was surrounded by black men who were drunk I would be much more intimidated. I wonder why that is the case. The only reason I can come up with (other than assuming they don't have guns) is that I feel like I am better than them. I naturally have a confidence that comes with being the only white person. Although I am supposed to relate to minorities being here I feel even more important because they are in awe of a white man's presence. I feel very transparent right now and am trying to sort all of this out. I knew this would be a new experience, the hard part is processing it.

VISIT FROM A CHIEF

Chief Chibala pictured with his entourage. He came by the French's home today for a visit, we will be visiting his village again this year.

starting the store

Today we laid the first blocks on the store at the front of the property. The store will be for the selling of vegetables grown here at Mapepe. The front wall will have an access window for walk-up traffic. While helping the guys lay block and lay out the walls I learned so much from them. We covered various topics during our working together. They asked me about the US.

While trying to describe my job,home and family,I reflected. When describing my home,it made me appreciate it even more.While explaining the process we as males go through in asking a women to marry,I thought about my family.When asked if I had a car and I answered that I had 4,I thought of the abundance. Our cultures are miles apart yet we are all God's creatures.

I tried to grasp the idea of being hungry on a semi-regular basis. One of the workers said he is almost always hungry to some degree. I stopped mid-day to walk a short distance to our guest house for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I thought as I ate an often unassuming lunch.....this is pretty good. Every meal has been that way for me.I think of the people a stone's throw from me with very little. Everyone should come to a country where things we have at our finger tip are a fantasy for the poor.

Last year I fell while in this country of Zambia. I messed up my shoulder to the point of surgery upon my return to the US.If something to that degree happened to these people they would be in terrible way. Each worker told me of injuries or illness he or his family had suffered. They had no idea what a MRI or CT scan is. We often can choose the day before dinner we will eat the next night while laying in our private modern room hospital bed. These guys had never heard of a drive thru window at a fast food joint. Next time you feel slighted because they put pickle on your sandwich at the burger joint,whined over the under cooked bacon for breakfast,the cost of fuel or your pitiful lot in life...Come to Zambia !!!!

Food Fayre Honor

Okay, my favorite eatery in Zambia is Food Fayre. Apparently I am not the only one, as it was very busy today. Chicken Stir fry...for a moment I felt like I was back in the US. I was quickly reminded not so...as there was no seasonings to write home about.

How spoiled are we Americans? So many small things are overlooked such as seasonings or you can't buy lunch meats yesterday at the grocery because they are out. We have a whole counter at the grocery of bologna, ham, turkey, chicken, sausage and so forth. We even have different brands of lunch meats. For us it not whether they have the meat, it is the decision, which one is on sale. Can you imagine? They have no SUGAR!!!!

Eating Chicken stir fry suddenly becomes a gourmet meal. I went to buy a 1 lb block of mild cheddar cheese and realized this puppy is going to cost me 35,000 Kwacha or $10.00. What?
The average worker gets paid around $16.00 per week in Zambia. That's right!!! Half a weeks wages to purchase a one pound block of cheese and we talk about doing without a coke or burger....Baby, that is nothing!! Dropping a coke here and there is absolutely no sacrifice...who are we fooling?

You want to be missional in Christianity? You want get out of your comfort zone! Go live among the hurting and downtrodden. I do not say these things to thump my chest and claim some type of incredible spiritually. Just the opposite! I am ashamed that I have not sacrificed more for those who do not have the means or ability to achieve some level of self-worth. I am sure Zambians ask, "How do I end the cycle of poverty in my family? How do I care for those I love so much?"

Whether Zambians recognize their poverty or not, that does not dismiss the compelling need for Christians to provide assistance to them. Innocent men, women, and children die every day in Zambia from disease and malnutrition. Will the Christians band together to help the broken and oppressed people of the world? When will we look across the street and around the globe and reach out to those who cannot help themselves? I believe, now is the time.....

If our mission team brings only one cup of cool water to a struggling brother, then we have helped one more person. I pray that God will use my fellow team members to bless thousands. We are here to serve, not to serve. Seems like someone very important once said, "I came to seek and save those who are lost." Many people in world today have lost their way.

May everything we do be done in love and compassion. Let us do all things to the Glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom!!!

DAY AT THE MARKET

Sunday afternoon was spent at the market. Trinkets as far as the eye can see.

More thoughts from members of the team to come...

GAS PRICES

Think twice before complaining about gas prices in the US. Notice sign to the left, 7750 Kwaca converts to $10.00 US per gallon!

SUNDAY WORSHIP IN ZAMBIA 2

We had the chance to worship with the Mampe bible students this morning. It was a blessing as we sang traditional songs along with Zambian songs.

Joe was asked to participate by sharing thoughts before communion. He shared some thoughts from the book Hebrews.

SUNDAY WORSHIP IN ZAMBIA 1

This is the group participating in the Sunday church tradition of greeting each individual after the service.

FOOTBALL PICTURES

This is the first field we went to, but the opponents were at the field below.

Here are the African footballers. Some of the Mapepe players played without shoes.

FOOTBALL MATCH

This afternoon I went to a Mapepe Bible College football (soccer) match. This is me loaded up with the guys. If you will notice I am riding in the cab with the coach and the driver. This is for two reasons, besides the fact they invited me:
a) I didn't want to ride in the back of a truck with a bunch of wild Zambians.
b) I didn't want to ride in the back of a truck driven by a Zambian.
It was a pleasure being invited to the game by the coach (pictured next to me).

I can now come closer to relating to minorities as I was the only white person in attendance and the only one who could not speak the language being used. The coach said I was one of two white people that has ever been there that he remembers. The team lost 4-6. More pictures of the fields to come.

WEDDING REHEARSAL

A great breakfast this morning and now listening to some good Zambian music while a wedding party rehearses. Fascinating (and joyful) to watch! It's a good time at MBC this afternoon.This morning we did have a reminder that medical help is badly needed here. The French's daughter, Natasha, was on the way with some other young people to a youth rally in the city when their car had to stop for a girl lying on the side of the road. She was confused, had a high fever and didn't know her name of where she lived. Lori took her to the police station, where they would take her to the hospital for care. When they went back to take her some food, the police had let her leave. Hopefully she'll turn up again so that the cerebral malaria she likely has can be treated. We'll be praying that she gets the help she needs in time to do some good.

WORK AND SPIDERS

Paul and Kelvin put me to work this morning.We poured a concrete walkway connecting the main house and the back gate area.They have some other projects lined up for later in the week.Spiders seem to attack me when I am on the commode.I have not figured that out yet. Shema Man

GOOD MORNING SOUTH OF THE EQUATOR

Greetings from Zambia! We are up early today, some of the team is cooking omelets. Last night we had some grilled burgers. A few guys are going to the grocery, and Justin is going to a football (soccer) match some of the Zambian students will be playing.
Mark Taylor will have to explain his bathroom spider experience....

SECOND FULL DAY WITH THE FRENCH'S

Great news has traveled fast to our mission team here in Zambia. Harding has won the state championship in baseball and Sycamore View's own Tyler Hickman scored the winning run! Congrats guys, you have made international news!

Mark spent some time inventoring the storage container from last year's mission. It looks as if there are plenty of cooking supplies.
Glenda is heading up the effort of setting up all the eye glasses here at the French's home.
This morning we sat down with Oliver (the Zambian leader of the mission) and he and Joe went over last minute details concerning transportation, personnel, the container, and other important details.
There are three small building projects going on, including an office for Stella as she has many more responsiblities at the school now. We may help out on those while we are here.
The school has a small library and the staff is looking to expand it. Justin-using his Harding Grad library working experience- gave them ideas and is planning to give ideas later this afternoon as they look for ways to incorporate helpful reading material into the courses. He also had his first experience driving a vehicle from the other side of the car.

Overall things are great. Not too many spiders on the walls in the guestroom. Hope things are going well there!

FIRST FULL DAY IN ZAMBIA

The prep group is in Zambia and are currently in a planning meeting. Students of Mapepe Bible College are coming in and out of the French's home as the planning unfolds. There is some great fellowship going on after a delicious home cooked meal by Mrs. French. While the organizers sit at the table, Mark Taylor relaxes on the couch and is displaying his unique people skills. He wants to tell the readers, "I have enjoyed seeing my buddies from last years construction crew; I enjoyed seeing Paul and Kelvin. Stella was very excited to see us. We are all enjoying Zambia's winter (80 degrees and sunny!)"
Our visoinary (Joe Godley) says, "While our bodies are tired from all the travel, our hearts are full of joy in anticipation of our mission effort. We are looking forward to what God is going to do this summer/winter in Zambia."
Stay tuned for more from the Zambia mission team...

THE TRIP IS GETTING CLOSER

Only 29 days until the big group leaves and mission begins.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this blog is to share the experiences of the team on the mission to Zambia. Anyone on the team is welcome to use the blog to share whatever they want with people back home. If you read the blog then you probably care about and pray for the team, so thanks.