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.