Jon Preaches

Jon was able to preach for the first time since moving to Zambia a couple of weeks ago.  Just a short, five minute walk brought us to Mochipapa Pilgrim Wesleyan Church (we have been going there for the past few weekends).  Jon spoke on the theme and passage that Pastor Emmerson had given to him from Numbers 13 - Possessing and Repossessing God's Promises.  He did awesome (as usual) and I even knew that the interpreter was understanding every word he was saying and preaching the same sermon as Jon (sometimes, they don't understand our english accents and will have to preach their own sermons...pretty funny!).  It's great when you can make out some words and phrases in another language.

Jon, all suited up

We also saw all of the children from Children's Nest orphanage that we've been visiting when we can.   They were in the children's program and when I saw them were asking for "Uncle Jonathan." Love those kids!

Our First Dinner Guests

A few weeks ago, Joshua, Angela and their three children (Prisca, Innocent and Beth) came to visit.  We were just making supper, so we invited them to stay.  It's amazing how far a chicken and a pot of nshima can go!  While we cooked, the kids watched cartoons on our computer and ate lots of popcorn.  After dinner was done, Angela even taught us a little bit of Tonga and Prisca, now a second grade student, helped us spell the Tonga words. It was a fun night!

Orphanage Visit

Yesterday we got a chance to visit the orphanage just up the road from us.  21 lively children were out to play for the afternoon.  We got to kick the soccer ball around with them, swing on the porch swing with them, play "babooning" with them (their version of piggy back rides), help them spell and write, snuggle with them and race with them.  We got coughed on, snotted on, peed on, farted on, jumped on...but, we wouldn't change those 2 hours for anything!  They are wonderful children who have bright futures ahead of them.  We can't wait to visit them and see their bright, smiling faces again.

This Weekend

We visited the Mochipapa Trust last February and met the
Community Orphan Trust Committee at the church

Jon will get to speak at church for the first time this weekend at Mochipapa Pilgrim Wesleyan Church.  It is about a 3 minute walk from where we live.  Great church, lots of music and singing!

Waste Not, Want Not

Being in Zambia makes me realize how much food I waste on a daily basis.  We pay a young man to care for our lawn and take our trash to the magical land of trash (we really have no idea where it goes...just that it leaves the trash can...).  I always wonder what he would think if he saw food being thrown out consistently.  So, I am becoming more conscientious of cleaning up the leftovers in our fridge and feel a sense of accomplishment when I do.

My creations yesterday...

rice dish

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups leftover rice

1 green pepper on the verge of demise

1/2 an onion

olive oil

garlic salt

chicken stock (mixed in a little hot water)

Saute the green pepper and onion with a little olive oil and garlic salt.  Add the rice and chicken stock (and a little more oil if necessary).

 And, done!  It was pretty good, too.

banana bread
(yes, the photo is sideways, but you get the idea!)

Ingredients:

4 very ripe bananas

melted margarine, egg, sugar, "bicarbonate of soda," vanilla extract, flour, salt

Thankfully, our oven is connected to the generator so even when the power goes out, the banana bread can still bake!

This Weary Heart

Two single orphans we met in Maambo, Zambia
Their father passed away from AIDS 2 years ago
Their mother has HIV and is on Antiretrovirals

There is a song that has been going through my mind lately.  Maybe it's because with every village visit, we meet children who have been orphaned. Maybe it's because every time we go into town we pass an orphanage, or if we go down Macha Road when we are in town, we pass another.  We can't wait to spend time with them, to see the smiles on their faces as we talk with them, bring them gifts, give food to their families (whether in the orphanages or villages).  It takes a toll on the heart though, especially when you have to say goodbye and go home.  You wonder if they have a bed to sleep on, if they will be able to go to school the next day, if they will be treated for their ear infection that is causing hearing difficulty.  It can make you weary.  Maybe that is why this song has been on my heart.  

Who can hold the stars and my weary heart? Who can see everything?

I've fallen so hard sometimes I feel so far, but not beyond your reach

I could climb a mountain, swim the ocean or do anything

But it's when you hold me that I start unfolding

And all I can say is

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Whatever's in front of me

Help me to sing hallelujah

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Whatever's in front of me

I'll choose to sing hallelujah

The same sun that rises over castles and welcomes the day

Spills over buildings into the streets where orphans play

And only you can see the good in broken things

You took my heart of stone and you made it home

And set this prisoner free

Bethany Dillion

"Hallelujah"