Lasting Impressions

Team Zambia posts our final reflections on our Mission Trip to Zambia

This is hope.

It is hard to believe that our trip has come to an end.   We have experienced so much in the 18 days we have been here.  Heartbreak at all the need, frustration with the system, hopelessness in our inability to make a difference; and yet there is hope in the smiles and laughter of the children, love in their sweet embrace, happiness that we can provide some comfort to these children, even if it is just for a short period of time and finally inspiration for the people of Africa and their unquestionable faith in the Lord.  What a blessing it was to be here.  Thank you again to everyone who supported this mission.  Your generosity brought so much happiness to so many.  God bless.

Janet, Jannean, Linda, Sandra and Suzanne - The 5 Moms

The love of Jesus shown by the people here, no matter what their circumstances, is amazing. The people in the compounds can sing joyously about everything they have is from God and yet they have so little. Morning devotions and church are full of singing, prayer, and preaching straight from the heart and all for God‘s glory. The people in  Africa get into one‘s heart so once you have been here, you keep coming back.  There is just something about Africa!

Carol

Zambia is a nation of contrasts. The bustling cities with their modern buildings, malls, parks and Lusaka’s park-like national university campus contrast with the cinderblock  houses in the compounds built haphazardly beside unpaved roads - compounds that are not furnished with water, electricity or basic sanitation resources. Like many African nations, Zambians place their hope in the future solely in their devout Faith.

Ron

 The schools that I saw in Zambia in the compounds were very dark because of very few and very small windows.  The classes were large and the blackboards were in poor condition.  Some of the schools had only a few books that were shared and very few supplies.  The students were crowded on benches.  The students did not complain.  They were interested in learning and they shared the few supplies they had.

Ryan

On this trip there were many saddening and happy moments in the House of Moses. For one saddening time there was, of course, the death of newborn Joshua. He was distant but a sweetie pie - so rest in peace baby boy. One very, very joyful thing here was Alice in Wonderland, as I call her. Alice was my little baby and I loved her to death. For the past week I have fed her EVERY meal: breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner. We had heard some rumors of her adoption; but yesterday, a super special Wednesday, Sophie and adorable Maya came to finalize the adoption and take her home! In the end, my baby got bundled up in a beautiful blanket and taken home. I clung on tightly, and eventually and let her go. A happy ending for my very special Alice in Wonderland.

Sarah

Babes in Shoeland

We helped to pack the van for another Milk & Medicine run. We get better at assisting with each trip. Bubbles were a hit again. This time iPad photos added to the excitement as children could see their own photos. Unfortunately the cooking oil never got packed on the van. So, the distribution will include two bottles next month. 

On the way back to HOM Suzanne bought a bag of chips from a street vendor. It was hard to resist after seeing these guys day after day on our travels. Thanks to Matilda for the coaching during the purchase. Tasty chips!

When we got back to HOM we were surprised by the table full of supplies the shopping group purchased. Shoes, balls (including purple ones, the toddler's favorite), clothing, bumbo seats, nappies, and four ceiling fans). Jannean reported that they worked as a team. They did a little divide and conquer as well. Many stores were visited looking for exactly what they wanted. In addition, celebration desserts were purchased for tonight's dinner, including cake and ice cream. Thank you Janet and Jannean for financing this. Even with all the purchases today, there was 2150 kwacha left over! This was given to Kevin, the volunteer coordinator, to spend on HOM or Bill & Bette at his discretion.

We got to deliver some of the goodies to Bill & Bette and play with the toddlers. We were excited to see them in some of their new clothes and especially their new shoes. They were inspired to dance and stomp to our delight.

We are looking forward to our dinner with Reverend Tonga this evening complete with the special desserts.

Another day to appreciate the privileges and opportunities with which we are blessed and our power to share with others in need.

Suzanne

It Takes a Village

Another day of packing Van#1 and Van#2 for another Milk & Medicine run.  This time there was a group waiting for us.  They greeted us with a song of welcome and blessed us for coming all the way from the US to see them. Milk and medicine gives families the support they need to keep their children in the home.  Each child was weighed and measured.  A full report is made on the children who are sponsored by people in the US.  It is amazing that the women are carrying home enough food to allow their families to eat three meals a day with a snack.

                                   

The program empowers women by supporting their efforts to become independent. The women are put into groups according to neighborhood and are asked what they thought they could afford to contribute to the group.  They put their 2 kwacha apiece together and buy something in bulk, like charcoal, and sell them in their neighborhood.  So they have made an investment and share the returns.  This gives them ownership and starts them on their way to begin to support their families.  As with all programs, some take off with it and do become independent, some just cannot do it.  When it works, it keep families together and children where they belong, in a loving home.

      

While the parents received their food supplies, Team Zambia pulled out the backpack 'o fun!  We are getting smarter, though and brought yarn to tie on to the balloons.  Even though they were not helium, the wind took them fast and far - over walls and out of the church yard.  You could spot the bright color of the balloons in and around the compound as we drove away.  

Breaking News!  

We just learned that one of the littlest babies here at the House of Moses is heading to a home full of love.  Sarah has given a lot of special attention to this baby, just 27 days old.  We have quietly watched the process over the last few days, as the mother has visited with our little Alice.  The woman adopted Alice's sister in 2011 from BBB.  With children in and out of the hospital while we have been here, it has been a true joy to see a child leave in the arms of a loving mom.  

      

We sent the mom off with one of the blankets that Janet's mom made.  What a great way to illustrate that it takes a village to raise a child-from the administrators, caretakers, staff and missionaries of the House of Moses to program directors, school teachers and staff in the schools and communities, to the volunteers and churches of the US and the people who supported them with their katumbas, knitting skills, cash and clothing donations, the combined effect is to make a difference in the life of a child.

Linda

M&Ms

M&Ms have been part of our daily discussion here.  However, the M&M that we were involved in today was Milk and Medicine.  This morning, we loaded up Van #1 with nutrient packs (enough for one a day for 30 days), 20 pound bags of Roller Meal (corn meal), bottles of oil, ground nuts (peanuts), and formula (Zambians are required to breast feed, so it is just provided for those that can't).  Van # 2 we loaded up with people and headed out to the Matera Compound.

We pulled into the Church of Christ parking lot where women and children were waiting.  I love that we start everything here with a song - everyone joins in - we are even singing in the vernacular!  Each family was interviewed and each child was weighed and measured.  

Each family was called to the van to receive their food provided by the program.  The mothers sat on the grass and waited their turn as their kids ran around.  We got the bubbles and balloons going and soon there was screaming and running and the general chaos of kids at play. 

Once the food was distributed, the moms (or grandmas) all lined up for clothing donations -  They were handed some clothes and got to the back of the line until all of the donations were distributed - there was shirts, curtains, blankets, sheets, even a Christmas decoration (which they could not figure out what they were supposed to do with it - I am sure it will be turned into some kind of jacket by the end of the day).   You could just imagine this bag of stuff coming straight from one of the parking lot bins in Andover.  I have to tell you that we often wonder if our donations make it all the way to Africa - let me tell you they are wearing your cast-offs -shoes, NFL shirts, jeans, Hello Kitty pants, etc. - and they are wearing them and wearing them and wearing them!

Some of the women had multiple children, two mothers had triplets.  As they collected their belongings, we wondered how they would get their children and their 30+ pounds of food to their homes.  No one had any kind of transportation.  We watched as they wrapped up their children in a sling on their backs and wrapped up their food and put it on their heads.  

Each van gave a ride to a mother, her triplets and her 90 pounds of food.  When we arrived at our mom's two room home, her five other children ran out to greet us.  She helped us get out of the maze of cement block houses (and people complain about Forest Lakes!).

When we got back to the House of Moses we could not wait to deliver the three walkers that we bought for the kids. The kids were thrilled with the toys in the tray and looked as if they were ready for the roller derby!  

We sometimes wonder if we can make a difference.  As one woman said, you have to think of yourselves as a drop of water falling upon a stone, each of us doing a small part, hoping that over time great changes will occur.

Sandra

Do You Know?

Do you know...

• Zambia has over 14.5 million people.
• Over 46% of Zambians are under the age of 15.
• Zambia has the highest birth rate in the world.
• Zambia is about the size of Texas in area.
• On October 24, Zambia is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain.
• Lusaka is the capital city.
• Lusaka has over 1.5 million people.
• In 2014, Lusaka is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding. 
• Traffic lights in Lusaka are almost non-existent.
• Driving in heavy traffic is a free-for-all!
• A baboon can enter an open van door, steal a bag of potato chips from under the seat, and be gone in less than a second!
• Most roads are not marked with center or side lines.
• A road that was being marked was done so by stretching a string down the center and then a man bent over painting the yellow line by hand with a brush.
• In a traffic jam, vendors walk between the cars selling air time for cell phones, fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and all kinds of merchandise.
• In the Constitution of Zambia, it is stated that Zambia is a Christian nation.
• About 80% of Zambians are Christian and less than 5% are Muslim.
• Over 2/3 of the Zambians live below the Zambian poverty level.
• Over 80% of the adult Zambian population is literate.
• Although education is free through grade 6, it is often not affordable because uniforms and supplies must be bought by the student.

Third Time's A Charm

Today was our third craft day at the faith based schools and a great day it was! We went to Free Baptist located in a compound (slum) and held in a church. Two classes were in the main church with two more in an annex. The annex looked like it was added on to the side of the church and then holes were knocked through the church wall to gain access. The rooms are quite dark as there is a small window in each for light but that is all. The children sat on benches at tables, crowded together in a space suitable for far fewer children. However, as we found in all the schools, they are well-behaved, eager to learn, polite, and know what it means to be patient, wait your turn and share the few supplies they have.

We had a lot of activities going on. Ryan, Sarah, and Jannean worked on the Rainbow looms with two different groups of childen. These same groups also did the trading cards with Sandra and Suzanne. These were cards done by children in the states with their drawn self-portrait on the front and information about themselves on the back such as name, age, and interests. The Zambian children did their cards to be taken back to the states and then received a card from their American friend. Another group did yarn pictures with Carol and the youngest ones made snails with googly eyes with Linda and Janet. Ron circulated and helped where needed. We left supplies, soccer balls and dresses made for the girls when we left the school. 

 After lunch, we visited Helen DeVos School which is a wonderful school where children from the faith based schools can go if they qualify on the entrance examination. It gives the students hope for the future through a solid education. A special time in the visit was talking with Abraham, a talented young man who lived at House of Martha before it closed. He is doing well, enjoys school and is planning for his future. 

 We returned to HOM to discover our wonderful kitchen staff prepared an awesome traditional Zambian dinner for us: two kinds of chicken, two kinds of okra, eggplant, cabbage, n'shima, rice with carrots and green beans, pumpkin leaves, and fried caterpillars! Everything was delicious! Six of us were adventurous and ate the caterpillars while three abstained. It was certainly a meal we will remember and added to our Zambian experience. 

Carol

Window Shopping: Fun but EXPENSIVE!

e At around 2:30am we awoke to our old friend Mr. Rooster or as I prefer to call him, Annoying Dinner. We gladly drifted back to sleep, and I think A.D. did too, because at least I didn't hear another peep from him after his 2:30 wake-up call. We arose at about 6:30am and got dressed up for church. We ate breakfast (As we are fed daily), which was a very kind guesture by The House of Moses, because I'm sure if they wanted to they could starve Team Zambia. But I highly doubt they would do that. We seem to have a stable kitchen staff. Although, I could be wrong (Insert laugh here). After breakfast we hopped in the white van that is now brown (Thanks to our last trip) and drove off with Kevin and Tyler, Kevin's adorable two year old son. This Zambian church was the same triumphant, fun, laid back church as last week, Chelstone Presbyterian. We got there and sang two joyous songs, and let me just say, the choir is AMAZING! Then the children were invited up. Sadly Tyler didn't want to join the fun. I prefer church over Sunday School as well. The pastor said a prayer with the kids and they army marched out, along with Linda and Sandra.

Cheltone Sunday School in Sandra's View 

 Sunday School meets outside in the yard. After scrambling for chairs, the teacher Mary said "bow your heads" and the children responded with "close your eyes" and they said the Lord's Prayer. Teacher Mary started us with a song "Hello, How Are You Today?" where we each got to sing our own names. The lesson was Proverbs 13: 1-7. Teacher Mimi said "be attentive, I will ask you questions." Little did Sandra and Linda know that this also applied to them. They got caught a couple of times like "deer in the headlights" but recovered with good responses. "Everyone clap for those who have contributed!" We finished up with great songs, all of which required some mandatory booty-shaking. I think the kids got a kick out of our dancing prowess! Once class was over the teachers ran back in the building to sing in the choir (sound familiar APC?) The children were allowed to just play in the yard. We got some children to volunteer to sing as we recorded them so that we could bring the songs back to our prospective Sunday Schools. 

  The Afternoon Shopping Adventures of Team Zambia! 

 Church had to come to an end at some point, so we ditched the bibles and took out our kwacha! I might have ditched Grandma. Might have (GUILTY!). So I joined the non-Stickney/McQuillan part of Team Zambia (Janet, Linda, Sandra, Sue, and Jannean) and luckily they welcomed me with open arms! I just tagged along where ever they went, so first we went to the bookstore. You haven't known expensive until you've come here! K60 for one novel! These store owners are C-R-A-Z-Y CRAZY! Do they really expect someone to pay that? I wouldn't! But I may have splurged on a pillow, or two, SHHHHH! I got a giraffe statue too, She is a neony pinkish orange color. I named her Ruthie, after my favourite kitchen staff. No questions asked she is crystal clearly the best! We went to lunch and most of my five moms got fish. Yes, they call themselves my moms, especially Janet. She has ALL boys! Grandma doesn't get to be one of my by heart moms or legal mom, because she is legally stuck being my grandma (HAHA)! I got a nutella crepe and someone got a grilled cheese. Who can remember. So long ago (not)! But in the end of our expensive but fun shopping adventure we were overly happy with what we got. Very happy. 

  Isaiah 11:6-9 

 Later me and my by-heart moms sat out in the yard admiring the beautiful artwork painted on the wall. I acknowledged how imposible it is for a baby to sit inches away from a lion, and a wolf inches from the lion. And how across the field there are cows and sheep and snakes and a bear, and they are just minding their own business. No mauling, no eating each other. Just being peaceful. Janet noticed the bible address on the wall it was, "Isaiah 11:6-9". Janet whipped out her iPhone, and went on her bible app. She read, "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra's den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper's nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Amen. 

Sarah

Christmas In July!

As many of you know, Team Zambia had several fund raisers during this past year and accumulated a sum of money to bring to Zambia to purchase items too large, too bulky or too heavy to transport with us. After meeting with both house mothers earlier in the week, we were equipped with a list of needed items. Today Jannean and I went shopping with Kevin and Matilda from House of Moses to purchase for both House of Moses and the Bill and Betty Bryant Home.

Shop we did!!  We returned laden with boxes and bags.  It truly looked like Christmas in July as we spread our goods out on the table for the other team members to see.  Unfortunately, we were unable to get the four ceiling fans requested by BBB Home but will try other stores on Thursday when we shop again for more children's clothing.

Today we got 17 pair of children's shoes, 20 fleece blankets, children's underpants and socks, 3 walkers for the toddlers, a variety of story books - some which make sounds when a button is pushed on the pages (you can't let a teacher loose near a book store!), and practical things such as wash baskets and buckets. It was a very rewarding day...and that comment from a person who usually hates to shop!       

Carol        

Retuning to Lusaka

 

This morning, we woke up, ate breakfast, packed our bags, and set off in the van for Lusaka. Our hosts at Waterberry provided Team Zambia with a bag lunch. Eight hours later, at least, we finally arrived back at the House of Moses. During the long boring trip, there were several delays due to construction of the main road and then rush hour traffic in Lusaka.

Along the way, we made one diversion to visit the organization supported by Linda and Sandra's Cousin Robin's London-based foundation, "Room to Read."  Unfortunately, no one was there when we arrived. As consolation we took some pictures of Linda and Sandra in front of the Room to Read office.
Ryan

"Where the Wild Things Are"

Yesterday ended with Team Zambia and our hosts seated around a fire being treated to the Zambian bush dinner.  Then we were entertained by a Zambian guitarist and a group drum concert during which Sandra joined in with three Zambians.  The bush dinner provided an exclamation point to one terrific day.

Today, we arose before dawn, ate breakfast,  boarded the bus, and headed for Botswana.  To get to Botswana, we headed to the Zambezi River, passed through Zambian immigration and boarded a launch to Botswana.  During the boat ride, we stopped at the common boundary point of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.  Once on the Botswana side, we passed through Botswana immigration, boarded another van, and headed for Kasane, Botswana.

In Kasane, we were treated to breakfast and hiked to a boat for a cruise up the Chobe River - what an experience seeing elephants, cape buffalo, hippos, crocs, impalas, winter buck, and thousands of birds in a marsh setting.  A most memorable experience was watching a young bull elephant walk to water to drink before swimming to an island in the river where he pulled grass and swished it in the water before using his trunk to place it in his mouth.

After lunch, we boarded a safari jeep and entered Chobe National Park for a land tour along the river.  We saw most of the wildlife observed in the morning in their land environment plus wart hogs, giraffes, kudus, and black sable antelope.  One of the many birds we observed was the multicolored national bird of Botswana - the lilac breasted roller.

Sadly, our day ended and we reversed tracks to Waterberry.

The Smoke that Thunders

This morning we awoke to yet another darn rooster crowing!  I thought we left that "alarm clock" behind in Lusaka!  Not only did we awake to the roosters call, but also to the sound of a hippopotamus snorting in the pond next to our hut.  After a lovely, but chilly breakfast al fresco, we boarded the van for Victoria Falls.  We could see the mist from miles away.  This is known as The Smoke that Thunders.  Upon arriving we were greeted by the local baboons.  They are not shy and quickly surrounded our van - some so bold as to jump on top of the van.  Upon entering the park, we donned on our rented rain gear and hiked the Knife Edge Island Trail.  As we crossed the Knife Edge Bridge we were showered by the mist of the falls.  After that hike, our group split up and half of us hiked down to the Boiling Pot.  This is where the water from all the falls comes together.

On the hike back up we stopped to rest. Despite the warning signs not to bring food, one of us (whose name shall remain anonymous) passed around the pretzel sticks.  Not sure if it was the smell of the food or the crinkling of the bag, but within seconds we were surrounded by baboons of all sizes. Some of us stuffed their remaining pretzels in our mouths, while others threw the pretzels aside.  One panicked member threw the pretzels at another member - yet causing a baboon scrum at her feet! We all had a good laugh after that but decided that the pretzels were best left inside the backpack until we were back at the van. On the way home we spotted a giraffe.

Once back at Waterberry Lodge we were treated to another delicious lunch.  After a brief rest we went on a sunset boat tour on the Zambezi River.  We saw a plethora of colorful birds, warthogs (Pumbas as our guide called them), elephants at the watering hole, monkeys and crocodiles.  The highlight of the tour was when a hippo popped out of the water right in front of our boat.  Our guide got us out of their quickly as they have a tendency to ram the boats.

We finished off the day with a traditional Zambian meal in the bush.  No utensils allowed!  We were entertained with African music and songs.  Off to Chobe tomorrow for our safari.

Janet

Road Trip!

We began with an early rise, 7:05 am from Lusaka to Waterberry Lodge to visit Victoria Falls.  Traversing through rugged Zambian terrain by van, we passed many thatched roofed huts that sat on dry parched land. There were, from time to time, overcrowded colorful fruit and vegetable stands on the sides of the road. Most people are only able to walk or ride bikes, we were a however, in our cool comfortable van with our fearless driver Tom.  No complaints. 

Yesterday holding and hugging babies, today sitting by the beautiful Zambezi River.

Jannean

There's No One Like Jesus

We started our day with a morning devotional lead by employees of HOM. The session was accompanied by live music and we learned a new song, "There's No One Like Jesus." It became the theme for the day as it was sung at a school we visited later in the day where we were "taught" the song again. (Our memories are short.)

We visited two schools in the morning. Garden Presbyterian (grades 1 - 6) appeared to be better equipped than most we have visited so far. This seems to be due to a proactive and resourceful minister. Garden Hills was next (grades 7 - 9).  This is where the Garden Presbyterian students go after grade 6.

Next was St. Stevens where we did the bracelet activity with older students.  We were impressed by a few students who created bracelets without a loom, using two fingers!  Unfortunately we ran into the change in sessions as they have two, morning and afternoon.

On our way to the next school, N'gombe we enjoyed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches prepared by the HOM staff.  At this school we provided several activities.  They included yarn pictures with a grade 5 class and circle necklaces with a grade 2 class in the library. (Ask a team member to describe the library.)  Songs were sung, then dances and poetry were performed by students.  This was a welcomed surprise.  More songs were shared in other classrooms.  This is where we were "taught" our new song once more.  This time we think it stuck.

We were, again, impressed by how polite, respectful, and especially how cheerful the students were. We were, again, pained by the lack of resources.

Suzanne

First we pray, then we play.....

 

Today we attended the Presbyterian Church of Zambia, Chelstone Congregation. As we entered the church, the choir was singing a beautiful hymn and the entire congregation was swaying to the rhythm of the music. The minister called the Sunday school children to the front of the church where they sang a song for the congregation. The minister, Reverend Tonga, then asked the children to line up, smaller children first, taller children to the back. He said "Ten-hut!" The children stood up tall and came to attention.  Reverend Tonga said "You are Presbyterian soldiers for Jesus!"  Hut 2,3,4! and out the door they marched to Sunday school.  Sunday school was held out under a tree in the backyard of the church.

The service was BOYB, bring your own bible. The minister gave the congregation 6 scriptures and encouraged them to read these devotionals during the week.  Many members began taking notes and writing in their bibles.

The sermon was from Luke 5:1-11, Jesus calls his first disciples. Reverend Tonga said you need to develop three things to have a deeper relationship with the Lord:  prayer, scripture study, and a relationship with God and man.  He used the example of a tree having deep roots in order to grow and flourish, shallow roots cause plants to shrivel and die.  The sermon was delivered with great enthusiasm and passion.  The end of the sermon was met with applause.  At the conclusion of the service, Team Zambia was introduced to the congregation.  After we shook hands with the minister, each person joined the receiving line to shake the hands of everyone in the congregation.  It was an inspiring service filled with joyous music and an enthusiastic response.

 

After church, Keven drove us to "the market" held in the parking lot of a strip mall.  The vendors were selling all kinds of items such as colorful shirts, skirts, hand bags, carvings, jewelry, table cloths (PS Mike- I bought one) and other African items.  There was lots of anxiety over our haggling skills.  Some of us felt quite confident while others were willing to pay the asking price or more just to avoid the haggle.  The sellers were very persistent, one even followed us to our lunch table!  We had a lot of fun converting kwachas to dollars and comparing our purchases.

 

Another great day for Team Zambia!

 

Linda

Saturday July 12

You scream, I scream,  we all scream for ice cream!

Today Team Zambia went to the The Bill & Bette Bryant Crisis Nursery.  We were greeted with great enthusiasm from the preschool children.  We split the group in half - one group going to the school house to read "The Hungry Caterpillar" and to make a paper caterpillar craft, while the other half stayed at the house and sing songs and play games.  Even though we had precut everything, we soon realized we were in way over our heads!  Glue and google eyes must be a novelty because both ended up in the mouths of the kids.  After finishing the project we switched groups and tried again.  The poor paper caterpillars had a short life span and most of them didn't make it.

After crafts and songs, the children went outside.  On the way out the door there was a big box of shoes.  Each child went to the shoe box and picked out a pair of shoes to wear. Amazingly the kids were able to match up the shoes on their own - although most of them were on the wrong feet, too little or too big.  This didn't  slow these little ones down one bit.  The children love to run and play.  The soccer balls were a big hit.  The toys they have to play with are pretty rough and beaten down yet the kids have a wonderful time with what they have.

We took a quick tour of the house.  There are 2 bedrooms where the children sleep. In one room there was 5 beds - 3 children to a bed.  The older kids sleep on the top bunk.  The second room had 3 beds.  The rooms were clean and orderly, but sparse.  No toys, pillows or blankies.

A picnic lunch was served on a blanket. Every meal is served outside on the blanket.  Even though the food was laid out in front of the kids on plates, not one of them grabbed at a plate.  They all lined up to have their hands washed in a bucket and sat back down to wait for the blessing.  Heads were bowed and hands were folded - they sang a blessing and listened to a prayer.  The meals were passed around and not a word could be heard.  They enjoyed a meal of sausage, French fries and orange soda.  We enjoyed it as well.  After more playing time in the sun, a special treat was served - ice cream!  One of the caregivers thanked up and blessed us for bringing the ice cream.  "Every child should have ice cream" was her comment.  We couldn't agree more.

What a wonderful day! Lots of smiles, laughs and sticky hugs.

Janet

Balloons, and Bands, and Rockets, Oh My!

Today we went to two schools- True Gospel Community School and Edwin King. We were going to go to a school called Tithandize but no one was there so they must have called school out early, or not have had school at all. Tithandize was next to a bar, so Kevin warned us not to point cameras near them, because they were all drunk. That to me was funny. I think it was to the rest of Team Zambia, as we are calling it now. (We made team bracelets and everything). Ryan and I taught rainbow loom to the older students (4th - 6th grade) at both schools, and will continue to at all the other schools. Yay! At the first school (Edwin King) there was quite a large group. Sadly we had nothing prepared for the little children so they sat sadly in their classroom. Ryan and I in my opinion did a pretty great job teaching the first school, under the circumstances they were a little wild. We did need to call in more help (Grandma, Janet, Sue, Linda, Jannean, and Sandra) because there were so many kids!

After the raindbow loom teaching was over (Thank God!) it was time for Sandra to lead the way doing balloon rockets! The kids were laughing, screaming, having a great time as anyone could notice. In the end Sandra decided to pump up the orange balloon until it popped (At thirty-seven)! The second school was a lot quicker and easier. The group was seventh grade. Instead of holding one big group, we split into two small groups of seventeen. They were very fast learners, and I did mention to them that they were WAY better than the other school. (They were). Afterwards we ate our lunch of PB&J and apples and oranges. It was simple but yummy. Ruth can make a mean sandwich! (Ruth is my favorite kitchen staff). Lunch eventually ended so I sat with Ryan and we made some more example bands (Rainbow loom bracelets). We each made about five so we stopped. It was time to prepare for Bill & Betty's, where we would journey to tomorrow. We had to cut out snails, or as Ryan called it "illegally forced snail making" It was less illegal and more forced. On our fifth snail we quit. Mind you we were both eating apples. I started singing (A song I made up about animals. It is a childrens' song.) He HATED it so he pelted the apple at my head. Then I threw mine at his. He started chasing me so I ran as fast as I could to the bathroom. Locked myself securely inside and armed myself with fresh rose air freshener (It actually smells like dirty socks.) I opened the door and surely enough he was waiting impatiently outside. Every time he took a step near me I sprayed him. He grabbed it from me and sprayed me. I lost the battle.

 

Sarah

We're not in Kansas anymore!

We woke this morning to the sound of a rooster's cocka-doodle-doo, along with some singing, and maybe a little snoring in the room (although some here claim it is me snoring!)  I am pretty sure that some where along the way, I have lost a day.  I am still converting the 6 hour time difference to "NJ time" (despite being told I have to get with the reality).  Breakfast was served, followed by the beautiful singing of the staff here doing the morning devotional.  There is a juxtaposition of the barbed wire and cut glass along the top of the walls surrounding the House of  Moses with the joy that you will find inside.  The team was up, fed and folding laundry (why isn't this much fun at home) by 8am.  We were ready for our first visit outside the property.

The Free Baptist School

We were invited to join a team that is setting up a feeding program at the Free Baptist School.   The University of North Carolina and Stop Hunger Now have joined forces to feed the kids once a day in school and measure the effects on attendance, learning, etc. Many people have seen pictures of “starving Africans” but nothing really prepares you for witnessing the large scale poverty that we saw as we drove through the compound. The “road” a dirt road with lots of rocks (it was one of those hold-on-to-the-handle rides - much like 4 wheel bouldering through a ghetto). The road ended and we had to walk the rest of the way to the school.  We were met by some wide-eyed children who looked at us as we looked at them. When we got over to the school with the scale and measuring equipment, we just walked in and were swept into another world.  The church building, which houses the school, was a “one room” classroom with two grades crowded on benches with some desk space available. One side of the room, had a lesson with smaller children on types of lines. The other side of the room was doing numbers (and each class had an objective on the board!). The other classes were in what used to be part of the storage area. They had literally broken through the wall and kids were crammed into the space. The only light in the room was from two 4 inch holes at the top of the wall. The second room was a little more open. Despite what we might consider conditions not conducive to learning, the teachers were all using blackboards, the students were involved and the director was proud of what they were able to offer these orphans.

Outside the schoolroom on a packed dirt surface, all of the children were fed a meal of rice with added nutrients.   Some of the children were using a broken pencil as their utensil.  As dismal as this may sound, they played like all children play, they hammed it up for the photos and laughed along with us.  So many people have told us that this trip would be life-changing, it is my hope that our trip will help change other's lives in some small way.

San

Arrival...but with a Hitch!

We have arrived!  We are in Zambia, playing with the toddlers and rocking the babies at House of Moses.  Our flight was generally good.  We had just one "hitch," only one of our 18 checked bags arrived in Lusaka when we did  (1:30 pm Lusaka time - 7:30 am EST).  Fortunately, all that was required to remedy to situation was a return trip to the airport tonight.  All of our bags were at the House of Moses by 9:00 pm, just in time for us to turn in for the night.  We are exhausted from our travel!
 

Carol

We're on our way!

Ryan, Jannean, Sarah, Linda, Suzanne, and Janet await the final boarding call at JFK Airport in New York.

Today's the day! We're on our way to Zambia at last!  Nine team members, 18 over-stuffed bags, and 9 carry-ons gathered at John F. Kennedy Airport  in New York bright and early this morning to begin our twenty-four hour travel adventure from New York to Zambia.

Pennies from Heaven

Change 4 Children is an Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) program that encourages adults and children alike to get involved with collecting funds for mission work in Zambia.   Adults collect spare change in beautiful baskets made by the women in Zambia, while children collect loose coins in colorful cloth bags called katumbas.

Members of First Presbyterian Church of Branchville and Andover Presbyterian Church, along with friends in the community, collected funds for Change 4 Children throughout the year, bringing in a grand total of $1,984.22.  Now that's a lot of pennies... and nickels, and dimes, and quarters!

You don't have to be traveling to Zambia to be involved in the Change 4 Children program!  It is a great program for Sunday Schools, VBS Programs, or even families.  For more information on how your church or your family can be involved with Change 4 Children, click here.  The program is free, and ACE will provide you with everything you need to get started. 

Fundraising for Zambia

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Acts 20:35 

From pancake breakfasts to craft sales, the Team has been hard at work raising money for our trip to Zambia.  The money raised from these events will be used in Zambia to purchase much needed larger items, such as rugs and fans for the homes and shoes for the 2-6 year old children, while in Africa.

The First Presbyterian Church of Branchville Mission Committee held four pancake breakfasts at the church to raise money for Zambia. 

Ron, Sarah, Carol, Connor, Beverly, Linda & Suzanne cook up pancakes, eggs & sausage for the multitudes!

The Zambia Team, the Mission Committee, and a couple of young volunteers served up stacks of pancakes, rows of sausage links, mounds of scrambled eggs, and bowl after bowl of fresh fruit salad, along with orange juice, apple juice, coffee and tea.  

The pancake breakfasts raised over $1500 for Zambia, and were such a hit that the Mission Committee will continue to serve up pancakes to raise funds for local and international mission projects in the future.

Team member Janet wowed church members and friends in California with her beautiful crafts and delectable desserts, and raised over $2000 to be used to purchase items from the "Needs List" while in Zambia.

Team Member Janet (in green) prepares for her Zambia fundraiser.

Janet's beautiful crafts...

and irresistible desserts.

Our bags are packed!

After today's commissioning, the Team met to pack our "second bags," bags of items to donate to the children of Zambia.  Each team member will carry a bag of items to donate in addition to his/her bag of clothes and personal items.  Our nine "second bags" are now stuffed with soccer balls, toys, stuffed animals, school supplies, clothes and other necessities for the children of Zambia.  These items were generously donated by family, friends, members of FPCB and Andover Presbyterian Church (APC), the FPCB Sunday School, and a local 4-H Club.

Members of APC chose House of Moses in Zambia as their Christmas Mission, collecting onesies and socks for the infants, and shirts, dresses, and shoes for the toddlers, as well as school supplies, books, and toys.  Their generous donations filled an entire suitcase.

The Sunday School of the First Presbyterian Church of Branchville collected an offering for Zambia from September to June.  They used the funds collected to purchase toys for the children our Team will work with at the Children's Homes in Zambia.

Emily & members of her 4-H Club sewed dresses and shorts for the children of Zambia.  Here she presents some of the items she made to Team Leader, Carol.
Members of Friendship Circle at FPCB also sewed dresses for the little girls in Zambia.

Go into all the world!

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to all creation.

-Mark 16:15

Sarah, Carol, Ryan, Linda, Suzanne & Jannean represented the Zambia Mission Team at the Commissioning on June 8.

Today, our Zambia Mission Team was commissioned by Pastor Jeff Hatch of the First Presbyterian Church of Branchville.  In just one month, we will travel to Zambia, meet new people, and encounter God in unexpected ways.  

We leave the comfort of our homes, the security of our families, and the convenience of life in the United States as instruments of the Lord serving His children in need.  We go because Christ commanded us. 

Sing to the LORD, all the earth;

proclaim his salvation day after day.  

Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvelous deeds among all people. 

 1 Chronicles 16:23-24

In Lieu of Gifts

The children in Zambia LOVE to play soccer, but oftentimes they don't have a regulation soccer ball to use in their games.  Instead, they use plastic bags tied with string or balls made of scraps of fabric or paper.  After hearing this, a few of our kids decided to use their birthday celebrations to put regulation soccer balls in the hands - or perhaps we should say at the feet - of the Zambian children our team will meet this summer.

Connor (10), Tara (12), and Ryan (13) each asked their friends to bring new soccer balls to their birthday celebrations in lieu of gifts.  Together, the kids collected 28 soccer balls.  Now that's something to cheer about!

Connor (front, center) & his party guests.

Tara (back row, center) & her party guests.
 

     

Ryan (holding the soccer ball) & his party guests.

Whom shall I send?

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I; send me.

 -Isaiah 6:8

In just a few weeks, our team of nine will board a plane headed to Zambia, Africa.  We come from three states on two coasts.  We are male and female, young and not-as-young.  For some of us, this is our first international mission trip; for some, this is our first time flying.  We each have our own reasons for traveling to Zambia, our own expectations, and our own unique gifts we bring to this team. 

Carol - Team Leader

My heart is in missions whether local or distant. I have been on two mission trips to Haiti and this is my sixth to Africa: 3 to Kenya, 1 to Tanzania to visit friends in the mission field and work with them, and 1 previous trip to Zambia. I especially love working with the children and sharing God's love through the mission work.I look forward to cuddling and rocking the babies, visiting the schools and taking soccer balls and school supplies to them as well as sharing a craft activity, and helping with the Milk Medicine program. I am exited about returning to Zambia!

Ron

This is my 2nd distant mission trip as I have been to Kenya previously. I’ve also worked with Manna House soup kitchen, Family Promise (the homeless program), with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in New Orleans and the MS Gulf Coast for Katrina rebuilding, and at the NJ shore for Sandy relief.  I look forward to working with the programs in Zambia in the children’s homes, the schools and the Milk and Medicine program in the compounds (slum areas).  Anyway I can help will be great.

Ryan

Last year, I followed the adventures of my 4th grade teacher as she traveled around the world on a year-long mission trip. It was awesome to see all of the places she went and the people she met. I think this mission trip to Zambia is perfect for me since I love to play with my baby brother, Caden. I am looking forward to playing with the babies in Zambia and to teaching the children about God’s word. I think it will be fun!







Sarah

I am so excited to be going to Zambia to help. I just want to see one baby or person smile. I want to know I am doing something good for them and sharing God's love because that is what I am going for. Ryan and I are also planning to go to the schools in the slums and will teach the kids how to make bracelets on a Rainbow Loom. This is my first mission trip, but I have worked at local missions like the Manna House soup kitchen and delivering meals on Saturdays to Meals on Wheels people.





Linda

As I looked through Carol's pictures from a previous mission trip, I saw the beautiful faces of the Zambian children. It was then I knew I wanted to take part in this wonderful opportunity to cuddle babies, do crafts with preschoolers, visit elementary schools and learn about another culture as well as share our love of God. I am dedicating my trip to my mother who taught me about love, compassion and God's love.







Jannean

To everything there is a season… It was my time to retire. I had been praying about how I could best serve God. He answered that prayer through my long-time friend, Linda. She offered me a chance to turn a new page by going to Zambia and I took it. I believe when I am serving others, I am nearest to Him. So I am advancing in faith and anticipating, as always, God's best!








Janet

"Bwanji!" – I am honored to be traveling to Zambia with your church. A year ago when Linda told me she was going on a mission trip to Africa, my first response was “Wow! That is something I have always wanted to do. I will be happy to support you with prayers and a donation”. When Linda contacted me in February to ask if I would like to join your group I could hear God saying – “Here you go – here’s your chance”. On top of that, our bible study group was studying the Nehemiah study by Kelly Minter “A Heart That Can Break” – which is all about missions. One part of the study that really cemented my decision to go was the following from Kelly – “Sometimes I shield myself from finding out what’s really going on with people for fear I’ll be held responsible. Because with information often comes responsibility; if we know, we might be required to DO something.” If that wasn’t a confirmation, I don’t know what was! I was generously supported by my family and friends – raising over $2000 for the House of Moses (Praise God!) so here I go! What a fantastic opportunity and privilege.

Sandra

I am a teacher, wife, mom, sister, friend who has spent my life surrounded by caring individuals. I am going to Zambia because I cannot wrap my heart or head around the idea of a child all alone in this world. I hope in some way, I can make a small difference in the life of another human being that will ripple out and change the lives of others in a positive way.





Suzanne

I am going to Zambia because I was invited by my lifelong friend, Sandra, who is Linda's sister. Linda is a member of FPCB. I see this as an opportunity to help at the orphanage. Being a retired teacher, I also look forward to providing an exciting lesson for students at the schools. It will be an honor to assist in taking gifts to the House of Moses that will be given directly to them to fit their specific needs. I am also excited about seeing the country "up front and personal" as opposed to being a tourist. Thank you for the opportunity to provide this service.