Tuesday's the Big Day

Zambia will hold it's presidential elections this Tuesday, Sept. 20. The entire city will shut down as Zambians go and vote for one of the 15 or so candidates. It's been interesting to watch lately as different political parties rally around the city chanting party slogans and plastering candidate pictures everywhere. Rupia Banda, the current president, has put up enormous banners above major intersections in the city.

There have already been a few political riots leading up to the elections. We've been advised by the US Embassy not to move around much this week. Please pray that the Lord's hand would be on the nation of Zambia...that they will experience a peacefully election and that the right person will be appointed the the next leader of Zambia.

Living in Zambia

I have officially moved to Zambia. That sounds so weird to say… "I live in Zambia!" But I don't think it's quite set in yet. We've had over 500 Americans come this summer to love on orphans and it's been very busy! God has done so many amazing things in the lives of both the Americans and orphans. I had the opportunity to take part in CAMPLIFE the first week I was here. It was incredible!

Aren't they the most adorable kids ever!!

There are so many stories I would love to share of miracles and deliverance that have happened these last two months…like God making a deaf orphan hear again, watching kids who have been so mistreated by their neighbors and caretakers lead those same people to Christ, or listening to Americans testify how God used these children to lift burdens and heal broken hearts. I know this last week of camp is going to be just as big, if not bigger. I can't wait to see what God has in store!

Lupiya using the Evange-Cube to share with his caretaker that Jesus is the only way to God.

Now it's Moses's turn. Quite a crowd always gathered.

This being the last week of camp, most of the Americans will be leaving soon. Although it will probably be lonely with most everyone gone, I'm looking forward to settling down and figuring out some sense of normalcy here.

So here are just a few things I've noticed while living in Zambia…

• Driving is survival of the fittest. You have to be aggressive and use your horn a lot! I drove a very short distance in my little neighborhood and had to get used to the steering wheel being on the right side AND driving on the right side of the road. My Texas driver's license is actually valid here for a short time. I'll be working on getting my Zambian driver's license at some point.
  
• Zambians will tell you they have three seasons…hot, cold, and rainy. Right now it's cold…and when I say cold, I mean in the 70's during the day and 40's and 50's at night. I am definitely not missing Texas weather right now. But to the Zambians it is freezing.
  

• Zambians eat shima with every meal. It really has absolutely no nutritional value. The teachers at one school made me lunch one day which included shima, eggs, and some greens. Notice the absence of silverware. They don't use it. You have to take the shima in your hands, roll it into somewhat of a ball and scoop up your other food with it. One of my favorite Zambian foods though is called Fritas. It's basically a balled up funnel cake without the powdered sugar.

  

FRITAS

• Five and six year olds are considered adequate babysitters. Basically, kids- no matter how young, run free. Many times you will see very young girls carrying their younger siblings on their backs. It's not uncommon for three and four year olds to be running around unattended.

Taking a rest.

• The same pair of shoes are worn for a VERY long time. Most kids have only one pair of shoes, if any. Chipo, one of the students at school, told me he had had his shoes for 5 years and that he was hoping to wear them for at least one more year. wow!
• 

Chipo's shoes are the ones with the cool shoestrings.

I've been spending my time lately observing in our schools called Lifeway Christian Academies (LCA). We currently have 6 LCAs and 5 or 6 more opening in the coming months. These schools are for the sponsored kids in our programs. Many of the orphans who come to camp are sponsored monthly by their American counselors or their American's friends. This sponsorship allows kids, who otherwise have no access to education, the opportunity to go to some of the best schools in the country.

As I stand in these classrooms full of orphans, I am overwhelmed with joy at the thought of the Godly impact these kids will be able to make on their nation someday. God is taking what society has thrown away and says isn't worth much, and says to these orphans "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you." (Jer 29:11) He has looked on them and said, I love you…you are priceless… and I am going to use you to do something great for My kingdom.

Working hard! These kids are getting ready to take their end of year exams.

As our Zambians say, "God is good, all the time…and the all the time, God is good!

Leaving On a Jet Plane

"I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again."

I think it finally started to hit me this week. There are 8 weeks and 5 days till take off. Wow, I can't believe it's that close. So much to do and so many people I want to see before then. I'm so excited to be a part of what God is doing in Zambia. Yet, at the same time so heartbroken to leave the people and places I hold dear to my heart. It's a strange feeling...such bittersweet emotions.

I've started this blog in hopes of keeping all my family, friends, and anyone else who might be interested up to date on what God is doing for the orphans in Zambia. I hope I am faithful in updating this journey. Thank you so much to everyone who is partnering with me in this ministry! I have felt so loved and blessed by each one of you! I'm looking forward to bringing a piece of you with me to Zambia.

Now, on to this long "to do" list.

This picture is for my sister Laura who began this journey to Zambia with me two years ago. We had just arrived in Lusaka Zambia after two VERY long plane rides. Thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement girl. I am so proud of you and the Godly woman you have become. You're AMAZING! Wish you were going to be on this next flight with me again!