I was just informed that some one had been checking this “FORMER” blog site for the last several months and didn’t read or understand the post (before this) that shares my NEW BLOG address with each of you.

So for those that are eagerly awaiting posts on this site, know that you won’t find them! This was the ZAMBIAN blog, but now I have one since being in America. You can view both, but only one is CURRENT and will host NEW POSTS!

NEW BLOG address is:click on the link bellow

http://www.keishasuzanne.blogspot.com/

CHECK IT OUT!!!

Please note that my Blog site has changed to….

http://keishasuzanne.blogspot.com/

Take note that all achieved Zambia posts will still be available to view and read on this Blog site.

Keisha

Tranquility in Zambia… oh, don’t I miss it!

Day after day I walked this very path through the bush to and fro work, with my mind full of day dreams, my eyes set on lush landscape, my heart over flowing with compassion, and my feet running over for joy!

Those were the days… and they are greatly MISSED!

Zambia, sweet Zambia… you are hold my heart in your hands!

I continued to scratch my head from time to time, and kneel a bit more in prayer in hope of finding out why I’m back in the states, and how long I’ll be here… Than, out of the blue I was shopping for groceries and it hit me, like a ton of bricks.

I was in the produce department and my eyes fixed themselves upon MANGO’s FRESH GROWN MANGO’s and all for the buying and eating. I’m not sure if others around me heard the angles singing or saw the lights a flashing… but I DID. And I knew just then and there why I’m here… to indulge myself in some mouth watering, plump and ripe Mangos.

God is full of surprises and has many ‘tricks’ up his sleeves, and this was one of them and I’m willing to stay as long as Mango season will last.

So look out Kroger’s, you’d better start placing your order and know that I’m a coming and coming to eat you out of Mangos one 5 Gallon bucket full at a time!

I told you I would have another more complete, detailed update, sooner or later so here it is. Drum roll please.  Just Kidding!

I’ll try to re-cap on the past month and give insight into the ‘possible’ future.

First: Yes, I WAS sick, buuuuut… now I’m not!  I never got to the bottom of “what” it was, but ‘we’ tried in all our might.  And rest assured, I’ll get some medical help here state side, if and when I’m knocked down by the pain again. Trust me, I’d have no choice but to go running to the nearest medical facility, if the pain showed its face again.

Second: I started negotiations with an organization in Florida, which required a visit to the states and further screening, and training state side.  Some of you questioned why… and I must say that there are a multitude of ‘ministries over seas and even more ideas on how to assist those ministries.  Sooooo~ those ( of us) that represent the organization need to be of ‘like mind’ in more than one area , which should go with out saying.  Long story short, we weren’t as like minded as we intentionally thought we were, and for now I’m praying about other options, but support the work and teams of HOB in ALL they do.

Third: My work permit expired May 2, 08 in Zambia, so I was forced to leave the country or find a church or new NGO (Non Governmental Organization) to apply for a ‘long term’ work permit, which I didn’t want to accept or apply to just any NGO or church that came down the pike. In the mean time, I thought I’d come home and make the most of a little Rest and Relaxation, along with some down on the farm, quality family time, and time to sort out the best future for me and those I left in Africa. I was ‘blessed’ to leave all but the clothes I brought here in storage with another American missionary family, in hopes of returning.

Fourth: Your financial donations, I choose to leave behind the remaining sum of money donated by each of you; to assist in the salaries for those employed by the Sarah Rose orphanage, provide rent and salary for former street boys, purchase uniforms for Beautiful Gate students, along with other small odds and ends along the way. I know you gave towards the Needs in Zambia and I won’t to make sure the money is used accordingly whether I’m here or not

Fifth:, My heart is home sick, for Zambia that is, but I’m taking some time this month to just pray and see what the Lords will is for the months and years to come.  I must accept the fact that God may have sent me millions of miles away just to break me from being such a ‘know it all’.  After all you can’t know it all, or ‘any thing’ for that matter in a foreign land where you know absolutely nothing.  Or he may have prepared me years ago to go and not only live among the African’s, but to also become ‘one with them’ for years to come.  My free spirit does seek and enjoy adventure, but living in the conditions and culture I was submerged into was beyond my idea of adventure and leaned more on the side of ‘craziness’.  However through Christ and Christ along I experienced true Joy, Peace and Contentment among all the trials and tribulations, and I trust that he’ll continue to saturate me in the same peace if I stay or if I go back.

Sixth: Another determining factor for the future months and years to come is a man by the name of Hankalinge Mac Donald Mayaba-Nyanga.  He is my dear Zambian friend,  that I’ve become very found of during the last eight months.  He was previously involved (daily) with BG (the former NGO I volunteered for).  So we met and spent ample time together from the beginning of my arrival.  I was always told that ‘love’ would strike me when I least expected it, and that it has!  We’re taking some time to (refrain from communication) in hopes of hearing the voice of God and His will for our lives, instead of being distracted by each other, and I ask for your prayers as neither of us want anything less than Gods best for our life and future.  I know this is news to most of you, but not to all of you.  My family is very eager to meet him (after all this time), and we’re all hoping for the chance later this summer, if all goes well between now and than.

Seventh: I’m here (state side) for up to four, or six months, unless things change).

I opted for financial reasons to skip the (respected and beneficial) cultural training (MTI) in Colorado (for now), but would love the chance to attend before ‘going back to Africa’.

Eighth: I plan to do massage (for those friends and family interested) and any other side work I can drum up while being home with hopes of making some spending money while I’m here and for when i return.  Let me know if you need any lawn mowing, leaf racking, snack baking duties done… I’ll be eager to jump on my bike (only mode of transport) and head your way, if possible!

Ninth: I plan to complete a Power Point by the end of this month, which will show a bit more detail of my ‘life in Africa and the Ministry I was blessed with there.  I’ll be able to share this with any of you, your churches, or other groups that are interested in viewing it. I plan to make a trip to Cali before heading back to Zambia, but no dates are yet set. I’ll keep each of you posted as plans un fold.

So there you have it, all the updates and clarifications that I can think of up till now. I updated my blog this week, so you can go there to view a few more photos and more will be on the way.  I didn’t have enough hours in the day to complete the changes this week.

I’ll be heading to the Annual German Baptist Meeting tomorrow (Fri May for those of you who know what I’m speaking of, and plan to return next week.

PRAYER:

1.         Safe travels to and from Kansas this week for the Annual Meeting

2.       Clear direction from the Lord for Hankalinge and I’s future…!!!

3.       Quality time with family and (friends) during my ‘visit’ state side

4.       Guidance to the proper organization and or church in ZA to go back and volunteer or partner with

5.       A possible US based church to back and or support me spiritually, mentally, emotionally once I return to Africa

6.       Massages or other odds and ends job to make a little spending money and support for future ministries or living expenses.

7.       Quick Sales of the ‘Modern African material hand bags’ that were made as a fund raiser to support the ministries that I left behind

8.       Pray I’m healed once and fore all of the ailment that had me down and out this past month

9.       I’ll be able to sell my hardly used snowboard and snow gear, along with my Nano 4GB hot pink ipod, new Trek mountain bike, and other odds and ends

10.    My parents will be able to sell their house by this fall/winter and find a smaller house closer to my brother or sister that requires less care and up keep’.  I’ll be sad to see it ‘my only home’ go, but would rather be here to assist with the buying  ,selling, and moving process and know they’ll be closer to Family, just where they belong!

Here it is the video of the place I call home, if only in my dreams, as I have moved on, but hope to return…

I not only left behind my life long friends, family, conveniences of an American life, successful business, and church, but also my Type A, ‘busy body’ personality while moving to Africa.  For those of you who know me ‘well’, you know that I was always chasing my own tail, taking multi tasking to the next level, even making one ‘check list’ before another one was complete in hopes of never wasting a moment and always trying to add more minutes and hours to my day. Sleep was always the last priority, but all of that has changed…

Some how over the course of time, I evolved from an over active Type A personality into a slow pace, easy going, take it as it comes individual.

Now that I’m back on American soil, I’ve watched the lives of those around me and I see a ‘Know it all personality’ which is always an annoying trait in some one.  However I have to chuckle to myself and remind myself, that I once was (and maybe still am) the same way.  Yikes!  As my mom always quoted “Pride goes before the fall” or even a former boyfriend would remind me, “even a fool looks wise if he keeps his mouth shut.” So for those of you who ask why I believe that God called me to Africa, I’ll say this.  God removed me from my comfort zone, and placed me with in a new culture, climate and society maybe for nothing more than to show me that ‘I didn’t know ‘One’ thing’ and I couldn’t even pretend to ‘know it all’. It not only stripped me of my prideful perceptions, and leadership traits (as I couldn’t lead some thing I knew nothing about), but also humbled me more and more, and allowed me the chance to be a servant and not so self centered maid, catering to my own wants and needs.

I’m not sure what this time ‘state side’ is for or what lessons I’ll learn, but I know that God has me back ‘here’ for a time and ‘season’ and I know that the God I serve is never early, and never late, but always on time.  So I trust that He’ll reveal to me the purpose of this time (state side) when He chooses and He’ll guide me step by step, as I seek His will for my future.

I believe that He’s allowed me to embrace, enjoy, and evolve into ‘a Zambian’ for more than one reason.  And I can’t imagine that he’ll allow me to be gone from my ‘African home’ too long, but rather he may be using this time state side to ‘re-fuel and prepare me for what is to come’ as I head back to Zambia sooner than later… yet only He knows and only the spirit will lead me back to the comfort of my mud hut now… or never.

My family has heard the comments time and time again.  “God uses ‘circumstances’ to get our attention”. And most of you believe that God allowed all those ‘close calls’ recently to get my attention only so I’d come back to American soil (where you think I’ll be safe, yeah right!).

Yet I would beg to differ on the reason so many ‘outlandish’ things happened time and time again. I can’t help but think back and to and reflect on Hebrew 11, the FAITH chapter. That speaks time and time again of individual after individual that by FAITH they moved ‘mountains’ during the circumstances the Lord led them through.  Look at Noah, Job, David, Rahab, Moses and the list goes on and on… MANY people who were faced with trials and tribulations yet they stood their ground and allowed their faith ‘roots’ to go deeper and deeper as the heat increased.  Sometimes God allows us to be tested JUST to show others that Faith in HIM will deliver ‘you’ in the end.

ZAMBIA, my long lost love…

I send you all the warm wishes I can dream of… and only hope and pray that we’ll be re-united once again sooner than later. So this isn’t goodbye, it’s just “See you later”.

Until we meet again, I’ll be singing sweet songs of each of you day and night.

The Zambian Convert

Keisha Suzanne

Greetings to each of you from the U.S. of A!

At last, my feet finaly hit solid ground after THREE LONG DAYS of traveling, sleeping on bathroom floors (trying to see what it’s likie to be a homeless, street kid… J/Kidding.. It was the only safe place to lay my head in JoBerg as I spent 30 odd hours there.. and trusted the women in the airport more than the men …).

I had a great health check up before I left… More Ultra sounds, Xrays, and lab tets…. Nothing showed up… but I’m FREE from pain 100% and I’m so Blessed to be back to normal once again!. God is good and so were all your prayers…

More to come.. I’m away from the family to write this (no internet or computers at the house… feels like Africa after all. Just a simple farm life and good old family fun, I’m BLESSED!..

April 27

Greetings from Zambia, one last time…
Ready or not USA… HERE I come! Once again.
I’ll depart Zambia Monday April 28, fly to JoBerg South Africa (for a
38 hour lay over…Ugh!), the direct from JoBerg to Atlanta and
finally back to Dayton Ohio on Wed… Three days of travel, but i’ll
just cuddle with a good book or my bible, doze, and dream of all the
good food that awaits me!
I’ll be in touch once I’m on dry land once again!

April 20th

i’m still not better, but i’m getting there… I’m taking a lot of medicine etc (even though i’m not a pill pusher.. i have no choice but to swallow each pill and pray that it does more than my meditation, pressure points, reflexology etc..) …

i plan to have more tests done tomorrow… Lord willing. i’ve had to push back some of my own tests as there have been many deaths and hospitalizations here the last few days… so i’ve been really busy, and feeling ‘well enough’ to help them out. you do what you gotta do!

some of you asked about my kidneys… i’ve had kidney stones many times, but trust me, i could have only hoped that that was it.. this pain was MUCH worse and not so pin pointed to ONE area but THREE.

it seems to be the worst when i’m active.. walking, running, any time really, but sitting.. so i’ve been resting alot.

i do trust the surgeons here(i have no choice to since this is my home and may be for years to come), I just don’t trust the ones that i had to see last week… there are a couple hospitals to choose from, but the best one is closed on the weekends.. all i can say is “i’m not in the states any more”, and i’m sure most of you can’t fathom a hospital closing .. ANY TIME, not to mention the weekends.. welcome to Africa.

I have a ticket home next monday, so i’ll be back on Ohio soil and in the arms of my mommy April 30… rest assured.

your prayers are being felt and i hope tomorrow to find out a bit more with more tests etc… time will tell.

and i’ll keep you all posted as i have time…

thanks to each of you..

April 18

I was doing 100% better the last couple days but just now in the last hour or even since last night …the pain in SLOWLY coming back under my ribs again near the gallbladder.. It’s a dual ache, not a sharp pain… yet…
PLEASE be praying.
I think my insurance is only good here in ZAMBIA so I pushed my flights back to the last week of this month so I could get more tests done while I’m still here…

April 17 Yet another MAJOR catastrophe

Here I am once again, just checking in and making sure you have peace of mind that all is well, thus far!

Some of you know (as word travels fast) that I was in the hospital this week for severe abdominal pain that continued to build through out the week, but by Sunday I was beyond the point of return, or so it felt.

I was fortunate to have a Dr. from the states here (on a short term mission team) that was able to give me an exam, which she suggested immediate hospital care. She feared a burst ovarian cyst, burst appendix, or even gull stones… as the pain was every where and quickly increasing as the minutes passed us by.

We have one main community hospital (which is a sight for soar eyes, to say the least), and each Copper Mine has their own staff and hospital which is usually open to any one for the “RIGHT PRICE”… Money really does get you some where here… as it does most places in the world.

After one hospital was closed (after 22:00), one wouldn’t accept me as I wasn’t a Copper miner employee, and the last was full of what seemed to be incompetent employees. I was finally seen by a few doctors that were awoken from sleep to give me an ultra sound. This man wasn’t able to locate my ovary, saw that my kidney was okay (which we knew), thought my appendix had some fluid around it and infection, but wasn’t sure about gull stones… However the doctor that finally arrived disagreed. So who do you or can you believe in a time like this? [The one who should have seen it on the ultra, or the doctor who is trained to test and know a bit more.]

WHO trains and hires these individuals is what I want to know…???? Honestly! They took some blood, and did a few labs, and found that I was negative for Malaria, and my white blood cell count was way off, showing the sign of major infection. Not to mention my fever that was on going…

They requested that I be admitted for the night, but I REFUSSED. I feared with all my life that I would end up dead, as a result of their own lack of attentiveness, and would rather go home with Dr. Liz (from the states) and pray that God would work a miracle in the middle of the night.

Home I went, with a trunk load of antibiotics to take around the clock, not to mention the OVER WELMING doses of pain killers they’d given me orally and by injections (which were only making a dent in the pain)

I rested and woke up a bit better… Dr. Liz was able to tend to me a bit more, until she had to jump a plane back to the states. Here time in Zambia had finally come to an end.

All that to say, I’m still not sure what’s going on, but it’s now three days later and I’m finally back to ‘normal’ or so I feel. I’m a bit weak and dizzy from time to time, but I’m no longer on pain medicine, nor in pain for that matter.

I was planning to fly home this week… but that has been post dated for the time being. I’m hoping to be home in the states by next week to be checked out and examined on that end of the world.

Your prayers are being felt… as they have been the past month… [during the robbery, false accusations from Social welfare (child trafficking), the 17 murders that took place near my former mud house with in less than two weeks, being forced by Immigration to leave the compound (which became my 'family' and comfort, being told to dis-continue any form of ministry with the girls and boys on the street, the fear of not finding an NGO to come back and work for, throwing up and purging from dual ends for days on end and the list goes on and on… or so it seems]

I have a close friend here who had a dream the Tuesday before any of this began and she shared it with me, only giving me a bit of hope and light for what is to come. She said I was pregnant and really sick in the beginning. But when the time came to deliver I like most mothers were able to embrace the ‘new life’ and change that I’d just birthed. She furthered to tell me that her mom always taught her (she’s from Austria) that pregnancy in a dream means that it is a sign of hope, as new life is going to be birthed but only after all the pain, sickness, and discomfort have passed. Childbirth is rarely fun or easy from start to finish for anyone and I can only pray and believe that God is allowing all of this to come to pass to bring new life and new hope for me in the future.

As Psalm 121:1,2 says

” I will lift up my eyes to the hills-

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord.

Who made the heaven and earth.

So my eyes are lifted and I’m seeking his help.

I hope and plan to see most of you in the up and coming months, and seek your prayers during this time of restoration that the Lord is taking me through.

Many say they live vicariously through my stories. Others ask if it s easy to live so far from home with next to no ‘conveniences’? Others think I’m living on one big roller coater ride with constant sheer and adventure. And yet others say they’d “Never be able to do this”!

I say God called me and that is why and how I find myself living in a mud hut in the middle of ‘Tim Buck Two’… Africa! Which lies an abundance of questions from others.

“Did you hear His voice?

Or How do know His voice, or his WILL for your life? Etc.. etc…

The answer(s)…
God speaks through the Truth in His word (Bible) the most. Revealing verses of Truth, Peace, Wisdom, Faith and so on. He gives us all direct “words” to not only by in our day to day life, but also to embrace and live through.

Second, would be the still small voice (Holy Spirit) that Jesus promised to guide and direct us as His ’servants’.

Last, (the list could be endless)… Clouds, People, (burning bushes), silence etc… “Nothing in Impossible with God…”

He calls all of us, but few will GO! It’s not always easy, thrilling, or joy full. Yet when your heart desires to serve Him, He’ll provide all our needs and be our strength when we are weak.

I believe that’s half the reason I’m here in Africa, I’ve been placed in a situation where “I Keisha” can’t survive on my own, but rather I’m left with not other option but to rely on God’s Strength to get by day after day. The last eight months have been nothing more than smooth sailing in each and every aspect of life here in ZA. But I must say the wind has finally been taken out of every sail and the first real dose of emotional and mental exhaustion has finally taken its toll. I finally hit the bottom of the valley and I’ve been fighting my way up the valley wall (this past week in a half). After scraping and clawing with hopes of escaping, I finally realize I can’t fight this on my own, and it’s not a battle that I can win alone.

Psalms 23:4 & 6
verse4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me… 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

God HAS CALLED YOU… but are you willing to go and do what ever it is He’s called you to do? Africa sounds fun, but it’s NOT easy!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, our mission field is outside our bedroom window. God WILL use YOU just where you are! And remember an ocean is made out of thousands of drops, and one person can make a difference, no matter where you are in (that ocean).

My new mission field will be back in the states for the up coming four months. I meet with Heart of the Bride for the first two weeks to make sure we both agree and have like minds and hearts toward the mission field here in Zambia. If we both agree to move forward I’ll start training with HOB and MTI, along with visiting several states to inform my friends and family along with fund raising for my return to Zambia and new job description that HOB will set up.

For those of you that have donated financially thus far, I want to assure you that the money will be held in a reserve account until I return to Zambia, and I’ll be using my own personal finances for my travel and stay in the states.

I look forward and pray for the change to visit or see most of you during these up coming months, and wish each of you a Blessed and up coming summer in the mean time.

Thanks for all your prayers, support, encouragement, friendships, and love… It’s carried me along thus far, and I know that it will continue as I plan to return to Zambia for anther ‘long haul’.

As far as my life here has been… The police haven’t found my stolen belonging yet, because there were over 17 cold blood murders with in a mile radius of my ‘mud house’. And some of them were killed with an axe which one was left in my house the night my neighbor chased the robbers away. (Only God knows what would have happened had the Immigration not forced me to move the night before) Needless to say the police and investigators have bigger fish to fry (other than locating my lost goods). Regardless, I’m a bit depressed to have left the comfort and space of my own home and ‘family’ of friends that surrounded me there in the compound. Yet, I know this is for the best…

The charges and investigations of me and my ‘illegal pursuits with street children’ have come to an end, as we’ve agreed that I will only be on the streets with another Zambian and I’ll work under an official NGO when I return, not just on my own. In the mean time.

I’m currently living with another missionary family (The Walkers) who are from Florida and long term missionaries here. They work with Heart of the Bride and I’m so grateful that they have taken me in during this time of ‘homelessness’. HOB has placed them here to work with the children on the streets and they not only work with the boys, but also many of the girls, and children that are born from the street girls, which is what I’ll be joining forces with once I return.

So there you have it… another wild update in the world of Zambia, and they place I call ‘home’.

Until next time…

This is NO April Fools…

 

Some of you may think that all I’m about to say or share is just apart of another annual April Fools joke, but rest assured it’s just an overwhelming update straight from the life that I know and live here in Zambia. I’m seven months in…

 

PSALM 91

Verse 5 “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor the arrow that flies by day.” …

Verse 7 “A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand: But it shall not come near you.” …

Verse 11 “For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.”

 

This past week has been one of a kind, in more ways than one. 

• I was accused of Child Trafficking and nearly arrested by the government,
• My house was broken into and robbed,
• I finally got ’sick’ and threw up for the ‘THIRD’ time in my entire life
• I was forced to leave my mud house by Immigration,
• I have been accepted to join a new NGO,
• Received news that I’ll be returning back to the States with in the next four weeks for training required by the NGO

 

- It all started last Saturday when Davis (a local Zambian pastor) and I took the chance to host a late night Prayer and worship with the ‘big bad MEN on the street’.  These men range from (age 20-30) and they congregate in what they call the ‘destroyer’.  The out come of our time together were a ‘few’ powerful heartfelt prayers from a ‘few’ of the men, and what I believe is another building block to change ’some’ of their lives.  

(Officials didn’t like me being on the street so late at night, as I stayed behind for awhile when Davis left)

- Tuesday I choose to take two of the ‘youngest’ Street Boys home with me for safety and security.  This spontaneous choice became a pleasant and encouraging experience, as they were respectful, trustworthy, and good helpers.

- Wednesday and Thursday I got my first dose of sickness while being here in ZA.  I had purging from dual ends of my body, with an outhouse and all… I spare the details.  I was fortunate to have the two kids from the street with me to assist during the worst of the worst.

- Friday A messenger was sent to my door telling me that the Social Welfare, Police and Immigration were ‘after’ me and assuming that I was involved with child trafficking or other illegal operations with the kids on the street. As I’ve not been as culturally sensitive individual, in their eyes.

- Friday I was forced to leave my mud house as (Immigration) knew if some one harmed me there, it would make International news and ZA would become the black sheep to many.  They want me to live in a ’safe’ (non compound) location and not among a bunch a thieves and un educated individuals. I came to stay with another missionary family that also works for HOB, and I hid out here from the government officials, until the dust settled from their many accusations.

- Saturday I was accepted to work under a new NGO based out of the United States.  (HOB) Heart of the Bride based in Niceville, Florida.  www.heartofthebride.org is the website to check into.  It’s very professional and God centered. This has come after months of prayer and faith that God would open the ‘right’ door at the ‘right’ time.  I was trying to avoid a US based organization as I feared that I’d be asked to return to the states for ‘training’, and I saw that as a ‘waste of money’, fugal to a fault, still!  However I have complete peace and joy to know that this is exactly what the Lord had in mind for me to continue ministry here in ZA, after proper training in culture and ministry. 

- Sunday I woke up to a phone call informing me that burglars used an axe to enter my home Saturday night. (Many knew that I’d be forced to move the day before, and didn’t have time to shift my items). They got away with a large bag of clothes I had set back for another time and season, my video camera, a 4GB back up chip, and my multi port USB ‘gadget’.  My neighbors ‘bladder’, or ‘God’ woke him up at 3:30Am and he was able to chase them away before they escaped with more goods.  I expect that they were planning to ‘clean house’ and take anything and everything they could, while sweeping the floor on the way out, but God has some thing else in mind. All that we have belongs to God, even the air in my lungs, so who am I to cry or be upset.  I’m just thankful that I have my daily necessities to keep on living day by day. 

- Monday, I was informed that the Social welfare, Police and Immigration had backed off their assumptions of my illegal accusations with the kids living on the streets.  And I’d be granted the entire 30 day time frame to buy a ticket and fly home before my Temporary Work Permit would expire. GOOD News.

 

So there you have it, a summarized update on the latest and greatest in my life here in Zambia. I plan to buy a ticket to the states today or tomorrow (Lord willing) and I pray for a ‘cheap’ fare.

I don’t have details on what my time frame home will be, yet I know I’m ‘on my way’!

Some training will take place in Niceville, Florida, some in Denver Colorado, and of course a visit to the Midwest to see my family. But HOB still has to set up my finances, job description for my return to Zambia, and much, much more…

PRAYER REQUESTS:

-          I’ll be able to get a reasonable plane ticket home

-          My bag of clothes or others stolen goods would be found..??

-          My new fund raising, training and schedule while back in the states will be worked out and become a blessing and not a ‘curse’ or so it could feel.

-          Those that I’ll be leaving behind (my compound, kids on the street, church, friends and ‘family’ here in ZA) will be at peace and have joy, while continuing to put their faith in God and trust that I’ll return ready to embrace them and walk beside them once again, sooner than later.

-          God will get the GLORY no matter what this next week, month or years ahead in Zambia could or will hold

Mark 15:13- 15

They yelled, “Nail him to a cross!”

Pilate objected, “But for what crime?”

But they yelled all the louder, “Nail him to a cross!”

Pilate gave the crowd what it wanted, set Barabbas free and turned Jesus over for whipping and crucifixion.

Who’s side would you have been on, or who’s side are you on now? How will you celebrate this Easter? Will it be a time of thanksgiving for the sacrifice of our Savior, or will you be saying with in your own heart, “Nail him to the cross?”

I wish for each of you to have a time of reflection on the Reason behind this season we call EASTER.

HE HAS RISEN FROM THE TOMB!

Greetings One and ALL!

This is just many excerpts from other ‘personal email responses’.  I know that some of you want to know a bit more than just the surface items…so maybe this will give you a bit more between the lines to know what I’m up to on this side of the world.  There may not be much flow from one paragraph to the next.. but again, they are separate email responses that may interest more than the original inquire.

SNOW… I can’t imagine that.  Today it was really really sunny AGAIN, than for 1-2hours it cooled off maybe into the upper 70’s and we all joked that it could snow.  Needless to say it’s still warm and the rain is holding out for the night time, so my nose is still being sun burnt along with the on going tan lines from my flip flops. J I can’t complain, as the warmth is easier to bare with my COLD bucket baths each night and it’s easier to dress and not feel so miserable while walking to and from (in fridgid temps like you have).

I listen to BBC news often while I’m in my mud house.. I LOVE the solar radio and I’m SOOOOOOOO thankful that you sent it my way! It gets it’s use, to say the least.  BBC news is from the UK and its very NUTRAL in it’s views (or so I think).  I’ve been following the Primary Presidential race (along with other world news) Russia’s new split… Cuba’s main man stepping down F. Castrow (sp)… etc I think living in Africa and having my solar radio has brought me more in touch with world news than ever before.  Who’d have thought it?

Street boys are still doing (as good as can be). More of them have jobs now, which is a HUGE blessing, but the question and concern is where they are spending the money.  A good portion of the older boys are going in together and renting homes (of some sort) which again is a HUGE blessing.  There are just SO many needs and SO many different facets to helping them.. that I know I can only do what I CAN do… and allow God to do the rest with others or through others that come in contact with these boys.  I still love them more and more… and this week I gave one of them a foot massage after he stubbed his toe really back while playing football (soccer).  Others couldn’t believe that I was willing to massage the foot of a dirty barefoot street boy, but the love I have for them, didn’t even allow me to think twice about doing it.  I’m really praying for the chance to find housing and jobs for 5-8 of the older boys that really want OFF the streets, but have no where to go, or job to get… PLEASE pray that the doors will open for me to be apart of this some how. 

My spirits are higher than before, and as much as I’m (on my own) My life hasn’t really changed, as most of what I do now… I did before… and on my own for that matter.  The only difference is before I would tell people I worked ‘under the name of BG’… and now I just say I’m on my own when they ask.  While working with BG I paid for the programs I ‘ran’… and now I do the same.  So life is good and getting better. I’ve stayed the past two weeks with an American family that is also here for the LONG run, just to assist them with the building project for the street boys. So again, I’ve been surrounded with plenty of white skin to keep me on the up and up… Not to mention they have a ‘large American’ trampoline that was shipped in a large ship ‘container’… so me and their 9 kids have had a ball of a time night after night!

 

Robert Compound is GReAT!  I was born to camp and be out doors so this kind of life/style is just up my ally.  The lack of electricity, running water, plastered walls, or windows with glass or security bars wasn’t too hard to cut ties with.  The best way to describe it, is just simply imagining an endless camping trip.  You are living to survive and surviving to life.  Hauling water, cooking with charcoal one pan at a time, boiling water to drink (then allowing it to cool off enough to drink), washing clothes by hand, doing dishes in a bucket and cutting food on the floor (no counters)… the list is full of camp type experiences that have become apart of my daily lifestyle.  Some may say that I’m living the ‘True’ African lifestyle, but those that live here say I’m still a ‘step’ away.  My life in the compound still has a bit of luxury compared to life in the village itself, or say they tell me.  But compared to the life of an American… it’s a ‘True Blue African Adventure’.

My house is a mud rectangle with three rooms, tall enough from me to stand up straight, but not a lot of room to grow.  I use one room as a bedroom, one as a ‘sitting room’ and one as a kitchen/laundry/shower room.  I paid a carpenter to ‘screet’ the floors (plaster) so they weren’t ‘dirt’ any longer.  He also plastered the walls in my bedroom, as many bugs live in the mud and come out and bite you at night… Which I’ve experienced many times while sleeping over at others homes in the compouond. I don’t own any ‘sitting’ furniture, but I had him build a small table for me to use in the kitchen.  When there are many (in the house) we just sit on buckets, watering containers, or my yoga mat.  I like it this way, because it shows them (in the compound) that I have less than most of them.  I’m living w/out all the luxuries of a ‘white man’ or even most Zambians. 

Hospitality means a lot to them, so they put money into sitting chairs, coffee tables and proper dishes to serve others from.  I’m willing to serve others and have them over as often I can, yet there are times they have to bring their own dishes.  They don’t complain, and again it just shows them I have ‘less’ to steal.

My toilet is an actual out house, that I share with my neighbors.  It’s a proper building but it’s SO small that if I were to gain weight I wouldn’t be able to fit in the door.  However, It serves its purpose!

My shower is a large bucket/bowl I stand in while using a cup to pour water out of.  Those from the compound use a community shower shelter that isn’t ‘proper’.  All it takes is for some one to walk by and look in, with out the effort of standing on their tippy toes… So for my safety and the ‘curiosity’ of the locals… I thought it would be best to just bath in my house.  So far… so good

My neighbors are really sweet and willing to help me and protect me.  The kids are always over (when I’m home) and I pay them for ‘peace work often’…[ they sweep, cut or clean vegetables for meals, pump my air mattress (bed), water the garden etc…] and I pay them (peanuts to me, but gold to them) They then go running to the near by Ntembe (snack shack) and buy candy ‘sweets’ for themselves.  The neighbor boy thought too many folks where coming by to snoop in my windows (wooden shutters), so he placed a fence in the ground to block the ‘public path’ and the trespassers.  How sweet of him!

I’ve got a proper door to the outside that has a ‘real’ lock at night and I even had my carpenter place a door and lock on my bedroom so it will keep people out of my ‘personal space’ when they’re over.  I have three windows.. The one in my bedroom is a 2” X 12”  just enough to let rain in, sun rays in, and thieves out, the other two have wooden shutters that are secured by a few nails that are bent over… Not much in the way of security.

I thought I’d have another American moving in with me next month, but she doesn’t feel safe being there, not really knowing those in the compound.  So I’ll be on my own a bit longer and that is a-okay with me!

Nights that I stay with other missionary families or friends I have two ‘younger boys’ that house sit for me to keep the thieves out at night.  Again, I’m just becoming ONE of THEM… and it’s a blessing to see how the Lord has bridged the gap between ‘them’(those in the compound) and me.  We’re just becoming ONE BIG happy family!

Sorry to drop to bomb (of leaving) on you with BG, after the fact… I let a good number of people know of the issues that weren’t going away, but not all 300 on my MASS email update list.  I kept it on the down low as I thought it was just a learning experience (in many ways) in the beginning.  Even I didn’t expect to ‘leave’… I just thought that I had to endure the conflict and make the most of it.. (Building Character, remember!) Until I started to see some dishonesty in a few financial areas, and that was the final straw.  Had I only planned to stay for a few months, I could have over looked most of it.. but having ‘years’ ahead of me, it was too much to bear.

I’m hoping to look for a new PO BOX this coming weekend in (second class) …(as the main Post Office are out of Boxes), so keep the mail (for now) and I’ll keep you informed once it changes.

 

I only have one ‘real’ lead with another NGO at this time and that is with the SOS Children’s Village.  To be honest I’m following my gut feeling and have peace to know that it will work out.  After my first two meetings with them and plenty of prayer, I feel all will work out in the end.  Due to my own assistance with another NGO (an hour out of town), I’ve not had the time to send my letter to the National Director, but I plan to do that next week.  The local director said that I was a ‘shoe in’.. but time will tell. One thing if for sure.  I believe with all my heart that God will keep me with in the continent of Africa and not bring me back to the states, as my life becomes ‘All about ME’ and not as much of others…

So there you have it… A few between the line updates… I’ve loved all the personal responses each of you have sent me, and I will always make a point to make a ‘personal’ responses to each of you.. sooner or later! Not having electricity has left me with less computer battery to just sit and type for hours on end.. so just be patient with me, please!

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW!!!

 

There have been many questions regarding the details behind my choice to leave Beautiful Gate.  I hoping to clarify a few things for those of you who have questions.

 First of all, the choice was all mine to leave BG, not BG themselves. 

 I knew before coming that culture would or could place a large barrier between me and them (over a 2 years period).  I say the (two years) because I think you can tolerate or endure anything for a short term basis… but a year or more is a different story, for most of us.

Knowing that culture would be so different and an obstacle to over come, I tired to come here with an open mind, not coming to ‘change’ they way they do business, but to assist them and walk along side of them. 

 BG operates on a volunteer basis from people around the world.  Every volunteer has the option to choose how long they wish to stay and assist (while funding their own life’s here) I gave a two year verbal commitment for one main reason.  I felt that up till (then), I had lived more for myself and for the better of my personal business, than for the Lord.  It seemed if I were to sacrifice only one year of my time, that I’d be able to go back to America at the end of that year and re-start my ‘former’ life and business with a few small or ‘workable’ bumps in the road.  But if I were to sacrifice two years, than I’d be left with complete seclusion and separation from the life I once knew, and it would be more of a sacrifice to come back to the US and start again.  So before being accepted to YWAM Indonesia or BG I felt that two years would become an actual sacrifice for the Lord and not just a short term leave.  There fore regardless of where I’d be accepted I knew if they (couldn’t) accept me for two years, that I’d look into other NGO’s to volunteer for once my time with the first NGO expired. I just knew that God was calling me to step out in faith and be His servant for Two years on the Continent in Africa… As to who and when it was up to him.

 Now that you have the back ground… Lets fast forward a bit. 

 I joined BG in late September and was quickly chosen to over see three ministries (out of the four) Street Outreach, Community Outreach, and our Resource Center.  I was given free reign of each ministry to do as I felt led (with in reason) to better the ministry, and was asked to write weekly reports for the director Bill.  Over the course of 2 or 3 months I found finances were becoming more of an issue (details I can’t share), Bill wasn’t holding any more meetings with me for follow up, and he was choosing to change the direction of a few of the ministries with out any notice.  I submitted to his changes, but again found that the lack of communication (on his end) wasn’t leaving me properly informed with the direction he wanted me to take these ‘programs’.  I requested meetings, wrote letters to him with my concerns, started using my own funding 100% for the Street and Community Outreaches and was looking to network with a few other NGO’s for assistance on how we can all better the lives of the Street Kids.  Bill had previously encouraged such networks in the past, but all of a sudden he started to changing his mind and telling me to cut my ties with the other Government and Non government organizations.  Why? I asked…. Even I don’t know!

 As time passed and more issues needed to be discussed (personal and business related) I become more and more at a lost, as Bill wasn’t making the time to talk.  To this day I’m not sure why?  I’m not sure why you’d place some one in charge of ministries, yet not communicate on any level with how you’d like them to run that ministry. 

Needless to say… Over time things just became nearly impossible to continue moving forward and it was nearly a waist of my time to show up for work day after day.  I’d wait for a promised meeting to discuss a few items… and he’d bail.  Again, I’d seek out advice from the other staff/management and they’d tell me it was for Bill and I to discuss… I know that some people don’t enjoy or thrive on confrontation, yet there comes a point in time that as a director you need to confront your staff to make sure that your are on the same page.

 

It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see that after three months of this, and no resolution or communication in sight, that I’d have a LONG 2 years ahead of me with BG, so I just declined my position and decided to locate and new NGO here local or with in the continent, as I have three months to apply for my Permanent Work Permit before I’m asked to leave the county. This permit is only possible through a business, and not on my own.  Which was another issue.  I sent 300.00 US$ a month before I came to have the process started and completed before my arrival with BG, however the application had never been paid or processed… another large ‘isssue’.

 

So the ‘way forward’ as they say it in Zambia… Is to write a letter of application to a new NGO that I’ve contacted and wait for approval to start ministry under them. The name is SOS.  Website is www.soscvzambia.org.zm  if you’d like to check it out.  I’ve been there twice and really appreciate the long term commitment and difference they are making in the lives of the local children.  I feel that BG had a good heart, and high hopes, but didn’t have the discipline, dedication, or finances to really make a long term difference in each of the lives they assist touch.  SOS has the financial backing and ‘Western’ business structure and discipline to make the difference the children need for their future.  I’m didn’t ‘JUST’ fall upon the SOS with hopes of staying here… I really feel that during this entire two week period that GOD still had me in the palm of His hand and I knew that He’d make it clear if I were to stay here (past my three month work permit), or move on…  The SOS became an NGO (after research and personal visits) that shares the hopes, dreams, dedication and commitment to making things happened in the lives of vulnerable and orphaned children.  Not to mention they are ‘in my back yard’ an hour walk one way, or a double mini bus, if I’d choose If things work out, I’ll look into buying a bike to ride to work each day.  They have also made it clear that I can have Tuesday And Thursday as a day to work along the Steet Boys as I’ve been doing, which was the answer to prayers.

 

Time will tell… and I’ll keep you posted!

 

Until then… I’m waiting to hear from SOS National Director, I’ve continued providing the finances and funding for Robert Compound Medical needs, and the Street Boy Program that I’m still hosting (alone) on Tuesdays in town, while also providing another day for meet and greet outreach with the boys. I just find them on the streets, and hang out with them where they are, while giving them a small bit of food and fellowship.  I’m also providing food for many with in Robert Compound each week and hope to start a weekly bible study for the woman in March.  So, among the chaos or the un known future, my ministry opportunities haven’t stopped or come to an end, regardless of disconnecting myself from BG.

 

I hope this helps in giving you more insight behind my decision and will give you hope that my ministry here in ZA isn’t complete!

 Thanks for all your continued prayers and support!

Keisha Suzanne

 

LIVING IN THE PRESENT, A PRIZE WORTH KEEPING

Matthew 6:34

 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own things, sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”As I sit here in a new position, one of independence from BG, yet still a servant for the LORD and willing to accomplish the work he has for me in Africa.  (here in ZA or else where).  I’m struck by a new way of thinking and planning.  Since I’ve come to Africa, I live less for the future, and more from the past.  Why you may ask?  Because the life and dreams I made come true in the US have become dust in the wind and the only way to bring it to life again is by reminding myself of them.  My family, clients, home, comforts of food, daily conveniences, holidays, traditions and much more have quickly become things of the past and nothing could change that. While living into eh US I always lived for the Future.  Planning and dreaming of all I could become.  I wanted and created a detailed map to follow for myself so I would always go forward and make the most of EVERY moment in life.  My fear in life was regretting a ‘lost chance’ and not taking advantage of every adventure or opportunity that came my way. I aimed for an end result of, having NO regrets for the decisions and choices I made, but rather satisfaction and the ability to always tell myself that I’d do it all ‘Again’ if given the chance. Yes, there and (then) I was an extreme ‘Type A’ individual that did what I wanted and needed, to make the most of the years ahead of me.  However, here I sit among the local Zambians who live with a passion for the PRESENT, not for the past or the future.  Some of them haven’t been given any other choice but to ‘live for today’ as tomorrow isn’t as much a guarantee (like it is in the USA).  Lack of food and money or even sickness determines so much for them that they’re left with out a choice to (plan for tomorrow). Others have made a (life) for themselves with a job, which secures money, and meals secure a more promising health and ‘future’… yet THEY still are the ones choosing to live for TODAY.  They live a life of freedom (not just from war) but from not allowing the past to steal their joy, or the present haunt them of the work and effort it will take to accomplish ‘future’ goals. We as American’s could learn something form them.  They don’t try to find faith, but they live it out.  It’s who they are and what they are do.  They view their (Today) as the first day of the rest of their lives.. Not the end.So I challenge myself and each of you to enjoy the blessings God’s given you TODAY.  Can you find your blessings in the sunshine, snow, politician freedom, love, health, or much much more? “Allow the JOY of TODAY become the strength to face tomorrow!” – Keisha Garber  

DESTINATION UNKOWN

“The sun will come out tomorrow, bet ya bottom dollar till tomorrow, They’ll be sun”… I can hear Anne belting out that song, for all to hear and I must say THE SUN DID COME out after months of rain, glom, and doom in the sky itself and in BG, the sun finally made itself known. The constant cultural, personal, and organization related issues with BG have been way’g heavy on my mind for some time now.  And as much as (we) want to run and hide from problems when they come our way I knew that I must endure the (troubles) and persevere.  As I’m reminded in James 2:2-4… “My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trail, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Life wasn’t miserable or even unpleasant, but a constant challenge, and the challenge only grew as time went on!  After praying, fasting, listening, waiting and attempting to do all I could with BG finally realized… it takes two.  It’s not enough for one person to put forth the effort to solve a ‘problem’ and I didn’t see that effort on the other end.  All of that just led me to more prayer, fasting, waiting and persevering… until I finally had peace to depart and go my own way.  Previously I convinced myself it wasn’t my place to (leave) voluntarily, I’d only leave if they asked me to as I thought the (troubles) were developing character with in me, and teaching me lessons and making me a stronger more patient and humble individual. Yet the day and time came on Feb 7 when I vetoed my plan and cashed in my chips.  It was time to THANK BG for the time thus far and while keeping peace among us it was still time to say my goodbye and wait as I seek the Lord for further direction… a destination unknown to me, but known to HIM. So as the (literal, mental and emotional) clouds broke and the rays of sun shone so bright I felt more peace and assurance that I’d done exactly as the Lord had planned.  I was still on track and I wasn’t running and hiding (as some may think) My time and season with BG had come to an end, sooner, much sooner than I planned. So back to the drawing board, back to square one… Fasting, praying, and seeking the future destination that the Lord has planned… Time will tell!!   

A SELFLESS SERVANT IN TRAINING

Just because I’m the baby of the family doesn’t give me permission to be soo selfish.  While indulging myself in a delightful meal in the presence of another missionary family.  I was asked one simple question.  “If you could have one wish, what would it be?” Hmmm… I took just a minute and gave my answer quickly.  I’d like to be near my parents before they die, no matter how far away it may be.  I truly believe that God has called me into the mission field LONG term.  And being so far away, in lands of the unknown it doesn’t always allow for last minute/un expected trips or get a ways. So my ‘one’ wish may not be optional or realistic… (only God knows!)After my answer Will Thomas followed with yet another question.  “If you could have 2 more wished what would they be?” Before the words even came out of his mouth, I was ready to fire back my answer.  “I wish to travel to EVERY country, world wide.”  Now the thought of ‘This’ wish becoming a reality made my eyes light up and an endless smile was plastered to my face… “Oh… IF only!!!” The third wish, took me a bit, but after the process of elimination I concluded… “I wish to have the health and energy I have now, until my dying day.” After all, if your not healthy, you’ll not have the chance to enjoy most other items you could wish for, right?So there we had it.  My time was up, my answers had been given and I felt satisfied with my answers. Now it came time for me to reverse the pressure and fire back the same question to Will Thomas, an 11 years old boy from Florida.  He’s here in ZA as a long term missionary (family) who’s focus is also with the Street Kids.  Will Thomas is one of 9 children.  His first wish was “That the hearts and desire of every human accept our Lord as their Savior.” I nearly chocked on my drink as I was ashamed and humiliated that an 11 year old was willing to be a selfless servant for the Lord even with his wishes.  What an embarrassment to know that I live for 26 years seeking my own satisfaction.  Now God has placed me in Africa where I’m able to put others first…(or so I thought)! So now it was all in perspective.  I’m a selfless servant in training, a work in progress.  And God choose to use an 11 year old boy to reveal to me that He’s not done working on me.  

 ILLEGAL OR LEGAL LILMITS

After riding and being raced in another mini bus (yet again) to town today, I reflected on the limits that each country has. For us in America, it starts with our (Rights), freedom of speech.  We want what we think we deserve.  (Cell phones while driving, ability to strike at a job site, or remodeling our home with out a permit, driving the speed we need, just to be there on time, driving drunk because (we) think we’re okay, lying to save ourselves and others… on and on… and on… ) Even in ZA we have our own personal demands, limits, legal or illegal.  (We can cut in line for anything, if we find an inch of space to squeeze into [no taking a #, and waiting your turn here], If you mention the words “appreciation or encouragement” to someone in authority, you can pay them off to get whatever you need/want, if you want to hang your underwear on the clothesline to dry… you’d better think twice (it’s taboo), if you want to practice or partake in polygamy, you have the green light [more wives mean more kids, and more kids mean more workers ,and more crops mean more food and money], if you want to drink at a beer hall at the age of 10, be ‘their’ guest, if you want to invite yourself to someone else’s home and choose to stay for months on end… again, it’s more than acceptable… on and on…)So who sets these limits for us?  Why do they have the power and authority to enforce the limits and laws for us?  Are they more angelic beings? Who says they know what’s best for all of us? Why is it if one person is found guilty or innocent, it can affect the rest of us….?Who sets your legal or illegal limits (personally)? What makes up your morals, standards, or values? Who molded and made your character or demeanor? I wish that Jesus was was at the for front for all of us. 1 Peter 2:21 … Christ also suffered for us learning us an example that you should follow His steps…   

Prayer:

1. Confirmation with a new and local NGO to work for…
2. Self Discipline to study and apply my Bemba language skills DAILY
3. New Street Boys home to be funded and completed ASAP
4. Safety in my new home (theft)
5. Preparations to come together for bible study in my compound I hope to start in March with the ladies there…
6. Continued health… so far… EXCELLENT!!

  MY TOP FOUR…SURVEY

A) FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER

1.    RESTROOM, 2.    SUPER MARKET, 3.    TO KITWE ON MINI BUSES, 4.    TO BUY CASAVA AND GROUND NUTS

B) FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME (Regularly): 

1.    RON DODSON2.    CLAIRE3.    PENNY4.    MY SISTER

C) FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:

1.    CHIPS AND SALSA2.    SALADS WITH AGED CHEESE 3.    BEANS (of any kind) 4.    COLE SLAW

D) FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:  

1.    AT MY PARENTS FARM, MY OLD OFFICE IN CALI, 2.    TO DO MASSAGE, 3.    LIVING WITH SISTER LAST SUMMER 4.    ON THE MOUND PITCHING ANOTHER GAME OF HIGH SCHOOL FASTPITCH

E) FOUR CD’S I WOULD LISTEN TO OVER AND OVER: 

1.    MICHAEL W. SMITH CHRISTMAS, 2.    MARIAH CAREY CHRISTMAS, 3.    NORA JONES (any), 4.    ENYA (any)

F)MY FOUR FAVORITE RESTUANTS

.    1.CHEVY’S2.    PANERA, 3.    FAZOLI’S, 4.    TURLOCK BISTRO

G) FOUR PLACES I WISH TO VISIT

1.    MOROCO, 2.    CHILE, 3.    INDIA, 4.    PERU

H) FOUR MOST COMMON PHRASES

1.    CISUMA!,(OKAY) 2.    SORRY SORRY, SORRY! (ZA), 3.    MULI SHAWNI (how are you?), 4.    NASHA ICHI ISHI BEMBA SAUNA (i don’t know much bemba)

I) FOUR ITEMS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

1.    FINGER NAIL CLIPPERS 2.    WORSHIP MUSIC 3.    TOOTHBRUTH 4.    BAKING SODA

J) FOUR CARRIER WISHES

1.    PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OR JOURNALIST FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 2.    PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TRAINER INTERNATIONAL 3.    TRAVELING MASSAGE THERAPIST 4.    COMMERCIAL AIRLINE PILOT

K) FOUR GREATEST FEARS

1.    UN COMPATABLE HUSBAND (LONGTERM) 2.    LOSSING MY ABILITY TO RUN, JUMP OR BE ACTIVE..3.    REGRETTING A LOST/PAST OPPORTUNITY OR ADVENTURE4.    REGRETTING BEING MARRIED (SOMEDAY), INSTEAD OF STAYING SINGLEL) FOUR

PLACES I’D LIKE TO RETIRE

1.    GREEK ISLES, 2.    CAIRNS AUSTRAILA 3.    LAKE TAHOE 4.    PORT ELIZABETH SOUTH AFRICA