· CULTURAL CONFLICT… CREATING CHARACTER

Hmmmm… I’m at a loss for words. Well, that is not exactly the truth, but I’m at a loss for how to ‘really’ express to each of you this on going lesson that I’m being faced with.

My fear is that those i.e. (BG Management) who are the ’cause’ of this conflict and character building ‘issue/lesson’ will some day come across this ‘Blog entry, so I must choose my words wisely with hopes that “This too shall PASS” … some day!…SOON

My last email placed a ‘few’ of the daily cultural conflicts in front of you, to read and observe. Those however where on a ‘large’ scale yet the conflicts I speak of this time around are more personal and more ‘life sucking’ on a daily basis. I believe the best title is what I’ve given it.. “cultural conflicts”… yet that seems like an understatement for what I’ve experience day in and day out for the last month (+). It has to do with COMMUNICATION… which is my #1 “Value” in life. The problem is that I wish for every one to be as blunt, straight forward, open, and to the point in day to day life ‘issues’ like I am, which isn’t really fair as we’re all different.

As you can imagine, lack of communication (big or small) allows for less production with in the programs, many un-knows in other ‘areas’ of the organization, and more frustrations.

Uncertainty with in myself and my purpose her at BG has become a daily question I ask myself, as I try to analyze and read between the lines, while disagreeing with many ‘behind the scene’ issues.

Growing up in my home… I heard my father say more times than I can count…

“Keisha, it’s building character”.. He’d say this at times when I would complain of life and all the ‘bumps’ in the road that I’d feel from time to time for one reason or another. Of course being a ‘female’ I wanted compassion and understanding during those times, but he was always first to just see it as nothing more than a ‘life’ lesson that would assist in molding and making me into who I am today… for the (good or bad)! As my grandfather has always told me. Hard times in life either make you “Better” or “Bitter” and you have to CHOOSE to make it “Better” no matter what the cause.

So here I sit, not having my earthly father to sit back and ‘question’ (one on one) but instead I find myself crying out to my Heavenly Father asking “How on earth can THIS (communication gap) possibly be assisting in bettering me and building more “Character” in my life? As the hurt I have felt and pain that the ‘avoidance’ has cause seems to only set me back and make me a bit weaker, not stronger. My Lord hasn’t really given an answer to that question, but I must say that HE (my Lord) knows best and no matter how ridiculous, confusing, and hurtful this ‘communication gap’ may seem to be.

So I’m attempting to ‘find a new NGO to volunteer for’ and I’m praying for ‘patience’ as I WAIT for a real conversation with Mr. Bill to address all the issues ‘big or small’ which will give purpose for my being here, peace of mind (in the end), and help reduce the headaches that have been caused from the issues at hand.

So I ask for each of you to either pray that this ‘communication and cultural gap will come to an end ASAP, or that God will open the door to another NGO to volunteer my time and funds to, as this could be a very miserable 2 years of my life (while living at this rate with BG)…

FAIRWELL BG Feb 08,08

… After writing (what you just read in ‘blue) a few weeks or even a month ago… I thought I’d finally send it this week… as the problem was only getting worse and not any better. However since I wrote this I have finally made a decision to remove myself from BG and look for another NGO to work under here in ZA or in AFRICA as a whole (any ideas?).

This decision was HUGE and wasn’t made over night, but over months of praying and seeking the Lords will. I have complete “PEACE that still surpasses all understanding” for the new direction my life may go.

I have until May to find either another NGO to support my Work Permit (which allows me to stay for two years in ZA), or find another NGO with in Africa to work and volunteer for… or move home (as a last result). My work Permit with BG should have been completed before my arrival, BUT this is AFRICA and nothing is a guarantee. I trust and believe with all my heart that the Lord WILL guide and lead me each and every step of the way. As it was HIM who allowed these doors to open and it is HIM who can open another door.

I’ll be shifting (moving) into my new mud home in Robert Compound this coming week, and again my rent is only paid up through May.

As crazy as all of this is, and how un expected it has been, I feel the Lord holding my hand and guiding me along.

I must admit one thing, as much as I’ve loved and enjoyed my time here in ZA up till now, I’ve missed ’something’ about Sierra Leone each day. I was only in SL for 3 weeks last year, yet there is something that is still calling me to my knees in prayer for them each day. Who knows if that will play into the future or not…?!?!

I’ve not left BG on a ‘bad’ note, and all of us are still working together to make things come together in a few areas that I was assisting in, praise the Lord!

They are even assisting me in shifting, and have refunded my money for the Work Permit. This is just best for all of us in the end, I believe!

I’m still continuing the Street Boys ministry twice a week (with my own finances, which is how it’s been for 4 months now) and I’m assisting with a local orphanage and St. Girls home when as I can.

MINISTRY hasn’t ended just because BG has!

I’ll keep you up to date as always!

RUNNING TO WIN

I wanted to share a personal devotion and prayer with each of you from my trip and time of reflection and evaluation.. Dec 28, 07

Hebrews 12:1 “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down and sin that trips us!”

12:5 “Don’t make light of the discipline or give up when he corrects you. “

12:11 “No discipline is enjoyable while its happening, it painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained this way.”

12:12 “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak will not fall but become strong.”

To become what God intended you to become,

· “You must stop certain thing, even enjoyable things”

· “Saying no to well intentioned people who try to involve you in things that ultimately steal your time and produce no fruit.”

· “When God tell you something is wrong (sin) it is! You need not discuss, theorize, blame, make excuses or feel sorry for yourself – just agree ask forgiveness and get that thing out of your life”

My prayer… Lord I ask that you’ll not only reveal sin in my life but also time consuming people or hobbies that don’t produce fruit or bring you glory. Instead reveal it all t me and allow me the change to repent and move forward by your strength and not my own. Reveal to me each day your will, and desire for my time. Keep my eyes open to all the opportunities and moments I have to bring you glory. Help me by your spirit to never take credit for anything I’ve done but instead keep me humble and pride’less. Help me to put others before myself and to always have a giving and ‘Sharing heart’. Give me deeper insight, understanding, and revelation of your word. Encourage me daily and give me the chance to now more of you and the ability to follow your Spirit more each day. Your love Oh Lord endures forever, and I pray that I too will loves others as you first loved me.

HOMESICKNESS OR JOY WHICH DO YOU PREFER?

I’m enjoying life here more and more… HONESTLY! I think some individuals think I’m lying when I say that, but I’m not! Most of the time I forget that my skin and background is different from the natives and at times I wonder if I was born to the wrong mother… as I feel like I was born to be here (all my life). It’s like discovering the last piece of a puzzle which fits and makes the entire picture come to life and becomes complete. That is my life here… thus far, and I can only hope that I will be married (in time) and even raise a family some where on this continent. Of course things can and may change in due time… but for now, I enjoy the PEACE, JOY and CONTENTMENT I have each and every day here in good old Zambia!

I must admit I did have my ‘first’ stream of (home sickness) tears while missing my mama so much on my big day, back in Jan. After I had nurtured a bleeding and injured child at our school, I couldn’t help but think of the many years that my own mother did the same for me… Year after year, time after time… and there I sat, a newly 27year old in this world, yet still craving that time, comfort, affection and love from my own mother who brought me into this world. The tears came for a short while, and in time I just re gained my composer and carried on with the rest of my day. None the less, I finally shed tears for nothing more than the ‘loss and void’ of my very own mama! So there you have it… the first sign of tears that were stirred up by nothing more than the VOID of my own flesh and blood.

Yes, I’m the baby of the family, and as most of you know, I’m proud of it! J

NIBBLE OR BIT EVERYTHING A RATS DELIGHT.

Rats have over taken Patrick’s house… my house, and even choice places in foreign lands.

You’ve heard me speak of ‘rats’ in the past, but rest assured they are not only in the past but the present and I’m sure they will make themselves apart of my future mud hut/home in the weeks to come.

While sitting in Patrick Mulae’s home (in Robert Compound) awhile back I nearly lost count of the ‘domestic people friendly rats’ that made themselves at home, and also didn’t (fear) the noise or smell of humans that were in their midst.

Running to and fro as though they were the CEO of the ‘rat’ world and they were trying to fight the fall of the world wide stock market plummet.

I came here fearing RATs first and foremost on the list either in the USA or here in Africa, and THAT was THAT! How ever as time passes I’ve taken note that even the rats aren’t overweight or over size… but rather small and more on the anorexia side of life…. J I still don’t find myself welcoming them with ‘open arm’s, and I’ve placed a request for my family to mail me some ‘moth balls’ for assistance with rats and other un welcomed rodents and insects in the easily acceptable mud building, I’ll be calling home.

Other nights that I’ve spent in the compound have allowed for times when I’ve heard and felt the rats nibbling at my fingers and toes looking for leftovers under the beds of my nails (another reason aside from massage to clip/cut my nails twice a week). Eeeek!!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Pray that I discover where the Lord wishes me to be in May… here, there or WHERE?

2. Pray: BG will have a successful Fund Raising Walk Feb 15 as money is really a new burden

3. Pray My Bemba language will increase each day

4. Pray that: Safety as I will be ’shifting/moving’ into my new home this weekend (LORD WILLING) Safety from those thieves, witch doctors etc…that they will not choose ME as a target.

5. Pray that: Those ‘millions’ that have lost their homes and crops in the Southern providence here in ZA from all the floods… and we still have another month or more of rainy season.

6. Pray that: The daily black outs won’t effect the lives of individuals, businesses and families hospitals, mines etc…There is a damn that needs repair and until that repair in completed there are four southern African countries that are suffering and loosing electricity nearly each day. As this isn’t a common concern the hospitals, mines and much more don’t even have a back up generator, so it has caused many deaths and accidents, to say the least.

**Welcome to SOME of the day to day cultural differences that I’ve encountered, have had, or are learning to deal with, live with and CHANGE!!! **

Cultural Differences

“Individualism” (i.e. USA): giving priority to one’s own goals and defining one’s identity in terms of personal attributes.

“Collectivism” (i.e AFRICA) giving priority to the goals of one’s groups and defining one’s identity in terms of group attributes.

Social Differences:

Collectivists tend to have fewer interpersonal relationships, but the one’s they have are typically stable and longer lasting.

In social situations, collectivists avoid blunt honesty, avoid sensitive issues, and exhibit a self-effacing humor as ways of preserving social harmony.

Collectivists are more likely than individualists to prejudge people based on group identity.

Individualists are more likely to prejudge people based on obvious personal attributes.

Differences in Child Rearing

Western culture attempts to develop the independence of the child by training them to think for themselves, and allow them to make their own choices in many areas.

Collectivistic cultures encourage the development of group identities by teaching communal sensitivity and cooperation, and advising the child on important matters.

Communicating in a foreign culture

For Individualists living in a collectivist culture:

Avoid confrontation and confrontational issues

Work on cultivating long-term relationships without expecting instant closeness.

Present oneself modestly  

Each cultural viewpoint has its own benefits and drawbacks

Western cultures: people enjoy more personal freedoms, take greater pride in individual accomplishments, enjoy more privacy, and live with more spontaneity than people in collectivist cultures. However, individuals in western culture are also suffer from more loneliness and depression, higher divorce and homicide rates, and are more vulnerable to stress related diseases.

SELF REVELATION

Psalms 106

Verse 8 “Even so he saved them –

to defend the honor of his name

and to demonstrate His mighty power”

Verse 45 “He remembered His covenant with them

And relented because of His

Unfailing love”

Before living in Africa I acknowledged my relationship with Christ but didn’t depend and rely on it 24/7. 

For example, I was just like a young kid with my mother.  I knew she taught me how to survive, warned me of dangers, and loved me no matter what.   But as soon as I had the chance to walk alone I did.  I wanted freedom and independence in each area of my life.  I wanted to test the water (of life) along with my own maturity and ability to make my own decisions.  And that I did, along with paying for the consequences that can with it.

It was the same with Christ.  As I was so willing to take his hand to help me stand up, I was more than ready to stand on my own two feet no matter the cost.

Yet others were wise and not so quick to stand on there own.  They where the ones who held their moms hands long and hard allowing Her wisdom and insight to guide them with ease and less mistakes along the way.  They didn’t need or desire the credit for their success in life, yet they desired safety to the ‘next’ stage in life.

Now I’m in Africa where I depend on God not just acknowledge Him.  My dreams and Visions aren’t mine but His (now). 

Even my money here, it’s not mine but His (as those He’s guided to donate have given from their own hearts).

My time isn’t mine, but the community I live in. 

I don’t own anything here, (aside from the clothes on my back). 

And even the air in my lungs – it’s All His!

He can give and take away.   And He’s taken all “I had” and replaced it with all He’s Sharing with me.

I can’t just hold His hand yet walk my own road because my eyes are His (to see the needs of those around me: spiritually, physically, & emotionally).  My ears aren’t mine to hear my own praise (like before) but His to hear His direction and the cries of His people.

My feet don’t know how to run (toward my own goals) but now they walk one step at a time beside my master, while learning (life lessons) each stop of the way.

My fingers don’t clutch to my personal possessions but instead they are gripping to His Truth, while flipping through the pages of His life shaping, life changing Red Lettered words.

Blessed Be His Name and not mine in a land that He created and designed for His purpose and may I continue to develop more of His characterizes as I die to my own selfish dreams and pursuits or desires.

THE TRUTH HURTS AT TIMES:

·        “20% of the world live on less than 1$ per day – 20% on 2$ a day – 20% more than 70$ a day – 40% are in between”

·        “2 billion kids live in the world… 50% of them live in poverty, ¼ of the kids go to work instead of school “

·        “30 Thousand die from preventable disease each day (only 3,000 died on Sept 11)”

… And we (in the USA) have given so much thought to the ‘victims’ of Sept 11… what about those that are dying around the world with no hope in sight?

·        “One-fifth of all global deaths from diarrhea occur in just three African countries — Congo, Ethiopia and Nigeria — that have relatively low H.I.V. prevalence. Yet this condition, which is not particularly difficult to cure or prevent, gets scant attention from the donors that invest nearly $1 billion annually on AIDS programs in those countries”

·        “If one were to ask the people of virtually any African village (outside some 10 countries devastated by AIDS) what their greatest concerns are, the answer would undoubtedly be the less sensational but more ubiquitous ravages of hunger, dirty water and environmental devastation.”

- AIDS is Real, it’s Alive, and it’s still a Pandemic in most Southern African countries.  Yet my own neighbors are dying here each day… from preventable diseases, not AIDS.  Yet America is mainly focusing on financial aid to the AIDS victims, not the rest of the population that suffer from less expensive, more curable illnesses.

** What are you doing to assist in the lives of those living in the world around us?**

Redefining Street Outreach

Since I last updated you in regards to the Street Boys, things have taken another turn, for the better and worse!

First of all, BG decided to take in (house) 4 young Street ‘men’ the last week of November.  We are housing each of them at our school.  Yes, they sleep on matrices on the floors of our classrooms and we’ve hired them for 7,000Kwacha per day for ‘Peace Work’, while providing food for them as well.   I’m sure some of you may think it’s a bit cruel to house anyone in an un secure, school room, yet for these boys it was a step up the ladder, not down.

Our hope is to start visiting a family member of each one (cousin, grandparent, sibling etc..) in the next few months to get a feel for their former ‘home lives’ or potentials to move ‘back’ with family. We also plan to start working on their NRC’s National Registration Cards, and assist them in a more stable reliable job for the future.  Again, for these boys it’s a step in the right direction and we’re eager to see how things pan out in time.

As for the ‘rest of the Street Crew… I MISS them! 

Beautiful Gate is in a financial crisis so our Street Outreach program has come to an end for the rest of the street boys. I’ve started to pay for the transport of myself and my social workers to go to the streets and find them ‘where they are’ and try to buy bread for them to eat at least once a week for nearly 30-40 others that I know, miss and care for SOOO MUCH!

Today is the first day in nearly 2 months that I’ve seen (most of them) as I went ‘to them’ on the streets, in the alleys, and in the corners of buildings where they sleep (until the rain runs them off, yet again)

Continue to pray for financial support for BG as the Street Outreach isn’t the only area that we’re in need.  Welcome to being an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) Voluntary donations only!

HOW OLD AM I NOW??

I’m another year older, but I’m not sure I’m another year wiser! J

“I’m not a kid any more… I’m not a kid anymore” I remember when my oldest brother turned 27… YEARS ago and I thought.. ‘WOW, he’s So old, and so close to 30, he may as well says he’s 30!”

Yep, it true, I’m creeping my way to the BIG 30… and still not married, childless, home’less (not owning a home), and still as Independent and sassy as ever! J

I choose to celebrate in a whole new way this year… as with so many other Holidays and special dates, Africa has brought a whole new way of celebrating.

I spent the night (before Jan 22) with my favorite and adopted African families home.  Agnos is a single mother to four children, all of whom call me ‘Nkashi/Sister’ and we all call Agnos our ‘Bamayo/Mother’.  We stayed up till nearly 24hour 12mid night just to the glow of one candle in the mud hut, they call home.  And laughter filled the hut and had the rats running to and from for hours on end (no lie)!

After sleeping in till 7am, I awoke to the singing of “Happy Birthday” in English, and red eyes “illness” and “bug bites” that could very well be infected/ diseased.

They informed me that they didn’t have money to buy me anything but they did have their ‘family’ to share with me, and smiles from all… even the youngest ‘Mercy 11months old’ who still screams when seeing the ‘white girl’, as though its her first time, every time.

By 7:30 I was to work, and by 11:00 I left work to spend the rest of the day with Agnos and Mac Donald my two best friends here in ZA.  What a blessing it was!!

By 12 we toured a new mud hut in Robert Compound that I placed a down payment on, and will be calling HOME in just two weeks.

I skipped Bemba class to indulge myself in some homemade muffin batter (my favorite treat), my favorite Dehydrated Soy Chili soup I made, and as the electricity failed yet AGAIN I had an early and restful night of sleep.

FROM RAGS TO RICHES… RATHER RICHES TO RAGS.

Some of you have commented on my ‘extravagant home’ that you’ve seen in videos and photos, so just for you I decided to change things up a bit, and I’ve taken life in Africa to a whole new level. 

Some would say it’s a step of FAITH.  Yet others will say it’s a step of STUPIDITY. 

The “Mission House” has been a safe haven that I’ve enjoyed calling home, yet the cost of rent was more than I could handle, so off I go form RICHES to RAGS….

I’ve made my down payment and paid in full the first three months for the new MUD HUT that I’ll call home in a matter of ONE week.. and counting! 

NO ELECTRICTY, NO WATER, NO GAS, or INDOOR PLUMMING of any kind.  Just mud walls, a metal roof, (with gaps all around) and an out house with my name on it.  A community shower (outside under the open sky) and I’ll be hulling water each morning for cooking, bathing, laundry and cleaning!  It’s like camping each and every day of my life.. with no end in sight.. J Of course I embrace not only the chance to be in a cheaper house, but also to live like a ‘REAL’ African (in some of your dictionaries)! Maybe I’m so excited because I’ll have my own four walls to call home, peace and quite each and every day (from the 3 year old in the Mission house) and a new adventure.  How ever I could be singing a whole new tune in a matter of a few weeks.. and it may not be as chipper and encouraging as the one you are reading currently! We’ll see.   I think the hardest part will be cooking each and every meal by coal.  It’s not cooking over coal that is the challenge, but the amount of time it takes to get the coal ‘lit’, not to mention the preparation time and then not having a fridge (again) to place food in and keep from spoiling before the day is up.  I’m sure I’ll loose weight in time… as meals won’t be as convenient or time allowing.

Candles will allow for early reading and evening tasks (sun is GONE by 7pm)

All in all I’m looking forward to hosting more sleepovers for the girls from BG school, Bible studies, and most of all hosting meals in my new home… All of which became an issue or obstacle in the “Mission House”.

So time will tell, as always.

You can be praying for my SAFTEY… as I’ll be living ALONE among a very un-educated population, to say the least.  I have total peace in this move (after a LOT of prayer thus far), but many others don’t have peace.  I’ve reminded them no matter WHERE I move, the thieves will seek me out above the rest, as I’m assumed to only own things of GREAT value.  So safety is a MUST.  My windows are little wooden shutters and no bars or other means of security measures at this point in time.  I’ll be keeping my ‘valuables’ at another sight for the first month or two… (just in case) and I’ll charge my phone, camera etc.. at work as I need it.

I’ll have photos soon! 

The move in date is scheduled for Feb 2!  So the count down in on! Now I’m not questioning why I brought a few mouse traps along with me… Although I may need to upgrade to RAT traps! … honestly!

A PARELLE OR PERPENDICULAR WORLD?

While bombing down a narrow dirt road, at velosal speeds, I was forced to surrender to a world wide truth that lay before my own eyes.

There I sat at 5:30Am on Christmas Day 2007 waiting for a bus to transport me from Dares Sallom Tanzania into the deep of Mozambique.  A twelve hour (+) ride in an oversized bus, yet still we were left with standing room only in the isles and laps of others.

We started down what seemed like a common road, but as the time passed we hit some major construction detours, and we were redirected to a new road or path rather.  This newly plowed, single lane dirt road ran parallel with the previous ‘paved’ road, yet one thing that provided peace of mind was the continual sight of our original road, under construction. 

We had two parallel roads with one destination.  Each road providing its own natural list of pro’s and con’s… With one you have many dips, and bumps making the bus throw mud along the front of many mud huts/homes that were just inches from the tires themselves. We had slower speeds and dust clouds swirling their way through each open window. (cough cough!!) The other providing faster speeds, little to not teeth shattering bums, yet radiation form the pavement bellow (as it absorbs every ray of sunshine) which was only raising the heat index with in the bus with each passing second, yet it was the quickest and most reliable road to our destination, aside from the detour.

One Kilometer after another gave me time to reflect on how this story also portrays and is a parallel to  the world we live in.

America being the first ’smooth speedy road.’ Those on it seem to smoke right past the rest.  Their enriched dreams and goals of many seem to come to pass in no time. While Africa (or most other culture) being the single dirt path.  Slower speeds, casual time tables (no hurry), and dreams that seem to be de-railed by the bumps in life more times than not.

All of us thinking our (con’s ‘rough times) in life out weight the (pro’s pleasing times) at one time or another. We all find ourselves keeping our eyes on the ‘other side’ to see if that side of the ‘fence is greener’?  Trying to figure out which road will allow us more ‘happiness’ in the end. 

Each of us hold different cultural, traditions, dreams and abilities in our finger tips.   Yet we are asking ourselves the same main questions. 

What on earth on I here for? or What purpose do I have to live? 

More than most of us will seek a god while trying to make head or tails from the life that keeps passing them by.

Yet others seem to accept the highs and lows to whatever side of life they live on or road they travel on.  They juggle the burdens of life and the tasks at hand with such ease and “peace”.  All of this is because their eyes are on the one who holds the whole world in His hands.  The God of Heaven and Earth, fish, and birds.  For “His eye is on the sparrow”, His love never lets go, and His Spirit is ever guiding and directing.

He is the reason we live.

His glory is our purpose.

He is not only the reason for THIS (Christmas Day) season but the Reason you and I are alive.

So which road will you choose? Which road are you on.  You may think both roads are leading the same direction.  But one can be very misleading. bumpy and leave you stranded in the end.  While the other isn’t a guaranteed ‘joy ride’ day after day, it’s a eternal guarantee instead.

PRAYER PARTNERS:

1.        Brother in Law Cory was in a horrible automobile accident this week, head trauma and 2+hours of stitching him up, as the wounds were so deep.  So far he God has allowed him no long term damage, just extra rest and recovering, Praise the Lord.

2.      Nephew Calvin’s medical conditions

-         “Based on his last batch of blood work, there are some fundamental “markers” that all ALPS patients have, but Calvin does not.  He has never seen an ALPS patient that does not have these 2 particular markers.  He does definitely have ALPS, but once again, they are not sure how to handle him because this is a brand new scenario.  He said it could be a good thing, or it could be a bad thing.  They are sending his blood up to another specialist in New York to review.”

3.      Safety & Security as I moved out on my own into a “compound” Feb 2.

4.     Finances with Beautiful Gate… Tax deductible donations are possible this year for BG and myself via YWAM in Texas, however I’ve not been able to contact the man in TX for the info.

1. Patience with the lack of communication here among the BG Management, I feel very frustrated and aggravated, and need more patience to deal with the personalities here as this could be a LONG 2 years at the rate its going. 
2. Continued JOY and HEALTH and CONTEMENT being here in ZA… as I’m still honestly enjoying my life and all it brings, minus the lack of communication.
3. The RAIN to slow down.  We’ve had an un usual high volume of Infula/Rain this year and we’re having flooding in the south, Thousands are homeless as the rain destroyed ‘mud huts’ and crops.  Our President declared a National Emergency and even our Capital city Lusaka is having horrible flooding… We’re all ‘under’ water, some more than others.
4. My Bemba Language school – I’ll keep progressing and not digressing each day

2008 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

SPIRITUAL:

1. Read through the Bible
2. Read 1 hour each night
3. Cooperate Prayer w/ Anita, Davis, and or Mac Donald each day
4. 1 hour of solitude each morning
5. Hosting a Bible study in Robert Compound weekly
6. Fast & Pray on Fridays for the Street Boys

PERSONAL/ PHYSICAL:

1. Run the Marathon in Livingston  August
2. Travel to: Botswana, Namibia, & Kenya
3. Stay healthy
4. Speak fluent Bemba

CHARACTER:

1. Mercy
2. Humility
3. Kindness (Always) greeting others first with a smile, even when annoyed!

STEWARDSHIP: (Saturdays)

1. Visit Cowama Street Boys home 1X a month
2. Visit Sarah Rose Orphanage 1X a month
3. Visit women with children in Prison 1x a month
4. Visit Rosa Rose Street Girls Home 1X a month
5. Sleep in Robert Compound weekly and live among those I’m trying to reach, just becoming one of them, and not the ” superior Rich white girl”

10 THINGS TO DO WHILE IN ZAMBIA:

1. Kill a Chicken start to finish
2. Work on the farm in the Southern Providence (run the cattle and plow)
3. Cook Nsheema, and three relish dishes (on my own)
4. Sleep or stay all night with street boys on the street (with MacD and Davis)
5. Learn to play Chess (as so many play it daily)
6. Carry water on my head (with out holding it…)
7. Take up a craft: broom making, knitting, basket weaving, rugs etc…??!
8. Conduct a mini bus for the day or ‘hour’ (collecting the money from each passenger while ‘knocking on the metal’ for the driver to know when to stop… My dream!
9. Ride a bike with Charcoal stacked high
10. Speak ONLY Bemba

Keisha’s Latest International Adventure Log TANZANIA, MOZAMBIQUE, & MALAWI Jan 2008 I kept a daily journal but have only selected specific excerpts to share with each of you… who choose to read them! J So grab yourself a chair, sit back, and enjoy the journey that I’m about to take you on… Ready or not … Here we go!  TANZANIA:The trip itself stared on Dec 17, 07.  I joined Karen, Angela, Deb, and Suz (all other USA volunteers residing in different regions of Zambia).  Angela did most if not all of the planning and the rest of us were just along for the journey that she had prepared for each of us. Being white skinned we found ourselves swarmed by taxi drivers begging for our business as soon as we disembarked our bus.  Finally the deal was made and 10min later we arrive at a very modern shopping center in Lusaka, the State Capital.  While waiting for Karen’s missionary friends to pick us up, she spotted her friend Mike from (Colorado).  He attended & completed the same mission training school that she took part in.  Come to find out I had been on a blind date with him in CA three years earlier.  Mike joined my friend Lisa and I for a last minute breakfast and came joined our fig picking excursion (an outing that Lisa and I had already planned).  As much as I assumed that was the end to ‘Mike’ … here I am in Zambia running into him yet again, only to find that he too lives here and will be here long term.  Can some one say “Amen” to the fact that it’s a “Small world after all”? Who’d have thought it? By 6:30 that evening we enjoyed homemade chicken chili and corn muffins.  Followed later with choc. Chip cookies and hot tea… even foot massaged for the females in the house. What a refreshment it was to be with this missionary couple and their children.  I considered them a ‘normal’ missionary family that loved God and were simply servants.  I can only hope that our paths will cross again in the future.  Dec 18^thBy 12:30 we (Karen & I) met Angela (peace corp.) Suz (volunteer at woman’s center), Deb (peace corp.) and all five of us were ready to embark on a new journey with new friends as each of us were either meeting for the ‘first time’ or maybe second or third time for a few of us.  Not only were we new to each other, but our path that lay before us was also ‘new’. Our bus was over sold so we located another bus going up north.  After some delays on the bus we had missed our train, and were forced to hire a taxi to chase the train to the next town/train stop, driving 140KMH (FAST).  We made it by the ‘skin of our teeth’ even through the rain and wet roads.  There were times we thought we wouldn’t make it to see the next minute of life, but God prevailed and we lived to tell the story. The train was spacious as we had our own car with 6 beds that hung from the walls, like a submarines or battle ships have… (At least those I’ve toured have had). The only UN expected moments on the train, were times when a few random strangers opened the door from one night to the next, for what reason, I do not know.  We shooed them away and they left us in peace to lay our heads back down and be rocked back to a sleeping slumber by the motion of the train. I spotted some mango and bought a 5 Gallon bucket of from the local villagers at one of our train stop.  Believe it of not I ate ALL 5 Gallons (minus 10 small ones) by myself in two days.  Not only do I LOVE mangos but I was hoping my colon would love them more. That was only the beginning to my constant need and craving to buy ‘cheap’ mangos along the way and even now that I’m home.  My fellow colleges couldn’t believe that I was able to consume such an abundance of fruit from one day to the next, but I managed then, and have continued the tradition! Every stop (nearly) the train made was packed with local villagers selling drinks, food and fresh fruit.  They walk along the train cars with a selection of goods to be bought, and if you were interested you’d just pass the money down (through the window) and they’d pass the ‘goods’ up through the window.  This is also the means for buying on the (busses) as well.  There is never enough time for each passenger to get off and on within a timely manor, so this has become the solution for hungry bellies and financially deprived villages along the way. The kids at each stop would either beg for money and food, or be cute as can be and pose for our cameras.   Dec 20, We were given sheets, blankets, and pillows in the beginning of our train ride which we’d finally turned back in as we’d arrived Dar later today.  They smelled of urine and mildew from day one, but we were more than thankful and willing to use them. You do what you gott’a do! The train took us through the largest game park/wildlife preserve in Africa and we were fortunate to spot: giraffes, baboons, impalas, warthogs, zebra, birds of all kind (big and small) and even wildabeasts. It was a fun and exciting time for all.  We were just like kids at a candy store.  Our eyes were wide open, smiles from ear to ear all eager with hopes of finding or spotting another wild animal among our “free” African safari. Already we’ve noticed how advanced Tanzania (TZ) is compared to ZA. The agriculture, climate, housing structures, etc…I’m sure most of this has to do with a strong 95% Muslim influence.  They aren’t ones to sit around and let things fall apart, but rather they’re proactive in their personal and occupational lives.  It was showing time and time again as each village seemed better than the next.  Finally after 1 ¾ days on the train we’re here!  Our first stop! By 1pm we had arrived in Dar es Sallem.  Ready to de board the train I took one last video of our nasty squat pot (toilet) as it was something to not be forgotten. Upon arrival we were informed it was an Islamic 4 day holiday of which (most) locals 95% of TZ are Muslims.  The holiday meant the ferry we needed only ran 1X a day which we missed by 1 ½ hours… Ahhh!!  The journey was un winding before our eyes and taking us in directions that we didn’t plan to go.  All we could do was roll with it, and see where today would take us. After a quick yet horrible money exchange we were taxied to the airport for a 5:45pm (30min) flight to Zanzibar. We boarded on time but quickly observed we were missing an entire seat (for me who was last to board) I joked about flying jump seat (on a 13 passenger plane) and ended up riding in the First Officers seat while bumping him out and I flew up front the entire flight. The pilot and I just chit chatted the entire way and enjoyed the company and conversation of each other. I’m sure the other passengers didn’t appreciate all the conversations as they may have thought his attention needed to be more on flying and less on talking… Who’d have thought.. I’d become an FO without my multi engine rating! J Our “Narrow Street Back Packer/Hostel” picked us up from the Zanzibar airport and off we went to Stone Town.  (the less touristy, historical and civilized side of the island.)  Our hostel was owned and operated by Muslims so our rooms were filled with antique Islamic custom crafted furniture.  It was so unique and added to this cross cultural experience.  Oh, I almost forgot! Prior to our official arrival to our hostel, we had to wind our way through many narrow alleys.  And after turning our last corner, we were met by 3-5 young Arab boys ages 6-8sh with large air soft hand guns in hand.  And not one of them hesitated to shoot at us (w/out ammunition).  It felt like a movie, but became funny, yet scary in the reality of the moment… What a WELCOME we received from them! I guess we owe George W. for this little ‘mis-hap’!Following our quick showers to freshen up (4 days in the same outfit) we took off to a night market for an abundant selection of fresh fish and sea food accompanied by a pleasant Arabic atmosphere and crafts. I must say it was the most removed (from the U.S.) I’d felt in any foreign country.  There wasn’t really any part of me that felt like I (fit in).  It was a unique atmosphere and one that I’m not sure I can paint for you in words.  We were safe, and we knew it, yet it was as though we’d jumped into an Islamic movie and they couldn’t see us there.  We were able to taste and smell the life that they were living, yet we were not really welcomed or spoken to unless it was from the vendors we were buying from.  Maybe this is all due to my life in ZA.  There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not ran after by one or many small children as though I’m a movie star.  You’d think that after all this time, and walking the same paths each day, that (I’d) be ‘old’ news to them, but that isn’t the case.  They still jump and scream “Musungu, Musungu (white person) HOW ARE YOU?” over and over and over…I can’t say I expected that tone to be set on the Island of Zanzibar, yet I also didn’t expect such a silent ‘treatment’ either.  Dec 21, 07 Snap, snap! We tried to capture the depth of the extreme cultural divide from ZA to TZ.  We’d been submerged in An Arabic culture.  One that was vastly different from where we’d come from either in the U.S. or ZA.  I must say it’s got to be the closest I’ve come to experiencing my ‘dream’ trip to Morocco (some day)… and it was one that is still drawing me in. Our first item on our agenda was a Spice Tour.  Our driver took us to the highest point on the island (a couple hundred feet above sea level).  Zanzibar is a collection of coral reefs, not volcanic ash or debris, so it’s a fairly flat island. Zanzibar grows and exports a large portion of herbs and spices all over the world.  Some of them include: lemon grass, cinnamon, cloves, gingers, nutmeg, pepper and so much more.  We had a great guide that taught us many home remedies and also details of the harvest for each ‘spice’.  I enjoyed the education on cloves the most.  I was taught that cloves can help with tooth aches and potent cloves can assist with bowl cleansing, so I bought some for the road to give it a try…J TMI Young boys were following along and they wove us detailed frogs, rings, bracelets, and more just from the tall reeds and grass that grew wild.  I wish our treasured jewels would have lasted longer, but the grass was turning brown and my pack destroyed them during our mobilization.  We tipped the boys for their handy dandy skills. The slave cave was a deep pit carved from the coral where slaves were hidden at night and kept for trading.  150 -300 at a time. They climbed in and out by way of a rope and many died through out the years of this tradition. Around 4:30 that same after noon, we arrived a new side of the island.  One that is known by all the tourist.  Paje is the name, and our resort offered Bungalows with thatch roofs, sand floors, etc.  It was rustic, yet very nice and a real ‘get a way’. The sand on the beach felt like flour under your feet, and it was almost as white as flour itself.  The warm blue Indian Ocean cast wave after wave crashing on the shore, reminding of of the power of our Lord and Savior through His creation.  Palm branches would wave in the gentle breeze and rustle in the night as we’d rest our weary eyes. Paradise I tell you, simply paradise! You really couldn’t have painted me a more peaceful photo if you tired. Priceless!  December 23, 07Jambo – “Hello” A Kuna Matada – “Don’t Worry” Common Swahili phrases that we used each day while in TZ I sat near the water today for devotions then enjoyed speaking to a few local fishermen.  Had I only got out of bed a bit earlier the day prior, I could have gone out on the dowels (small wooden boats) and gone fishing with them. (The old fashion way) How ever today we’d be departing before they’d return. Bummer! Maybe next time!The stillness of the morning and quietness was so refreshing, and such a blessing!While sitting in a hammock and enjoying another book I kept my eyes on an elderly local villager that was gathering seaweed from the shore.  It’s tradition for the local villager to plant it out in the shallow water and harvest it to sell for multiple uses.  As you placed your eyes upon the horizon you could see their Islamic vales and long flowing dresses being blown in the cool morning breeze, before being saturated by the salty water as they walked out deeper and deeper into the water to harvest another crop.  Our ferry boat departed Zanzibar on time and placed us safely back in Dar once again.  A middle aged (odd ball) man didn’t give up on us once we arrived in Dar again.  He followed us past all the other taxi drivers (we were ignoring) past the boat crew and out into the the street.  We were a bit annoyed, yet gave him a chance to help us, after seeing that he may be odd, but he also knows just who we’re looking for. He directed us to an older very professional travel sales man who not only assisted us with bus tickets to Moz, but also informed us where the Moz. Embassy was (as we prayed it would be open Christmas Eve).  You’re required by Moz. to receive your VISA prior to coming into the country, so we’d have no choice but to wait the holiday out (if we had to), or re-direct our path (Kenya). To top off our wonderful and well educated travel agent he drove us to several back packers lodges until we found one that was with in our budget. (Rats and all) Cheap Cheap, and the rats were free of charge! This side of Dar was as pleasant and safe as any big city could be. The buildings were a bit run down, yet some of them are small “sky rises”, and the best part about this town… the men don’t stalk and follow you while hissing or making kissing noises in hopes of getting your attention.  December 24, 2007On foot we went off the the Moz. Embassy.  Crossing our fingers, and praying as much as one could… we were tickled pink to see that they didn’t consider Christmas Eve to be a goverment holiday.  They were OPEN… and we were thankful for the Muslim influence and lack of Christmas celebration. They requested that we needed two passport photos and you’d think by now I’d know how to travel and have extras on me – but no! I left 6 extras at home in ZA in my file (on accident) and had to pay 8,000 shillings for four more photos.  Some kid named John had a small business (if you can call it that) on the side of the road.  He had nothing more than a ‘bag’ and that was all he needed.  The camera was a Polaroid, and a friend of his held up a small white sheet and in 3 minutes Karen and I had what we needed to complete our Moz. VISA process. While four of us enjoyed the cheapest internet café on the contentment (thus far) Angela scouted out an amazing café/restaurant across the street.  We joined her for the climate and good food after taking care of business on line.  I ordered my first ever cheeseburger topped with: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pineapple, onion, real cheese (cheese in ZA is pricy and not ‘real’ compared to what we have in the US, so this was a treat), and a real bun!  Plus French fries and a small spicy coleslaw salad on the side.  YUM YUM… Happy Christmas Eve!! It was brought to my attention that massage was common here in TZ, so off I went to explore the town on my own little rabbit trail in hopes of finding something cheap and enjoyable. No luck! Oh well! At least I tried! During our trek back to our room, we found an ‘African Santa Claus’ skinny, dark skin and all, who made me pay him for a photo, but not on his lap! The Coke a Cola band was also playing one great Christian praise song after another nearby.  I’m not sure why, or what for, but we enjoyed the time of worship and talent that each one of them had. Today was HOT and HUMMID to say the least.. So as soon as we arrived back to our ‘room’ I jumped into the dirty shower and reminded myself that the water had to be cleaner than I was… and just accepted it as that! Near 6pm we joined a Pentecostal church across the street for a Christmas Eve service.  We sang Silent Night in an arega (sp) style, and fast.  I can’t say I’ve ever heard that re-mix of the song, but welcome to a new land and a new ‘beat’. Even the preacher had an English translator for us.  He preached out of Luke 2 (the birth of Christ). It wasn’t our typical Christmas Eve service, but one to remember for its uniqueness. December 25, 2007 Merry ChristmasUp before 4am to catch a taxi to our bus. He was a few minutes late, however, we still sat for over an hour in a half waiting for our bus. I was about to have an accident, with out a toilet in site so I finally approached the taxi driver, at last, he found ‘hole’ in the wall shady spot to drop my drawers and quickly squat and go. Go figure after all that waiting in the car all morning I walked out to find myself running to our bus that came in the 5 minute period that I was gone. With few seats to spare on the bus, I took the first seat I saw. Front row isle.  All I can say for myself is “Mistake”. That is the one seat that everyone else passes by and cuts the corner to reach the steps. So I was trampled on time and time again! My Arab neighbor lady and son kept to themselves the first half of the trip… then she crossed the line time and time again, only pushing me further into the isle to be rubbed and bumped into by all who passed. Deb and Karen sat near the middle.  They had a group of men having a ‘shouting’ match all around them for the first 2 hours. Who knows what it was all about (Swahili) but what I do know is it was really heated from time to time. Our first restroom break was in the middle of no where, jungle all around and NO sign of civilization, just bushes and tall grass.  Every one was squatting or aiming in one large cluster and “fast fast” as the bus took off with out much warning. Karen and I went running and made it on in time… how awkward and un expected that was! Ten or more individuals had standing seats only.  And our bags wouldn’t fit beneath in the Cargo so they were in the isle for all to stomp, stand, and walk all over! We were also charged double!! The nice friendly travel agent we’d met the day before was not only friendly, but a theft! He charged us double for our tickets, but it was too late to do one thing about it. Seven hours later we made it to Matwara, near the boarder of MOZ, or so we thought! Angela was sitting in the last row and got shot up and down on our last couple large bumps/hills/ boulders that the bus hit at a high speed.  Her body got stuck in a “compactor” as her spine was damaged and she wasn’t able to sit proper or walk normal (the rest of the trip).A local guy by the name of Nicolas noticed Angela was walking with trouble and he took it upon himself to get her some ‘good’ medicine and cold water.  He was sent from heaven and wouldn’t accept money for any of it. He was just like the original Old St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) He only came to do good, and didn’t want the credit for it.  Deb and Karen went out in search of our Christmas dinner… I requested Mangos and Pineapple; we also had old rubbery fried chicken and fries. Merry Christmas to us! MOZAMBIQUEDecember 26, 2007Angela was ‘well enough’ to move on. So to the border we went. Karen, Deb and myself stood in the back of a pick up with 21 others (men, women and children). Many of them were being picked up and dropped off along the way. Ahh… Moz was now in sight.  We had two options at this point.  A not so sturdy wooden motor boat or a really shady wooden bamboo push canoe.  The motor boat salesmen were charging us too much so we accepted the cheap offer of the bamboo ‘push canoe’.  In went our bags, along with us and the two owners. The wood frame wasn’t very buoyant and the slightest move or shift in the wind put us in harms way of tipping.  We didn’t have a single water proof bag and we were moving as slow as a slug.  One boy pushed with a bamboo stick to move us along, and the boys’ job was to constantly dish the water (collecting in the bottom) out in the river where it belonged.  ONLY in Africa would this be legal and a choice of transport from one border to the next. As the waves rose both outside and inside the wooden boat our shore line was in sight. I couldn’t have found this leg of the trip more adventurous, and I even choose to snack on a few mangos and some pineapple as there wasn’t anything I could do to assist in getting us to shore dry, out side of sitting really still. On shore we had to trek through a very narrow path through the bush and along the shore line until we came upon a red pick up and large group of guys.  The little red truck was our transport to Immigration and to the next town.  He requested 25,000 shillings… Ahh!! I told him I’d give it to him once we arrived… but he wouldn’t move until I paid. I lost that one! After Immigration we loaded back onto the pick up after adding a few new passengers to the load.  Our extra luggage and passengers didn’t allow for space ‘In’ the bed of the pick up itself, but rather ‘on top of’ it.  While we were stopped, we didn’t put much thought into it, but once we took off we felt very top heavy and realized there wasn’t much to hold onto by will or force.  Bumps and divots were hit at high rates of speed as our driver was drunk.  We’d been warned by the Immigration officer that he was a “dangerous man” yet we had no choice but to continue with the little red truck.  Not only did the driver drain our cash flow but he could be the ONLY transport for days to come.  The route that Angela had chosen was through the bush on un-marked and un-paved roads.  It was and is rarely traveled yet it was our route of choice and there was no going back now.  (Most tourist FLY!) We just prayed with every air born crater we hit that we’d all follow the rule of gravity, what goes up,  must come down and we prayed we’d come down just were we started and not an inch different in any direction or we’d be dead – literally! We all did our part in holding each other on – some ‘held’ more than others, but in times like that staying alive means more than the placement of some ones hands. What can I say… You win some, you loose some! After 3 hours or so we came across a flooded field/road. All under the submersion of water and no hope in sight! The driver and two conductors jumped off to evaluate the scene. The rest of us were instructed to disembark and we found out own path through the yucky muck.  While 4 young men, and one ‘old’ man worked on getting the little red truck through. First attempt… STUCK!!! (Tire deep). They worked and worked, I prayed, took video and photos.  And just as I had my own shoes off ready to help drive, so the ‘driver’ could help push etc… They got it!!! Hip Hip Hooray! If I’ve only learned one thing while living in Africa thus far it’s been to NEVER EVER under estimate the talent of any African and their ability to troubleshoot any situation.  Even when they have not one tool, prop, or assistance to (solve) the (problem) at hand, they can make something out of it.  Infact I think most of I swear Africa is held together with ‘rubbers’ (tire shreds). So once again we were on the road again! Over 5 hours later we’d survived the intense sun (near the equator), mud, dust, earth shattering bumps, sprinkles of rain with more storms in sight, potty stops in the bush, tree limbs hitting us in the head and nearly taking out all our our freight stacked high on top on the hood, mud puddles splashing, even the fear of being crossed by the many elephants or other African wild life living in the jungles that engulfed us. It was a WILD! It was air raising!It was AFRICA at It’s Best! It was worth the over payment! By 17hours (5pm) we were dropped out side a shady guest house in the town of Mocimba De Pri.  The joy ride of a lifetime had finally come to an end. Now it was time to un pack our belongings in another new room.  This time the room was without electricity, running water or screens on the windows.  One thing I’ve leaned in Moz up till now is the locals like Gin and Cigarettes!! After searching and finding the black market money exchangers (only option) and bread to buy, but no water was found. We made our way back to the room by dark. It was a LONG day – to say the least and our next bus comes to pick up by 4am so it was early to bed and will be early to rise, yet again!  December 27, 2007 Alarms rang by 3:30 and outside our guesthouse we waited for our bus to Pemba. The sun snuck through the darkness by 4:15-30 while we were still waiting. As the minutes ticked by on the clock many more individuals found there way to the same bus stop.  Quickly we were becoming out numbered by the locals and by the ‘hundreds’ or so it felt! The other locals that were there were the local drunks that were sucking the life out of the gin bottles and cigarettes. They were still going strong from the night before and I’m not sure how they were still standing up right? The over sized travel bus, legally holds 48 passengers, but since this is the only bus going South toward Pemba for 2 days they didn’t deny any one as a passanger. We were more than double booked. Nearly 100 standing or sitting in the isles. It reeked of cabbage, but I’d rather that compared to the body odor of some of these Africans. I sat by a woman and her 3 year old daughter who threw up on me not once, twice but FOUR times!  All over my front, down my shirt, on my skirt and skin.  She also passed out several times along with some of the other elderly folks along the way, all from heat exhaustion.  And with each stop we added more souls to the nightmare that didn’t seem to end. Karen only had Angela’s backpacks as a seat and Deb had four people sitting or leaning or laying on her from all angles. It was OUT OF CONTROL!!! And that has to be the greatest under statement of this trip. Our driver couldn’t accelerate past 20KMP due to the debris and destroyed roads, in additions to the weight limit, the shocks, tires and bus frame were holding.  It was no surprise when we blew the time not just once, but several times. Which held us up for a long period of time in a small village.  A village that only sold Gin, cigarettes, and cashews. No water or fruit! I sat near the road for a time flagging all the “canters” /flat beds down to see if we could hitch a ride to Pemba… No Luck! On the road once again… more people, more heat, slower speeds (which would have been possible to walk faster than the bus itself) it was beyond the movies and Shendlers List couldn’t hold a candle to this torture. Ahhhh!! There was a point in time the heat and mental obstacles got the best of me.  I was dehydrated and caught myself shouting “Help Me” to a few locals’ villagers passing the road near by.  Of course English doesn’t mean a thing to any one in this country, but it felt good to know that I had tried! Never say Never… or so they say. Just one day before this trip I told my companions that I couldn’t live in this culture with kids of my own because it would require sooner than later a long bus ride a child on my lap for hours on end. Go figure I had one on my lap all ay long through the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Go Figure!! A sign of relief came once another pit stop came and tire check.  Deb spotted a Musungu (white man) in a nearly by land rover.  So I ran in hopes of hitches us a ride to Pemba.  Much to my surprise it wasn’t a figmant of my imagination and we hitched another ride to Pemba. 2 hours in the Land Rover with A/C and a deep sound nap for me. Who knows how much longer it would have taken us on the bus… We made it to Pemba just before the sun set and caught a taxi ‘Russles Place’.  A back packers ‘tent’ hostel on the beach.  At last we had made it and we were ready to call it a day!  December 28, 2007Rest at last.  Almost 14 hour of on and off sleep because the humidity and sweat woke me up all night.  I woke up as wet as I ended up in the sun during the peak hours of the day. By lunch I made a bed on the beach and fell asleep with SPF on, of course.  The intensity of the sun is much different here than down in ZA.  Karen was above me in the shade reading – when she was mugged.  Three young guys came up behind her, covered her mouth, told her to “be quiet” while the other 2 took her purse and ran.  After working his fingers loose from her mouth, she screamed my name, they ran, and we went straight to the Lord in prayer.  By the time we went up the hill and I started running after them, they (2 of them) came back with the purse and threw it back at us… after only stealing her local currency and leaving her passport, credit cards, work permit and other currency.  PRAISE be to God!! December 29, 2007We were one of the first ones to board the bus today so we all choose our seats (window) seats for the hope of a ‘breeze’ at some point in the journey.  We departed on time and were on the road by 5am. While passing through town in the darkness of the (night) we not only passed several large parties (old and young, come one come all). Who knows why or for what occasion but none the less it’s proven yet again that the general population thus far in Moz love to party and party hard at that. We picked a few more ‘bodies’ on the bus along the way and even more once we left the Pemba City limits.  Farewell Pemba, Moz. 10 hours we sat (w/out disembarking for a potty break). On another over crowded travel bus.  It was all I could do to keep my sanity once again. Ahhhhhhh!! :O No kids on my lap today, but in some ways I think that could have helped.  It gave me a reason to (function) as my motherly instincts would have been required and appreciated. At last, we stepped off our bus in Ncala, Moz, on the coast.  Once again God provided another miracle as an older Musungu pulled up and offered a free ride to a back packers lodge.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow, yet again! I was out of currency after paying my bill from the night before so our second new English speaking friend (Michael) went on a hunt for his friends who could/would exchange our shillings on the ‘black market’ Due to the darkness and time my colleges went up to shower as they’d already eaten.  I took a seat next door at a local Waffle House type dive and I ordered an egg sandwich.  But before I knew it some old (rough on the edges) man who looked like he came straight from Portugal sat beside me to shoot the breeze.  He was drunk so once my food came I pointed him back to the bar, where he began and he serenaded (sp) me in an opera tune.  Not bad singing I must admit and he kept telling me over and over how much he loved me… Yuck!!He came back and offered to pay my bill.  I asked about his wife and kids, church and eternal destination.  I tried to witness to him, but could only do so much before it was just time for me to retire to my own room and escape this Looney man. No alarm was set for once… sleeping in!  December 30, 2007 Michael our (translator) lead the way to a local near by Catholic Protégés speaking church.  Karen and I were a bit late but found room by the door in the back to stand and watch 3 girls and 2 boys enjoy their first communion.  Reluctant to ride another ‘bus’ we weren’t as miserable as we had been in the past.  Today we were blessed with more fresh air than we knew what to do with, even though we were smashed like sardines. Goodbye Ncala… 3-4 hours passed and poof… we had made it! Nampula is the 3^rd largest city in Moz.  Again, GOD took care of us as some one on the bus spoke English and escorted us to a guest house and the train station which would be our next form of transport on Tue to Malawi. We walked around town, found a small dive to eat, and even rommed the night market looking for fresh fruit and veggies.  I also treated myself and bought 2 snickers candy bars and 10 apples.  We all played Spades until 10pm and took a shower (gross shower) before heading to bed to the sound of the club music next door.  You’d have thought it was New Years already!  December 31, 2007 Near 11 am Angela and Deb came back to inform us they found a Shop rite, coffee shop, and small market.  What a relief to know that the familiarity and convienece of Shop Rite had returned. Hers where the day took a new and UN expected twist.  The gate leading to the train (where we needed to buy tickets) held a sign in Protégés informing us the train was canceled till Wed…3 days later for the holiday… Ahhhhhhhh :O Deb and Karen flagged down a taxi and headed straight to the airport to check out flights.  We were already expected to be home to ZA by now… and we were desperate to get the heck out of Moz. I ran to the bus station searching for ANY transport (New Years Day – following day)We all came up empty handed. Angela and myself made party hats and homemade confetti from paper (no glue or tape) using her eye shadow to write our name on each hat. She bought snacks and we were determined to celebrate New Years and enjoy the day/night regardless of the ‘bad’ news. I really wanted a shower before hitting the hay (long before the ‘ball’ dropped) but the cockroach infested; sewage leaking bathroom had the water turned off… L Happy New Years!  January 01, 2008 New Years DAY! Up by 6:30 to the sound of a train whistle… Could it be? The one we needed? Out of bed we jumped and packed our bags and went running. Only to learn that it was not ‘our’ train but rather a freight train.  We thought of hitching on the train, but again it was moving the wrong direction. Err…. An hour later we found ourselves walking (on foot) to the outskirts of Nampula, Moz.  Two hours passed and we were still trying to ‘hitch’ when 2 Asian men invited us along and away we all went.  Angela got the VIP seat in the cab (her back was still paining) and the rest of us were situated in the back of the pick up. 80 KM later we found ourselves sitting along another road, in a small African village.  The crowd was growing and all eyes that encircled us (30 -50 of them) were all on us. I’m sue it was the first time e since civilization began that they witnessed 4 musungus’ girls stopping in town with out any idea on how they’d depart their town/community. You just had to laugh! At last, I flagged down a Mercedes SUV.  Who’d have thought it? Not me! A sweet older RICH South African couple drove all the way to TZ and now they were driving back home and just so happened to be on the same road we needed. Elton John and Big Band music soothed our ears and minds.  We had found hope once again! As the air conditioning cooled us and comforted our body. Who could ask for more? Hours upon hours later we were dropped in another Moz town.  We bought produce at the night market and played spades until 10pm when we all crashed.  2 per twin bed, head to food.  Tight quarters but we all managed.  January 2, 2008Today was our first Long Distance Mini Bus ride.  The mini bus was with out shocks, and the trunk had a 6” gap in it as they wired it shut.  When you don’t think transport could get any worse it does… The roads were washed away by rain, so they were full of bumps and huge pot holes that couldn’t be avoided.  Not to mention that each one of us in the mini bus had layers of dirt on us from the trunk and windows.  You could see the dirt collecting on each of us.  Somebody get me OUT of this county… FAST!!! At last the Malawi border was with in our sight.  The transport here was bicycles.  A swarm of men came running toward us hoping we’d pay them to carry our luggage and bodies the last 2KM to the border.  We didn’t have money and they wouldn’t budge on a ‘free’ ride.  So off we went on foot, once again. I was able to hitch a flat bed for the last KM, as Ang was still in pain from her back and the rest of us were just ready to get there. GOODBYE MOZAMBIQUE….I pray we never meet again. My summary of Moz is this:  They chug Gin, inhale smoke, never try to help, hate you for not knowing Protégés, and always charge you (white) much more. Err!! Now I know!  MALAWIMalawi is breath taking and eye candy if I’ve ever seen some.  Huge lush mountains, brilliant shades of green, no trash, FRIENDLY and HELPFUL non- cheating, honest folks.  You couldn’t ask for more. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” Our border town of choice was Blantire.  It’s known for Mt. Mulanje and its tea plantations.  It’s like the Napa Valley of Malawi. Malawi welcomes us… and we welcome Malawi!! We hit the jack pot on our backpacker’s guest house this time.  Not only was it cheap, but they had a swimming pool, pool table, reasonable cheap restaurant, and HOT showers, nice atmosphere and endless internet… Co-ed dorms to sleep in and co ed bathrooms.  SOLD!!!  January 3, 2008Another early start, on another mini bus. Aaahhh… could I get another Horrible seat if I tried? Karen and I got the lucky (protruding metal) UN stable seats with out an open window. Our bums will never be the same!! We endured it and in 3 hours arrived. We were barley in Malawi 24 hours, yet it was worth every second we spent there.  I WILL BE BACK!All aboard! Two more busses and we’d be home.  Our seat assignments were a joke.  I had 5 people in a 3 seat space.  Imagine 5 people sitting in 3 seats on an airplane.. It’s the same thing.  Small seats, no leg room, no arm rests, but the hopes of an open window, if the one occupying the window will open it. The ride was LONG and DARK and BUMPY and another non enjoyable OVERCOROWED bus, yet AGAIN! Honestly, we can’t escape it. With every bus I ride the kids on my lap get bigger and the seats get smaller.. And I get more irritated, yet can only accept that I’m in AFRICA, and “I’m not in Kansas any longer” … wizard of oz  January 5, 2008 By 11:45 I had finally arrived.  Home SWEET Home, Kitwe Zambia! Back to the house to drop my backpack, quick bucket bath and straight to work to let them know I’m alive!  A trip not to be forgotten and one I’d do again, if given the chance. I think this was the most eventful trip thus far in my life, due to the transportation alone.  I’ve always dreamed of hitch-hiking and now the door is open, I’m sure I’ll continue. Just Kidding! J THE END!! 

Basics:
Name:	Keisha Suzanne Garber
DOB:	Jan 23, 81 (26yr)
Birthplace:	Troy Ohio, Hospital
Current location:	Sitting on a wooden couch in ZAMBIA
Eye color:	Green
Hair Color:	Dirty Blonde or Light Brown … Take your pick
Height:	5’7 1/2”
Heritage:	Germany… Catholic & German Baptist
Piercing:	Ears- Double (Pierced my own bellybutton in 6th grade.. didn’t last)
Tattoos:	Never!
Favorite:
Band/Singer:	Casting Crowns, Third Day, Norah Jones, Diane Arkenstone, Cranberries, U2,
Song:	CHRISTMAS music all of it!!
Genre of Music:	Christmas is #1, followed by Christian, 1940’s
Color(s):	Blue
TV show(s):	Amazing Race,Seinfeld
Movie(s):	Gone in 60 Seconds, Hoosiers, Little Women, Dirty Dancing,
Food:	Salsa, Cereal, Oranges, Yogurt w/ Granola, Muffin Batter, or Cookie Dough,
Store:	Hallmark, If ever I’m in Debt, it will be from buying TOO many Greeting cards
#:	7 My number in High School Sports
Drink:	H2O, Blue Gatorade
Clothing Brand:	JCrew, casual, comfy, full of style.
Shoe Brand:	Saucony tennis shoes, my new found love, or Crocks )
Animal:	Monkey
Pizza topping:	Sausage
Season:	FALL: Leaves change, sweaters are worn, cooler temps…
Month:	OCTOBER
Holiday:	Christmas, I can’t get enough of the season or MUSIC
Flower:	Daliahs (sp) I love them in all colors
This or That:
Sunny or rainy:	Rainy is 1st , but Sunny is a close 2nd! I enjoy the break that the rain gives most of us from a Busy lifestyle
Chocolate or vanilla:	Chocolate
Fruit or veggie:	Fruit, but this could be a tie
Night or day:	NIGHT… although Africa is making me less a night owl
Sour or sweet:	SWEET , of course!
Love or money:	Money
Phone or in person:	I’m going to say Phone… is that horrible?  I can multi task on the phone and feel just as close as I would in person to the recipient, & I don’t even have to answer J
Poor & happy or rich & miserable:	Poor & Happy, like my life here in Zambia
Looks or personality:	Looks come first, lets not fool ourselves, but Personality takes over and can bump the looks out of the boat
Coffee or tea:	TEA, I love the aroma of coffee but can’t hack the taste
Hot or cold:	Cold, I love sweaters and Scarf’s
Your:
Goal for this year:	To be a flexible and willing too for the Lord and His Kingdom.  While relying on the Lords strength each day and not my own to love the people of ZA and beyond!
Most missed memory:	Late nights watching Seinfeld w/ Mom and Dad and staying up LATE to chit chat about everything & anything
Best physical feature:	TEETH, I’m a quick critic on this one
First thought waking up:	Did I beat the rooster up today, or is there still peace and quite?
Future:
Do you wanna get married:	Sure, but I’m in NO hurry.  My motto has always been: “I’ll marry one person ‘For Life’ so I have the rest of my life to be married”
Do you wanna have kids:	Not really. I could be talked into it, but I don’t have that inner desire to be a “Mom” (as I did 10 years ago) Maybe adoption… MAYBE!.
If so, how many:	If so, no more than 4… unlike Zambia where the Avg. is 8!
Do you wanna go to college:	Been there, done that!
What do you want to be:	If I could be ANYTHING… I’d be a Journalist/Photographer for National Geographic and travel the WORLD all the days of my life!!
Do You:
Dance in the rain:	Oh yeah, I do it weekly here.. by choice or by force!.
Smoke:	NEVER, ever
Drink:	WATER all the time, or a Kettle One & Tonic or Moheto (sp) if talking alcoholic
Shower daily:	If you call a “bucket bath” a shower! J
Like thunderstorms:	LOVE THEM… #1 thing I missed living in CA all those years
Curse:	No
Sing:	Sure, don’t we all, if even in the privacy of our own space/place
Play an instrument:	Used to play Saxophone, I’d love to learn the Piano
Think you are good looking:	Is this a real question?
Get along with your parents:	Best Friends.. Honestly!  I would NEVER change ONE thing in our relationship after all these years
Other Questions:
Can you whistle:	All the TIME… In the shower, in the mini bus, walking alone, daily chores,
Right or left handed:	Right
Your bedtime:	9-10pm as I wake at 5AM
Biggest fear:	Being Miserable or Annoyed most of the time in Marriage
3 things you can’t live without:	Camera, Exercise, Fingernail clippers
Color of your room:	White, yet I’m thankful it’s not mud walls
Siblings:	First Born Noal Matthew 34, Second Shannan Dawn 31
Middle name:	Suzanne
Pets:	I hope Never, I find no need to touch animals
Nicknames:	None really. Family nicknames: Bink, Lil Sis, Rooney Toon
For or against gay marriage:	Against, but I’d love & accept them either way
Thoughts on abortion:	Against, but we all make mistakes, I’d never hold it against anyone
If you could be anywhere right now where would you be:	Thailand
Do you wear contacts/glasses:	Glasses when I drive at night or read… not consistent
Are you afraid of the dark:	Nope!

BLESSED BE YOUR NAME IN A LAND THAT IS PLENTIFUL

Thanksgiving has a whole new meaning for me (country, freedom, heart and soul) …

This year was as unique of a celebration as my name is in America (for a white girl)!

After being in California the last 5-6 years I can’t say I have the “Need” to be with my family during Thanksgiving.  Yet, there is always that strong desire to be with them, not only for the feast that we partake in, but also for the fellowship and memories that are made.  So as I approached this year, I wasn’t sure what it would bring.  One thing that I was insured was HEAT and possible RAIN… J

Come to find out I was invited to an Large American Missionary Thanksgiving gathering and I indulged myself in a feast that only some (here) will never dream of partaking in.  A few of the missionaries here have ovens, crock pots, electric skillets, etc… Many of the basic yet necessary tools that allow for a true Thanksgiving feast to be prepared.  And that it was!  We had Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Mash potatoes, Scalloped potatoes, Cheesy Rice, Sweet potatoes w/ brown sugar crumble crust, Corn pudding, Corn on the cob, green bean casserole, home made stuffing, Jell-O salads, REAL ‘green’ salad, home made yeast rolls, Sweet Potatoes pie, Blueberry Pie, Brownies, Coffee Cake etc… etc….Mmm Mmm GOOD!!! … “You can say that again” … “Mmm Mmm GOOD!” J J My stomach has been stretched to its limits and may never be the same shape again… J

We enjoyed entertainment by the children and even sang common American tunes that we all know and love, including America the Beautiful and so on.

The Friday following Thanksgiving Day, I was invited to another American home.  This is a family with 9 children and they too welcomed me to their feast.  It was this night that we sang several songs accompanied by a guitar, and sat in a circle while giving Three reasons we were THANKFUL!  This is when the tears were flowing (in my eyes) and the moments of TRUE thankfulleness was made in my heart, mind and soul.

We sang the song Blessed be Your name.  Allow me to share it with a few of you who aren’t familiar with it..

“Blessed be your name in the land that is plentiful, where your streams of abundance flow Blessed be your name.”-

Chorus: “You give and take away!”

It was during this song where I was forced to see that I too was living in a land that is plentiful and where God’s Streams of abundance flows. 

No matter where we are in our own life, or in the world as a whole, God will always GIVE and TAKE away…giving us the chance to rely and depend on Him during our times of need and not others shoulders, or even the strength of ourselves. 

Compared to AMERICA, ZA isn’t seen as a land that is plentiful (in the eyes of ‘Most’)… yet it is “Blessed” in MANY other ways.  There are things I see and appreciate here that are not found in America.  The people the places the RICH DEEP ROOTED Culture and Traditions are Many of the Blessings that are here.  And I count my own Blessings for being having the chance to see and learn and witness some of these “Streams of Abundance” in the lives of the ZA and the country as a whole! 

 

STRAIGHT EDGE vs FINGERNAIL CLIPPERS

I witnessed for the first time this week an older lady cutting her husbands toe/finger nails with the assistance of a straight edge & her teeth.  Of course there wasn’t any sound coming from the tool, yet in my ears I heard the scratching of someone’s nails on a chalk board.  It just didn’t’ seem right to watch such a sight, knowing that just ONE slip of the blade and the entire tip of his nail would be GONE!  Yikes!! I guess you do what you need to do here, to stay ahead of the game, and that is what they have found to work, (since money doesn’t allow for clippers of their own).  Just one more thing I take for granted… as I clip my nails 2X per week, and it means as much to me, as brushing my teeth, honestly! J My Aunt can speak on my behalf of this one… J Can’t you Short Sis!! Clipping my nails is a MUST!

FEET THAT ARE CRACKED LIKE A CRATER

This week during my weekly/daily Community Outreach I was awe struck, yet again at the sight of some one in Robert Compound.  His name is Reverend Perry and he has a skin disease that comes and goes with the ‘wind’.  This week it has come, with full force, swelling his eyes completely shut for 3 days, his feet and hands were cracked as deep as craters themselves, and all he could do was itch itch itch…

What on earth am I to do for some one in this state?  I’m still asking myself that question, as he was finally admitted to the hospital later this week.  I’ve yet to here the out come of his visit, and I can only imagine they gave him some ‘minor pain pills’ and sent him home.  He and his wife won’t have the money for anything more than that!  So as I sit her in the comfort of a ‘dry & warm’ home, after a cold yet clean bucket bath, facing my (half functioning) lap top… Rev. Perry, is probably still fighting the battles of cracked feet, swollen eyes, and skin that he himself wishes he could escape from. 

These are the issues I see and face each week that remind me that it’s NOT ME that is in charge of any one here.  It’s NOT ME that can change the out come of their lives, but its GOD and GOD alone that has the power to GIVE and TAKE AWAY.  It’s HE who has the power to over come and use the ‘bad’ for the ‘good’ in the end… and even Rev. Perry is still Thanking God in this storm of life… Wow! What a testimony!

 

TODAY OR TOMORROW… WHICH IS IT?

I’ve just come to learn this week that in Bemba YESTERDAY and TODAY are the same word.  No wonder I find it hard to understand them from time to time.  I’m not sure why this is the rule for Bemba, but it does play a role my understanding of the African body language.  Do you know what I’m talking about?  Most Africans are EXCESSIVLY expressive when they walk, talk, sing and dance… and when they have many words than mean the same thing, they have no choice but to ‘act’ out the scene for the ‘other individual’ to understand what it is they are talking about… Again, yet another reason for my fitting in so well here… J J

PRAYERS & ENCOURAGMENT FROM THOSE OF YOU!

“We do pray for your  and pray that you can remain safe and have the strength to eat the food, sleep in different conditions, walk the land of the “needy”, see the sights of poverty, and hear the sounds of Africa!”

These are the words written from a dear friend ‘momma Bonnie’ figure from California… and I can’t express how deep it touched me.  Safety, Strength, Seeing the poverty and hearing new sounds are ALL a DAILY part of surviving and I know that it’s only through Christ in me that I’m able to do and see all that I have up to this point in the game.  Thank you Bonnie, for your wisdom to see the depth of my life here in ZA!

 

So I guess that is all for now…

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Bemba Classes start DEC 02 in Ndola. I must ride a bus for 1hour each way, and I’ll be traveling LATE… so pray for safety on the bus Ride home, as well as absorbtion of the FOUR hours of Bemba I’ll be learning!!!
2. Continued breakthrough with the Street Boys (as we still have all of them)
3. Wisdom to know where God can use me MOST each day, as multiple NEEDS arise, yet there are only ONE of me
4. Guidance to know which direction to take the Street Outreach, as I’ve been speaking more with other organizations and have a few more avenues to pursue.
5. Financial Support to come in for Street Outreach

 

November 11, 2007

Made Made

I come here on behalf of the Street boys of Kitwe.  This brief telegram is to introduce a New and Urgent prayer request.  Not only has the Government funded the city of Kitwe, but also encouraged them to take the Street boys by force (guns in the middle of the night)  and they plan to take them to a “Center” for Counseling, housing, and for nothing more than removal from the streets themselves.  Of course the end result of this Governmental project (removing them from the streets) is supported by all of us involve with Street kids, what we don’t support is the approach of choice, which is why we are raising cane. Any human being deserves a chance, right?  Maybe some of you would dis agree. As for me I just wish that my time spent day after day making friends with these boys in hopes of getting them back into homes and staying there, won’t go down the drain.  I know if this “Street Sweep” occurs that it will mean I’ve taken two steps forward and 50 steps back with these boys, as they’ll assume that I have sold them out to the police and government. In no time they will flea from or even abuse members of staff at these “Centers for Counseling” and flock back to the streets they call home.

You see the double pickle that I’m in is this!  The government and Social Welfare department sought me out and placed me on the  governmental comity to get this dirty job done.  Ahh!!!  At the time that I accepted this position, the government hadn’t shared the entire picture with me.  So now I’m not only on the side of the boys but also some how I’m on the specific comity that’s working against them.  Oh no!! :O

So if you see me on the ZAMBIAN MOST WANTED.. You’ll know it’s for leaking governmental information into the boys on the streets for the sake of their lives.  No! I won’t do that, my morals and fear of the ZA government won’t allow me to ‘spill the beans’.

So this is my heart and this in my PRAYER REQUEST.  Prior to capturing these boys (6yr) to men (27yr) all of whom have STD’s & more (can you imagine your 7 year old child with STD’s… it happens!).  Where was I, oh yeah, before they capture these boys with force (guns in the middle of the night at the kids top 3 choice places to sleep) I pray ‘these’ boys own hearts and minds will be molded and made into the individuals who will be willing to not only listen to those in authority, but also respect them.  I pray these boys will have a willingness to accept counseling and assistance needed to keep them off the streets.  Aside from a miracle, I don’t see this being possible.  And if the efforts of the Gov’t fail, than I pray that  my efforts and BG’s efforts and other NGO’s (Non Government Offices) will still be in favor in the boys eyes and that they’ll trust our genuine efforts to help them. 

So run away to your little prayer closet now, and get on your knees and plead to God on these boys behalf! J Thanks!!

I know this isn’t the first time the Gov’t has done such things, but I still hope that God will work in the minds and hearts of the boys that are captured and those who aren’t no matter what the outcome!

 

FACINATING FACT

Those of you in American will use more water in a shower than most Africans will consume or use in One entire day…

 

Caterpillars & Homemade ‘thick’ beer for DINNER!! Mmm Mmm Good!

Yes, that’s right!  I Keisha Garber was finally asked to dine with a few others and enjoy their delicacy of Deep Fried Capitulars, Nsheema (staple ZA dish 3 meals a day) and I topped off the dinner with a ‘sip’ of chunky, grain floating homemade beer.  Uggh.. I think my stomach and taste buds are complaining just to be reminded of what I’ve put them through! So with that I’ll move onto something else… As that is really the end of the story.  I ate them, hated them and hope to never be in the position again… but I know better! And I’ll just hope ‘that day’ will be months upon months away! J

 

FINACIAL SUPPORTERS & DONNERS!

THANK YOU to those of you whom have donated to not only me but the lives of those around me.  I’ve been able to not only pay for all the children who where missing ‘uniforms’ at BG, but also food, & winter coats for a minor multitude, medicine for the sick, shoes, visits to the hospital and much more.  I’m not only living on your support but on my own life savings as well. 

It’s been an honor to see how God is providing and the moment my sister sends me another update on my support, is the same minute that another need arises in the community. Im’ hoping and praying for a refund with South African Airways (canceled ticket) and I plan to use that money toward 3 months of BEMBA classes to learn the local language inside and out.  I’m sure there will be times I wish I didn’t know what is being said about me… but for the most part BEMBA school will be a vital tool for present and future encounters and friendships. Again, I tip my hat to those of you who felt called and obey the call to give and affect the lives of so many thousands of miles away.

 

ROBERT COMPOUND

Robert compound is the local POOR community that consists of a low class, financially deprived individuals.  As you can tell from previous photos, the homes and conditions wouldn’t receive a 5 star ratting here, or back there in the US.

I wish I could recall the numbers just now.. But I can’t.  So in that case I’ll say that a PLETHERA  of people live in these ‘boxes’ they call home and over the last four years the Government has threatened to destroy their homes in hopes that they’d start a better life for themselves.  Well, to make a long story short.  After four years of the Government threatening, the community thought that was all it would be.  UNTIL, last month Oct 01, 07 when they woke up to a large group of men ready to not only cut down the trees bushes etc.. But also ready to destroy their own homes with nothing more than a couple of sledge hammers.  So that is the debris that you see in a few photos.  It’s not bombs that have blown (although that may have been just as easy and destructive)  Instead it’s left thousands of folks ‘homeless’ over night and fighting for their lives day after day (more than before).  It’s sad, but it’s the reality of life here.  As some would say “they were given many warnings” and yet others will say ‘it was like the boy that cried wolf’… until one day it all become more than a ferry tale and become a harsh reality to those that call Robert Compound home. 

Most “Compounds” here are lower class individuals just trying to survive (more than the rest of us). 

“Villages” are more like neighborhoods. 

Then there are “Tribes”, which in ZA alone there are 72 tribes that can be traced back to the begging of time (here).  Each tribe still has a chief, language etc… and each individual here in ZA knows which tribe they descended from, and they’re each proud of their heritage and roots that were before them.  I’ve visited a tribe, but I hope to someday stay over night in the mud huts and see what life is like for a 24+hour period or more and not just a 20min period.

 

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK or YEAR or LIFETIME for that MATTER

“God will never ask you to give something or He’ll never put a dream in your heart with out first equipping you with all you need on the inside to accomplish it!”

My mom sent this quote/cut out with me and it hangs on my wall to be reminded of how God works and how Perfect His plans are.  Not by my might by HIS I am here!

 

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE

Today, no I take that back, yesterday I was tooling along in town and thought that if the lines were small enough at ShopRite, the supermarket that I’d stop in for a pit stop and grab a few items for dinner that night.  Much to my surprise I strolled down a few ‘extra’ isles just to check the status of two items that I’ve been waiting impatiently for. And there they were before my very own eyes… OLD ELPASO Taco SEASONING!!! And SOY MILK!!!! Can each of you please join me for the Halleluiah chorus…? Halleluiah, Halleluiah…. J J

With as many Asian that are in the local area I knew that it was only a matter of time that they’d learn to stock the shelves with some Rice or Soy milk, and sure enough… It was my lucky day! I’m going back tomorrow and buying 100,000kwach worth… nearly 10 just for over stock here at the house… As for the Taco Seasoning I add it to rice with fresh vegetables and I’ve been waiting since week ONE to see it be re stocked again… Of course I also have a large sum of money set aside to buy the store out for future cooking… years to come!

On that note, I’ve noticed that I can find anything that is COMMON or NEEDED to cook a BASIC meal… but the options come and go.  For those of you who are home in CA, I’ll compare it to shopping at Grocery Outlet.  If you see something you like, you must get it and grab it while the getting is good!

 

POTTY TRAINING or DOGIE TRAINGING??

Today while visiting someone I took note of the little 1-2year old that got off the couch only to squat down over a washcloth and pee…. Now, I’ve not personally potty trained a dog, but I’ve lived in a house that did… and from what I gathered they make and sell ‘potty pads’ just for this very reason.  I’m wondering if you should send a case in the next shipment here… Just Kidding! 

In all reality the kids are SO MUCH MORE INDEPENDENT at a younger age than back home.  Not only are they fending for themselves at a MUCH younger age, but they also don’t have an adult there to watch and entertain them 24-7.  Just this month I saw a 4 month old start to take some steps with minor help of my own fingers.  I was in awh!  BUT trust me that things like that are just as common as seeing the moon itself!

 

WHERE AM I?

This week or any week for that matter I was caught off guard just a bit when I heard the sounds of Celine Deion or Kelly Clarkson echoing from the houses with in the local villages… There are times I think that I’m back in the U.S.  But after scanning the scenes around me I’m quickly reminded that “I’m not in Kansas any more” J Thank you Dorothy!!

No really, it’s like living in the US a century ago… Some things around you are advanced and other things ARE NOT!

 

**PRAYER: **

- Street Boys to be changed by God, not Man!

- My Bemba classes to be offered Wed. or Thur. starting in Jan 08 (for now it’s Sat all day and a one hour bus ride one way!) I start Dec 1

-  Upcoming Orphanage and Prison tour this Saturday

- HEALTH… it’s becoming more of a challenge and I’m un able to NOT kiss all over the snotty faces of kids day after day!

- The Tailor will finish all the uniforms by this Friday! As she planned!

- The Lebanese man (who donates free Large meat pies for our Street Outreach Program) will discontinue his efforts for making me Wife # …??.  We can really use his pies to feed the boys, but I don’t really need his constant calls and dinner and wine dates being proposed to me time and time again.

- The rainy season won’t get the best of our programs day after day… As Street Outreach and Community Outreach both take place OUTSIDE 5 days a week!  And Africans here in ZA are afraid of the rain, so they run and hide until it comes to an end

That’s all for now my Dear Friends

Enjoy the week that still lies ahead of you.. And I’ll do the same!

Blessings In His Name

Keisha

 

 

October 30, 2007 

“The Rains came down and the floods came up” Rainy season is finally upon us here in Northern ZA.  And for those of you who were raised in church you may recall the old Sunday school song… “The Rains came down and the floods came up”, and that my friends is exactly what has happened thus far, and it’s only day 3.  Fortunately at this point in the game the ground is as dry as a camel’s mouth, so after a few hours of torrential down pours; the flooding subsides and is slowly absorbed.  How ever the reality is that the ground can’t act as a sponge for days and weeks and months to come… So look out!  I went to the market today looking to buy rain boots, which isn’t a fashion around here, unless you work on a poultry farm.  How ever I didn’t come here to follow the fashion rules of the country, I came to survive Africa, which at this rate it will require the use of un-fashionable black or yellow rain boots. Don’t worry, I’ll take a few photos and pass them along, after all I have 6 months of this!!! Can you believe it..? I can’t!  Honestly, I was lying in bed the other night and wondering why it’s SO different when it rains in the US.  I guess it’s because we don’t walk from point A to B for miles on end. (Most of us) and when we are stuck in the rain we’re usually just going a short distance to a car, building, etc.  Here all I have to hide from the rain are a few trees along the way, and at the rate of this lightning, I’ll be killed by it before the month is over… (one day left in Oct!) Okay, I just need to take a L-O-O-O-O-O-O-N-G deep breathe and relax!  Yes, that helped a bit, you should try it some time! J No really, it does rain non-stop (or so it feels), and I’ve been out in the middle of no where when the storm has just blown through with full force more than once.  I even attended a Kitchen Party (alternative wedding) this past Saturday outside while the rain made itself known for hours on end.  Ahhhh… Africa, it’s an honor to be apart of this wet and wild destination.  I figure if I tell myself that enough, I’ll start to believe it… NO REALLY, in all sincerity, I LOVE the rain… thus far.  I can’t get enough of the lightning that dances across the wide open plains, and as for cooler evenings and less sand and dry dirt to be blown into my face and feet, the mud is a pleasant change in the big picture.  I’ve done a few rain dances with the ‘few’ children that aren’t afraid of it.  You see, they associate rain with swarms of mosquitoes, which means malaria for most, and possibly death for others… And I can’t argue with them on that.  However they RUN from the rain like it’s a Lion chasing them for a fresh bite of food.  We all know that Africans can Run and Jump… and we’ve all assumed that it’s due to the Lions that could be chasing them around (The God’s Must be Crazy)… when in fact it’s the rain they run and hide from at the speed of light .  Honestly, if you step outside during a storm (any time of the day or week) you’ll mistaken the rapture for happening and be fearful that you’ve been left behind! Okay, this is getting a bit out of hand and I may have gone a bit over board.  If you were here it may be a bit more comical, but since you’re not… I’ll drop it and pick up on something else to tell you about.  

I spoke too soon.. DEATH is on the rise in or near Robert Compound!

Just last email, I mentioned that graves aren’t being dug each day, but just as soon as I wrote that I can count multiple deaths, multiple days in a row.  Two children infact.  One who was pushed into a trash pit (for fun) but was burnt to death as they didn’t know the ashes and coals were still smoldering from earlier.  Another was a baby that just dropped like a fly one day, an older man, and a few more locally.  Unfortunately I’ve not been able to attend any one of these funerals as I’ve tied up with other obligations.  

 Top 5 Reasons I wish I were an African Woman!

1. I’d never desire to ‘tan’ my skin via the sun, tanning booth or spray on!
2. I’d be blessed with a clear  & smooth complexion
3. My hair would be real short (cool) and I could change it day after day with a new wig, like they do here!
4. My eyelashes would never need ‘curled’ each day.
5. My name would fit the color of my skin J

                                                                      

Kitwe ZA Athlete of the week

I swear I had a pair of wings on today as God granted me mysterious and magical angle like characteristics while playing soccer/’football’ with the Street Boys.  You see it’s common for me to be the goalie each week, and even then I’m tickled pink at the miraculous saves that I’ve made through the weeks.  But today I joined in on the fun as a ‘Forward’ (position) and played 5 on 5 for an hour and a half in the heat of the day.  You must all keep in mind that these boys aren’t ‘small’ or gentle in nature, so I was taking a large risk when taken out of the goal and placed on the field with them.  If 9-1-1 existed here, I would have had it on speed dial, just in case I needed to be rushed away to the local hospital with battle/game wounds.  Yet, as I mentioned in the beginning, God granted me some special ‘power’ and allowed me to not only make and assist goals, but also use my head, kneed and FLIP-FLOPS (shoes) to place the ball JUST where it NEEDED to be to allow my team to advance up the field.  Yes, I didn’t even have on tennis shoes or crocks for that matter, just my good ol trusty dusty flip flops.Now the local news team didn’t get wind of the game just yet, but I’m waiting with baited breathe for them to come and interview me for the early morning news, or at least run an article in the local newspaper…. J J J If only I had this on video to show you.  You must just take my word for it, please!  

FOREIGN ILLNESS with my name attached

It was bound to happen, right?  Yes, I’ve finally been struck by a small or large bug /illness and made my first trip to the Chemist (pharmacist) for ‘actual’ meds.  Gerrardia (sp) is the name and it comes from a number of things but mainly from contaminated water… which I’ve consumed a fair amount of, (understatement).  How ever, I have a HUGE pot of boiling water on just now as I’m typing to do my part to keep this Intestinal Eating ‘bug’ under control.  I won’t go into the details as to what it causes or doesn’t cause, I’ll just say that due to my parasite cleansing tea and Need capsules, I have a MILD case of it, and my body is healing itself, or so it seems.  But with a bit of fear for what ‘could’ happen if I let it go; I bit the bullet and bought some meds early this morning.  Which might I add I only paid $.75 cents for 6 days of treatment 3x a day.  That can only mean one of three things. 

1. The drugs are so cheap, they’ll do NO good
2. Drugs are marked up 700% in America and don’t really need to be so pricy
3. They had the generic formula and I received the discounted rate. J J

Either way I’m 3 capsules into the commitment and I look forward to seeing or ‘feeling ‘the end result.Maybe I should be serious for a minute and say that this is an honestly PRAYER REQUEST.  Due to my consistent invites into homes (via community outreach) I’m being offered food left and right as a sign of friendship.  So with that I’m left eating and ‘drinking’ food/water that isn’t prepared in the ‘best’ conditions. (Understatement!) So I’m not sure if I should be on the meds 24-7 or just PRAY hard and see what happens, or come home now…  which I don’t even desire to do.  Believe it or not I miss my family, but still wish to stay here and see how the Lord can use me from one day to the next. Maybe I’m more ill than I thought…after all I just admitted that I’d rather live here in these conditions than in the US which is paradise.  Who says that kind of thing? J JThe other two constant health issues are: E coli and Malaria.  They are both considered a sure deal here.  The other 95% of ZA isn’t NEAR as much a guarantee for either of the three Gerrardia, E coli and Malaria, but Kitwe is nearly a sure shot in the bucket that you’ll walk away with one of the three OFTEN!  Hip Hip Hooray!!! J/k   

Soggy SALADS are a thing of the past!

 After the wilty lettuce I mustered the courage to eat the first week, after craving a salad, I’ve yet to buy or prepare it again… as it wasn’t the best experience over all.  Yet since then, I’ve done all that I can to be creative and see what else I could buy to make some alternative salads.  My ultimate wish would be to buy some goat cheese, walnuts and Raspberry vinaigrette dressing to top off the worlds best romaine lettuce.  However that only accurse in my dreams!  So now I’ve settled for homemade coleslaw, macaroni salad, and tuna salad.  The tuna was a spurge as it’s a bit pricy here.  But the other two were cheap yet time consuming to make… And now that Claire has bought us the ‘small’ box freezer which we use as a large fridge.. I’m set!  I even bought Yogurt the last two week and of course I’m breaking out with Acne from the bacteria in the dairy… but it was well worth the lip smacking taste of cold, smooth, fruity yogurt sliding down my throat.  

OCTOBER 31, 2007B.M.T. 

Black Man Time!

Once again there is something to be said of ‘warm’ climate cultures and ZA isn’t the exception to the rule.  Just this week we were told to come to the site (BG School), on Saturday for an official work day (with the local bank that donated the funds to complete the walls and floors of a class room).  When we asked what hour we should appear, we were told “8-9 as it’s BMT” which stands for Black Man Time.  Meaning only one thing… they come when they please!  It could be set for 5AM but may be 12PM before some one will show for the appointment.  Fortunately my experience of traveling and time in Sierra Leone, prepared me for this.  Although at times it’s more than irritating, I must remember “When in Rome do as the Romans do”. And that is exactly what I do, although not on purpose.  You see even me being in ‘management’ with BG I will attempt to make appointments for Community Outreach visits etc… and be left with no other option than to abort the original game plan as I know I’m running late from one visit to the next.  Let me help you picture this.  I’m one of a couple white ‘men’ that are found in these neck of the woods, so as I pass by (on foot) past any one house, hut, or tent the sounds of MUSUNGU, HOW ARE YOU ARE in stereo effect.  And in a ‘warm climate’ culture it’ rude to pass by with out not only answering the call, but your also expected to stop in and have a ‘short’ visit and time to greet them properly.  So if you’re standing one one corner, and you’re trying to go only 5 houses away it can take an extra 10-20 min just to walk 5 homes away.  Now I know that for those of you who have not only lived but breathed life in a warm climate country, this will all make perfect sense to you.  As for the rest of you just imagine saying hello and having a small chit chat with EVERY person you pass in the grocery store.  Imagine how long it would take you to make your way to the cash registers.  THAT is my life here in a nut shell, and that is why I too am living on BMT time. PS  Rarely do you see anyone wearing a watch, for they tell me that they are able to tell the time by the sun… approximately… so maybe, just maybe that is also a determining factor in the BMT…  

Names can make or break some one!

You may have caught on by now with a few of the names I’ve dropped into an email or title of a photo.  Incase you haven’t I’d like to share the oddities in the names of real life human beings (that some of them have been given.) It started the first week when I was introduced to a few people: “Precious, Gift, Beauty, Mercy, Friday, Doctor”… AND I thought a few were jokes or nicknames… Nope! Since then I’ve heard everything from: SPOON, TALK TIME, and MOTOROLLA, CELL Z, ECLIPES, STAIN, MCDONALD, FORK SIM CARD and so on.  Now names mean a lot to them here.  ANY TIME you ask some one there name, they will give you the ENTIRE FIRST, MIDDLE and SUR name.  They will also ask you ‘me’ the meaning of my own name when you tell them you’re own… (Mine= Huggable and Kissable, or others depending on what website you check or what area of the world you’re from) But for the ZA culture you don’t just hear a name you like, remember it, and then give it to your own child when the day comes.  Instead they will have a baby, and not even give it a name for the first 3-9 days.  In the mean time they just call it “OooMwana”=“Baby”, and each family husband and wife’s extended family will work  out a name until they come up with not only a name, but grievance on what they name means and why it fits that kid.  (I’m sure there are exceptions to the rule) Regardless, after this much time and effort being put forth into a name, you’d think you come up with something better than SPOON, wouldn’t you’? And some do… Chad lee, Veronica, Kongtogo (Bemba), Emma, Bill …  

Story Hour aside

**The crime or danger on is on the rise “car radios, clothes through the bars of windows at night with the help of long hooks, etc” We’re still able to use the dirt path to and from work (as long as we’re not alone) and until the weeds, bushes and grass take over even the path.

**I’ve seen and heard a few more airplanes, just a few!!

**They have year round school here, and have off every 3^rd month.  December is next on the list for Christmas, followed by April for Easter! Grades 7,9,12 have huge MONTH LONG exams that they MUST pass before continuing to the next grade.  They’re in the middle of them right now, and it’s been a real trial period for a few of the local High School kids as they’re busy studying and preparing for the hopes of college, if in grade 12.  There are 2 colleges in the country of ZA.  One is Lusaka, and the other here in Kitwe (Copper belt University).

** Chocolate chips don’t exist, thus far! Darn it! **I shed my first official ‘on going’ tears while trying to understand HOW I can possibly help the multitude of people in need all around me.  This week was the worst eye opening experience, one after the other regarding the conditions, health or physical that some of these folks are living in.  I felt like I was in over my head and I even wished for the time being that I too was blind, or scarred with an on going infected 3^rd degree burn, a goiter the size of a large grapefruit, had the skin of an albino, etc… etc… I was quickly reminded that it’s not what I’AM doing but what GOD has or will or even ‘won’t’ do with or without me. It’s not in my control as a whole, and I can only do ‘what I have the tools to do’ financially or physically for the chosen few each day.

**I have the worst farmers tan on my feet, arms, and shoulders J ** I have two live chickens sitting in a large bowl under the sink in my kitchen ready to be slaughtered tomorrow (not by me, although I need to muster up the courage one of these days)  The chickens aren’t dead, tied, or even restricted with a lid… My door WILL be shut tonight for fear that a chicken will wonder around and nibble at my feet or hands before morning comes.  Only in AFRICA! (I hope!)

** I witnessed Young and the Restless soap opera this week in someone’s home (Nicest home yet) with cable… WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT!  I was glad to see that Phyllis was still her usual self, and even Ashley… still sporting the great fashion statements… and even Jack still being the master mind of the show. They even had McDonald’s commercials … Oh, what I would do some days for a Big Mac! J **Lizards are running up and down the walls of the family room as I type this… Glad to know they’re not rats! Or cockroaches the size of a lizard! **Cher is blasted from multiple speakers week after week… ALL Base and No Treble, so it sound like… well, crap!

**Happy Halloween, although I don’t celebrate it… It’s an American Tradition, so I’d better include a well wish regarding it!

** I finally attended my first ALL NIGHT prayer, concert and praise extravaganza.  It was last night Fri Nov 2 and I just got home 7am… Boy, can they sing.  I think they could give the German Baptist a run for their money with their singing abilities.  It’s truly music to my ears.  The even as a whole was more singing than preaching or praying, which was pleasant.  My friend McDonald and his ‘crew’ have a small Christian CD out that he wrote the lyrics too and they were there performing.  The most comical moment of the night was walking home from the bus stop with McDonald and T.J. at 6AM with a guitar in hand singing praise and worship songs up and down the dirt roads while making our way home from the bus stop.  You have expected three kids ‘our ages’ to be stumbling in from the bars and using foul language, but nope… just a few devoted Jesus Christ followers that were trying to carry a tune in a bucket along with the roosters that were crowing.

** Today I’m attending my first Montuvetu… It’s a tribal celebration that a married celebrate.  Instead of going away for a Anniversary gift, the women is to stay home and cook all the local /staple dishes from her tribe and finally at the end of the day she will transport it to her husband.  He is to be home with his mom and dad, while going back to his own village ‘roots’.  Peggy is the lady whom I’m going to help and she’s been married for 14years… although she doesn’t look a day over 19years old.  I’m sure it will require MUCH dancing and singing in the kitchen… I’m excited! He then will do the same and bring back to her as well, showing each other their traditional foods and village customs. ** I was asked to be apart of the board of directors along with the social welfare department to work on new strategies to get the boys and girls OFF THE STREETS!! I’m now ‘in’ with the government personnel of ZA to conquer this task. 

I guess that is all I have for now. Continue to PRAY FOR: -         

My ability to learn BEMBA at a rapid rate.-         

Continued Joy and Peace and Health-         

All the sick, lame and distressed all around me (including those who don’t have proper roofs over their heads when it rains) -         

New ideas and direction on how to get the street boys OFF the streets!  +

Blessings to ALL.. once again! Keisha

Packages/Shipments/Boxes/ Goodies/ Etc…

The last letter/Postcard I received took 17 days from MI…?!?! Snail mail is welcomed! JOnce again I just need to make clear a few tips that I have regarding the shipment of future packages… if you get the urge… -I’ve been told the smaller the box the better (less likely to be opened)-The uglier the box the better “ “ No markers, stickers etc on the outside to make it fun and pretty, in fact horrible handwriting will help too… J Honestly!!- Make the amount LOW under 30$ for what your declaring/claiming- If clothes or food, books or DVD’s (for my future viewing on my laptop) don’t list just list (stickers, paper, kitchen ware etc…) just what ever the least expensive and least attractive item is in the box- place the most un-wanted items on the TOP of the box and the better ‘goods’ on the bottom… if they open it and see ‘stickers or a card’ they’ll be less likely to root through the rest of the box- wrap each item in saran wrap or something that will make it harder for them to open (at customs) and steel it.- Using the USPS “FLAT RATE” shipment may be the cheapest option… ?!?!- You CAN inform me of packages.. as I’m not homesick (like I thought I would be) so I’ll look forward to something and not be crushed if it doesn’t make it… after 2-6 months…- My personal favorites: Christmas CD’s, DVD’s to watch on my laptop (not comedy), Easy Read Christian books, Swedish Fish, Skittles, Personal Photos (of each of you), Crystal Light Individual Packets for bottled water, Peppermints (like Pizza Hut or other restaurants give), Blueberry Muffin Mix (just add water packets) –I can’t bake them but I LOVE to just eat the batter Pain], zip lock bags (any size),

 Swing low Sweet Chariot

After given the idea in Sierra Leone, I decided to purchase a ‘parachute material’ hammock (11.7oz) and bring it along to swing my worries away.  So today was the day to hang that baby up.  Not only did Claire purchase a small ‘box freezer’ today that we’ll set on ‘cool’ to use as a large fridge, but we also had Garret and Dan assist in the placement of my hammock.  I plan to use it for the first time after writing a bit to each of you.  I’ll have to take it down each time I come in, or it will be stolen right before my eyes.  This house is know as the house ‘of money’ since so many ‘white folks’ have lived here and the locals all want a chance to take what we have, no matter what it is.  

Bryan Adams at his best!

I’m not so sure I can even put into words my ride into town this morning, but I’ll do what I can.  Not only were there 23 people in a 15 passenger mini bus, but there was also one passenger that stood out far above the rest.  She was a middle aged ZA woman that had an Afro like no other, and it was a ‘wig’ to boot.  She had the huge hoop earrings, lipstick and a skin tight top.  If I didn’t know any better I would have assumed that she was one of the original Jackson 5.  After a minute of riding in silence, she decided to push a few buttons on her cell phone and blare a Brian Adams remix over and over until we reached town.  I know this won’t appear near as humorous to each of you as it still is to me, but if you were here living and breathing the ZA life each and every day, you’d see how ‘out of place’ this woman was and how comical the entire moment was.  J   

If you’re happy and you know it…

The last two days I’ve not only been happy, but so has Ishmael the (soon to be 3 yr old that I live with).  In the evening I’ve taken the time to over look his annoying habits of ‘being a kid’ and allowed myself the chance to play and sing with him.  I’ve taught him the “If you’re happy and you know it..” Sunday school song and we’ve enjoyed many flips, spins, and twirls and tickle fests that finally come to an end when we’re both ‘hurt’ or too sweaty to continue.  It’s been a real joy to finally enjoy his company and not be so overwhelmed with a little rug rat getting into anything and every thing I own.  We even enjoyed soaking our feet in ‘hot’ water tonight and attempted to give ourselves a pedicure with a foot ‘file’ and fingernail clippers.  I expected the power to be out by now, but some how we’ve made it until 9:13pm… and we’re still in the game.  Hip Hip Hoary.  Well, now that I’ve taken note of the time, I can see it’s past my bedtime.  Yes, I Keisha Garber willingly go to bed near or around 9pm EACH night… I know, I know, this could sound like a lie or even a joke, but honestly I’m telling the truth.  I’ve not stayed up past 2am since the first week here, and that was only because I was finishing a few things up.  The real icing on the cake is that I’m up before 5:30 for devotions and if I’m lucky I even beat the roosters up and the sun for that matter.  Who’d have thought that Africa could turn me into an early riser and an early to bed individual??  Of course it may have something to due with the electricity being out (most nights) during the hours of 7-8-9pm, so when there is nothing else to do, it’s just as easy to head to bed.  By the way… I may have mentioned this once before, if I have, just excuse this… I was just informed last week that not only will the sun go down YEAR ROUND by 7pm, but rainy season will last 6months here… Ahhhhhhhh!!! That means walking to and from work 30min one way in the rain,  walking to and from the office, Youth Center, and School (yep, you guessed it in the rain!), and also on dirt roads.  Some or most roads get so bad they just close them… Ahhhh!! And to think of how long it will take for clothes to dry, not to mention myself each day… I’ll be one big WHITE PRUN walking to and from ZA day after day… My skin will just be like a raisin, a brown raisin from all the dirt and mud I’ll be covered in.. Literally!  I’m sure it will make for some good memories and stories, so I’m trying to look at the bright side… if there is one. J Okay, that’s a wrap for tonight… My Christmas music has lulled me into a relaxing slumber and I’m ready to hit the hay. G.night to all and to ALL a good night!
kg PS. Church was finally a hit this week… Faith Baptist was right up my ally… No one shouting “Do I have a witness”, no songs to be sung over and over and over, and no one behind the keyboard ready to instruct the ‘spirit’ to move to the beat of the music… However, I have two more offers on the table, so out of politeness I’ll be a cheerful guest, with high hopes of making my way back to Faith Baptist, even though FB does require a ‘double’ mini bus ride aprox 1hour total.  The icing on the cake was the INDIAN restaurant we found after church… OH MY gosh… How ON EARTH do some of you live without Curry as a part of your weekly diet?  I think I may have to make this Indian location a weekly Sunday lunch stop…. Or at least I’ll do what I can to budget it in.  PRAISE be to God for creating Curry and the knowledgeable Indian’s that know how to make food taste like heaven. Mmm. Mmm… Good!  

October 25, 2007

A, B, C’s Abuse, Bruises and Crime

Until this week I’ve felt that I was just another Musungu (white girl) ‘safely’ walking the streets of ZA.  Now I’m wishing I had a black belt and more kickboxing training – just in case. It started Monday when we sent a local ZA worker out for oil and five hours later he came staggering in with blood, bruises and broken bones.  He was captured off an ordinary dirt path (that we all walk and use) and drug to a near by home without any warning.  From the home he was chained down and beaten to a bloody pulp.  While being left for the dead, but he managed to crawl out a window once he found enough strength.  For what reason you may ask?  Your guess is as good as mine.  He’s recovering at the local hospital. The same ZA Mafia sought out another ‘local’ worker last year, yet as most mafia is called “The un touchable” We’ve yet to catch them or know how to locate them.  Tuesday Davis and I rounded up 20 street boys to play ‘football/soccer’ at the local city ‘pitch/field’.  Among the mix of boys escorted was an (aporx 8 year old) girl holding his hand.  While approaching the field with so many rowdy boys all around I didn’t even give a second thought to the girl, knowing she was too small to play with out being hurt.  At last we survived the 3 hours of our program and while we were de-briefing and writing our report for the day Davis mentioned the girl lives on the street and is sexually abused by a multitude of boys on the street.  (I thought my stomach was going to drop out of my body with sickness and utter disgust.)  I had to keep in mind the organization that has offered shelter for girls living on the street, and was a bit confused as to why she was choosing to stay on the street.  But Davis let me know that it’s not just her that has been forced to life on the streets, but her mother as well, and she refused to leave her mom behind.  I wish to find her again someday and encourage her to seek out some help and try to start again with a new respect for herself and her own body… and to reach the (others) that are just as brain washed to think this is the norm and this life is what the deserve. Wednesday while strolling down a main city street I was deliberately spit on by a street boy that was rough around the edges, to say the least.   In the moment I was so caught off guard I wasn’t sure what I could or should do.  Infact I froze in my own moment of thought.  Thursday, I found a woman in Robert Compound with a bloody eye that her own husband gave her during a marital dispute.  Friday the street boys I work with were completely out of hand and causing such a ruckus among themselves that we called Peppy ( a rough native Congo BG field worker) to help control and constrain them, while sending three of them home early. Saturday, Bill the directory was attacked on the same path I walk each day.  A small group of men jumped him and hit his head with a hammer only to knock him out and steel the money in his pocket.  He’s still recovering. I’ve been warned that this can happened after dark each night or during rainy season when the weeds are over grown and allowing a better hiding spot for the ‘head hunters’ to hide.  However Bill was walking during the light of the day and rainy season hasn’t begun, just yet. So as you can see this week gave me a taste of the un-fortunate and alarming abuse that takes place here, there and everywhere. It’s a reminder to me that we are ALL sinners and we all must accept Jesus’ blood that was shed on our behalf while repenting and turning to God so that He may wipe out our sins and give us a time of refreshment. Acts 3:19  

Home sickness – What’s that??

Praise be to God for the ‘lack’ of tears and sadness while being SO FAR from Home.  Regardless of my world traveling, residence in CA or WA or other excursions I’ve taken with out the presence of my family, I never expected the first month in ZA to be this much of a Joy or Blessing.  I’ve only had email up to now and I hope to have phone conversations soon.  Although I’m not so sure hearing voices will help.  It’s times like this that a lack of ‘reality’ or ‘real voices’ may just make it easier to not be reminded of where I ‘could’ be or who I ‘could’ be with…i.e. FAMILY!!!Regardless your many prayers are felt each day and this first month of a new home, culture, and language has far exceeded my own hopes and dreams. I don’t doubt that my day will come for tears, cravings of food and the feelings of missing out and much more.  As for now I’ll savior the moment and enjoy all that was and is to come.  

Who was I kidding… only myself

I made a conscious attempt (before coming here) to not only understand my new role in a far off organization, but also trying to understand the organization as a whole.  I must say, what I thought I knew was only a fraction of all that I was about to learn. BG is a far more complex, multi purpose non profit organization that I ever imagined.  The number of lives they effect (locally) is too numerous to count. The lack of volunteers or paid staff is only half the battle, yet some how, some way, by the grace of God He is using BG to move mountains each day.  I’m always left scratching my head and wondering how it’s all possible and how we can continue at this rapid rate of growth and development as a non profit, donation only organization, but “with faith… all things are possible.”  So here it goes a clear (or what I can make clear) written photo of BG and My own personal purpose or role as a whole.  BG is funded by the personal donations, foreign churches, and the US embassy (at times), even a few local organizations or banks… when we’re lucky.  The government keeps a tight reign on the paperwork and financial tracking so all I’s must be dotted and T’s must be crossed.It’s a four fold ministry… although they say 3… I say four! #1 SCHOOL Three years ago a school began in a home for orphans and vulnerable children.  This year they finally built an ‘official’ school house and have 250+ students in attendance.  We start with the baby class (age 2+) up to grade 6 (average age is 14-15).  Each family pays 15,000Kwacha per month, per child to attend school.  That of course is peanuts compared to what they could pay for other schools.  And each family is only allowed 3 kids to attend.  The reason is to enable more families to participate.  It’s common for women to have 6 kids (or more) by my age.  So for the sake of room, desks, teachers etc… it’s not possible to house all 6 kids from each home.  The teachers are currently ALL local men and woman (6) [3 men, 3 women] that have all completed a teacher training school and hold teachers certificates.  They are paid, but only 400,000 Kwacha a months ($100 US).  I’m quickly learning that it’s nearly impossible to (get ahead) here.  It’s just a hand to mouth reaction for most.  They work (for peanuts) and not only support themselves but other family members or orphans as well.  They just work to LIVE here… and that’s all!  #2 COMMUNITY OUTREACHCommunity outreach is targeted toward Robert Compound.  A (village) or neighbor hood that is extremely poverty stricken.  They are living in conditions that Steven Spielberg can’t even bring to life on the big screen. There are more flies in some homes than a cow pasture back home.  Baby’s play in the dirt, mud or sand all day w/out a diaper or stitch of clothing, roofs are held on by rocks and 6months of rain only leaves puddles on the floors and wet blankets and a rapid production of mold in most homes.  No electricity, no plumbing, or even money for that matter.  Poverty at it’s worst  So as much as I thought we’d have community gatherings and weekly BINGO nights, the reality is we are just there to assist in daily survival, seeking out those with medical needs and scrapping money together for a visit to the local clinic, encouraging them and just be friend’ing them.  This is one of four areas I’m in charge of.  I’m in the process of gathering each child’s house numbers (if they’re not moving each week) and attempting to visit each home (over time) of the BG (250+) students to seek out and find those who have greater needs.  I’ve been partnered with Anita a local social worker who not only speaks the language but understands the proper governmental procedures for mental & physical needs.  I never know from one family to the next if they’ll be thankful for my visit and my attempt of speaking their language of if they will think I’m a rich white girl that’s mocking their condition and status in life.  All I can do is fill the void and lack of love from my own family with the love I can give them.  This past week I gave a woman a shoulder and foot massage for an hour.  She had just lost her husband suddenly (two days prior). Although I couldn’t speak enough Bemba to carry on a conversation I knew I could give her a prayer and the comfort of ‘touch’.  Her feet were as tough as nails; an inch of dirt covered them top to bottom. I had a whole new understanding of Jesus kneeling down to wash the feet of others.  Unlike America ZA has the same dirt roads, paths, callused cracked feet that are stained by dirt five layers thick (as they did in the Bible days).  It’s not an honor to clean some ones feet in that condition, but it’s the power of love and heart for service that allows for a willing and able attitude.  Thank you Jesus for being that living example of what sacrifices and service are.So as I’ve said in the past the sun sets between 6-7pm YEAR ROUND….Ugh!! Day light savings isn’t a thought in ZA and our locations to the equator makes for less light in the evenings.  Therefore most of our day light is spent just doing all that we need to survive… watering gardens, starting fires to cook (for those who don’t have or are out of electricity which is more and more a common occurance).  Hauling water by hand, etc… There are NO fast food restaurants, and nearly NONE of the daily conveniences of life in America.  Not to mention, NO time for BINGO or other favorite past times hobbies. #3 STREET OUTREACHThis is the second program that I’m in charge of.  I’m required to seek out boys living on the streets of Kitwe and find out why they’re living there.  Some are as young as 6 years old; others are up to 26 or 28years old.  A few are the product of poverty.  Their parents have NO money to eat or buy food, so they run to the streets to seek out work (washing taxi’s or mini busses, carrying bags of groceries for the ‘wealthy’, or steeling if it comes to that.)  Others are double orphans (mom and dad both died) and a few are just not wanted at home and are forced on the streets to make a life for themselves.  Most homeless in America have a choice and a ‘chance’ to get back on their feet and start again, but here it’s only the girls that are taken in and given a place to rest.  The boys are left to fend for themselves… survival of the fittest.Drugs (as we know them to be) aren’t much of the issue although they do make and sell “Sticker/Sticky”.  It’s a combo of glue and gas.  They soak a rag of some sort in it and inhale it.  It provides them with warmth (through the cool nights) and numbs the body to pain and hunger. Sex is a common past time so STD’s and HIV or AIDS are every where.  It’s common for STD’s to be so painful that the boys are un-able to play ‘football’ which they love. Our goal at BG is to give them a chance each week to bath/shower, wash clothes, eat (rice/tomatoes soup-not like your tomatoes soup), pray together, read God’s word and be friend them, while encouraging them to find work (if possible or to go back home, if possible) We just want them off the streets and into a shelter, home or stable job of some kind.  Easier said than done! I work with Davis a local pastor and Anita a social worker.  They both are natives who speak fluent Bemba and have a back ground with Street kids.  My new goal and prayer is that we can get the restaurant After 10 to donate leftovers for us to feed the boys twice a week.  The financial cost of feeding them is too much for BG to bear. #4 RESOURCE CENTERMy third obligation is to help provide a safe, fun, welcoming atmosphere for the kids of all ages to come after school.  This is in hope of keeping them off the streets and helping stimulate their minds.  A cheap pool table has been donated along with scrabble, chess, and other board games and puzzles. DONATIONS are always welcome in the area of board games or puzzles.  The less game pieces the better (as they won’t get lost) but honestly ANY thing is a blessing and will be used more as rainy season is quickly approaching.  We have computers and are in the process of seeking Internet access as well.  Each child pays 5,000Kwacha (1.50$) for three months membership.  It’s cheap and affordable for all, or most. Kay, (a man) lives at the Youth Center and is in charge of the day to day up keep, but he and I work together with new ideas, plans and projects to make it a more enjoyable place to be.  We even had some paint donated and painted the walls white last Saturday just to give it a fresh new look. So there you have it.  A Long and Detailed out line of BG and its 4 community programs.  My last area of command is to create the monthly news letter.  I’m no journalist and will need an official proof reader and SPELL checker- to say the least.  This (email) newsletter is sent to the many businesses, or churches and personal contributors to BG all around the world.  This is a way to inform them of our status and progress.  Maybe I’ll pass it onto you as well.  As for now Dan is here from the UK and he’s been given the duty until December. Ahhhh… (sigh) I think I’ve exaughsted the BG info this time around.  It’s time to move onto something less technical and something more interesting.  

Air Traffic Control

Has there ever been a time in the US (besides Sept 11) that you could gaze into the sky and not spot an airplane passing over head?  I think not! But I must tell you I’ve been here for 26days and I’ve only (heard) or seen 1 SOLO small engine plane cruising by.  Amazing! Which makes me question one thing.  A local Ndeke High School student told me last week his wish is to become an Aero Space Engineer.  I told him my brother holds that same degree and his eyes lit up.  But I wonder where he plans to live and work if only 5 planes pass here a year… ??? 

 My First Funeral…Fortunately people aren’t dropping like flies and graves aren’t being dug each day in the local area.  However, a BG student suddenly watched her own father and only source of income slip away into the next life.  So as representatives of BG and our staff Claire and I attended the viewing (which the father wasn’t present to view).  This required Claire and myself to barrow chatangee material (local dress) and sit on the floor (jam packed with other local village woman) in a dark single candle lit room for an hour or more, in complete silence as we listened to the resounding sounds of woman weeping and wailing (in the same room). It was miserably hot and a bit awkward, none the less we served our time and are prepared for the next one.  The following day was the barrel but due to my street outreach program I was un able to attend.  I don’t doubt that I’ll have many more opportunities knocking at my door in the near future.  Rain season is quickly sneaking up on us and with the rain comes more sickness, disease, and even an abundance of malaria.  Following the end of rainy season, April (Sigh!! Can I survive 6 months of rain day after day? Walking to and from work, home, town and church looking like a wet rat?)  They tell me that Jan and Feb it can rain for days and weeks on end w/out any end in sight. Can you believe it? Flooding is an issue and misery is a sure feeling among most of us.  

Chicken Bones,Cacensa, Cow Bone & Cotton CandyWhile floating through Robert Compound last week I was asked to join a family for dinner.  With complete fear of the un-known (what I’d be served, or even be served on ‘dirt dishes, community plates and cups, or even flies swimming in the soup etc), I accepted and prayed for assistance to make it through another local meal.  I was quickly put at east as I saw good old fashioned fire cooked (BBQ) style chicken.  My taste buds were watering and jumping for joy at the juicy, warm savory taste of good old fashion (KFC style) chicken.  I had to make a conscious effort to pace myself and not eat it all in one big bite.  That chicken was Gods personal taste of Heaven this week… J Until… I was left with nothing more than a meatless, sturdy chicken leg bone.  And this is there the nightmare begins… The chief that evening quickly informed me that I wasn’t done eating and the bone and cartilage is a delicacy here.  Ohhhh MY WORD!!  You’ve got to be kidding me!  I was fishing in my mind for an excuses but all I could come up with was the fact that my two from teeth are fake and if I bite into something too sticky or hard, the glue with loosen and I’ll be left with two missing teeth in my mouth.  Believe it or not I tired to explain the situation and showed them my ‘black backed’ teeth in hopes that I’d be off the hook. But it wasn’t that easy.  So there I was, all eyes on me, waiting and watching for me to take the first crunch of cartilage and bone only to CHEW and CHEW and CHEW and CHEW until it was small enough to swallow.  Down the hatch it went… One bit after the other… Ugh!!!! Cacensa is a common cuisine here which is nothing more than a whole fish that is dried and (sometimes cooked and eaten).  This has become something I can handle… head, bones, eyes, and all.  They’re not that big, but the thought and smell and look of a whole fish looking me in the eyes, always makes for a bit of an obstacle. J Once again I found myself in the kitchen of a local home and asked to stay for another meal… What will it be this time…. Nshema the “Zambia staple food”, veggies soup… so far so good… and chunks of cow bones that had been boiled until a thick white, sticky, paste like substance appeared on the outer side of the bone.  That my friend is what I was asked to eat.  And being the guest I was served the largest portion.  What in the world had I gotten myself into… yet again??  Oh, Lord Help me! And he did… Mad Cow disease hasn’t surfaced as of yet… J J At last my reward was coming.  Wed October 24 was their Independence day.  Their 43 Anniversary of freeing themselves from England and they were no longer called Northern Rhodesia (sp) but rather Zambia.  The previous Saturday night a local Polo club held a festival in celebration and we were told there would be fire works, food, and dancing.  The fire works ended up shooting out on the near by metal school roof, and made the sound of a canon being shot over and over for a 3 hour period.  The food was yucky pork that I didn’t want to touch with a ten foot pole, and the surprise of the night was a REAL life Cotton Candy machine… Real pink pure fluffy SUGAR.  Of course Claire and I went running just like we were 7 years old all over again.  It’s always amazing to find such common American treats here among the outdated lost technical and social development.  But we take all that we can get.  

Left or Light…I mean Right -No letter R

Crazy as it may be the Bemba alphabet is missing only one in 26 letters that the English Alphabet has an it’s the letter R.  With over 72 lauguages in the country on Zambia alone, I’ve been found among the one that sounds as though everyone in the country has a lisp… It’s quiet funny actually.  Just to hear them say Claire’s name, or asking you to take a Right hand turn.. etc… J J  They even offer DRIVERS ED… Driving lessons here and it’s amazing. I hope to at some point sign up for a lesson or two and take my turn behind the wheel with a drivers Ed teacher… J How funny could that be! J J JOn that note, we BG have ordered a mini bus of our own and it’s being shipped. From northern Africa.. Dubai and I will be the official driver as long as I can use Claire’s International Drivers Liecence or obtain my own from here… More to follow.  

Prayer Mom or Play Mom??… That is the question!

Every once in awhile I have a few girls approach me asking in ‘broken’ English if I will be their Play mom… But it sounds like Prayer mom.  To be honest I didn’t know what to say or how to even react.  Was this the village witch doctor’s daughter sent out on a mission to ‘Pray’ some spiritual voodoo over me?  Was this some crazy Penticostal girl that thought I was in need of a prayer mom?  Then, just there in the moment of confusion and panic I realized she asked if I could be Her Play mom?  Again, I wasn’t sure if the proper response should be Yes, or No?  If I said yes, what would I be saying yes to? Possible adoption down the road… Yikes!  Or if I were to say No, would I be left with a melancholy girl that is depressed and feels rejected by the Musungu (white girl)?  I welcome each of you to my new world of mis-communication and mis-understanding and most of all lack of a common language. In the end I agreed, as she (along with others since her) were just requesting to be my friend, and they all think I’m in my mid 30’s so they want me to play the role of the ‘mother’… J J J   

Salsa Lessons in Zambia, is this an Oxymoron?

Chris is a hard working man that Judith introduced me to prior to her departure and he joins Dan, Claire and myself each week after church for a pleasant Sunday lunch. While enjoying another delightful meal of Indian Curry, we were introduced to his two friends who join him every Thursday and Friday for Salsa Dancing Lessons.  Now, I know I have poor hearing, so I thought this was just another misunderstood comment due to wax build up.  However I was wrong, and It’s official!  Some man from Cuba has come to live in ZA and is teaching Salsa lessons each week for those who are interested.  It’s CHEAP and in a central location for those who wish to come from work.  Of course after we had all the basic information ironed out, Chris got this bright look in his eye and asked if the three of us would be willing or interested in joining him in the coming weeks?  We were all a bit speechless for a moment, but after some discussion we all come to the same conclusion.  We’d be more than happy to join him once Claire’s boyfriend comes in 20 days.  Ryan is his name and he’ll be here for a month.  So there you have it… I’ll not only have a chance to enjoy the company of some local ZA’s but also have the chance to sweat off a few pieces of toast as I dance the night away each week. I’ve had a sampler lesson or two while in Costa Rica earlier last year, so I hope that I can get back on the horse again and take off where I left off… We’ll see!! J  PRAYER REQUESTS: - I continue to learn the Bemba language at a speedy rate- I don’t contract Malaria with rainy season upon us

- I continue to give more of myself to others… than I keep to myself (service)

- I have patience with the African way of life… Slow and never on time!

October 8, 07

STAR LIGHT STAR BRIGHT…

Start Light; Star bright, first star I see tonight, wish I may wish I might have my wish I wish tonight!   I must say, I was let down just a bit a few nights ago when Claire and our friends went out star gazing.  I was so excited to find the placement and direction of the Big Dipper, and much to my own surprise I was quickly informed that I’m no longer living in the Northern Hemisphere, but the Southern.   I never really put two and two together until that time, and now I’m saddened at the thought that the same blanket of stars my family may wish upon will be nothing of what I may wish upon… L

However, I’m still challenged each day with many other opportunities that come knocking at my door.   Like today, I was just doing my routine stroll through Robert Compound (a VERY poor village).  Along the way I ‘great’ and ’spin round and round’ each child that crosses my path, yes this is keeping me in shape as children appear out of every crack and crevis when they see a Musungu (white man) walk through.   So there I was spinning and greeting when I spotted a small baby.  While holding Preciou (her name) I noticed something warm running all over my arm and hand.   So there I stood, calm and cool trying to just act as though everything was A-okay.  From there I wove my way to the BG Youth Center and bolted straight for some running water, only to be reminded that the water only runs a few times a day (they collect it when it runs, as we do in our home) Nearly 3.5 hours passed by while I had to great others with a closed fist (which is a universal African way of letting someone know their hand is un clean for one reason or another.) until, at last I was home and near a fresh bucket of water to rinse off go about the rest of my business.

Challenge number two of the day.  After eating or drinking something that didn’t settle just right in the intestines, I found myself stranded at the BG school with nothing but a few bushes or a small hole in the dirt that others have had a hard time aiming at.   I choose the hole over a bush and felt as though I was officially welcomed to the Missionary Life and all that it may bring. J  

WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP?

My mom sent me away with my favorite quote that has been taped above our kitchen sink for years.

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose” .  This was a quote from a man who laid down his life on the mission field in south America, Him and 4 others were killed by a tribe they tried to win for the Lord in the 1950s. Eventually one of the guy sisters went back to the tribe and did bring the gospel successfully to them. It speaks to me in Africa just as much as it did in America.  Reminding me daily that the things I want to keep dear to my heart (family, possessions, success, popularity, or fortune) are things that we’ll only be dust in the wind once we die.   Yet the things that I can take with me into eternity are my words and deeds I’ve done for the Lord’s Glory and not my own.  Sharing the gospel, loving a lost soul, or mearly making a meal for a sick neighbor are all things that will last a life time, as we sacrifice ourselves for the better of some one else.   I know the day will come (while here in ZA) when I’ll need to remind myself that the people of ZA need my love and attention and prayers and support more than my own family, no matter how bad things may get.   I’m here for a plan and purpose that far exceeds my own ideas, and I trust that with God as my guide I’ll not only touch the lives of others for the good, but also allow them to touch my life beyond measure as well.   So one of the many verse for this time and season of my life still remains  “ Col 2: 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart, and united in LOVE, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they know the complete mystery of God”. Amen!

Well, the battery on this old laptop is about to die, and I have some quiet time I need to get in before I too ‘die’ for the night.   I’m praying for so many of you each and every day I pray that your being Blessed inside and out with each day that passes you by.

Hugs to each of you!!

October 9, 07

“Got-a-go, Got-a-go, Got-a-go Right now”

For those of you who ‘pollute J your minds with endless hours of television day after day, remember the commercial advertising the need of a restroom as they sing the song… Got-a-go, Got-a-go, Got-a-go, Right now”.    Yes, I too have sat before a flat screen or two and not only know the little jig, but I also caught myself singing that same little ditty in my mind the last few days, only because I too was in need.   I’ve now been in ZA for 10 solid days and I’ve been slowly allowing myself to not only drink from the tap or bucket of water, but also allowing more and more consumption each day w/out the boiling of water.   I’ve also cooked the last two nights with an abundance of garlic in my evening meal… And now I know that one of the two has caused some trouble around in the region of my lower abdominal cavity, and I’m just wondering what it is and when it will end.   I’ve not been so desperate as to take medicine at this point in time, yet it’s just enough to be reminded that I’m not a local and I need to drink a bit less of their own source water each day, and take the precious time to boil a bit every now and again.

Ahh… life as a stranger in the foreign land.

DIFFRENCES IN MY NEW NATION- COUNTRY- HOME

I’ve made a few notes of things that I don’t think twice about any longer, but you may take a bit more interest in.   I could be wrong however, and you may find this equivalent to a sleeping pill, in that case just do … Oh no!… The electricity just went out… As I was tying that sentence, thank goodness my handy-dandy head lamp is just beside me.

Okay, so here are a few new facts or tidbits for each of you that I’ve still managed to capture your attention thus far.

-          Only paper money can be found in ZA, no coins (thank goodness) It’s just so much extra weight and more to count and try to use each time you purchase something.

-          The poorest of the poor ride the mini-busses and the ‘upper class’ ZA citizens hale an actual taxi (car), so it’s a given that I’m a ‘poor missionary’ as they don’t expect white men to be among them on the mini busses

-          They have a ‘city park’ (with flowers and greenery) in the city of Kitwe, and every Sat and Sun there are men dresses like professional photographers w/ cameras and such, just waiting for someone, or some family to come and hire them to take their photos.   I think after being in S.Leone for just one month I compare SO much each and every day.  How ever I must remember that Sleone is still recovering from a horrific Civil War and ZA has been a on a continual incline of growth and development.

-          They have doughnuts filled with fluffy white cream filling, just like my former home… I could hardly believe it myself, but I mustard up some courage and decided to try a bite for myself.  Sure enough, I was mistaking myself for being in Heaven, on earth! J It was super!! Hooray!

-          Never have I seen or used any form or napkin or paper towel at the dinner table.  Something else most of you take for granted each day.   Those are the small things that you just ‘assume’ will be wherever you go… but I’ve found the exception to the rule.   Not to mention you only each with your hands (no silverware) so you’re messy and in need of some kind of cleansing ‘tool’ more than ever… :Oh well!

-          Few carry items on their heads here; again Sleone had SO much of that!

-          I’ve only seen one lady with actual ‘reading glasses’ on… I’m not sure if they just have 20/20 vision or if they are too poor to invest in eye wear..?

-          So many other continents are filled with motor bikes or just ‘peddling’ bikes and they’re few and far between here.  I’m not sure why, but if I end up staying beyond my two year proposal, I’d like to invest in one.

-          The sun sets by 6 or 6:30 YEAR ROUND… Ahhhhh… We’re so close to the equator and ‘day light savings’ isn’t an option here, so I have no hope of seeing the sun past 7pm EVER… Now I know why they’re all up by 5-5:30am when the sun rises.   They need to ‘Make hay while the sun shines’.

-          I’m considered OVER WEIGHT here, as I’ve been told by several the last few days.  They tell me I need to diet and eat less as I’m a bit too big in the ‘lower’ part.   Honestly, they just come out and say it like it is.  They will also tell you how good looking they are (if they believe that of themselves)   Of course I’m not one to have a complex of my weight or size, so I’m the least effected by the ‘passing observations’ yet surprised to here the honesty in that area.

-          It’s completely normal to pick your nose in public and even while speaking face to face with another individual.  I want to laugh every once in awhile, but I’ve with held myself up till now.

-          I’d say 80% of locals walk ANY WHERE, ANY TIME without a single piece of protection on the bottom of their feet.  I think of Fred Flinstone and his ability to ’stop his car w/ his own feet’ I think they could do that here and not feel a bit of pain.   It’s amazing.  I think they could be hired out for a good price to a traveling circus for the walking on fire and glass act.  

-          I can also count on two hands the number of dogs I’ve spotted.  Most every country I’ve seen or traveled to have an over abundance of dogs just wasting away… I guess the veterinarian has done a good job keeping things under wrap here. J I’m sure they wouldn’t know what a Vet. Was.

I guess that is all for now. Here are a few extra stories to add to the pot, before my computer dies of power.

While traveling to church (alone) Sunday I was greeted by a ‘drunk’ man that reeked of liquor and he insisted on nearly sitting on my lap while asking me over and over to go to church and pray for him.   I told him we can all pray and he doesn’t need me to pray for him.  Yet he continued to bug me over and over… Finally some ’stranger’ beside spoke up on my behalf and told him to leave me alone, as she too was annoyed with his constant running mouth.   By the next ’stop’ I requested to switch seat with someone else and found some ‘peace’ until I arrived at my own destination.

Some one mentioned today that the “Big ball upstairs is too hot” speaking of the sun.   It’s been identical to Modesto’s hot summer months.  DRY HOT TRIPPLE DIGIT HEAT that you can’t escape.  Plus there is no air conditioning to find, not to mention a car to ride in… we walk and endure the heat on foot from place to place, hour after hour.   Maybe with all this walking in the heat, I’ll loose some weight and not be called the “Large Girl” around the village! J

A few of the locals have small box freezers that they make popcilces and sell.   The popsicles are in the ‘former’ zip lock baggie that didn’t ‘zip’ or tie’.  They tie them in a not and sell the in the form of a 2″x2.5″ “Ice Block” Today I was so dehydrated and parched that I bought 20 (1$) and ate them ALL, just trying to get some cold fluid back in my system.   The kids had a fit that I bought and ate SO many.  They were eating their own, or I would have shared!

Last night I made dinner for Claire and out ‘body guards’ that walk us home after dark.   So as I was preparing the meal, she served them some water and one complained that it wasn’t cold.  He is one of the few that has a freezer and chooses use ice to quench his thirst.   So he was caught of guard to see that even the ‘Musungu’ (white girls) didn’t even have ice. Yes, Claire and I are the poor kids on the block! J J

October 10, 2007

“MULISHANI” = HOW ARE YOU?

I thought I’d share a bit of Bemba with you today.   It is not an easy language to pick up on, unlike Sleone Krio… but I’m having the kids teach me and little by little I’m getting a few things under my belt.   I’m hoping to Wikpedia it next time I’m at near an Internet Café and copy and paste it into my Flash drive… Then I’ll have it all spelled out with the official use, grammar and all.

Before I begin this teaching session I must remind each one of you that Bemba is all FENETIC spelling so just sound it out and you’ll have it.   Of course the natives have their own ‘accents’ but no the less, it will be the same.

NATOTELA = THANK YOU!

MWASHIBUKENI = GOOD MORNING

EEM QUI = MORNING IS GOOD

MULISHANI= HOW ARE YOU

BWINO= FINE (which is the only expression, never fantastic, superb, horrible..)

MUSUNGU= WHITE PERSON

NIWEBO NANI ISHINA = WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

NINEBO “Keisha” = MY NAME IS KEISHA
MWANDE BWENO = HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY

SHALE NIPO = STAY WELL or SEE YOU LATER

So there you have it the Bemba that I know up till now.   Nothing too special but I hope to fluent before the year is up… So many speak English yet there are SO many who only speak Bemba too.

BLESSINGS FOR A MULTITUDE BECAUSE OF YOUR OWN FAITHFULNESS

I was challenged today by the reading of Geneses 39 and the reading of Joseph’s life.   God choose to not only bless Josephs in life, but He also blessed others in the presence of Joseph. I pray that as I sacrifice my own wants and need to do the Lords will that He too will not only bless me in small ways but also bless those around me. I want them to see, that it’s not me that is able to do abundantly more than they can imagine, but my Lord and Savior that does so many miracles.
I’m also thankful that God not only gave me a ‘vision’ to be here, but HE also gave me provision and has allowed me to see things in perspective to what He will do with me and what He’ll accomplish (through me)

I serve a GOOD and MIGHTY God and I’m eager to see how he’ll continue to provide me with the skills, talents, wisdom and even energy to bring Him glory as I live a life for Him and Him alone here.   It’s nearly impossible to live a life for yourself as there is nothing you can do to make more money, buy new items or even compare your life as being greater than the one beside you.   They’re all living with so much less, and they all accept that what they ‘do have’ comes from something greater than they, and they are all very spiritually minded individuals.   It’s a blessing to be among such ‘thankful’ and to remind myself that America has “too” much and it’s my own desire to not only take it all for granted if I even end up ‘there’ again, but to be grateful and know that I’m blessed beyond measure, as I give the credit to God.

RESCUE 9-1-1   MY 1^st TIME IN AN AFRICAN ER

First off, I’m okay… as of now! No really, I’m fine and it was not me that was admitted into The Kitwe Central Hospital today, but rather a dying 18yr old.  She and her family are one of the many that we reach out to and visit twice a week during Community Outreach.   She’s been sick for some time, but the last week it’s just progressed into so much more.  She looks pregnant, but her ex-Rays don’t show another form of life living with her.   Infact if I were to guess it looks like her spleen and Rt. Kidney are enlarged to the point of near lying bursting.  Either way she is SO THIN and so weak I almost had to carry her out of her ‘ really  really poor conditioned’ hut to the bus station.  Fortunately she made it on her own, but we’ve got to take her back tomorrow for blood work.  So I will be up and at em’ at the crack of dawn myself, just to get her there and be the first in line.   Our goal is to visit with the doctor tomorrow and get some answers. BG is paying for the tests and some of your ’support’ money I’ve donated toward the cause as well.   My only wish is that I could video some footage of each walk of life that are there waiting to be seen by someone.  I know that any ER world wide would show the same signs of ‘death, sickness, poverty, and much more’ but today was beyond my wild’es dreams.

Hugs to each of you & Blessings that over flow

Keisha

PHOTO link Peeling Potatoe

PHOTO link Claire, me and our BG boys

PHOTO link Me and 3kids from R.Comm

PHOTO LINK my house kitchen

PHOTO link Men making bricks

PHOTO link kids praying @ BG

Here it is the…(drum roll, please) The latest and First Weekly Update!  You’ll find so much news and info tucked into the following sentences, sorry it’s so long, but it’s only possible to be by near the Internet every once in awhile. READ ON!! J September 29, 2007The First 24This may be a bit ‘boring’ compared to updates from past trips, but I want to give you a few facts and figures regarding my new residency… So bear with me and skip today if you don’t wish for the fine.  So off and away we go…Here is a summary following my FIRST 24 HOUR PERIOD since I’ve been planted in my new home, Ndeke Village. After arriving mid way on Friday, I was able to visit the BGate school and youth center for a few hours.  It was long enough to get a ‘basic’ run down, yet not enough to know my way from point A to B (on foot).   They walk anywhere local 10mile range… give or take, but ride a mini bus/taxi (like the old mini V.W. bus) to Kitwe (15-20min ride- costs 2,000kwacha =.50cents). They fill those babies (mini busses) to the brim with people.  Infact that is the rule of thumb,the bus won’t leave the bus stop until every seat & then some are full.  Yes, I’ve experienced this already! I’ve never allowed some one else’s sweat to run together with my own, yet that is a common experience each time I step into a mini bus.  I call the ‘Mission House’ home for now.  This is a rectangular plaster/cement building (not mud- though most are mud and cooler I think).  The house has four rooms, with a kitchen, shower room (for bucket showers), family room (with a few sitting chairs they just received this month), and two rooms with a solo toilet (one missing the seat) … [no houses at the house (just ANYWHERE I else I go)  Holes in the ground, bushes, no buildings just wipe open squat pots..yuck.. I know!  Yet, this has become a daily accordance and this is my home]. The kitchen is LITTLE and has a sink and an eclectic double burner.  When the electricity is out we’ll just build a fire and cook… I’m sure my day will come for that (as it has since I first typed this).  The shower room is, hmmm… what is the appropriate word…“Repulsive” but it’s still inside and not out in a creek, so I won’t complain! Bucket showers are a daily tradition but I’ve learned to warm some water on the stove to take away the ‘sting’ of the cool water, or to just sooth my body.  Six of us live at the Mission House at this present point in time.  One Zambian family –[Kapas-who works for BG, Emma, his wife and their two year old son Ishmael, Claire who is from Michigan and will be here until Dec 11, and Judith from the Netherlands who will be here until next Wed] I enjoy each of them SOOOOOOO much. We’re like one big happy family, honestly! We have a small garden here at the house, although I’ve not witnessed them harvesting their crops yet.  I’ve not thrown my own seeds in the soil just yet.  We also have a lemon, mango, and avocado tree here at the mission house.  They’ll all out of season so I’ll eagerly await the first fruits. Each room has its own window with bars across it, like in the ‘big cities’ No screens, but I’m hoping to use what I brought and make my own… I’m moving into a much larger room next week when Judith moves back to Holland so I’ll get a bit more settled in at that time.  Floors are concrete which will help (with mud) during rainy season.  Being cement doesn’t mean they stay clean, but I’d eat off them if I needed to…But remind yourselves I also choose to live in these conditions, so where the average person may not eat off these floors, I’ve already eaten off much worse since I’ve arrived.  Emma is always scrubbing the floors and wiping them off… which will help with rodents and other little critters that may want to make this place their own. As I mentioned before there is no running water (okay, technically we do have running water, but it’ doesn’t really run as it TRICKLES from time to time)  We set bowls under the pipes to collect it when it comes in. .  Kapas fetches other water for the barrels that never run dry (as I’ve been told).  Today was Saturday, a day to run errands and buy our personal groceries for the week  I made a potatoes, green bean, carrot and tomatoes soup for dinner and have enough left to save in Tupperware and eat the next couple of days.(No fridge, just FAITH!:)  I also bought lettuce and some dressing.  The lettuce is as wilted as can be, but its still roughage which will only help,since I’m obsessed with a having a clean colonJ. The Italian dressing isn’t really what you’d called American dressing, but again it will do the trick. The super market had anything and every thing.  From Tupperware,  fruits, veggies (although I buy my veggies from the local neighbor in her hut) They had a variety of milk, cheese, and meat (which I didn’t lay a hand on- I’m thinking I could become a vegan while I’m here, than again I bought eggs to boil and eat so maybe not! )  Basic hardware supplies, stationary, cookies, canned fruit, personal hygene..For those that were once so worried about me and “The Keeper” etc etc.  Shop Rite is the super market and it’s owned and operated by South Africans.  As South Africa grows and blossoms into a more stable and financially secure country they’re able to offer us what they supply themselves with…Which is the ONLY reason we have so many items to choose from.  Had the South African’s not come so far north, who knows what I’d have to choose from off the shelves.   Most of the locals raise their own chickens to butcher and eat, but I’ve not joined in the fun just yet.  I hope to take part in the butchering process before too long.I have consumed a few mini cooked whole fish and they weren’t half bad.  I can’t compare it to Tilapia or Salmon but it is a local staple dish so I’d better get use to it! Kapas caught a Large (palm size?) spider tonight and kept it in a bottle to show us once we arrived.  He said it is the most poisonous spider in Zambia, but they usually live near water (not this area) He found it outside by a water barrel and warned us to stay away from them, IF we were lucky enough to spot one down the road. YIKES!! :O  I’m told they don’t have mice, but rats are in season (as always) and cockroaches are as large as mice… It’s true! I’ve not spotted one yet, but I know my time will come.  Showers are COLD, but refreshing.  They don’t leave the main water barrels outside to (get warm) so the water is cool.  It’s has not been in the 60’s at night like weather.com told me it would be.  Infact it’s really HOT day and night.  It reminds me of driving in ‘traffic’ in my old Ford Escort down the Modesto streets in 110degree heat!  No AC, just the windows down and the refreshment of my own sweat to cool me off. Not much humidity yet.. I’m sure as rainy season approaches that will change.  No closets, shelves or hooks to hang clothes so every thing stays in my suitcase and totes, which was best idea I followed through on yet, packing in large totes instead of suitcases.  I have peace of mind at night knowing that a few things are safe from mold, water, bugs, rodents, and more.  One theme I’ve noticed in African countries, (the four I’ve been to).  They all seem to have radios/cd players and HUGE POWERFUL speakers.  And they play the same song over and over and over.  It’s un-real the volume they can produce at times.  Our neighbor is close enough I could spit on the house if I tried… I think! But we’re separated by a twig/wooden hand made fence.  They’re LOUD and have a full house.  I’m told there are multiple families there, and the husbands live and work some where else.  I hope to get to know the women soon, and try to keep them quite at night, yea right!  A ‘girl’ screamed and threw up for over 40min straight while I typed the first portion of this letter.  I’m not sure what was going on, and why she was throwing such a fit, but it was loud and clear on our side of the ‘fence’.  I’ve not met Bill and Thelma the local Zambian couple who started BG Zambia 3 years ago.  He was on a business trip to the capital Lusaka and should have returned some time this evening.  I’m attending church with Kafas and Emma tomorrow.  Claire says each church she’s been to is a “show” and not much more.  I expect to get more of a ‘story hour’ and less of a Bible teaching/preaching time.  But I’ll have to wait and see for myself.  The bugs are plastering themselves to my computer screen as they want some ‘extra’ warmth from the light.  Therefore it is time to close this up and bit you a good day. Until next time.. Blessings kg  SUNDAY September 30, 20071,2,3 That’s Enough for me!Today had many new experiences, good and bad.  Once again I was awoken by the sound of screaming children by 6sh.  I did what I could to block it out and finally got up a bit after 7am.  I’m not sure if they have a daily ‘beating’ of their children to start the day and whip them into shape or what. ??? Oatmeal for breakfast with make shift brown sugar, not bad!  (Easy, quick and filling.) By 9am we departed for Kafas and Emma’s church.  Little did I know Kafas would be preaching, they’re pastor left and he’s been filling in since that time.  It was a true blue Pentecostal church, with all the bells and whistles, or shall I say the yelling and jumping!  I’ve wondered for years why I was raised at the church of my parents church in our early years of life, and now I know.  It was simply for times like this.  I knew what to expect and I didn’t run away with my tail between my legs in fear that they were going to push me over during prayer, or shout in my ear as though God is deaf.  It was a bit un comfortable to be back into my ‘former’ ways of church, how ever I lived to tell.  He read from 1Samuel and made a few good points, but like most Pentecostals they insist that God is out to BLESS –BLESS –BLESS.(More of what they Expect God to do for them, and Less about what they can do for God)  But as I read the Bible God is not only the giver but the taker.  He is not a genie in a lamp that is waiting for us to rub and grant us all our dreams and prayers.  I’ll continue my search for a ‘home’ church next week, as I’m hoping for something less Blessings’ based and a bit more Truth Based.  No sugar coating, just Gods word as it is, not just the GOOD but the Bad as well.  Ahh, next on the list… the Market i.e.: farmers market.  Judith took me on a field trip to the local farmers market (7days a week) to buy cheaper fruits and veggies.  It was comparable to any other 2 or 3^rd world farmers market.  I purchased some apples (Fuji –if I were to guess), oranges (fresh and juicy), pineapple (haven’t cut) and some onions for cooking later this week.  I was tickled pink to see that they produce was a fresh and common as it is.  I’ll take some fruit with me tomorrow to school for ‘lunch’ break.  Now for the low points of the day… I came across not 1,not 2, but 3 rats just in our front ‘yard’ area earlier today, and they allowed me to be with in 8-10feet from them.  I wasn’t pleased to say the least, but it’s Africa, what can I say.  I just hope they stay out near the ‘trash/compost’ pit all day/night and not get any sneaky ideas to drop in on me during the middle of the night.  Judith also killed a cockroach, not as large as I’ve been told, but it was in the house… I just hope Emma’s and ‘our’ constant scrubbing and cleaning pay off and keep it all down to a minimum.  I had mucho time to play with Ishmael today and assist in his manners… J I guess my dream came true of wanting to live or have slumber parties with the local kids.  He’s sweet, but a bit annoying like most children his age.  It’s building character in me, to say the least.
I guess that is all for today.  I hope life is well for each of you back home.  I pray every day for most of you and would love to know if there is anything I can be praying for in any of your lives.   Until next time… Blessings, kg  October 01, 2007COINCIDENCE… I THINK NOT!!I’ve complied a list of things that just seem confirms over and over that I was created to be here in Ndeke Village for this time and season…-          They have a library in town and you’ll able to barrow books just like in America… I have just taken to reading and I actually could consider reading to be a choice in my spare time.  However I didn’t have room in my totes to bring along books… however I’m set.-          Riding in the mini busses to and from town allows me to be a little closer with strangers than most would prefer…Being a massage therapist for 8+years it has allowed me a chance to embrace ‘some’ that I normally would not wish to touch with a ten foot pole. -          Doing was by hand is a ‘must’ and it continually is strengthening my hands as I ‘wring’ out my clothes one by one… Again my background with massage has allowed my hands to have the ‘strength’ that my wash requires of me.  I think my hands may be a bit stronger once I return as I ‘wash’ takes a bit more ‘might’ to get the job done! -          I was born to spell FENETICALLY… so with that being the bases for their words, I fit right in!-          Eating out of pans with dirt in the bottom, sharing the community cup, or even the same spoon would be challenging for some… I was raised on a farm and was taught that “A little dirt never hurt” -          The huge Penicostal influence is wide spread… Being raised for a few years in a church of that kind it allows me to embrace the people and not run from them. -          Living with out eletricity (at times) isn’t as hard as you’d think… I had already developed a TRUE LOVE for my headlamp and I am always looking for reasons to use it here.. or even in America! -          Having a new focus and vision with the “Street outreach ministry” AKA: Homeless boys… I’m finding it easy to reach them as I’ve been involved with many Jr. High/High School kids in the past…they take a bit ‘extra’ at time, if you know what I mean. -          Inhaling the dirt in the air day in and day out is nothing new…. As I’ve been in Modesto during harvest for the Almonds and/or Walnuts the last …7 years.  It just requires and tissue to be in hand at all time to blow, blow, that nose! -          The chance of whip-lash or tail bone damage is no new thing… As Sierra Leone trained me well for vans that are BUMMPY and have NO padding!-          Sleeping with bar’s on my windows at night (w/ the window wide open) is again just something of my past… After living on River Road in Ceres, CA I’m well adapted to that kind of ‘fear’… I mean life.-          Not to mention I desire to camp… and can live w/out a shower for days or weeks on end (IF need be) -          I was raised in a high humidity state…so sweating is all I know to do when the sun is shining-          Living with my sister all summer allowed me to know what it is like to have a curious 2year roaming around day and night… Now that I have Ishmael in my home.-          I don’t drink coffee or caffeine … so I’m not going through with draws each morning.-          I rarely even add ice to my drinks in America.. which isn’t even an option here-          I’m able to sleep ANY where ANY time day or night… and with all the noise of my neighbors that is more than a blessing, but a NEED or I’d never sleepSo there you have it. I basic list of things in my past that have helped to mold and make me into a better more adapted Zambian resistant!More to follow… Blessings to ALL of You!!  October 2, 2007CLAFICATION FOR A CLEAN SLATE!I’ve read through a few responses since my first ‘update’ and I thought I should clarify a few things before we move on. -I do have all that I NEED… but not all that I WANT!  You’d be amazed at how little one can live with when not given any other option… so with that said. I am able to find a bit more here to live with than I expected… but if you saw the ‘area’ I lived in (Google Earth It) You’d still think that I was lost in the dry dessert or brush of Africa (soon to be jungle land once the rainy season begins) .. Minus a roaming lion near by!  The nearest game park is an hour or more away, and that is where you can find the Big 5, most common animals that Africa is known for.- Zambia has done ‘well’ with their county over the past decade or more.  They’ve not had wars with in the country, so peace is here to stay… so we hope! They also have a LARGE influence from South Africa… which is why BI-RITE shopping market is in town and stocked with many things that most Zambian’s don’t buy or use, but the South African’s here for business do, or other Nationalities.. (I’ve been told there are a large number of Chinese and Indian’s here)… which may explain the selection of Curry to be found on the super market shelves.- BG is a Christ following Community.. And they DO PRAY just not always ‘together/holding hands’.  That is one thing from ACTS that I miss the most… the chance to join hands with any one at any time and take our thoughts up to the Lord.  We, here at BG (directors, volunteers, & teachers) start each day at the site (school) with morning devotions, songs of worship and prayer.  We also have a ‘staff’ meeting every Monday that is also started with songs of worship and prayer.  Infact they start EVERY prayer with a short line of a song in English or Bemba (their local language) The children start there day with songs of praise, prayers, and devotions as well.- Internet is found all over the world… It’s not at my fingertips here, and it’s not an easy walk to get there… but they do have Internet Cafes in most any ‘large’ city world wide.- As for Cell Phones… Cell phone companies make a bundle on America or countries of the like.  Therefore they are able to come to 2nd & 3rd world countries and cell the phones for 1-5%mark up along with older models that aren’t selling in the ‘states’… and they can sell “talk time” for much less w/out contracts.  I can buy talk time by the minute only not by the year or month (contracts).  So some one may have had enough money to buy a cell phone and ‘talk time’ 3 years ago… but has not had the chance to buy more talk time and use the phone since then.  It’s just supply and demand… like most everything else in this world…. And businesses find a way to make it all happen even if they mark up the cost 500% in America! J   October 5, 2007DAILY LIFE, AS I KNOW ITAgain after reading a few responses I know that some of you have requested a basic daily schedule.. so here you go! They use Military time here, kinda… Before Noon they say 2hours for 2am, 6hours for 6am, 10hours for 10am.. etc.. then it becomes military… J  MONDAY-5:40-6hours Wake up (eat breakfast [oatmeal, scrambled eggs, or toast, & my parasite cleansing tea and Neem capsules to keep my system clean]-6:55 start walking to ‘work’ with Kapas and Claire-7:20 Our Staff/Volunteers/Teachers have devotions and prayer and songs of praise together-8hours Kids have completed their own devotions and they line up one by one for school  Claire and I greet them as they come in.-8:30 walk to the office (ALL DIRT roads to walk each day) or stay on site to assist where I am needed.-12 Eat lunch with the kids that is from one pot, one plate that is used over and over, some times I have a spoon sometimes I use my hands to eat rice, schema, etc… Imagine 6 kids squatting around ONE plate of food that is sitting on the ground, out in the heat of the day and sun, while they eat with their hands and try to share that ‘one’ plate of food each and every day! That is life as they and I now know it. -12:30 Staff Meeting-1:30- 5 Head to the Youth Center that we hosted a Grand Opening for TODAY.. The American Embassy donated $$ for the site.  It’s AMAZING and the kids really enjoy it.  They must pay 5,000Kwacha for three months to be able to come and use the computers, library, games, and donated pool table and TV.  The can do homework, outside or inside, or even under the hut.  Photos will follow!! J After the kids leave at 5 I walk the ‘dirt path’ back home.6hours I go for a run-6:30 the Sun has SET-7-9 cook dinner for myself, shower with a bucket and cup, clean and get things in order for another day. -9-10 Hour of solitude/devotions/prayer in my room.. Then in bed and ready to start another day… mentally, spiritually, emotionally TUESDAY & FRIDAY the only changes are -8:30 We hire a mini bus to go pick up the Street boys and bring them to our site.  We play soccer for 1 hour to get the ‘drugs and liquor’ out of their systems, have devotions, cooperate prayer with them, feed them a meal, and have time to just hang out and get to know them.  THIS is what I’m in charge of… STREET OUTREACH.  Our goal is to encourage the kids that just ‘ran away’ from home to go back (even if it’s not the best situation) and encourage the others that are double orphans (parents died and nobody else to take them in) to go and live in a shelter etc.  We want them off the streets, and away from the negative influence of sex, drugs, and the other bad habits that come with living and trying to service each day. Our focus is with the kids that are 13year old and younger (Some are as young as 4-6yr when they are forced or choose to live on the streets-Homeless)  Our focus is with the younger ones because we have hope that their minds have not been polluted with all the day to day life, and competing to survive.  It’s easier for that age group (13 and younger) to want to be back with there families or in a shelter being taking care of.  Those that choose to be on the streets are usually because they don’t have food at home, they are being abused etc… It’s not just a ‘fun choice’ as not one of us would choose to be homeless, right? We also encourage jobs, etc… They choose STICKY as their source of DRUG. It’s a combination of glue and petrol/gas.  They inhale it through their mouth and it makes them WARM, LESS HUNGRY, and numb to the heartache that life has brought them.  When I have them at the site we give them a chance to shower and wash their clothes once a week.  We also feed them a meal (a simple one, yet it counts) and just encourage them and take them under our wing.  I’m in the middle of devising ‘next month’s goals’.  This is where YOU come into play.  I need YOUR help with a few items:

1. Ideas for a NAME instead of just STREET OUTREACH… An Acronym, Logo, Slogan etc…
2.  Ideas for games to play, that will make them sweat, yet not cause us to buy equipment.. like ultimate Frisbee, because someone else two Frisbee’s behind
3. A possible donation to have 10 GRASS GREEN shirts printed (for my volunteers)with our new NAME, LOGO, SLOGAN Etc… and also 50 grass green sweat bands for the kids bought and shipped to me… which I can give details of later…
4. A possible donations of 5 hacky sacks
5. Any group skits or short plays etc. that we could perform on the street with the Homeless kids to make money in town?

I’m hoping to use some of my support money to help them with mini buss tickets to join me in church with Garret as well over the next couple months.  I want to help them pay half of the mini bus fare, along with bringing lunch.. Peanut Butter sandwiches & bananas etc… This of course is only after being really acquainted with the boys and having help from my staff before, during and after church… That is after I find a church of my own…! J  WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY the only thing that changes…-8:30-12 I go into Robert Compound ( a POOR Community- to say the least) and follow up with our students families from BG.. along with other families in the community.  They’ve found in the past that some kids are sexually abused [kids and parents sleep in the same room so the kids see sex often and then they try to do and act out what they’ve seen with other ‘kids’…], not feed, or clothed etc… and they want to get into the homes and meet with the moms (& dads) if around to know what we can do to lend a helping hand.  We have a ‘Small’ stash of clothes to give to them (once we see a need), we can give food when the budget allows to buy extra, but most of all we try to help the mothers to start a business selling goods that they make or grow.  We (BG) may provide the crops to plant and the labor and supplies to make the booth to sell under and show them the strings of keeping and operating a small business.  Our goal is to make each one of the kids or adults we encounter to not only be a living being, just surviving, but to also encourage them to get on their feet and pull themselves out of the cycle of life that they’ve been stuck in by choice or by pure luck of the draw.  I too am in charge of this program and will be organizing things a bit more than they are. I’m excited to work in the and among the community (one of the poorest I’ve seen) and not only share the Love & Truth of Jesus with them, but also assist in changing the future of ZA. One family at a time! SATURDAYTime for errands, personal and work related in Town Kitwe
SUNDAYChurch from 9-12:30ish then REST and Naps if the HEAT allows!  So there you have it not only a basic schedule but more background/info for what I’m doing and the role I’ll be playing for the next 2 years +.  I can’t express to you how much I love this place already and how much it just feels like home.  I’m honored to be here, and to be that Flexible and willing tool for the Lord and His Kingdom.  Okay I had a bit more to share, but it’s LATE here and I still need to upload a few photos/ videos that I’ll try to send via You Tube.  PRAYER:-          That I’ll find faithful volunteers to assist with the Street Outreach Program-          The heat won’t kill any more chickens at the site we started with 200 chicks, 20 have died from heat during the day.  We’re hoping to use ‘them’ along with the garden at the school to not only feed the kids at lunch but they’re families too.  We’ll also use the garden and chickens as a ‘small paid’ work opportunity for the Street Boys to work-          The street boys would mind us and respect us (Fred and Kersheba(?) is trouble thus far) -          That the street boys would open up to me/us and allow us to really begin a strong firm Street Outreach program.  We have 15 already but there are MANY more. Most of the girls have been taken into ‘homes’ by the government.-          That I’d have proper contacts with government agencies to instruct these boys with tips for AIDS, Drugs, Abuse, etc… There is help to be found, I just need to know where to direct the boys to go and find it.-          I can use Claire’s International Drivers license to drive the Minibus once it arrives.  Someone has donated the $$ for the bus, but it’s being shipped from Dubai next month and they need me to drive, yet they forgot to inform me that I need and actual International Drivers Licenses.-             OKAY OVER AND OUT… This concludes this week’s updates/ stories etc…: Blessings to each of you!
I tried to find the Big dipper tonight and feel at home (as I seek it out MANY times in the dark of the night while in America) Then I was reminded by Claire (my new best friend until she leaves Dec 11)  that we’re in a different hemisphere and have different starts.. L Sad! PS Packages under 2lb can be shipped w/out going through CUSTOMS… If you DO send a package as most have inquired… Make the value  a CHEAP as you can 20$ even if it’s not, so the individuals at Customs will be less likely to break into them and steal ‘my goods’.  I’d also request any winter fresh or spearmint GUM or Swedish Fish or Skittles, and Individual Crystal Light packets as a treat.. I can’t find them here!  

“Houston do you copy”??…

We have contact… and I have landed”

Hello and Greetings from Kitwe, Zambia or my village of Ndeke.

I’m here SAFE and sound… although the screaming child outside my window early this AM did make for a new alarm clock(sound)

God granted me safety and so much more the last two days of travel. Flights went well, ALL my belongings arrived safe, even my seeds and garlic cloves to plant and produce my own crops. I had a few minor hiccups at the airports along the way, but it was all worked out and some how I saved money while buying a new ticket last minute… Another Blessing from above!

We have electricity most of the time (minus 2-4hrs a night), but NO running water. My room is great and my matres is on a bed stand… imagine that. I’m living like a queen.. compared to what it could be.  My window is missing a screen, but the tooling I bought will cover it once I buy the supplies to hang it.

I made my first trip to the local supper market today (with Judith-Netherlands and Claire-Michigan).  I think they have more variety here than Kroger’s in Ohio has… honestly.  I won’t go hungry to say the least. and I even bought some CURRY and Rice for dinner… CURRY is my favorite!

USB drives get infected constantly here (or so I’ve been told) so we’ll see how long or how well I’ll be able to copy and past emails back and forth to you from my laptop…. I’ll try next time I ride the bus to town.

Town, Kitwe is a 10-15min bus (taxi) ride from my village and buses come every 5 min or so.

Snail mail arrives with no problems and SOME packages have arrived for others. Just make it look really UGLY if you send one and wrap each item to make it harder for ‘others’ to open and steel… AND DON’T TELL ME IF YOU SEND A PACKAGE…. I want all surprises as I don’t want the let down if it doesn’t make it. However, as I’ve advised others.. The best thing over all is to get money to my sister and have her place it in my account.  From there send me an email and tell me how much you gave her and what you want me to spend it on here.  I can buy ANYTHING I need, honestly!!!! … and it’s REALLY cheap.  1,000kwatcha =.25cents 

The land is flat and dry as rainy season has not yet begun… another 4 weeks or so!

The people are really friendly and the kids hold my heart in their hands. Kids are not dying every day in my village, but if we had an orphanage near by things would be diffrent.  If they live past the first year… they seem to last a bit longer. So I’ve not yet dug a grave… but I’m sure I will over time!

My main focus will be with the street outreach… Finding ways to reaching the kids who ‘choose’ or have not choice to live on the streets.  Some as young as 6yr old.  I’m looking forward to that challenge and just loving them through the good and the bad.

I had the chance to hang out yesterday (after landing) at (BGate’s Youth Center) and the kids were just like any where else… so full of mischief and humor… I felt connected already!

My phone SHOULD work, I’ll know later today.  I should have FREE INCOMING CALLS WORLD WIDE… so If that be the case… I’ll pass along a few Calling Card websites and allow you to CALL me whenever your heart desires!

I’m excited to allow this place to become home… as I prepare for all that God has in store for me.

Thanks again for all Your LOVE, SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, and PRAYERS!!!

The peace that I feel is above any other.  I’ve not yet shed tears (believe it or not!!) since my last bear hugs with my mother and father at the airport. God is SO GOOD and has granted me so much thus far.

I’m 6hours ahead of the MID-WEST EST and 9hours ahead of the West Coast.

I can’t wait for my first church experience tomorrow and I hope to be back in town with in the week for another update.

THANKS once again

PRAYER REQUESTS:

- My Residential VISA will be completed in the next 3 weeks

- My families void (with me being gone) to be filled with greater Peace and Blessings

- To find a prayer partner as it’s prayer is not a daily habit in our ‘house’ .. .and I NEED that!

- Continued PEACE and REST in the LORD as He unveils His Will for Me here in the Ndeke Village for the years to come.

- To learn their language quickly ..(Although they ALL speak English)

- Creative ways to reach the kids living on the street.. that my love and friendship will break the walls down and allow for true connections and life changing relationships

BLESSINGS to EACH OF YOU!
Keisha
 

One last Greeting from US Soil -
Less than 12 hours left before I’ll board my first of four airplanes over the course of a two day period… and here I sit, call cool and collected… as though it’s just another ordinary day.  One thing is for sure, once I’m at the boarding gate there will be no turning back… no more last minute ‘to do lists’ or things to pack or unpack… What is done, will be done, and what isn’t just ‘wont’ be!
I’m really excited and feel as ready as one can prior to a new mission like this…
So ready or not Africa… Here I come!! LOOK OUT!
A few of you have asked again, and I want to make it clear.  Shannan, my sister will be accepting any support/donations that you wish to give during the two year period.  She will be able to deposit all checks during my stay in Africa and I will be able to retrieve them once I’m there.  Just make all checks payable to: Keisha Garber and mail them to: 64564 Country Road #3, Wakarusa, IN 46573. 
Thanks again for all the encouraging notes, emails, calls etc… They’ll come with me in spirit and my heart.
Sorry if I didn’t get your calls or emails returned… I just wanted time at home with mom and dad.. which was fantastic and didn’t last long enough.
Who knows when I’ll have access to the Internet after this…
But until next time.
I’m signing off…
Blessings to each of you!
Keisha

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A Home Is
by Richard Dottery

Some say a home is just a place To go, and hang your hat We know that, that is an allusion It's certainly much more than that, It's a place to gain refreshing A place for comfort and for rest A place you should feel safe in Your sanctuary at the best, A place to dwell in, and be happy At peace and doing OK With Love for those around you And Faith to get through another day, It's a place to express that Love and Caring Unto those you Love and know A place we should look forward to returning to And always want to go, A place of escape from the world And it's pain and trouble, so A place to Love and to be Loved Where God and the ones we Love all dwell and go. Richard Dottery Copyright ©2002 Richard Dottery PHOTOS BELLOW, (Click Links)

My House, My Home, on Rangeline Road!

Sunset on Rangeline Road

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