When it rains, it POURS.

Well we have officially survived our first (Friday night), and hopefully only, Zambian rainstorm. We were told it was really nothing in comparison to what rainstorms are like in the rainy season, but it was an interesting experience for sure. Ashley, Leanne and I had been stargazing on the trampoline, which we had moved to our desired spot. As we were lying there a black cloud, filled with splashes of lightening, slowly enveloped the stars. All of a sudden, we heard the pitter-patter of rain on the metal; we all looked at each other, jumped of the trampoline and moved it back as quickly as we could. We ran into the main sitting room of the dorm just as it was coming down and from there sprinted to our house. The evenig was spent at home, having to practically yell at each other despite the fact that we were sitting in the same room.

Saturday was a day for adventure. We woke up, started the routine as usual – breakfast, going to class, helping with letters home, and then the bell rang for “Morning Tea”. We left Sakeji just after 10; Ashley, Leanne, Rachel Buckley (a Scottish girl who has been teaching here between her 3rd and 4th year of “uni”) accompanied our chauffeurs, the Brass Tax workers: Jim and Paul. It was a very bumpy ride, to say the least. We started our adventure by visiting a small orphanage in Ikelenge. We, unfortunately couldn’t stay long, and soon were back on the road after picking up a couple packages from the post office. We were able to see many of the local villages as we drove past and all of the people, who had no problem staring at the 5 white people driving past in a vehicle, were very quick to smile and wave at us – we of course all waved back, which caused many children to run after us for as long as they could.

Our first “stop” was Kalane Hospital. I had heard about it from my dad’s visit a number years ago, but it was good to see for myself. The accommodations at Kalene are well built but scarce. Just the essentials are present; things aren’t kept as clean, but they do their best to keep up with the many locals who surround the hospital daily for help. We had a tour around the hospital, which was very interesting. We were allowed to walk right through any ward we wished, which was a little alarming because we know that at home that is strictly forbidden. Despite our nerves, Jim led us into the maternity ward where we met some new mothers and their newborn babies – simply adorable! However, some of the mothers looked so young!

After picking up Natalie (a Canadian McMaster student, spending a couple of weeks in the hospital and at the airplane hanger at Kalane), we headed to the “Hydro”, the source of the Zambezi. Upon arrival, we met Silver, the caretaker of the hydro plant and some of the children who were visiting his house to meet his newborn son, Jonathon. The kids were quick to follow us down to the “scenic” area of the hydro plant. It was very beautiful. We set up a picnic lunch and enjoyed some fellowship before deciding to dip our toes into the Zambezi… just to say we did! Leanne and Natalie were feeling extra adventurous and slid down the rocks of the small waterfall there. We had some fun with the kids, and took some pictures before heading up to Silver’s house to meet Jonathon.

Jim kept us on a very tight schedule, because there were places to go and people to see, visiting was not really an option. We headed back to Kalene where we picked up Danya, a local villager who works as a maid for John and Karen Louden. She invited us to come visit at her house, so since we were not able to take the truck the whole way because of road conditions, we followed her on the 10min. walk to her village. When we were there, she ushered us into her house right away. I had a seat that could see out the front door, and when in conversation with the other adults I could feel someone watching me. I turned to look out the door and saw five small children staring at me – I had fun playing peek-a-boo with them for while before we came back outside to read a story to them. Danya’s oldest daughter, Amy translated as best she could as Ashley read from “The Beginner’s Bible” which she had found in the house. A little boy was lingering near me and I held out my arms to him, he came right to me and plopped himself down in my lap. By the end of our time there he was snuggled right up, and fighting to stay awake. I truly believe that I left a piece of my heart in that village as I set the boy down and almost cried as all of the kids watched us walk away until we were out of sight. Just looking at the surroundings as I held the little boy broke my heart… this is really the way they live, everyday. I pray that somehow, God inspires them to go beyond what they know of village life, to dream big, and to live their lives wholeheartedly for Him.

As I said before, we were on somewhat of a strict schedule as we were to be at “The Orchard” by 3, for afternoon tea. Bruce Poidiven met us at the gate and ushered us into the hanger, where we met Paul and Mark – two volunteers from Ohio who are installing new plane engines. Marilyn Poidiven welcomed us and led us to “The Orchard”, and infamous getaway for tired missionaries. Complete with a dip in the pool and homemade donuts, we had a lovely time. Bruce and Marilyn know all of our grandparents as well as some who fellowship at our different assemblies. They say “Hi” to everyone back home.

Our ride back to Sakeji was just as bumpy as ever, but we arrived in one piece. Ashley, Leanne, Rachel and I joined Miss Janette Young in the main sitting area of the dorm to watch ‘Though None Go With Me’ to end our night. A tear-jerker, but an excellent way to end our adventure.

This morning we went to church in a local village about a half-hours drive form Sakeji. We got there and eventually, after meeting many of the church members, walked for twenty minutes before we reached a small pool of water, which we were told is the source if the Sakeji River. We were very blessed to witness three sisters in Christ get baptized! It was a very cool experience! We then headed back to the church – I walked back holding a small toddler… this proved to be very strenuous as the walk isn’t easy and it was about 30 degrees celcius. Nevertheless, we arrived back for the Breaking of Bread and then headed back to Sakeji after saying goodbye to all of our new friends. We were all exhausted by the time we got back. Having only an hour until Sunday School, we wolfed down lunch and then headed over to the hall to pick out songs and arrange chairs. Ashley, Leanne and I led Sunday School for the Gr. 1-9’s and shortly after that was done, were responsible to River duty until supper.

We are all still very tired, but have to stay awake for a couple more hours as we are going out for an evening meeting in a few minutes.

I apologize that this is so long, I know… it’s only two days worth; but there is just so much to tell! We are really enjoying getting to know the kids a little more everyday. God has a special way of reminding us of His love daily, and for that we are thankful.

We love and miss everyone back home, but assure you that we are well and safe. Please keep us in your prayers as another week of school begins tomorrow! That’s all for now.

Tizao nana.