Christmas in Zambia

I’m (was) dreaming of a White Christmas….

Well, it wasn’t here in Zambia. It’s rainy season here and the only thing Christmassy about the weather is the cool evenings. If you close your eyes tight, go outside with a sleeveless top and shorts and imagine snow….. Nay!

God’s timing is perfect and I received the long awaited container 10 days before Christmas. This meant I could decorate with the few things I sent over… two small Christmas trees, a table runner, two throw pillows and a few candles. Since my furniture is red, green and gold that helped with the festive décor.

Christmas in Zambia is not celebrated from Thanksgiving to New Years like we do. It is focused on the actual reason for the holiday, Jesus and all the celebration takes place around the church and on the actual holiday, December 25. Now, if you go into the urban areas (Lusaka and Livingstone) you will see some decorations on the streets and seasonal items for sale in the stores but most Zambians don’t have the money to buy such “frivolous” things.

One day I was listening to Christmas music and one of the neighbor boys asked if I wasn’t a little early singing such songs. I explained that in the states we celebrate the entire month of December. Of course, most of what we do is secular and that was a little hard to explain. Oh, and one of my pillows has embroidered messages on each side… one is “HO HO HO” and the other is “Bah Humbug”. Try to explain that to someone who doesn’t know who Santa or Scrooge is!!

My first Christmas party was in Livingstone with the ladies from the Missionary Fellowship I attend each month. There are several missionaries in Livingstone and about 20 ladies got together the Friday afternoon before Christmas. We ate traditional party foods, swapped cookies and played “Dirty Santa.” You haven’t played “Dirty Santa” until you have played with good Christian missionary ladies. I must admit, I ended up with the “not so wanted prize” because I played so “dirty”.

On Saturday, Joan and I went to Jembo to have our American Christmas. Fred and Carol Cromer, along with their daughter Hannah, had invited us to spend a few days. Joan and I loaded up her vehicle with our bags, a few Christmas presents for everyone and headed out at 6am. We arrived at the Cromers around 10 and began preparing the traditional Christmas meal. We even waited while the “rest of the family” arrived. It was very much like being at home. We ate, played games and listened to Christmas music. Here’s a hint… don’t play Rook with missionaries either…they aim to win!

We went to church on Sunday morning. This was most disappointing as far as the holiday went because there was no Christmas music. It was a “bush church” though and the pastor did a great job and you could see his love for the people and for sharing the gospel. He had been the pastor for only a few months and was so pleased with the response he had received from the congregation. Sunday afternoon we watched movies, played games and ate leftovers.

Monday, Christmas Eve, Joan and I drove back to Zimba. We wanted to leave in time to participate in the hospital celebration with the patients. We stopped in Choma on the way back for some “last minute” shopping… it was almost like being in the states! The SPAR (the local grocery chain) was filled with people and if you wanted bread you might as well buy the ingredients and make it yourself. The queue was impossible. The checkout lines were long and some of the employees actually had Santa hats and Reindeer antlers! There was even a Santa ringing a bell collecting money for a local ministry.

We arrived in Zimba just in time for the hospital celebration. All of the local churches joined together to sing in a candlelight celebration. Each church was assigned a ward to celebrate with and then everyone gathered together to sing one final song. It was very nice. Still no recognizable Christmas songs but it was festive and everyone was happy. Joan had received some donations from the states at the Wesleyan guesthouse and distributed these to the patients.

On Christmas Day Nakowa Pilgrim Wesleyan Church had an all day event from 9 – 4. There was music and dancing, a Christmas message and lunch. Kosiya was the speaker and did a great job. Several people came forward and dedicated their life to Christ. It was awesome. I had not experienced such response at this church since being here.

Joan and I were recruited to help with serving the food and beverages. The dinner was rice, chicken and relish. Coke, Orange Fanta and Sprite were served for drinks. Cake, a special treat, was served at the end with the traditional “knife dance”. You have to be here to understand that one…

As soon as everyone was served I headed home to wait by the phone. I was determined not to miss any phone calls from home. I was not disappointed. I received phone calls from very dear friends, the Harding family (Stan, Stephanie, Will and Lily), from my parent’s home where I spoke to my parents, my sisters, nieces and nephews and from my brother’s house where we used the internet and video so that we could see each other! What a treat to actually see them!

I want to thank everyone who sent emails, Christmas cards and packages. You helped make this holiday special even though we were miles apart. Actually, my Christmas will be extended because a few of the packages sent still have not been received. I guess I’ll start a new tradition here and celebrate Christmas the entire month of January instead of December!

I am blessed by your love and encouragement.
I am blessed to be in Zambia.
I am blessed to know Jesus!

Green Mamba

And I thought the grasshopper was big….

I ran into this as I left my house this afternoon…

Luckily, when I screamed “Snake” everyone came running…

“Mambas, of the genus Dendroaspis, are fast-moving tree-dwelling snakes of Africa. ("Dendroaspis" is literally "tree snake".) They belong to the family of Elapidae which includes cobras, coral snakes, kraits and, debatably, sea snakes, all of which can be extremely deadly. The black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa, with an extremely potent neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system; the bite is often fatal to humans without access to proper first aid and subsequent antivenin treatment, because it shuts down the lungs and heart… Mambas will detect and get away from humans as fast as possible.” (That’s reassuring!)

“Green Mambas (pictured) possess venom that is roughly equal in potency to that of the Black mamba. However, they are not nearly as aggressive. They are slightly smaller, and are arboreal, whereas the latter is primarily terrestrial… Humans are actually their predators, rather than their prey. For that reason, mambas generally avoid contact with humans. However, if a mamba feels threatened by a human, it may defend itself fiercely… Unlike most other snakes, mambas will strike repeatedly if cornered, and have been reported to bring down a giraffe and a lion with their venom.” – from Wikipedia

Leviticus 11:21-23

"There are, however, some winged creatures that walk on all fours that you may eat: those that have jointed legs for hopping on the ground. Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper."

King Cotton in Zambia

This is an article published in the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, TN. It's about Zambia, the HIV/AIDs epidemic and how a local Memphis Company, Dunavant Enterprises, is helping.

http://commercialappeal.com/news/2007/dec/09/zambia-memphis-the-world-king-cottons-new-empire/

My home is just feet away from the hospital morgue. It is not unusual to hear the wails from the mourners of the dead at all times of the day. The most eerie are those when I am laying in bed trying to sleep or awaking from my slumber. Many of the deaths are reported as caused by pneumonia, meningitis, etc. but the true culprit is HIV/AIDS.

Please read the article and gain a better understanding of the country I live in and the challenges it faces. The cotton industry is just one of the areas affected by this deadly disease. There are many other areas suffering as well.

Understand as well, that there are many organizations in Zambia dedicated to treating, educating and eradicating this disease but the greatest need here is spiritual growth and renewal. Although Zambia claims to be a Christian nation, it's cultural traditions are not always supportive of the values taught by the Bible. Well meaning people still practice polygamy even though they are taught what the Bible teaches about marriage and sexual conduct. Despite the good work being done by many non-governmental organizations, unless the people accept the truths taught by the Bible and live them daily, this deadly disease will not end.

For such a time as this,

Janet

Luckiest Girl in the World

This morning I drove from Choma to Zimba after a very long night. Most of the way my eyes were moist from tears of joy as I reflected on the last 24 hours. Just a few days ago I was questioning whether I was making a difference here in Zambia and whether I was accomplishing what God had sent me to do. I understand now that was my human side wanting to make a list of my accomplishments so that I can justify my very existence.

“One day our struggle with self and our stumbling into sin, our warfare with Satan and our weariness in service, will vanish in the light of his glorious face.” – The Daily Light Journal

Okay, so what about these past 24 hours….

Just to get a sense of my attitude at the beginning of the 24 hours…We had a wedding in Zimba this weekend. Now, I’ve eluded that weddings in Zambia are not like weddings in the USA. In some ways I think they do a better job. This particular wedding I was not excited about though. I didn’t know the bride or the groom. I knew the groom’s mother just casually. I really wanted nothing to do with it. I wanted to stay at home, catch up on some correspondence, work and just chill. NOT!

Now, to steal a phrase from Hillary Clinton, the best way to describe weddings here in Zambia is “it takes a village.” Since it takes a village and I am part of that village I had to participate and like it! I’ll describe the wedding event in more detail in another blog (I promise!). Let me just say that by the end of the wedding I had a wonderful time, felt satisfaction by my part in it and was coming out of that need to justify my existence. I was exhausted though in that the festivities started at 10 hours and I finally made it back to my home at 20 hours (8pm).

I settled into the house, watched Frosty the Snowman (thanks Andy) and eventually fell asleep.

At 2330 my phone rings, I answer it and it is Chris from Choma. Some of you will know Chris. He is the chaplain at Choma Secondary School. He was driving a bus of children from his church that had been to Livingstone for the day back home to Choma. The headlights on the bus went out and he could not continue home. He asked for my help.

I asked him how many children he had and he responded…. “six little ones.” Now I’m thinking okay, they can sleep on my floor, we’ll wake the Wesleyan missionaries for assistance, or I can drive them to Zimba. The bus was in town so I told Chris to hold on and I’d walk to him and we’d come up with a plan (on yeah, it was raining) . When I arrived at the bus not only were there six little ones but about 15 young adults and 4 adult chaperones.

Needless to say, there was no room on my floor for all these people and there were already people staying at the Wesleyan guest house. The most reasonable thing to do was for me to drive my vehicle in front of the bus to Choma (about 1 hour drive north) to provide headlights. I agreed to do this only if Chris could provide a place for me to sleep in Choma and a “talkative” driving companion. Remember I had just been awakened from sleep.

I grabbed my sleeping bag, pillow and blanket (I had no idea what accommodations would be provided), a few bottles of water and some Oreo cookies I had stashed for such an occasion. Chris provided me with three of the young adults. Matemba, 21, sat in the front seat and he definitely fit the “talkative” criteria.

This is where God starts revealing his presence to me and how I am being used by Him….

One of my struggles in my ministry is discipleship and evangelism. Am I witnessing to those who don’t believe in Christ and helping win souls to Christ? Am I pouring myself into young believers and helping them grow in their faith? It’s back to that list…..

The first question Matemba asked me was…”What is it like to be a Sister and commit my life to singledom?” After I finished laughing hysterically, I verified what he meant and yes, he indeed meant what I thought. Someone (Chris?) had told him I was a Sister. I explained that I was not a Sister in that sense and was not “committed to singledom” but was content to be single if that was what God intended. As a 21 year old male he was having a hard time understanding how anyone could commit to such a fate. Some things are the same no matter what country you live in!

The questions continued….Are you ready to die tonight? How did you become a Christian? How do you live a Christian life without losing all your nonbeliever friends? How do you know God is speaking to you? Why would you want to leave the USA, money and power and come to Zambia to live?

The question that touched me most and I hope I was able to speak into his life was…. Why did we have to suffer for Christ and why was it so hard? Paul came to mind…. “ but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope” – Romans 5:3-4 … “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”. – Romans 8:18 I went on to share with him that I didn’t feel that I was suffering, that I found joy in all that I was doing for Christ’s sake.

Matemba went on to share with me some struggles he has as a 21 year old. Lust, drunkenness, disobedience…. Knowing that these things were wrong but being pressured by friends and not wanting to distance himself from his friends. I encouraged him to read his Bible for strength and stand for truth and be a witness to his friends. The change in his life as a Christian would speak into his friend’s lives.

A 2 ½ hour conversation finally ends in Choma. (Remember it is typically only a one hour drive). I spent the night at Chris’s house and left Choma for Zimba at 9 hours on Sunday morning. As I drove home, I saw the beauty of God’s creation (even though it's the rainy season it is beautiful here) and reflected in the past 24 hours. I was humbled and realized I was one of the luckiest girls in the world.

“One day our struggle with self and our stumbling into sin, our warfare with Satan and our weariness in service, will vanish in the light of his glorious face.”

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

A Week in the Life of - Thursday

I obviously did not have Wheaties for breakfast. The day was long and I was so exhausted that I'm actually posting this blog on Friday night.

The morning started out pretty "normal". I went to the accounts office to get an update on things happening at the hospital. Mr. Khonodwe, the hospital administrator, was to be out of his office so I continued to work on his computer. I was very happy when I was able to confirm the worm had been removed and the only problem now was the desktop reset. this was the same message received on the before the accounts office quit working so I was very concerned.
Once this computer was virus/worm free I decided to check on the computer left at Sons of Thunder. Jeff had not been able to look at the computer so I waited a few minutes iwth

lunch - meatloaf
dinner - tacos
computer worms
Sons of Thunder
Sitali

A Week in the Life of - Wednesday

I awoke early today and took advantage of the extra time to listen to some worship music, read my devotion and spend some quality time in prayer. So many times I am fighting for time in the mornings and it was great to be leisurely about it.

Breakfast was strawberry pop tarts that Joan Wallace received from her father and so selflessly shared with me. Thanks Joan!

Today was the last day of the Maternal Child Health Week and the outreach was in Makoli and Makunso. Once again I was the designated driver and accompanied the team. This was a very different experience from yesterday.

We dropped two staff members in Makunso and then traveled to Makoli. Makoli is right on the main road and our “clinic” was under tree. The program was pretty much the same as yesterday but the mothers were more literate and talked to me more. Most of the children were frightened of me though (because of my skin color) and that made it difficult for me to be of much help.

Joyce, the nurse who was in charge, started the outreach with a message from Luke 9:2 where Jesus sends the disciples “ out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick”. It was an opportunity to show that what we were doing was not just providing health care but sharing the good news of the gospel as well. I saw several women who nodded their heads and were really contemplating what she heard.

The shipping company handling the delivery of the “container” contacted me while we were in Makoli and the network connection was very bad. I didn’t want to take a chance on missing any delivery information so I drove to the nearest Celtel tower (about 15 minutes away). I found out the container has left South Africa. Santa Claus is coming to Zimba!

Once we finished at Makoli we headed to Makunso to pick up our friends and head back to Zimba. Unfortunately, when we arrived we found that they were quite busy and no where ready to leave. The building they were working in was a two classroom schoolhouse with an office in the middle. They were treating the mothers and children in the office while the teachers continued to conduct classes.

We all pitched in to try to help clear the crowd but found that it was just too many people in one small room. Since I was a distraction to the children being treated and the children in the classrooms, I chose to wait outside. There I found other children who began to follow me and chanted “makua”, the tonga word for white man. I just laughed and teased them by acting like I was going to chase them.

I remembered that I had some beads that were left by Bob, Laura and Hannah Whitsitt earlier in the year and thought it would be a great way to distribute them. Was I ever wrong!!! The children were afraid to take them from me but the women mobbed me. I had to ask them to back up and to stop grabbing. I explained that I wanted to give them to the children but then they all began to grab for their children. It was difficult to keep my cool… I wanted to tell them how rude they were being and to let the kids enjoy… but then I realized the beads were very attractive to the women and that they would probably enjoy them more than the kids. I made it a game to match the bead colors with the chetenge colors the women were wearing.

As soon as that was done I walked to the vehicle and sat in the front seat to drink some water. All of a sudden the children from the classrooms appeared and surrounded me. They just stared at me. It was mealtime and each one washed their hands and took a bowl of sump (similar to hamony). They sat on the ground outside the truck facing me and began to eat and stare at me. Now I know what it is like to be an animal in the zoo.

Not really knowing what to do I asked them to sing to me. Either they didn’t understand or they didn’t know any songs. I’ve been in Zambia long enough to know that it was because they didn’t understand. Since they didn’t sing to me I decided to let them join me in a song. They were great at imitating me. First, I sang Jesus Loves Me because I just knew they would know that one. Wrong! We sang it several times and they never seemed to catch on. They we sang Row Row Row Your Boat. At least that one they repeated after me.

Mealtime was just about over when a teacher walked by and I asked her to get them to sing me a song. She had them sing Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes! It was fun and I touched my toes right along with them. Once we finished the song, the children were ushered back into the classrooms. The medical team was still working….

We finally arrived back in Zimba around 530pm and I rushed to a hospital meeting I was late for. It went on for 1 ½ and I was finally able to go home. Since I had no lunch I immediately pulled out the pot roast prepared last night and began to warm it. That was good planning on my part!

Jennifer, Kestone and Nathaniel came to play. They love the Lego blocks and were excited when I consented to let them stay for a while. I ate my dinner and checked my email while they played in the floor.

I’m home by myself now and it’s time to end another day. Thanks for all the comments about the daily blogs. You really read them!

A Week in the Life of - Tuesday

So... I decided today that my eating habits are really bad. I must have a healthier breakfast to sustain me during the day. I boiled some eggs and toasted some bread. The eggs went into the refrigerator (I didn’t have time to let them cool) and I ate the toast as I walked to the hospital.

Today was going to be one of those days where nothing would be normal. The hospital only has one driver due to the resignation of the other. This week is Maternal Child Health Week and there is an outreach planned to the villages for everyday. We also need to bring sand and bricks in for the 5inOne building projects so…..

I got my Zambian drivers license two weeks ago! God showed his favor because it is suppose to take at least three visits to Livingstone and I did it in one day. He knew the hospital would need my services!

The outreach today was on two farms, Luezi and Highland. It was a 28 km drive on a dirt road round trip. The first stop was at the Luezi Farm where there were at least 50 mothers waiting with their children (most had at least two children and were pregnant). The program is designed to check for malnourishment, deworming, and provide immunizations for the children less than 5 years of age. The women who are pregnant were examined and those who wanted to practice family planning were given either oral contraceptives or Depo-Provera.

I was surprised the young women (17 – 19) who already had two children. Most are married at the age of 14 or 15. The comment made by my Zambian co-workers was that there was nothing else to do in the village. She stated that it was sometimes a competition among the women to see who could have the most children. It was heartbreaking because one of the things that we know stops poverty is education. Very few of these women or their children are educated or will be educated. This is when I ask myself…do I have an extra day that I could go into the village and teach English to the mothers and start teaching the children. I then have to tell myself…I can’t do everything. Be patient. Pray. Do what you can. Stay focused.

After this group of mothers and children, the community provided lunch for us. It was the traditional meal of nshema and rape. Nshema is a corn mush similar to grits but finer in texture and thick enough to use as an eating utensil. Rape is a green vegetable cooked with onions and tomato. I typically don’t care for the rape but today it was especially tasty and I ate two helpings. This pleased the cook very much. It is always exciting for a Zambian woman to see a Mzungu (white person) eat nshema.

The next stop was the Highland Farm where there were only 12 mothers with children. Most of the children were 2-3 years of age and just received vitamins and the deworming pills.

It was an early day in that we arrived back to the hospital at 430pm. I was glad though, it was a hot day (at least 95) and I was outside all day. I thought that if the water pressure was enough at my house I might even be able to take a cold shower (my hot water tank – geyser- is not working).

I returned the hospital vehicle, drove my vehicle to Trekkers (a local sports bar) and bought a case of cold drinks…Coke light and Orange Fanta. After arriving home, I decided to check email, start dinner and listen to some music. News update…one of the emails was concerning “the container”. It looks like it may be here before Christmas.

I ended up cooking two meals. I made a meatloaf with potatoes for dinner tonight and started a pot roast for tomorrow night. I drank the last of my crystal light…I hope that container comes soon…

Oh, I started the download for the pilot episode of The Closer…. There are 490 MB left…just nineteen more hours and I’ll have one episode!

A Week in the Life of - Monday

After sleeping so much the day before, I awoke at 630am bright eyed and bushy tailed….

Lisa (Sons of Thunder) had already started breakfast since the power was still on (there was a thunderstorm in the middle of the night and the power stayed on…miracles do happen). She made home-made cinnamon rolls. What a treat! Please understand that Lisa lives in a guest house and her ministry is hosting work teams so cooking comes easy for her. The cinnamon rolls would compete with Cinnabon!

After breakfast, I packed my things and said my goodbyes. The phone had already started ringing from my friends and co-workers in Zimba wanting to know when I was returning.

The drive back to Zimba was good and I knew I was returning with a new attitude and the determination not to be defeated by negative circumstances, communication issues and cultural issues I had no control over. I was looking forward to my return. I missed my cats and my neighbors…particularly Jennifer.

After dropping my things at home and checking in on the children, I went to the hospital to access the day’s events. The project I am currently working on is a block of 5 apartments meant for single nurses. We refer to it as the 5inOne block. Staff housing is one of the biggest challenges at the hospital and also the solution to staff shortages. Load of river sand and bricks are still needed and I needed to verify that transportation was available for this task. We need to bring in all the loads of sand before the rains start continuously.

When I arrived at the accounts office I found that the carpenters we had asked for a quote to build shelves had decided to start the project without our approval. We had purchased the materials but they had not given us a quote for the labor. Needless to say, not much work was going to be accomplished in the accounts office.

Another project from last week that was unfinished was removing a worm from the computers in the administrative offices. The accounts computer had already been taken into Livingstone for repairs and I was hoping to remove the worm from the other computers before it was too late. While I downloaded anti-virus and anti-spyware software and scanned the computers, I also called a hardware store in Choma (100km away) to verify prices for materials we needed on the 5nOne block.

At 340pm we left Zimba to travel to Choma to pick up the needed materials. We arrived in Choma at 440, purchased the supplies, loaded them and then picked up a motor bike that had been repaired by a local mechanic. We kinda looked like the Beverly Hillbillies. Oh, we also picked up the Medical in Charge’s wife, Mrs. Siabowa, who was waiting for a bus back to Zimba.

On the way home we stopped at a lay by to purchase musukus. Musukus are a fruit similar to a plum but with 4 seeds. They are very sweet and taste similar to a plum as well. They are very popular with the Zambians and so I bought about $1.50 worth to share with my friends in Zimba. Trust me…there was enough for all my friends plus some of theirs.

We arrived back in Zimba at around 830pm. I checked my email, listened to some music and fell asleep early.

Oh, I had cheddar cheese and crackers for lunch, a piece of fried chicken for dinner at 6pm and then cheese and crackers before going to bed.

A Week in the Life of - Sunday

Several of you have written me asking for details of my days… such as what I eat, how I spend my day, what do I do for fun, etc. This week I am going to try to blog a quick daily review so that you can get a glimpse of my life in Zambia.

On Sunday I was visiting a friend, Lisa, who is a missionary at Sons of Thunder, an orphanage about 40 minutes from Zimba. Lisa and her husband, Jeff, arrived in July so they are just a few months behind me in adjusting to the culture. I had visited them because I needed some time away from Zimba to relax and refresh myself spiritually. Sons of Thunder is on a 10,000 acre farm so there are lots of places to get lost and be quiet.

A pot roast was planned for lunch but the power went off at 530am and did not come back on until 7pm. For breakfast I had two brownies baked the day before and diet Pepsi (it’s not Diet Dr. Pepper but it was a good substitute). Lunch was a few chips and a milkshake/frappucino? (melted ice-cream with cappuccino mix and some chocolate syrup). Cake was offered for dinner but considering my diet for the day, I decided I needed some protein and ate cold leftover chicken from the Saturday night dinner.

Earlier in the morning, I chose to stay in for church and listen to worship music on my computer and a sermon I had downloaded from Fellowship Memphis. Lisa decided to join me and it was a great time of fellowship.

Most of the rest of my day was spent on the back veranda overlooking an incredible view of a valley. A breeze swept over me and before I knew it I was asleep. I was so exhausted that when I started to wake up I felt paralyzed and couldn’t open my eyes or move my head. It was the weirdest sensation… I finally gave into it and continued to sleep another hour??

After my Sunday afternoon nap I joined the rest of the house (Jeff and Lisa, Jacob and Jesse, Jamie, Sal and Renee and Laura - all missionaries at the orphanage) for a time of worship. Jacob played the guitar and we sang contemporary Christian songs. It was an awesome experience. No Tonga was spoken, no interpreter was needed and I felt God’s presence and the spiritual refreshment I longed for.

After the worship time, Jeff and Lisa usually watch an episode of the current TV show they are “hooked on”. At this time it is The Closer and I must admit I was hooked after my first episode. I took the DVD to bed with me and watched it until I fell asleep. If anyone wants to send me a gift…

Janet's Home

CUMC Medical Team Part 1a

On Saturday, September 9, the Medical team was able to go on a game park safari and see Victoria Falls. Billy Hall and Sandy Morgan had to leave that afternoon to return to the states.

The rest of the team did the souvenir shopping thing, three of us (yes, that includes me) zip lined across a gorge and then had a nice dinner at a seafood restaurant. It was a good day until…..

At about 1am my stomach starts to hurt. (it's not a result of the zip line!) I’m half asleep and I think to myself…is this a symptom of malaria? As I lay in bed I realize I need to be closer to the bathroom.

Now let me set the stage. We (Diane Long, Tammy McGarvey and I) are sleeping in a luxury tent. There is no door to the bathroom or toilet. I vomit like the girl in the Exorcist and return to bed. I think that I have not awakened my roommates. A few minutes (maybe seconds) I return to the toilet. It is not a good scene. Tammy pokes her head in to ask if I am okay. I have to laugh now because it was pretty obvious I was not. From 1am until around 5am I lay on the bathroom floor. I finally reach the point where I have a plastic dish so that I don’t have to raise my head. It’s not good.

At 515am Diane and Tammy make the decision to consult with Dr. Bob. Should we go to the hospital in Livingstone or go to Zimba where he and Diane have access to our own medicine? The entire team is awakened and asked to pack their bags. Everyone loads into the van and we head to Zimba. There is no one at the check in desk so a note was left so that they would know we would return to settle the bill. Zimba is an hour drive and you may remember from previous blog entries, not a smooth road. Lots of potholes… we made it in 40 minutes. Thank you Cleanwell (the driver).

I was given Phenergan and IV Fluids. I still continued to vomit. Another dose of Phenergan was administered. I remember very little about the day…
1) Angels singing in the van
2) A phone call from the hotel wanting to know where their money was
3) Different people checking on me
4) Seeing new people (the Rangi’s) walk past my room (that meant they had arrived okay)
Monday morning I felt better but did not fully recover until Tuesday. It was then that I realized how sick I was. I thought I had had food poisoning in the past but I have never experienced anything like this before. We still don’t know what caused it but let’s say I won’t be eating fish for a while.

Added note: two others from the team experienced the same illness although on different days so we have a hard time identifying what made us sick

STAY TUNED THERE IS MORE TO COME!

CUMC Medical Team Part 1

Monday, September 3

Medical Team arrives in Livingstone
I was so excited when I saw Billy Hall and Maggie Hollabaugh from a distance. I didn’t realize how emotional it was for me to see familiar faces until the tears started streaming down my face. As I waited outside customs I was giddy with anticipation of hugs and southern accents.

I waited and I waited and I waited….
I saw them at the customs desk and thought it would be any minute and we’d load up the van….
I waited some more…
I waved at Billy and I saw him shrug. That wasn’t a good sign.

Their luggage was put into piles and each one was being opened and examined. I couldn’t imagine what was happening. All of a sudden, my tears stopped and I started thinking about what to do if there was a customs problem. I called Joan Wallace, a Wesleyan missionary with two years of tenure, to see if she had ever experienced anything like this. She referred me to a missionary, Bob Hayton, in Livingstone who has been here 15 years. He advised me to stay calm, not cause a scene and just wait it out.

Well, I waited some more and finally asked if I could at least talk to one of the team members to find out what the delay was. It was then that I learned one of the drugs they brought with them (Lidocaine) was a restricted drug. A new law was recently passed requiring all Zambian organizations that import drugs to register with the government and provide paperwork prior to arrival in the country. Now, Bob Hayton knew about the new requirement only because he had read it in the newspaper.

Finally, the team was allowed to come into the country but Dr. Hollabaugh and I were asked to go with the Drug Enforcement Commission with one of their agents. Luckily Bob Hayton’s wife, Jody, had come to the airport to support and encourage me. We used her vehicle to transport Dr. Hollabaugh, the DEC agent and myself to the DEC office. If you remember my story of the stolen vehicle, you will once again note the use of a personal vehicle for government business. Can you imagine transporting the person who is threatening to arrest you to the office where they intend to interrogate you?

During this meeting we were told that if we provided the proper paperwork, the drugs would be returned to us and all would be okay. Although we asked what was “proper paperwork” we were never given a form to fill out or any written instructions. They only had one copy and there was not a copy machine available. They held the document up for us to see but we were never allowed to read it.

I was thinking, okay, we can do this, let’s go and we’ll return tomorrow.

It wasn’t going to be so easy… after giving us a receipt for the confiscated drugs they asked for Dr. Hollabaugh’s passport… I had a sick feeling in my stomach…I couldn’t imagine what Dr. Hollabaugh was feeling. I did find the wisdom to ask for a receipt for the passport.

What a way to start a mission trip!!

Tuesday, September 4
Joan Wallace was in charge of contacting the American Embassy. Marian Mutoloki, Zimba Mission Hospital Head Nurse, agreed to travel with Dr. Hollabaugh and I back to Livingstone to provide the documentation we had pulled together. This was an effort partnered with Matthew Winn and Rebecca Hammond from the CUMC Missions Office. They came into the church office on Labor Day to help us with this information. It gives a whole new meaning to Labor Day! Thanks guys…

Marian’s uncle escorted us to the DEC office as well. Dr. Temba Mudenda is a retired dentist and is very well respected in Zambia. Most everyone knows him by Uncle Temba.

Unfortunately, we were too honest with our paperwork. The documents we provided included all the drugs that were purchased or donated for this trip. Two problems: 1) they had not confiscated all of the Lidocaine (and weren't willing to admit that) and 2) some of the drugs listed were still to come into the country by two team members who were arriving a week later. When the paperwork did not match what they had confiscated, they refused to release the seized Lidocaine. We were okay with that, we just wanted Dr. Hollabaugh’s passport returned.

After three hours of interrogation (Dr. Hollabaugh doesn’t like me using that term but I don’t know a better word to use) Dr. Hollabaugh was issued a warning and caution statement for drug trafficking. He had to sign the warning and then respond with a statement of guilt or innocence. It was like a bad movie… As he spoke, the agents were not documenting his words correctly and I quickly started taking my own notes. I was so worried that he was getting himself into more trouble. I wanted to ask for an attorney but both of our national representatives told me to keep that to myself. I guess I’ve seen too many movies.

We were allowed to leave but due to the late hour Dr. Hollabaugh’s passport was not available for return. We were told that I could return the next day without Dr. Bob and they would give the passport to me.

Wednesday, September 6
The American Embassy responded to our email with the notice that the person who received it was no longer in that position and of course no forwarding email was given. We still had not been able to get a live person the phone. You can imagine our concern.

Marian and I head to Livingstone again. We pick up Dr. Mudenda to escort us only to find that all the agents were off due to “games”. Oh, and besides, they want to see the doctor again for further questioning. Now, I’m really getting worried. We had told them we didn’t want the drugs back… why would they want to see him again?

I tried one more time to get through to the Embassy and this time was successful although the person I needed to speak to was not available. The secretary told me they were aware of the problem though and would call me as soon as their meeting was over. (They were probably aware of it because of Bonnie Hollabaugh, Dr. Bob's daughter, who has contacts in high places!)

In the meantime, Joan Wallace was in Lusaka. I called her to see if she could go to the Embassy. She had already started for Zimba and didn’t know if she would be able to make it there before they closed.

The following email was sent to prayer warriors immediately when I returned to Zimba!
Urgent Prayer Request in Zambia
A medical team from Christ Methodist Church arrived in Livingstone Zambia on September 3. One of the medical drugs they brought into the country is listed as a restricted drug and was not declared properly. The drugs have been seized and the team leader, Dr. Hollabaugh, has been served with a warning and caution for drug trafficking. His passport has been confiscated until the matter can be resolved. The Drug Enforcement Commission of Zambia in Livingstone has threatened to arrest him if we are unable to satisfy their requests.
Please pray:
· That the authorities will come to understand that the drugs were imported for use at the Zimba Mission Hospital and not for sale to the general public.
· Mercy for not knowing the requirements for bringing this particular drug into the country.
· Return of Dr. Hollabaugh’s passport.
· Rescission of the warning/caution of drug trafficking.
· No fine will be accessed.
· That the ministry this team came to do will not be jeopardized by this situation.

Thursday, September 7
We took a break from the DEC issues and tried to concentrate on just doing the work they had come to do. We learned that morning that CHAZ, an organization that assists the hospital with paperwork, could not confirm that the doctors had been approved to work in Zambia. The Embassy advised us that without this confirmation we shouldn’t return to the DEC for fear of further repercussions.

The morale was very low for this team. Some thought maybe they should just go home? I tried to encourage them that maybe there was a ministry for them that did not include their medical skills but I don’t think it was very well received. I spoke with the head nurse and one of the medical officers and explained how the team felt and that they were considering leaving early. Both of them began to lecture me on the needs of Zambia and how it would look to the nationals if the team left and besides wasn’t that what Satan would want to happen? I felt they were preaching to the choir and asked them to speak to the team for me.

Let’s just say, the team did not leave and we all grew from the experience. Thank you Marian and Arkan for your words of wisdom and encouragement.

Friday, September 8
Since the doctors couldn’t practice and we were scheduled to go into Livingstone for a weekend break, we decided to go earlier and take a sunset cruise. The plan was that Dr. Bob and I would go to the DEC while the team checked into the hotel and if necessary we would meet them at the boat dock. The team would cruise without us if we were delayed.

Oh...before we left Zimba we received word that the doctor’s licenses were approved and that was not an issue.

This time we had also made arrangements for the Medical Director from the Kalomo District Ministry of Health to accompany us. We met him in Livingstone, briefed him and headed to the DEC. We were taken into the “interrogation” room and waited. Unfortunately, the “arresting officer” was at the airport and we had to wait for her arrival. Before she arrived, I was asked to go into the Assistant Director’s office.

I will have to admit, I thought they were pulling me out so they could put the screws on Dr. Bob for money without me witnessing it.

I was lectured by the Assistant Director and then we started to talk about Zambia, the United States, family, jobs, etc. We were getting pretty chummy. I overheard her say on a phone call that Mrs. Mudenda, the ‘”arresting officer” had arrived. I was sure the event was about to end but she continued to talk with me.

I received a phone call from the District Medical Director telling me he was in town and I became terribly confused. Ten minutes later there is a knock at the door. The Assistant Director tells me I can leave. As I leave her office I see Marian standing outside. The Medical Director is in town and Marian is outside! Where is Dr. Hollabaugh?

This time I will admit…I was ready to panic. How dare they leave him in the room with them alone!!! … then I see Dr. Hollabaugh. They had been waiting outside for me almost 20 minutes. Marian was the one who knocked at the door to ask if I could leave.

The following email was sent to the prayer warriors:
Urgent prayer Answered in Zambia
God is Good!
On Friday afternoon just 30 minutes before our sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, the drug enforcement officers decided to give Dr. Hollabaugh his passport back. The drugs they seized were not returned but our main concern was the passport. This was great news but we had one more hurdle to jump. Drs. Nav and Laura Rangi were scheduled to arrive on Sunday with medicines and medical supplies. The Drug Enforcement Commission had instructed us on the correct way to bring these drugs into the country and we had briefed the Rangi’s before they left the USA. The Rangi’s arrived Sunday and with little delay were allowed to enter the country with all the drugs they brought with them.
I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and love sent out to us during this time. It was a time of frustration, doubt, anger, cynicism, worry and most of all growth for the entire team.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again….
GOD IS GOOD!

Busy Schedule

Well, for those of you who look at my blog on a regular basis, I apologize for the delay in writing. It has been a very busy 6 weeks (maybe two months) here in Zambia. I’ll try to summarize my activities to catch you up. I warn you…there is a lot of catching up to do. You may want to read this when you have more time…

I am putting this into multiple blogs…it’s just too much for one!

AUGUST
Hospital Budget: The hospital started the budgeting process for the government grant they receive. This is 70% of the operating funds they receive. (The other 30% is supposed to come from third party supporters, although this may or may not be funded.) This particular budget process was for the next three years. I use the term "budget" loosely. The government gives them a number for each year that they are to budget but according to the management, they will be lucky to receive 75% of what they are promised. It was obvious from the way the process was managed that it was more of an exercise with no hope of seeing it in reality.

Since I have a computer and more computer skills than any of the current staff, I was volunteered to crunch the numbers. I used it as an opportunity to understand their challenges in managing the hospital. I now have a much better understanding of the expenses they have, why things are done a certain way and where the greatest needs are.

ILI (International Leadership Institute) Conference
As always in Africa, at least in Zambia, the one week it was supposed to take for the budget was extended to three weeks or was that four? During the four weeks I was scheduled to attend a weeklong conference in Lusaka. I thought that would be a time of catching up on correspondence but I was surprised by the schedule we kept. I should have known better since the conference is managed by Alfred Kalembo.

Alfred is Zambian by birth but he acts like an American when it comes to business! We stayed on time for the sessions and it was a very productive conference. I just had not counted on the 8am start and the 9pm finish each day. The conference was 5 ½ days of leadership training and was excellent. I was the only Muzungu (white person) participant and it was very interesting to sit in on the workshops with the Zambian participants. My cultural training continues. I met several new people and was encouraged by the work Alfred and his wife, Muumbe, do in Southern Africa. A praise that my computer was not stolen at this conference!

Preparation for Medical Team from Memphis, TN
When I returned from the conference in Lusaka I had one week to finalize and confirm plans for medical team from Christ United Methodist Church. Although I had been working with the hospital management on the budget, I had been diligent in reminding them that this team was coming and asking that all the supplies they needed would be available. Each time I inquired I was told “yes”.

The hospital appointed a new Medical in Charge and the “handover” meeting was held the Thursday night before the team was to arrive on Monday. Now understand we are in Africa and nothing happens quickly in Africa. At the “handover” meeting I learned that there was probably not enough oxygen, medications (especially pain medication needed for surgical patients), IV fluids or sterile gloves. Now, don’t forget, we are still working on the hospital budget which needs to be presented on Saturday!

I didn’t panic but I was not culturally sensitive either. I had to go to a few people later and apologize for my response to this information. I just felt responsible for the 10 people who were spending at a minimum of $2500 to travel and find when they arrive that they will not be able to minister in the way they had planned. Now, you will see later, I forgot who was in charge and whose agenda was suppose to be attended to.

I was able to find the sterile gloves in Lusaka (5 hours away), the oxygen in Choma (1 ½ hours away) and the drugs at a chemist in Livingstone (1 hour away). I picked the drugs up in Livingstone 1 hour before the team was to arrive on Monday at 130pm. I thought all my troubles were over….

Dust to Dust

Alfred 1962-2007

It’s a story you might hear in the United States.

A young talented man gifted by God to play any musical instrument he picked up. He desires to be a music star and travels the country in nightclubs hoping to be discovered. All the attention one might expect comes his way: late nights, travel, drinking, and any woman he might want.

Then one day he is confronted with reality. What is this all for? Who am I pleasing? Is this all there is to life? He receives an answer… “It’s all for my glory. Does your life glorify Me?”

Alfred heeded these words and began to seek the Lord. He learned that it is all for His glory and that his life mattered because of the witness he could share with others who asked the same questions. If you are reading this and feel that your life is out of control and there is no way to salvage it. You are wrong. Just like Alfred, you can accept Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness and be assured of your salvation and entrance into heaven.
(“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:23)

Alfred died Thursday, August 2, 2007 from complications associated with AIDS. He leaves behind a wife and children. He worked at the Zimba Mission Hospital in the laundry and was loved by many. He led worship at the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church. He played his guitar during staff devotionals at the hospital and it was evident in his daily walk that he knew Jesus. Alfred will be missed.

It has been suggested that in order to really understand a culture you should attend at least two life events….a wedding and a funeral. I will attend both this weekend.

Alfred’s funeral was the first that I will attend in Zambia. I know there will be others. There are so many who have been affected by this horrible disease. All ages are affected. In a population of more than 11,668,000 nearly 1 million are HIV positive or have AIDS. An estimated 100,000 died of the epidemic in 2004. Over a half-million Zambian children have been orphaned due to AIDS.

In Zambia, mourning is an outward expression of the love you share for the lost one. If you do not mourn loud enough, the community may accuse you of not caring. My house is close to the hospital mortuary and I am one of the first to know of deaths in the community. The sounds of those in mourning are never easy to hear. Some nights I am awakened in the middle of the night by this chilling sound. I immediately begin to pray for the family. It’s a sound you never grow use to.

Since Alfred was on staff at the hospital there was much preparation to be done. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a casket and food for the “funeral house”. The “funeral house” is the home of the deceased. The house is emptied of all contents (everything) and placed in the yard. The women are in the house mourning and the men remain outside. I don’t understand exactly but this has to do with the spirit of the dead. It is thought that if you don’t remove the contents of the home that the deceased will curse you. A campfire is started outside to keep the men warm and there is a vigil throughout the night.

Burial can happen the next day of maybe a week later. It depends on the location of the relatives and their ability to get there. Zambian families are extended and are very close knit. I have been told that the mother’s brother has more influence in the life of the children than the father. For most, their uncle is their provider and mentor.

Alfred was buried on August 4 the same day my house helper, Idah, was to be married. The wedding was postponed until Monday so that the community could grieve the loss of Alfred.

I had planned to only attend the church service but was fortunate to witness the entire event firsthand. It was one of the first events that actually started on time…..

I arrived at the church at 1330 hours and several others started arriving at the same time. At 1400 hours the vehicle with the casket arrived followed by a lorry (4 ton truck) packed with people of all ages singing hymns and grieving Alfred.

The casket was carried into the church by the hospital support staff dressed in their blue hospital work clothes. These were men who all worked side by side with Alfred and it was obvious he would be missed. As they carried the casket hymns continued to be sung. Most were in Tonga (the local language) but I recognized two of the songs as “Sweet By and By” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. The casket was followed by Alfred’s wife and family. The rest of the funeral possession filed in.

Pastor Alick Chibbula (who is marrying Idah) preached the service and did an excellent job of explaining that our life here on earth is short whether you are 19 or 60. He was able to convey that it’s eternity we should be living for and that our life here determines how we spend eternity. If I were not already a believer in Christ, I would have made the decision to become a believer right then!

Once the service concluded, everyone loaded into whatever vehicles were available. The graveyard was about 2 miles from the church and was not an easy walk. I had planned to return home at this point but one of the local pastors handed me the keys to his vehicle and asked me to load people in his car. God wanted me to be a witness to the entire event.

The procession to the graveyard was slow and reverent. The lorry was packed with mourners who continued to sing praises to God and cry for the loss of their husband, father, son, and friend.

When we arrived at the graveyard, there were four holes prepared; one for Alfred and the others for the three individuals who had passed away since Thursday. As the people arrived they made a circle (probably four to five people deep) around the ground where Alfred would be buried. There was prayer and then the viewing of the body. The casket was opened and the attendees filed by the body singing; women first and then the men followed.

Once the body had been viewed, the cover was replaced and the casket was lowered to the ground. The leader offered anyone who wanted to cast dirt over the casket could do so at that time. A shovel of dirt was passed around the circle. Immediately after, men started grabbing shovels and started the gruesome task of burying the casket. Everyone looked on and continued to sing.

I have never seen such a sight. The men worked so well together. When it was obvious that someone was tired another man took his shovel and continue the work. It was a humbling experience as I looked on to see the respect and love shared for one another as they honored their brother. The undertaker walked around with a long branch poking around the casket to make sure the dirt was packing in. The men who held the shovels when the casket was finally buried tossed the shovels in a pile in a deliberate way to signify it was finished.

The women of the church then gathered around the gravesite and knelt down. Each one began pounding on the dirt as they cried out in song and praise for God. Once they believed the sight to be completely packed, the service continued with the placement of flowers. One arrangement provided by the wife, one provided by the hospital and then single flowers presented by different groups (i.e. hospital management, hospital nurses, hospital support staff, Nakowa PWC acting pastor, all other pastors present, and missionaries – That included me and the other missionaries present. I was the only one who heard the announcement and was praised for my good hearing.)


There was a speech presented by the hospital administrator and then the service concluded. Everyone loaded into the vehicle and either went to the funeral house or returned to their homes. I chose to return home but was told that the ones who went to the funeral house would be required to wash their hands upon arrival to wash away any evil spirits.

One thing I must note is that anything related to spirits of the dead or evil spirits is not based on their Christian beliefs. The Christians in attendance participate but know that it is not necessary. They carry it out as a part of their culture and an act of respect for the departed and his family.

It was a symbolic ceremony and as I looked on I couldn’t help but think of the scripture… “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:19

Life is Good

Well, although there was much prayer and concern my lost/stolen items were not returned. I was able to replace those things that can be replaced though….

Matthew Winn, Christ United Methodist Church’s International Missions Director, was in Zambia the last week of June. It was great to have him in country where I could share some of my experiences and almost all that I had learned with him. It was a good “sanity” check. It’s so easy in our western minds to measure our success based on outcomes….number of persons won to Christ, number of churches planted, bible studies taught, etc. My role here is not so simple that I can measure my success by specific outcomes. Building relationships and trust is my main purpose and that is so subjective.

Matthew spent several days with Rev. Sitali Kukungu, National Superintendent of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church, and he was able to encourage me by the feedback received from the NS and the comments reported in his blog …
“We proceeded to Zimba and stayed at the Mission Guest House. Janet's flat is very nice, freshly painted, and just awaiting her personal items from the container that left Memphis in March...it is also due any day and she is quite eager for it to arrive. It is obvious that she has settled in very well...she is enjoying being there and the leadership in Zimba (and the national church office) are very pleased to have her. In fact, they already hold her up as a model for other missionaries. She has truly integrated into the Zimba community, living right with them on the hospital compound, and truly seeking to serve their needs rather than bringing her own agenda and priorities. It was quite obvious that the local workers view her differently than the other foreigners serving in Zimba. You can be very proud of the way she is representing CUMC.”

I left Zimba when Matthew and Alfred Kalembo did to travel to Lusaka. I needed to pick up my replacement passport and check on my work permit. Alfred actually let me drive his vehicle most of the way. My driving relieved Alfred and gave him some much needed rest but it also turned out to be a great experience for me. I was able to see where all the pot holes are. What areas to be cautious those to be extremely cautious. As the night came, I was tiring (it’s a 5 hour drive) and I was happy to give the wheel back to Alfred as we entered Lusaka.

The next day, Matthew, Alfred and I were able to find a replacement for my computer. Once again, I’ll borrow words from Matthew’s blog…
“Today we found a store to replace Janet's stolen computer. After checking a couple of places, we actually found the exact same model, comparably priced. The only catch was that they wouldn't take a credit card. So, while they began loading up her machine, we visited and called several bank locations before finding a place that would allow me to use a credit card to obtain the local currency needed to buy the computer. Then, they had a limit on how much they would convert that way, so we also exchanged some US cash, and then pooled the locally currency we had. In total, we needed a little over 6 million kwacha (roughly $1,500). However, this is a holiday weekend in Zambia and the banking computers where down this morning. So, the banks were packed and when we did finally got the currency, it was in 20,000 kwacha bills--a large stack of them. As we all three sat in the van counting out the kwacha before going back into the store, we had to laugh at this scene. Walking through the city with a brown envelope full of cash, into the store to count out 6 millions kwacha...well, that was a memorable experience!”
All this happened while I picked up my replacement passport, found out that my work permit had been approved and had my hair cut!

With computer in hand and a taxi driver waiting, I said my farewells to Matthew and Alfred. They were headed to Zimbabwe for a leadership conference and I needed to return to Zimba to prepare for the next group of visitors from the United States.

I was able to “hitch” a ride to Choma the next day with Frevia Kuluba, World Hope International. Choma is only 1 ½ hours away from Zimba so I thought it would be nice to travel in a private vehicle most of the way and only have to take a public coach for the last leg. It was nice. Frevia was one of the chapherones for the orphan choir that was in Memphis last October and it was good to see her and catch up. One of the things I needed to catch up on was whether she was pregnant or just eating a lot! She is pregnant and the baby is due in August.

Frevia and team dropped me at the bus station in Choma. It was perfect timing, a coach was to depart within the half hour. I purchased my ticket, said my goodbyes and waited to board. It was too good to be true!
When we went to board it was very apparent that there were very few available seats. As I struggled with my carry-on bags towards the back I was relieved to see one empty seat on the back row. 1 ½ hours…I can do that. Unfortunately, just as I settled, a lady returned to claim the seat I was sitting in. There were no available seats. Now, I was just a little upset that I had paid for a seat and there were none available.

As I made my way towards the front of the bus, the conductor kept telling me to wait and they’d find a seat. I made a few smart remarks (I’ve asked forgiveness) and continued towards the door. The next thing I know, the conductor pulls a Zambian lady off the bus and offers me her seat. I was appalled! This was very unfair and how could they expect me to take such an offer. I continued to leave the bus although at this point all the passengers probably just wanted me to take the seat and be quiet.

When I finally got off the bus I went directly to the ticket stand and told them to take my checked baggage off. They insisted I return to the bus and take the seat they had found for me. I refused and expressed how unfair it was for the lady they had bumped. They explained (if I would just listen) that she had agreed in Lusaka to give up her seat if needed. I asked them if I could talk with her and they told me it wasn’t necessary. I knew then, it was a lie. I found the lady and asked her if she had made such an agreement and she said no. I assured her that I would not take her seat and that she should return to the bus.

Once again I demanded they take my checked bags off the bus which they did. The bus departed and I began to demand my money back. I was told that since I refused the seat they found for me that no money would be reimbursed. Now anyone who really knows me knows how upset I must have been at this point…..I’d already told them I would never use their bus service again!

I’ve gained wisdom in my old age. I called Frevia and asked her to return to help me. As I waited I moved my things as far away from the area as I could until she arrived. When they saw I was not going to argue anymore and that I had the Calvary coming, they chose to refund my money before Frevia returned. Lesson learned.

I made my way home on another bus line and was happy to spend the night in my own bed. Mission accomplished….new passport, work permit approved and a bonus… a replacement computer.

Life is good!

“COPS” in Zambia

Well, I had this real spiritual blog written to let you know how God was speaking to me but my computer was stolen and the document I had been writing was taken along with it. There will be a spiritual message to this but indulge me while I tell you of the Zambian episode of “COPS”.

Imagine that the song “Bad Boys Bad Boys….wha cha gonna do…” is playing in the background.

Last week I attended a CHAZ (Church Health Association of Zambia) annual conference. CHAZ is an organization of churches that manage healthcare facilities and the organization works to help raise money for projects, particularly, HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. Administrators, doctors and nurses attend the annual conference. I attended as an educational opportunity to learn more about CHAZ’s involvement with the church and what resources/programs the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church was not using at this time.

It was a wonderful conference. It was very informative and was considered an important event in Zambia. Zambia recognizes the influence that CHAZ and the churches have on the future of the nation. The current president of Zambia, Levy Mwanawasa, delivered the keynote address and the first president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, delivered the closing address. It was an honor to be in attendance.

Unfortunately, the first day I lost my backpack. This backpack has been with me every day since I left the United States. It usually has my computer, passport, international drivers license, and current paper files I am working with. This day it also had 2, 000,000 kwacha ($500) and my Ipod.

I had been very careful and carried it with me constantly throughout the day. In the afternoon I felt a little more comfortable with the attendees (several Catholic sisters and priests, hospital administrators and professionals) and when we broke for afternoon tea I left the bag under my chair. Now, I know….several of you are saying how could you do that? Well, I’m sitting in the front and center of the room, not close to doors or windows and my bag is under my chair. Other ladies’ bags are in their chairs and they walked away. I was gone maybe 5 minutes. Please understand I was more comfortable but not completely trusting. When I returned to my chair the bag was gone. That quickly! Obviously, someone was watching me and targeted me specifically. No one else was affected and there were much easier targets.

My initial reaction was one of disbelief. Maybe it was just moved under another chair as people moved around. The sisters I was sitting with looked at me as if I had lost my mind. Why was I walking around the room looking under everyone’s seat? Some thought that I never had it or maybe I had left it in my room (I was not staying at the hotel). I have a picture taken by one of the photographers there where the backpack is thrown over my shoulder. It was definitely there!

The emcee of the conference made an announcement once security had been notified. There were guards posted at the door to watch the attendees leave the room. The security guards at the parking gate searched vehicles as they left and the hotel managers interviewed their staff. The bag was nowhere to be found.

Next step is to contact the police. Now, in Zambia there is no 911. If you need assistance you must travel (by foot or vehicle) to the nearest police station. One of the CHAZ personnel offered to drive me. I wish I had a picture! It was a portable building we use for temporary construction sites. When I approached the window, there were no police officers in the building but two men were sitting outside in plastic lawn chairs talking. They stood and I wanted to laugh out loud. I haven’t seen the movie “Men in Black” but I’ve seen the previews and they could have been the actors. They both wore black suits and sunglasses. It was around 4pm and the sun was not bright.

At first, they didn’t seem to be too concerned but as we continued to talk and they realized that this happened at the conference the president had attended earlier…… “Maybe we should check it out? Oh, by the way, can you give us a ride to the site of the crime?”

This is where the music started in my head. Bad boys..bad boys…. There were 6 of us crammed in a small vehicle as we headed for the hotel. Since police were in the car we could go through red lights and break any other traffic laws. I asked for a blue light or a siren but they didn’t have either.

The police officers surveyed the crime scene. They looked under chairs, in the restrooms, the kitchen and spoke with the front desk. The desk clerk informed them that someone had left the conference for 15-20 minutes and had asked them to hold a black bag. They retrieved it once the commotion from the theft had settled. They found out the room numbers of anyone who had left bags to be held at the front desk and we proceeded to these room. Because we didn’t have a search warrant, we asked each guest if we could see any bags they had in the room. Everyone cooperated and the backpack was not found.

We drove the police officers back to the station. I left my contact number with them and was told to return the next day to receive a copy of the police report. Everything to this point had been handwritten. There was no automation.

The next day at the conference I learned that several groups of people had gathered to pray for the return of my bag. Everyone seemed to think that one of the photographers had taken it. The CHAZ officials assured me that this was the first time that anything like this had ever happened at one of their meetings.

Now, this is where the spiritual stuff starts…..

As the first president of Zambia began to speak I felt an overwhelming desire to pray for the person who had taken my bag. My prayer was not for them to be caught but that they would be convicted (in their heart) of their wrongdoing. I asked that they realize the importance of the documents. Just take the computer and money. Leave the documents somewhere obvious so that I wouldn’t have to replace everything! I felt strongly that the person responsible was in the room at that very moment. I didn’t hear much of what the ex-president had to say.

While still praying, knowing that all things happen for a purpose, I began to examine why God would allow such a thing to take place. He knew the time I had put into proposals and reports that were on that computer. He knew the $500 was meant for the renovation of the Zimba Mission Hospital laboratory. He knew how long it would take to get a new passport. He knew how much that computer meant to me…..

That computer was my best friend. It comforted me in the evenings. When I was alone it provided me with entertainment…movies, games and music. I would spend many evening hours listening to my Christian music while I played spider solitaire. Sometimes I would watch a few episodes of MASH or a movie I had seen before. That computer went everywhere I went. When I left it at home, it was locked in a file cabinet. If it traveled with me it was on my back. That computer had become too important!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I still worship God and spend time in study and prayer like a good missionary should but the real question was….could I spend more time studying the Word and listening to God? Was I more dependent on the computer than I was on God for comfort? Could I survive without the computer? I must admit I had a similar problem with television while in the states. The computer had become a substitute.

I began to examine my activities, my heart and myself. God began to reveal ways my loss was glorifying him and the truth from Romans 8:28 was affirmed…”And we know that all things work together for good …”

• I met a man from CHAZ who will be helpful in advancing my ministry in Zimba.
• My siblings have joined together to replace my computer.
• Friends, both Christian and non-Christian are praying for the circumstance and me.
• I will spend more time in “soul-care”.
• My passport can be picked up at the American Embassy on Friday.
  

These are all good things….