AAA - Another African Adventure

Warden Message
US Embassy Lusaka
October 28, 2008

This message is intended for all American citizens visiting or residing in Zambia… the Embassy advises American citizens to avoid polling and counting stations… the Embassy recommends that Americans avoid these locations until final results are certified and announced. Americans are urged to be aware of their immediate surroundings and to stay informed of current events.

In a recent email survey a friend of mine responded to the following question about me: “Is Janet a rule follower?” Her answer, “Yes, unless new rules need to be created.”

Well, I broke the rules during this election and had a firsthand look at Zambian Politics and the voting process…

It started a few weeks ago while I was in Lusaka. I was at one of the malls in Lusaka and there was a man walking from food stand to food stand with a crowd of people following him. Individuals had their cell phones pressed to his face taking his picture. I finally couldn’t resist and asked a bystander who the man was. “It’s Sata.” Enough said. Sata is one of the leading candidates for President of Zambian in the October 30^th Elections.

I was amazed at how this man could walk the public areas of the capital city of Zambia and feel safe. No obvious bodyguards around and people were within inches of him. He didn’t seem to mind. He really seemed to enjoy the attention.

My next encounter with a presidential candidate was two days before the elections, October 28. On this day “HH” (Hichilema Hakainde) a native Tongan (the local tribe in the Zimba area) excited the town with his presence. Because he is Tongan they feel like he is their brother, one of them. HH held a rally where he encouraged the voters to vote for him. There was singing, dancing and drumming. It was a very festive occasion.

You’ve probably guessed by now, I did not heed earlier warnings from the Embassy to stay away. History was in the making and I wanted to be a part of it. I found one of my “sons” and asked him to escort me to the rally. Oscar is 25 years old, a college graduate waiting for a job and an avid football fan (soccer). I lavished the sunscreen lotion, put a hat on, grabbed my camera and walked confidently with Oscar by my side.

The people were at their best. The women were singing and using traditional yells while the men danced around the drummers. As word spread that HH was coming, a crowd marched up the street to join him as he walked through the town and to the council building where he addressed the community. Cars were decorated with signs and red tape. Several were following the crowd honking their horns.

HH is a young man (46) and is referred to as the “Zambian Obama.” The people of Zambia want change and many believe it will only come from someone younger than their traditional presidents. The other candidates are each 71. Some have reported him to be one of the richest Zambians and his campaign has played on this by announcing that his presidential salary will be used for the Zambian youth and women.

I didn’t have the experience of actually seeing the other leading candidate in person. Rupiah Banda was the Vice President serving under the deceased President Levy Mwanawasa. Since the Vice President is appointed and not elected as our VP in the states is, he is only serving as acting President until the elections. The next regularly scheduled presidential elections in Zambia are not until 2011.

Just as many people vote along party lines in the USA so goes the politics here in Zambia. Zambians love their politics almost as much as their football. I would say most Zambians are better informed than a large percentage of the citizens of the United States. Unfortunately, tribal connections play a more important role to those who are not as informed. Therefore, the people living in the “bush” (remote areas of Africa) and don’t have access to the local news, usually vote for their tribal brother.

A few weeks ago, several of my friends at the hospital were nominated to attend a workshop to learn how to setup and supervise the polling stations. After two days of training and a final test that eliminated those not needed, each of the chosen individuals was given their polling station assignments. This is not Memphis where one was sent to East Memphis, another to Germantown and another to Bartlett, etc. Zimba is a “village on the road” and their “suburbs” are in the bush. The roads or lack of roads require that each person helping with the polling stations travel to their station the night before, spend the night and then return home after the polls close and the counting has been completed.

My friends, Mr. Khondowe (the hospital administrator) and Steve Mapanza (a hospital clinical officer), were assigned to a village called Nikabimba. Now transportation is not provided to the poll workers and most people here don’t have vehicles. Mr. Khondowe and I talked about using my vehicle to go to his post. He explained it as very far in the bush and he kept asking me if my car was 4WD. It is. I thought it would be a great opportunity to see an area of Zambia that I had not seen. I agreed to take them on Wednesday and return to pick them up Thursday after the polls closed.

We left Wednesday morning around 9am. I had been told by one of the hospital drivers that it would be about 2 ½ hours to the place and of course, 2 ½ hours back. That’s okay, I’d be back in Zimba by mid afternoon and would still be able to get some work done.

I’ve lived in Zambia long enough to know better…

Now what I didn’t know is that no one in Zimba had ever been to Nikabimba. They knew what direction it as in but didn’t really know how to get there. Zambian people are friendly and the men here don’t mind asking for directions. No problem.

After two hours of driving on a bumpy, part gravel, part dirt road we arrived in Kanyanga. Here we asked for directions and the locals looked at my RAV4, asked if we were going in it and then shook their head. I knew we were in trouble. What I didn’t know was that the shaking of the head was also because they really didn’t know where Nikabima was either. They knew you had to pass through their town to get there but just how much further it was, they had no idea.

We continued in the direction they pointed and came to the next school of Siajumba. Here the headmaster of the school also admitted he had never been to our destination but that one of his students lived “near” there. Clever (that’s his name) climbed in the vehicle with us to guide us. We hadn’t gone too far when he asked us where we wanted to go… we had passed the road a couple of kms back.

We turned around and started in the “right” direction. We drove through an old field and over a stream and finally ended up on the “main road”. I use quotes because I have a hard time calling any of these trails “roads.” I’ve horse backed rode on better terrain. Each turn I thought would get better…

We arrived in Nikabimba at 1:30 pm 100 kms (approximately 64 miles) later after crossing two dry sandy river beds, one rocky incline, a flat rock river bed and using more than ½ of the petrol we started with. At one point I was trying to decide when I would say I couldn’t go any further. I was worried I wouldn’t have enough gas to get back to Zimba. I decided to turn the air conditioner off to reserve fuel. Let me tell you, there are no BP’s or Exxon’s in the bush.

Now, I thought it was just this little city girl... oops, this old city woman... who was amazed at the terrain but when we arrived the Zambian passengers commented on the remote location and what we had traveled through. They had never been to such a rough place. We decided that rather than put my car through the wear and tear of returning the next day that one of the hospital drivers could pick up Mr. Khondowe and Steve the next day.

Now, I forgot to mention that Oscar from the political rally escorted me so that I wouldn’t travel back to Zimba alone. Oscar was amazing… we had to follow our own tracks back to Zimba. We would come to a fork in the road and he would look for the tire marks to determine which direction to continue. Oscar also would get out of the car and direct me through the sand and up the sides of the dry rivers. It was an AAA (Another African Adventure). Oscar and I arrived back in Zimba around 6:30pm.

The next day, I tried to contact the hospital drivers. Each had volunteered to help at polling stations. One was an observer for one of the parties (to make sure everything was A-OK) and the other was in another village serving as a monitor. Neither could leave until the polls closed.

From my experience the previous day, it was obvious that whoever was to travel to Nikabimba needed to do so before dark. I made the executive decision at 1pm to get the keys from the hospital driver, use the hospital vehicle (a brand new Toyotal Hilux) and have Oscar escort me once again. I loaded the cooler with cold drinks and water for the people I had left the day before. I knew with no electricity (did I mention it was a very remote place) that they would be happy for a cold drink. They would not be able to leave until the counting was finished I also grabbed two flashlights since we would be traveling back in the dark.

I now understand what mothers mean when they say that God doesn’t allow them to remember the pain associated with childbirth so that they will do it again... I didn’t remember how bad it really was. As we returned to Nikabimba I kept asking Oscar, are you sure we did this yesterday? Are you sure we are on the right “road” (path). He assured me to continue. I don’t know if it was the difference in the vehicles or if I just didn’t remember but I decided I had to be crazy to do this two days in a row. My goal was to arrive in Nikabimba before dark so that we would not have to cross any of the “tricky” areas in the dark twice. We didn’t quite make it. We had the final crossing of the flat rock river bed after sunset. I was exhausted once reaching Nikabimba but was energized by the adrenaline flowing through my body.

I told my friend, Khondowe, that I must really like him to have gone through this for him. He laughed and expressed his gratitude. He and Steve had slept in an unfinished house with no roof, no doors and no beds. They actually slept on cardboard boxes. Steve slept near the door and feared snakes all night. Mr. Khondowe had brought a tent but would not use it because the other poll supervisors did not have equal accommodations. All the poll workers were happy to see my cooler of cold drinks.

They were not finished counting so I was able to observe the process. Each voter had been given a paper ballot with the four candidates listed in rows. Each row had a picture of the candidate, his name, his party icon and the party name. The voter was to put a large X next the candidate of choice. After choosing the candidate the ballot was placed in a big plastic tub with a slot in the top.

When the polls closed at 6pm, the counting began. Ballots for each candidate was place in stacks and then counted and recorded. The counted ballots were placed in envelopes marked for each candidate and sealed. The sealed envelopes were placed in the empty ballot tub and then sealed with plastic seals. A police officer escorted the person with the ballot box to the district election commission where the ballots would be counted again.

At 9 pm the results of the 67 (yes, I said sixty-seven) votes were announced. HH was the favorite in Nikabimba. Not a surprise since we were in Tonga land.

The convoy headed back to civilization. The driver of the police escort wanted to follow me since… why I don’t know but ... whatever… Remember it is dark now and we have to follow our own tracks… My neck hurt, my right ankle started cramping and I was hungry. I had not eaten since breakfast. I had brought some peanut butter and crackers but shared them with the poll workers and didn’t get any before it was all gone. I did remember along the way back that I had brought some oranges and was able to eat half an orange (I shared the oranges also). We had plenty of water though and that was the most important thing.

We arrived back in Zimba at 3 am. I was exhausted. I came into the house, sat on the couch to check my email before going to bed. I woke up Friday morning still on the couch, in my dress, holding the blanket I meant to cover myself with. The phone started ringing at 730 am and the children were playing on my front porch at 8 am. So much for sleeping late…

Well, I survived the AAA but we still don’t know the results of the elections. It is Friday night around 11:30pm as I write this and Sata is ahead… maybe we'll know tomorrow.

Interesting information about the Zambian Elections:

• The election had to occur within 90 days of the deceased President’s date of death. Not really enough time to encourage voter participation.
• It is estimated that less than 50% of the eligible 3.9 million voters have voted in this election.
• Only voters registered in the 2006 Presidential elections are eligible to vote. No new registrations were accepted.
• Eligible voters can only vote in the area they are registered in. There are no absentee ballots.If you have relocated since 2006 you must travel to the area you are registered in to vote. You cannot update your registration card until the next scheduled National elections.
• Since most people in Zambia are poverty stricken, travel is a luxury and therefore many voters who are qualified to vote but have relocated since 2006 were not be able to vote.
• Many people have lost/misplaced their registration cards and cannot vote without it.
• Some of the poll workers (specifically Mr. Khondowe and Steve) were unable to vote because the district ran out of authorization letters required in order for them to vote outside their area.
• Government workers refuse to attend political rallies held by candidates other than the ruling party out of fear of losing their government jobs should the ruling party be reelected.
• In Nikabimba there were 80 eligible voters. Sixty-seven (67) cast their ballots and most walked at least two hours to do so.

A side note:
I cast my vote for the US President on October 22 from Zambia. I have never felt more privileged to vote after having experienced the voting and political process here. Especially since I was able to vote thousands of miles away from the country, much less the city I am registered to vote in. For all the faults the USA has, I feel blessed to be a citizen of a country that has the advantages we do. I realize that if I don’t vote I have no right to complain when decisions are made that I don’t agree with. Voting is a right of every United States citizen and we should not take this right for granted.

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Election Update:

Rupiah Banda was sworn in as the new President of Zambia on Sunday, November 2, 2008. They don't waste time here... someone may change their mind!

See you later

You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you. (Frederick Buechner, Telling the Truth)

Well, I’m back in Zambia after my whirlwind trip to the United States. I would have written
sooner but I was busy with a short term medical team from Christ United Methodist Church.

They performed 63 surgeries while they were here! Thanks guys, you were awesome.

Settling into life in Zambia was a little different this time than when I arrived 17 months ago. I now know what to expect and what not to expect. There are no surprises. I was so excited to see my Zambian friends and family. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I was at home.

Home (USA), now that was another story. I wasn’t prepared for the changes, the madness and the lack of time. I thought I would have plenty of time for rest and relaxation. No rush, no worries. I couldn’t have been more wrong. God has blessed me with so many friends. I wasn’t able to visit with everyone and the quality of the time I spent with most people was poor to say the least. But, how do you catch up on 16 months in a few short weeks. Those of you I missed, I’m sorry. I promise to see you next time!

I stayed in the home of Andy and Brenda Sippel. Brenda is amazing and took great care of me. I didn’t want for anything. She even packed a snack bag for Stephanie and I when we traveled to Hot Springs. I felt like a child going off to camp. Another friend, Curtis, provided a vehicle for me so that I wasn’t dependent on others. Thanks to Andy, Brenda and Curtis for giving me all the comforts of living in the USA.

A lot of my time in the USA was spent catching up on routine doctors’ visits, a trip to the dentist, renewing my driver’s license, a visit to my CPA and the bank. I am happy to report that although I have gained a bit of weight all is well. I am healthy and happy. Though, one of my purchases when I get to Lusaka (where I can shop) will be a full length mirror. It’s amazing what your mind tells you but that mirror doesn’t lie.

Since this was my 50^th birthday celebration I was able to celebrate the entire month. I don’t remember how many cakes were eaten in my honor. I celebrated the most with my brother’s family. There are four of us with August birthdays... me, my brother, my niece and her son. My brother, Billy, had moved to Oklahoma City while I was away (he came out of retirement) so he drove to Jackson, TN for the birthday weekend. My sister-in-law, Dawn, cooked an amazing meal with fresh picked vegetables and then we had three different birthday cakes. Billy and I shared the German chocolate cake. One of my sisters, Pam, who had married and moved to Kentucky, dropped in with her new husband.

I had the honor of speaking at four churches, one open house and one small group. I was humbled to learn that there are people praying for me that I don’t even know. See, it’s true I didn’t come here alone; I came with all of you!

One of the fun things I did was to fly to Miami to visit my dear friend, Robin. She has a new condo on the bay and a new boyfriend. Another friend (from the 6^th grade), Terry, flew down with his wife to spend time with me and Robin. We rode bicycles, boated in the Miami harbor and ate great food. It was a different life than what I lead in Zambia. I felt so sheltered.

Shelter… I am in my little home in Zimba. Back to chasing the chickens from the garden, shooing the donkeys off of the veranda and stepping aside as a herd of goats make their way through my yard. Time for new projects to start, retreats to be planned and budgeting for the next few years in Zambia. Yes, I have decided to stay in Zambia for a while longer. I’m not sure how much longer but I know it’s not time to return to the states to live. So... stay in touch and I’ll see you later…..

Walking in Joy

I can’t explain the excitement and anticipation of looking forward to arriving in Memphis. I cried leaving Zambia knowing how much I will miss my friends there. I cried all the way from Atlanta to Memphis waiting to see the M bridge over the Mississippi. I didn’t see the bridge it was too hazy but when we touched down on the runway I could not wipe the tears away fast enough. There is no place like home!

I was met by a large crowd of people from CUMC... many were there to see their family members who were returning from a short term visit to Zambia but all hugged me and made me feel welcomed. My dearest friends, the Hardings and the Adams, were there and it was so great to hug them and visit with their children who had grown so much. A lot happens in a year and one half. I was also blessed to see my sister, Teresa, her husband and my nephew Chris… they drove from Jackson just to welcome me home. They brought a special gift, my great niece, Aubry, who was born two weeks after I left for Zambia. She was a doll and soon accepted me as part of the family.

All of my bags arrived and we headed to Hueys for that long awaited hamburger. There were at least 18 of as we invaded the restaurant. The hamburger was smaller than I remembered it but it tasted just as I expected. I will have to go back for another before I leave at the end of the month.

I will be staying at the home of Andy and Brenda Sippel They have beautiful home and have welcomed me as a family member. They even had a belated 50th birthday party for me since I celebrated this momentos occasion on an airplane.

Any one is welcomed to visit me in their home while I am here. They live at 1994 Massey (between Park and Quince).You may call me at 481-6400. Please understand that I do not have transportation and I am dependent on my friends to help me move around.

This first week will be spent relaxing and visiting medical professionals since I haven’t had that opportunity for a while. Pray that all is well and that there will be no follow up visits or any surprises. I feel healthy and don’t expect to learn otherwise.

I want to thank all you who have been praying for my time in Zambia and my safe return home. I am looking forward to visiting with as many of you as possible. I do ask you to take advantage of any of the public opportunities so that I can maximize my time of rest. The schedule is as follows:

August 9^th – Open House in the home of Stan and Stephanie Harding at 1183 West Crestwood. Their phone number is 763-2619.

August 10^th – Christ United Methodist Church – I will be speaking briefly at the 945am and 11am services and visiting Sunday School classes during those hours as well.

August 17^th – The Love of Christ Church (TLC) – I will be attending their services which start at 10:30pm

August 30^th – I leave to return to Zambia

I have been blessed by God in so many ways in the past 16 months and there is no way I can share all the ways he has touched my life. I can tell you this, I was made for this purpose. There is no better joy in one’s life than knowing you are doing what your creator intended for you to do.

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" 1 Peter 1:8

Purity Retreat Results

I’m not sure how I got myself into this situation. God didn’t bless me with children of my own and I really don’t have a lot of experience with children… but on Saturday, July 18, God brought me 13 beautiful and energetic 13 and 14 year old girls to spend the night at the Wesleyan Guest House in Zimba. I praised Him for providing two Zambian friends, Mrs. Kenneth Siabowa and Mrs. Kristen Kazia to help chaperon. I could not have done it without them.

First of all, how do you grocery shop for 16 people. I’ve only had to shop for myself for the past say 15 years! Needless to say I had to return to the market several times for those forgotten items or those that I purchased too little of. The menu was a simple Zambian one of chicken, Nshima, cabbage and gravy so all the ingredients could be found in Zimba.

Secondly, there were six single beds and 13 girls. None of them complained when we asked them to double up.

Thirdly, I actually had to set a ground rule… no cell phones!!!

The event was scheduled to start at 1630 hours (4:30 pm) but true to Zambian time didn’t start until 1745 hours (5:45pm).

The girls were so excited and very attentive. They listened to every word spoken and asked great questions. I learned so much about the dating culture in Zambia. It is becoming very much like dating in the western countries. A lot of the traditional customs are being relinquished as a result of television and movies.

The retreat was based on the book by Dannah Gresh, And the Bride Wore White, The Seven Secrets to Sexual Purity. By the end of the weekend each girl could recite each secret and I have been told the parents now know the secrets as well.

For those of you who do not know the secrets here is a brief summary:

1. P Purity is a process (No one was born pure so each day we have to make a conscious effort to be pure. This relieves those who have experienced sexual sin in the past and allows them to pursue purity just like everyone else.)

2. P Purity Dreams of Its Future (We encourage the girls to start thinking about the characteristics they desire of the man God will provide for them. Most importantly that they will be equally yoked to another Christian.)

3. P Purity is Governed by Its Value (One tends to make decisions based on how valuable he/she feels. We teach the girls that their bodies are like fine china tea cups and not throw away styrofoam cups.)

4. P Purity Speaks Boldly (How do you reject the opposite sex’s advances if you are not equipped with the words to say? This session teaches the girls how to say no and mean it.)

5. P Purity Loves Its Creator at Any Cost (Purity can only be maintained through a love relationship with Jesus Christ.)

6. P Purity Embraces Wise Guidance (We encourage the girls to identify mentor that can help them through difficult circumstance. We prefer that mentor to be a parent but in the Zambian culture that is sometimes not possible. Alternatives would be Aunties)

7. P Purity Watches Burning Flames (Find women who have experienced these secrets already and can be examples.)

I was so fortunate to have two “burning flames” attend our retreat. One was a woman who was pursued by a young man who was a drunkard. She liked this young man and would have liked to be in relationship with him but she had already made a commitment with God that she would not marry someone who drank alcohol. She stood her ground, he gave up drinking, became a Christian, they married and now have two children.

The second “burning flame” was an AIDS widow who shared her story of a husband who was unfaithful and as a result infected her with the deadly AIDS virus. Her story told of the denial of her husband once he was diagnosed, the rejection of her family since she was “dead already”, and the son she gave birth to that hasn’t been tested yet. Eleven years of living with the disease she still lives as a witness to the miracle God can perform. Eight years she survived without Anti-retro viral therapy. She gives all the glory to God but warned the girls that her choice in a spouse not only caused her to have a life threatening disease but it may have cursed her son as well. His status is not known. Counselors have advised her not to test him unless he starts to exhibit poor health. To date, he is a strong, healthy young man.

The girls were moved to tears by both stories and you could have heard a pin drop. The interesting thing is that most of the girls knew the second flame quite well but had no idea she was living with Positive HIV.

On Saturday afternoon after lots of dancing, Bible drills and the last secret we gathered our things to depart. The girls wanted to stay another night and had a hard time leaving. We prayed together and asked that God protect their hearts and give them wisdom in their future relationships. One girl which I had been told has experimented with sex spoke up and publicly announced that she was to remain pure from that day forth until she married the man God would provide for her. We praised God and reminded the girls that she can only do that through her faith and the accountability of each of the girls present.

The lessons don’t stop here… we agreed to meet monthly to discuss any challenges, review the secrets and study God’s word.

It’s Monday and I have already been approached by parents and church leaders who want to know when the next retreat will be scheduled. The older girls want to learn the same secrets. Isn’t God good!!

I can’t claim to be childless anymore. He has provided me with so many children here in Zambia. I only hope that I can continue to be the example He intended me to be. My wish is that no matter how long or short a period of time we have together, that they remember me as the woman who shared the love of Christ with them.

I would be remiss to stop here and not thank each of you who prayed for this event. It was so obvious that we were covered in prayer. There were so many details that changed prior to the event but each change was best not just good. May God Bless You All.

Zambian Crocodile

Once upon a time there was a man who visited a community of people who lived by a river. As evening approached, he was invited to sit down by the river and enjoy a cold beverage and then have dinner with the people. While they ate calmly and pleasantly, a fourteen-foot crocodile suddenly came up out of the river, chomped off the arm of the man sitting closest to the riverbank and then slipped silently back into the dark waters. The people were alarmed and shocked, but they recomposed themselves. Those closest to the man bandaged him up the best they could and transported him to medical assistance. Then they resumed their eating, drinking and conversation—picking up right where they left off without any discussion of the incident. The visiting man was horrified that the evening continued as if nothing had happened. Each time he tried to mention the tragic and violent act, someone in the group quickly changed the subject. He made one final attempt to bring up the incident to discuss: “A man just lost his arm to an enormous crocodile that came suddenly out of the river. Didn’t you all see that, or was I imagining things?” Someone in the group replied, Yes, I saw what happened. A number of people are attacked each year in our community by crocodiles.” The man looked closer at the group and sure enough, he spotted people who were missing hands and feet, arms and legs. “Can’t you do anything about the crocodiles?” he asked. Another in the group replied with embarrassment clearly written on his face, ”It is impolite in our culture to talk about crocodiles.”

The visitor was stunned into bewildered silence.

The above story and the following information was taken from the curriculum developed for Zambia by Pure Freedom: Living a Life Free of HIV/AIDS based in State College, PA, USA. www.purefreedom.org

The Crocodile That’s Loose in Zambia: HIV/AIDS

• At least 70% if Zambians know someone personally who has HIV/AIDS or who has died of it
• There are over 600,000 orphans in Zambia due to HIV/AIDS
• Each year Zambia loses half as many teachers as it trains to HIV/AIDS
• 16% of those tested in Zambia are HIV positive.
• The life expectancy in Zambia is 39 years, the fourth lowest in the world, with an expected healthy lifespan if 30 years.
  
• 60% of 15-19 year olds say they have had sex
• Women are two times more likely to acquire HIV than men. This is especially true of teen girls whose vaginas are not as well-lined with protective cells as that of mature women.
  
• Higher income residence and those living in urban areas are more likely to attract prospective sex partners and have the ability to pay for sex, thus they are more at risk despite a higher education level.
  
• 17% of males aged 15-19 surveyed paid for sex in the twelve months preceding the survey.
  

Abstinence until marriage and faithfulness to one life-time sexual partner is the only proven method of avoiding HIV/AIDS. Eighty-four percent of Zambians understand that limiting the number of sex partners and being faithful is important.
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This information is what led me to pursue leading "Purity Retreats" for girls in Zambia. The retreats allow small groups of girls around the same age to come together, talk intimately about dating, what the Bible says about dating and marriage and our response as Christians to living a pure life. I am using the book written by Dannah Gresh - And the Bride Wore White. Dannah's organization, Pure Freedom, conducts similar retreats in the United States and has an ongoing ministry here in Zambia.

My first “Purity Retreat” is schedule for Friday, July 18 and will extend into Saturday. I have invited twelve 13 and 14 year olds to spend the night at the Wesleyan Guest House. They are very excited about the event and I am praying that God will open their hearts to the Word defining our bodies as holy vessels and how we should strive for purity daily.

I am asking for you to partner with me in prayer for this event. It is the second time for it to be scheduled and I refuse for anything to stand in the way of its success. On Friday afternoon, parents, church leaders and the Christian community will gather to conduct a prayer walk around the meeting facility and to pray for each attendee and facilitator. The prayers will continue throughout the night.

Please join us as we pray for the following:

• Protection from Satan and his army who do not want this information delivered to these young girls
• Willingness of the girls to share openly
• Open hearts for those girls who have already compromised their bodies and may need healing from past sins
• Maturity of each attendee to keep all information confidential
• Discernment of the facilitators to know when to solicit pastoral assistance
• Those who may not know Jesus will come to know him and trust him.
• 100% commitment from all participants to remain sexually pure until marriage and after marriage

Counting the Days

Dear Friends,

In less than one month I will step on the soil of my homeland, the United States of America. I arrive on August 3 at 11:12am on Delta Flight #4735. I am so excited that whenever I think about it tears come to my eyes. Even as I write this, I also get teary eyed thinking about leaving the many friends I have made here in Zambia even though I know I will be returning. It is a bittersweet time. I am so looking forward to seeing each and every one of your faces.

Before I leave Zambia there are a several important projects I need to complete. I need your prayers to accomplish this. Please pray for the following areas:
1) Zimba Purity Retreat rescheduled for July 18-19; pray for the 12 girls who have been selected to attend, the instructors, the translators and the behind the scenes workers.
2) Christ United Methodist Church Mission Team arriving in Livingstone on July 23; pray for travel mercies, preparation of the work site prior to their arrival and receptivity of their ministry.
3) Completion of the Zimba Mission Hospital Staff Housing project; all that is left is painting, glass pane installation, electrical connection and tile installation. Pray for continued productivity and availability of materials. I cannot leave until the assigned staff members are actually moved in!!!
4) Health - I am fighting another round of bronchitis; pray for healing so that the Purity Retreat will not be affected, I can enjoy the CUMC team and that I will not have to fly home sick.

I'm counting the days....

For such a time as this,
Janet

What's Happening

Treated "my children" to holiday in Livingstone - first time to see Victoria Falls for Jennifer and Kestone... also visited the David Livingstone Museum




Student driver knocks over small stone wall with my vehicle – the car survives with no damage... Next day the rear window of my vehicle is shattered – amazing what a 7 year old child can do with one small stone... The seven year old tells me she loves me... K3,000,000 ($1000) to purchase new window – wrong window received since the car is a 1995 and not a 1998

I taught myself Quickbooks - then taught the accounting officer at Zimba Mission Hospital and they started using QuickBooks in April

University of Memphis goes to the Final Four – Loses the championship in overtime...I was able to listen over the internet but just received video so that I can watch it ... I know my brother is still grieving

Received confirmation of flight reservation for visit to USA in August – Just two months away!

Delivered bicycles and tents donated by Christ United Methodist Church, Memphis to PWC church planters and evangelists

4 weeks bronchitis – no time to be sick since I hosted a team from Christ United Methodist Church... Chinese doctor in Lusaka told me my tonsils were inflamed… FYI: my tonsils were removed when I was in elementary school... I had scanty malaria… the same Chinese doctor didn’t think I needed to be treated... One week of bed rest by orders of Dr. Joan Jones, Zimba Mission Hospital... First Purity Retreat was scheduled for May - canceled due to illness... Satanic activity revealed in Zimba - Several of the girls who were to attend the Purity Retreat were involved

Harvested first carrots from garden – not your usual shape but they tasted great... Chickens peck the first ripe tomatoes in my garden... those pesky chickens!!!

Visited the village of Ndele near Livingstone - Francis prayed to receive Christ... Eight people profess Christ at Nakowa Pilgrim Wesleyan Church, Zimba... Spoke on missions during the hospital morning devotionals

Delivered school supplies donated by The Love of Christ Church, Memphis to PWC Nakowa Basic School

Delivered school supplies donated by Christ United Methodist Church, Memphis to two new Pilgrim Wesleyan schools in the Sinazongwe Valley - Sinanjola and Milama

Received my final Christmas card in May – it was mailed from the USA in December 2007

Vehicle breaks down late at night just 2 km from Zimba – two days and $350 later.... that pesky car!

Ate bacon and developed a toothache – ate Nshima and learned that the toothache was a loose crown... Traveled to Lusaka - treated by a Ukrainian dentist with no bedside manner, no mercy and no lidocaine

Gasoline is $9.75 per gallon

Geyser (hot water tank) burns out heating element number 4 – hot showers are not meant to be at my house... thank God for friends with hot water!

Staff housing building project 85% complete... I am praying that it will be occupied by the time I leave for the states in August

My God, the God who sees me, continues to bless me and provide for all my needs

Fruit Produced in a Valley

The fruit produced in a valley is better than that on a mountain top. -unknown

May 31, 2008 - This is a post that I wrote in March but it was so raw at the time, I couldn't post it. As I read it today, I feel that I can finally share it with you.
___________________________________________________________________
"Janet,
Remember every time you have a mountain top with God – you will come down to trouble. Moses… Elijah… Jesus …" - Stacy B.'s (my friend and sister in Christ) response to the following email

This email was sent out yesterday (March 11) to a small group of prayer warriors…

Hey guys,I don’t know what is going on but I have had three bad things happen in the past 36 hours. One is minor, a flashlight was taken from my front porch in just a matter of minutes. It was a special light fitted for my bicycle so I could see at night. Second, my car was wrecked by a student driver (I was in the car with him). We hit a small stone wall that protected us from ending in a concrete ditch. No one was hurt and my car suffered no damage. The stone wall no longer exists. Third, I just returned to my house and my rear car window is shattered. We have no idea how it happened.
I am numb right now. I have no idea how much it will cost to replace the window. I just bought shocks and I’ve been told I need brakes. I just keep asking “Why?”
I would cry but I know it will do no good. This car is a “money pit”.
I keep waiting for the next bomb….
Please pray that God will provide (I know He will) and that things will settle down… I feel I am being challenged/tested now more than ever.
Janet

I am not kidding within minutes I started receiving phone calls of encouragement and email responses. I am so blessed.

So, let me tell you the story… bear with me, there is background information you need to understand.

Monday morning as I locked my house to walk to the hospital I noticed the light that I purchased for my bicycle so that I could ride at night was laying on the veranda (front porch). I had removed it when I allowed Nathaniel to ride my bike on Sunday. I didn’t want it to pop off and be lost if he had a wreck. Now, I thought to myself, "you should put that in the house." I had already locked the door and Idah (my house help) was due any minute. I knew she would see it and take it in. I went on about my business.

While I was at the hospital Idah called to say she was attending a funeral and asked permission to come on Tuesday. When I returned to my house, the light was gone. Now it wasn’t lying out in the open. You would have to walk to the front door of my house to see it. My original thought was that one of “my children” had picked it up and was playing with it. But, the children were in school… Oh, well… so what if I can only replace it in Lusaka (5 hours away)… I didn’t ride that much at night anyway. Maybe Idah came by on her way to the funeral and put it away. I’ll wait until Tuesday morning and ask her.

Well, yes, Idah did come by on her way to the funeral. The light was there and she too thought she should put it up but didn’t. We’ve calculated and there was probably a ten minute window for someone to take it. Okay Janet, it’s a small thing; don’t waste our time with such a minor thing…

Wait, you’ll understand as this blog progresses.

Here is the background information to the email…

By now you should know that I purchased a vehicle in September 2008. It’s been a real trial. A gentleman in Lusaka who purchases cars for individuals flew to South Africa and selected the car for me. These cars are shipped from Japan and usually have low mileage and are in good condition. Benard was recommended to me through the National PWC office. I was allowed to purchase it through the church as a missionary and duty taxes would be waived. I gave him my requirements: small SUV with four wheel drive, air conditioning, luggage rack and the cost must be $8000 or less. Simple. Benard goes to S.A. and finds a Toyota RAV4 with 30,000 km, four wheel drive and air conditioning. The luggage rack can be added later. Great!

The car arrives in Zambia but with one problem. Once it’s in country we find out that a RAV4 is considered a luxury vehicle in Zambia and cannot be duty tax exempt. Now, I have a decision to make. I either sell the car immediately and wait for another vehicle or take it and pay the duty. You’ve heard that saying.. a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush???? I kept the vehicle. The duty was half the cost of the vehicle. Now, before you judge my decision…. I could not buy a vehicle that would be duty tax exempt for less than $12,000.

Once I received the car it was obvious that the 30,000 km was either because it had turned over once on the odometer or the odometer had been run backwards. The tires had too much wear for 30,000 km. Maybe the tires had been replaced with old tires so that the newer tires could be sold? It happens! No worry, all the mechanics who have looked at it say the engine is in excellent condition. I replaced the tires. No, Janet, we are not in Tennessee anymore… tires are very expensive here.

The roads in Zambia are sometimes not worthy of the term “road." The tarmac has been worn off by the large trucks and the rain, pot holes are every few feet and sometimes you think you are on a roller coaster. What this means is that you need good shocks to absorb the bumps. You guessed it, I needed new shocks. During my last trip to Lusaka I purchased the needed shocks. Now, I went to the local AutoZone (AutoWorld) and front shocks were K1,050,000 ($290) each!! I called a mechanic I had befriended in Lusaka and asked him for help. I was able to get non-originals for K500,000 ($145) each. The back ones were more reasonably priced at $50 each.

When my friend put the shocks on he informed me my next purchase would need to be brakes…. Remember the comment about the car being a “money pit”… Just to add to your information, since I live in a remote area my fuel bill is quite high because the nearest town for shopping, etc. is 50 miles away, which means about $50 in fuel just to buy groceries.

Okay, so back to the matter at hand…

Vehicles in Zimba are very few and to learn to drive is a big deal. The hospital has two vehicles and only two drivers (three if you include me). We need more trained drivers so that when one of our drivers is sick or on leave there is someone to take their place. I have been teaching two workers at the hospital to drive and my neighbor, Peter.

I park my vehicle at the Wesleyan mission because there is a night watchman there and it is safe. On Monday, I had driven to Choma and when I went to park the car, Peter asked to drive. I agreed. He was doing fine but as he approached the right turn into the mission property I realized he was going too fast. I remained calm and thought he would decide to continue straight and turnaround. Well, he didn’t. He decided to turn and ran into a small brick wall that defines the small bridge over the ditch leading to the mission property. The vehicle was up on the busted stones from the wall. I had to get out and jump over the ditch to get out of the vehicle. Only the two back wheels were on the ground. Luckily, there were several men in the town and they gathered in amazement and then to help. They lifted the vehicle off of the stones and back on solid ground. It appeared the car was not damaged. Praise God! I can’t say the same for the small stone wall.

Now, Peter was beside himself. He was so scared and embarrassed. I explained that I wasn’t angry with him since I had given him permission to drive and that it was a risk I took when I allowed him to drive. That’s part of teaching someone to drive in your own vehicle.

The next day, Peter and I took the car for a test drive. It drove great. Actually, I felt that it ran better!! After I was satisfied with the performance I stopped on the side of the road, got out of the car and told Peter to drive. He looked so surprised. I think he thought he would never get the chance to drive again. I explained that we have a saying in the United States, “If you fall off a horse, you have to get right back in the saddle or you will never ride again.” Peter drove and did a nice job. He even did great on the right turns.

I praised God and thanked him for protecting the vehicle from damage…

About 1700 hours (5pm) I was walking home and Jennifer, my neighbor and one of my “children” came to greet me. As I approached the vehicle I saw the rear window of the car. It was crackled. Had it always looked like that or was that new? Was it just the screen tint or the glass? As I got closer I realized it was the glass. Now how did that happen? Where did Jennifer go?

I called for my neighbor to come see and asked if she had any knowledge of what had happened. She knew nothing. We called for Jennifer; she was nowhere to be seen. Why would she run away, she is only 7 years old and couldn’t have had anything to do with it? Car windows are hard to break. She wouldn’t have the strength to do this.

Jennifer could not be found. We now suspected she knew something. It was getting dark and there was no sign of her. When I last saw her she had a jump rope in her hand. Around 8pm I walked out on my veranda and I see the jump rope lying at the end. Jennifer is somewhere close by. I look to the side of the house and call her name. I hear her crying. She has been there this whole time hiding out of fear. You see, beating children is common here.

Now, I didn’t think this warranted a beating. I was sure it was an accident. I assured her that I would not hurt her and to come into the house. Her grandmother was not home and I didn’t want the others in her home to discipline her unnecessarily. I fed her dinner and gave her something to drink. When her grandmother came home she questioned her and indeed she admitted that she was the one who had broken the window. She was playing a game where you throw stones in the air and catch them???

Jennifer does not speak good English and anyone who speaks more than one language knows when you are emotional it is easier to speak in your heart language. Jennifer and her grandmother were conversing in Tonga and she was sobbing. I finally ask the grandmother to interpret for me. I told her that I understood that it was an accident and that I still loved her. I told her that I was more concerned that she ran away and that I was worried about her. Her grandmother asked her to apologize and when she tried she sobbed even harder. You have to understand, Jennifer and I are bonded. (When I leave Zambia I can't imagine leaving Jennifer!) She thought she was losing her friend. I grabbed her up and started sobbing with her. I assured her that I still loved her. What a change from the beating she was expecting. I believe she would have received it had I not been there.

Every night when Jennifer leaves my home to go next door to bed I tell her I love her. She has never responded. Last night she told me "I love you" before I could get the words out of my mouth. Yes, tears began to flow again!

Well, now we know how it happened but why? I still don’t have an answer to why for any of the three things… the light, the wreck or the window.

As I talked to God about it, I realized that my actions to these events showed unconditional love and forgiveness. I could have been angry, bitter and resentful but instead I showed the love of Christ to Peter, Jennifer and Maria (Jennifer’s grandmother and Peter’s mother). Maybe the lesson to be learned was not for me but for them. Maybe things that happen are not always about us but those around us. Maybe I learned that God is using me and that I am making an impact on the Kingdom.

As for the “money pit” I will probably have to drive to Lusaka (5 hours, $200 in fuel plus overnight costs) to replace the window. I’m still asking why? I am reminded that it is God’s money and not mine. I know that he is all knowing and in control.

So what about the bike light? What’s the significance? Well, one of the phone calls I received after the panic email was from my friend, Stan, in Memphis. He told me I would not believe it but that his bicycle had been stolen in Memphis. The bike was taken and the light was left behind. He is going to send me the light for his bicycle and we are both convinced that it will be exactly like the one I lost!!

Doesn’t God have a great sense of humor?

"Busyness"

I don’t really know how to start this blog. First, let me tell you I don’t blog just to blog. It is usually prompted by the Holy Spirit. This is one of those times when I feel I am supposed to share but I really don’t know how it will end.

The last few days have been rather trying. After returning from an escape weekend on the Zambezi River, I jumped right back into work. Three trips to Choma (1 ½ hours away), returning after midnight each trip and starting my day at the regular time regardless…. I’m ready for another weekend retreat.

I returned feeling spiritually revived and focused on my work here in Zambia. I am studying the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) by Beth Moore. It has been interesting because I started this study some time back and I had reached a point where I procrastinated and did not pick up the study. I’m not making excuses but I believe God wanted me to wait until my weekend retreat to continue.

I had reached the study on Isaac and found myself immersed in the content. I have more underlines and notes than ever. Here are just a few of the things that spoke to me:

“I am concerned that the maximum-load mentality of our culture could potentially turn us into minimalists. We’re growing too exhausted to go the extra mile. Sometimes we do only what we must to get by on a project because we have 15 other projects nipping at our heels. We’re pushed too hard and too fast to go the extra distance excellence demands. Even in church work we are often thrown into so many activities and responsibilities that we don’t take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to develop our spiritual gifts.”

“We aren’t in danger of becoming minimalists because we want to. We’re in danger of becoming minimalists because maximum overload causes minimum effectiveness.”

-Beth Moore, The Patriarchs

Ouch! This hit me hard. I thought that this would not be a problem here in Zambia. The culture here is so laid back that I wouldn’t get overwhelmed. Wrong! There is so much to be done and most of it needed to be done yesterday. In Zambia, we (missionaries, hospital managers, church leaders) play the game of “catch-up” everyday.

Another phrase I underlined was, “…take, take! That’s all people like you want to do!” Now, I love the people here and when I read this I started weeping. How could I relate to this phrase about the people I love? Then it came to me.... the problem is not with the people, the problem is with me! My ability to set priorities and say “no” to those things that are not important. My inner voice said, “But everything is important here!” I never realized how hard life would be here.

“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” – Psalm 40:8

I began to evaluate my work here and exactly what I do... here is an excerpt from my journal entry…

‘Busyness” – am I just busy or am I being productive? What impact am I making for the “Kingdom”? Why am I not satisfied? Am I supposed to be satisfied? Why do I long for more? Hebrews 11:16 “Instead they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one”. Even Abraham died without seeing the fruit of his faith but continued to believe. This “longing for a better country” (heaven) is what keeps me faithful. Perfection will never be reached until I enter that better country. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.’

I have returned to Zimba and I am not going to lie and tell you that I have made all the necessary changes but I am aware of the changes I need to make. That is step one!

Step two was to find an area of personal ministry where I could feel I was making a difference. Part of my testimony is that as a young woman I desired to be faithful to God but I didn't know how to go past that step. Discipleship – I’m not sure I even knew that term until maybe 10 years ago. I can remember going forward after church services to “rededicate” myself to Christ but I didn’t really know how. No one in the church… I mean no one (pastors, leaders, or members) ever counseled me or volunteered to help me. I continued to falter through life. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness! ... oops I've said that already!

I don’t want that for the young women here in Zimba (or anywhere). I have committed to work with a small group of girls who just need encouragement and love. I have plenty of that to give. I plan to lead a weekend retreat dedicated to “purity” and Aids/HIV education. I want these girls to trust me and want to spend time with me. I want my home to be a safe haven for them when they need a friend. My God, what am I getting myself into???

How does that help relieve the stress of an already busy schedule you ask? Well, it relieves that inner voice that keeps asking, “What are you doing for the Kingdom?”

Step three…. I’m still working on that.

Stay tuned....