This page contains updates on our life here in Zambia. Please check back often for news of us and our mission. Scroll down for older entries; there are also links to other months on the home page.
We love you and miss you, and Jess says “Hello”. It seems these past few weeks have kind of settled down a little. Pastor Henry & Pastor Arnot are teaching in the mornings and the student’s doing their work scholarship hours in the afternoon. We have had rain most every day, but the amount is slowing down. Paul’s radishes grew so fast we didn’t get them all ate before they got too big. Some of the workers liked the radish leaves, so even the leaves did not go to waste. I must admit I have never tried radish leaves, but the men say they are good. It seems their favorite is still the pumpkin leaves. They plant the pumpkins and other veggies right in the rows with the corn so this is good use of the water. Steven’s family moved into Chongwe this weekend and will begin to settle into their new home. Chad & Amber have settled into their routine and just fit right in with the college family.
Our fridge and stove continue to be a HUGE blessing in our lives and make it kind of fun to cook and bake. My little oven reminds me of the “Easy Bake Ovens” kids had when I was young. It is just the cutest little oven. A small cookie sheet will not fit in, but I have a small rectangular cake pan that I use for everything. I can bake six cookies at a time in this pan and it works well. I have been baking more as it seems more fun here. I am sure part of that is I have more time in my house then I ever did at home. I am planning on trying some bread soon. This morning a made a double batch of banana bread and cooked it in this same rectangular pan so I guess it like banana cake. It is still good, YUM.
We left Thursday, early 5:00 am for Lusaka. Paul had a busy two days taking care of some financial matters for the college. He is very patient with all the things he needs to do, much more so then I would be I think. He and Davis spent a day going to banks, but all went well and that got the work done that needed done. I on the other hand got to spend the day at Manda hill working on my computer correspondence and getting my nails doneJ. It was a wonderful treat and I felt very blessed. I did get my computer all cleaned up and virus scan ran, so I hope this helps it run faster. We will see. Paul prices tires for the Toyota so that will be the next thing we do. We ate at a little outdoor vendor place and that was interesting. The hot dogs were questionable but the chips were good. I kind of like sticking to the American style places. They opened up a new restaurant called “Mike’s Kitchen”, it is very American. Great décor and Paul loves the big screen TV’s on the wall. Of course the only thing on is rugby or football, but it is still a small piece of home like atmosphere.
Paul & I stayed at the Zebra after a long day and will finish up business and get groceries tomorrow. Little Jess got to stay with Chad & Amber again.
At Kilimanjaro 7:00 am for breakfast waiting for Davis to join us. Again the men did their thing while I spent time at the Arcades Mall. I just sat at an outdoor table and wrote cards to send back home. I am still not use to being the only white person I see around. In town it is not that way so much, but still sometimes I can feel quite different. Isn’t that weird that because of skin color I feel so different? I realize the culture is very different, but it seems by now I should be more relaxed in my new culture. I am sure this is a time thing.
I typed a letter for Davis in a little computer shop and it only took 1 ½ hour to get a copy of this letter. Very exhausting experience. It didn’t take me long to type it but the computer would not talk to the copier, so the young man helping us put it on his quick drive to take to a computer in back. That didn’t work of course. In the mean time this one employee of two kept waiting on other people as they were a big line. I did feel bad for him as he was just a young man, and he did keep his cool. Well after 3 different tries he did get it printed off for us. Some people were so rude to him. Well after Davis and Paul went on their way, I went back to the shop and gave the young man a nice tip. When he saw me coming I think he thought he was going to get chewed out. He was all smiles when I gave him the tip and told him thank you for all his help when the store was so busy. It is nice to surprise people with kindness. I am sure I will be in that store again to visit with this young man.
On the trip home we were blessed. The coke trailer was open!! It was Saturday so the post office was closed. Well the postmaster saw us at the coke trailer and told us we had some mail marked urgent. Well, we gave him a ride over to the post office and he went in and got our mail for us!! Isn’t it just like God to orchestrate all of that!! The mail really wasn’t too urgent, but his kindness was very special.
In one of my devotions this week I found this thought:
Jesus left perfect heaven and perfect fellowship to come to earth to fellowship and to save us. When I keep this in mind my leaving the states and its comforts, and the fellowship of family doesn’t seem quite so hard.
We continue to thank God for our waterbed that gives us a cool spot to rest in. It is cooler now, but still humid and only short weather.
Guess what we have in the house????? Fresh watermelon, guava, mango, bananas, pumpkin and zucchini. I am just not use to all this fresh off the tree or out of the earth stuff. What was that man’s name who promoted grape nuts??? Yule Gibbons??? Well I feel kind of like him.
Christine and Lucy continue to work with me on learning some Njana words. I am afraid I am a slow learner but it is fun to work together on how I pronounce the words. The men have taught Paul how to say “We are burning daylight”, in their language. Now he walks around saying it all the time.
I did get to call my sister Gayle and talk for awhile. It was kind of expensive but since I had not heard from her I had to call and check on her. It was just so wonderful to hear her voice and get caught up on her life. She does not have internet so this was a treat for both of us.
One new activity here on the campus is pitching horse shoes in the evenings. I can sit and look out my window and watch the older men playing against the some of the student’s and it is just a hoot!!! Of course the older men are much better at this and seem to point that out very often to the student’s they are playing. I just have to laugh at all the different styles of throwing a horse shoe the student’s come up withJ It is just plain old fun to listen and watch them.
With this activity the older men can do this and stay off the volleyball field and maybe won’t need pain pills the next day.
Well, I sign off with love for all of you and with praise to our God you loved us while we were in our sins.
Remember, “There is no pit so deep; God’s love is not deeper still” Corrie Ten Boom.
You are loved by Jesus and us.
03/12
Helloooooooooooooooo from Zambia! (Did that sound like Tigger????)
Little Known facts: Paul was that kid whom, when ever all the kids got a treat he saved his and then would eat it in front of the other kids?
Lori, the forgotten middle child was lucky if she got a treat at all with the other five siblings all wanting their share (Just kidding Dear siblings).
The students had tests this week and then off to Chongwe with tents, air mattresses, and a heart to share the good news of Jesus with some people in the Chongwe area. It is really quiet with the students gone.
March 4, Paul woke up with a sinus headache and it turned worse as the day went on. Too make a long story short the Dr. at the clinic said he had a bad case of the flu and have him a shot and some meds. A lot of the students have the same flu bug, but are younger and seem to be bouncing back a little quicker. You know Paul was not feeling well when he suggested I take him into the clinic.
March 5, we had one of the heaviest rains yet, most of the night. The river was really up and running fast with all that rain. Since then it has been hotter and the flies seem to be worse! You gotta love that (not).
We went into town one day and Chad & Amber rode along with us. We left the Toyota at a tire place and were having all new tires put on. This was the time when Paul started feeling really bad, so Chad & Amber stayed at the Arcades Mall and Paul & I took a taxi to the medical clinic. After we got back from the clinic the Toyota was ready to go. Paul just stayed in the vehicle while we all got the groceries we needed and headed back to the college. It was an eventful time in Lusaka once again.
I think I told you we have started a ladies’ bible study on Thursday and all the area women are invited. The last three Thursdays we have had between 35 & 42 women. This is just so awesome. We have lots of singing, sharing and then the lesson. Please pray for this upcoming week as I will be trying some new things to get the group a little closer and really get to know one another and help with needs that are present in the group. The ladies have really expressed their gratitude for the invitation and like the time in God’s word and the fellowship with sisters in Christ.
I happened to be holding little Fred, one of the children, before I was going up to share the lesson he had a big accident all over him and me. We went to my house and cleaned up, then were ready to share.
My sisters Carol, & Gayle and my friend Diana all called me this week and got through ok. It was just like soothing balm to my heart hearing their voices and catching up on things at home. I sometimes cry when I get off the phone talking with family & friends but I think it is a good cry of gratitude for their love for my in calling and caring.
Paul & I didn’t get to church on Sunday, as Paul was having the chills with a fever, so it was a very quiet day with both of us getting some rest.
I was so proud of Amber this week, as she baked cookies over charcoal in a pan and they turned out great. I guess the trick is little pieces of charcoal so the fire does not burn to hot and she had the charcoal under the pan and then on top of the lid, so heat on top and bottom. I thought it was pretty cool. I must say that Chad & Amber just seem to belong here. They just settle in and do whatever needs to be done with cooking, cleaning, laundry, whatever--they just ask one of the college students are staff how to do something and off they go and get the job done. Serah has been a big help with teaching Amber the best way to wash her laundry. They work well together. I think Chad has shoveled more rock and worked in the gardens than he ever imagined he’d be doing. He does have some tan marks already.
I supervised the 3 female students, Faith, Serah and Mildred as they scraped the outside of staff house #2, where Pastor Arnot & Betty live. This is part of their work scholarship hours and we will start painting his house next. I have heard a rumor that a spray painter will be arriving soon!!!! Watch for more exciting updates on this. Oh, the things that make us excited in Zambia. The generator running is always big news and everyone runs to the shop to charge their phones or charge up the computers. We are just so grateful to have a BIG generator that works so well and provides the power we need to run all the tools, pump the water and all the charging of the tech stuff. God is so good to us here at the college and we are all so grateful.
One day we had a truckful of men stop in to look at our gardens. Someone was giving a workshop to the area villagers on how to use compost for their gardens when they cannot afford the fertilizer. Lucy and Christine attended and they said it was very good and they both learned some new things. These ladies know how to grow crops, so it was great they could attend and learn even more.
The watermelon are starting to set on the vines now and the next crop of sweet corn is really growing. Don’t worry, I will be sure and tell you when we are eating this good stuff.
Since little Fred had his accident on my lap we have really bonded. He just runs toward me and throws his arms out for me to twirl him around. His is built like a little truck and walks pigeon toed and is just so cute. I will try to get a picture sent so we can get it on the web site.
Thank you for all your love, prayers and support. You are serving right along beside us. Because HE lives!!
You are loved by Jesus and us.
3/20/10
Greetings from beautiful Zambia.
Little known facts: Our favorite vacation spot is Tempe, Arizona as my (Lori’s) brother Dwayne, wife Deb (official fun sister), and their family live there. Paul has 7 nieces and 2 nephews. Lori has 4 nieces and 6 nephews.
Once upon a time in a far away land lived a couple from a land of corn and beef, moved to a land of corn, rice and beans. It was a pretty land where the poor corn was ground up and made into something they call Nshema. We kind of think it looks like thick wall paper paste and have the same taste (that is if we ever tasted wall paper paste). Now bear in mind some visiting Americans like this national dish, so don’t take our word for it. Come over for a visit.
Paul & I started reading “Revolution of Character” by Dallas Willard. These books were given to us by Pastor Aron Utecht and he has given us the challenge to read them.
Paul started teaching the Carpentry Class this week and had a great first week. The students are all working on a smaller project of their choice.
I have seen picture frames, candle holders, and clothes racks so far. They all seem to be enjoying the class a lot. It is fun to see them walking back to their cabins with a finished project in their hands.
Paul is finally feeling better and acting like his old sweet self. Catering to his wife’s every need and always checking in with her before he starts his work for the day. (Not). I will continue to work on this behavior of his. I must admit he did hang up some of the things we brought from home on the walls for me and that helps the house feel more like home. Paul also put two more cabin doors on and got them painted a nice deep green color to match the roof.
One day Paul and I followed Henry to town and we dropped of a water sample at the University for testing. The results were great and the water tested safe for drinking. This is great news as the visiting teams can drink the water here at the college and not have to use bottled water. Paul & Henry continued on with their list of errands. I got to drive to Manda Hill and spend 6 hours at the mall. I spent 3 hours on the internet getting caught up on correspondence. Had hair cut, nail done, bought groceries then it was time to head back to the college. It was neat as Paul & I had prayed on the way into town the God would go before us and the errands that needed done would go the smoothest they have ever gone. God is so gracious and it was the best trip ever!! Now here is the kicker. Paul arrived to pick me up at the mall, and I was mad because he returned from his errands a lot quicker than I thought he would and I was not done with what I wanted to do! Poor Lori: things didn’t go her way so she was a bit put out and was mad a Paul. Well as you can imagine I gave Paul the silent treatment on the way home. Well as you can imagine the Holy Spirit reminded me “Didn’t you just pray a few hours ago for the errands to be done in a smooth manner? Didn’t you just pray for Me to go before you and make the timing be the best in town you have spent? Oh silly me, I asked forgiveness from God and forgiveness from Paul, and the rest of the trip home was a time of praise. Does this ever happen to any of you? I just cannot believe me sometimes. I am so thankful God is patient with His children and that His mercies are new every morning and every moment when I surrender. I am a work in progress.
The ladies (Mildred, Faith, Serah, Christine, Lucy, Amber, Mary and Betty)and I started painting staff house #2 where Pastor Arnot and Betty live. The work went quickly with all this help and we got 2 coats painted, but I still need to put the 2nd coat of trim on. It looks fabulous. Mildred, Faith & Serah are continuing to paint the inside of cabins. They have been good students and are doing a great job. They also are working on craft items to be sold in the college store/gift shop.
This week at ladies' bible study we had 42 ladies again!! Praise God. This is sweet time for all of us as we hear from God’s word, sing, dance and just make a joyful noise unto the Lord. This week I had the ladies all sit in a circle and each lady introduced herself and shared about her family. One lady had l0 children, only 3 of them living, and 54 grandchildren. Most of the ladies asked for prayer for their families, and health issues. One of the area mid-wives gave a 15 minute talk on health issues. We are going to have her do this each week. Usually ladies from each denomination share in song. Well this week Amber & I warmed up our voices and sang a fun song. The ladies just loved it as we clapped and did some actions. Our singing does not sound as wonderful as theirs, but they are kind to us anyway.
The treats continue to be a big hit and I always have to plan for the children to get a cookie or biscuit, as about ¾ of the ladies have a child on their back.
We had Chad & Amber over Friday night for dinner and a movie. We fixed the meal and they brought over the popcorn. We always enjoy having them share a meal with us.
The girls will continue painting next week and the male students continue tending to the gardens, slashing the tall grass and any other job required of them.
The American teams start arriving soon and everyone is getting ready for their visit. Since Paul & Diana have returned to Nebraska, I have to do my own dishes and pull the weeds. I just hate it when our visitor’s leave for home. I’ll sign off for now.
You are loved by Jesus and us.
Fred and Lori
Fred and Amber
John & Chad on the Gator
Update 3/26
Little known facts: Lori has held 13 different jobs in her young life time.
Saleslady, Dental Assistant, Dental Office receptionist scheduler, Pathology Transcriptionist, Interior Designer Secretary, Industrial Engineer Secretary, Purchasing Secretary, Dispensing, pre-testing for an Optometrist, Office Manager Christian Radio Station (The Bridge 95.7 FM in Grand Island, NE) Waitress, Mobile Home switchboard operator, these are not in order as that would of just been too hard. Well I could go on with detail. I have had more positions then my other five siblings combined. I chose to believe it is because I am just so talented in so many ways; God could not confine me to one area.
Paul on the other hand has never had to apply for a position. They always called him. He worked in construction for the first 15 years we were married and then switched to the oil business until we left for Zambia.
Busy, busy week, there was no goofing off, not matter how hard I tried.
The 3 female students, Serah, Faith and Mildred, continue on in their painting class. I gave them a quiz on last Friday which they did well on and this week the test was painting on of the cabins, start to finish with no help. They did a super job and their grade showed this. Now they continue on painting which goes toward their work scholarship hours and many cabins as well as two staff houses are looking good! I am so blessed to work with these girls, 4 including Amber who assists me in many ways. I have never had a daughter; God is allowing me to experience the joys of “girls” in my life. I am just not use to having female help and it is wonderful!! I worked on painting the doors with the oil paint while the girls painted with the latex. The thing about painting is you are rewarded instantly with each brush stroke. The project you are working on is just so beautiful when you have finished. The girls are seeing this and all of them like the painting, even the prep work and the cleanup which are the worst part of painting for me.
We went to town one day with Chad & Amber for errands and groceries. We went to the open air market and had a lot of fun. Paul of course heads to the plant section and we always have to bring home a few different plants for him & John to talk over where they will be planted. They have more fun than 2 little boys with trucks.
I bake bread pudding and Nina’s recipe for white bread and both of them turned out great!!!! I must say I will have to stop baking so much as the scale is showing the results.
Henry and Chad got to spend a full day in town with many different errands. I think Chad got a good exposure to a day in the city of Lusaka.
The 2nd coat of paint is on Pastor Arnot & Betty’s house and it looks very nice. We will need to do the inside yet.
We are so excited as the Wild Game Feed at our home church was a Hugh success. The proceeds go to missions and many people in the church work together to make this happen. Lots of different kinds of wild game meat are served along with an auction of many donated items following the meal. Thank you to everyone back home for working so hard on this mission fund raiser.
Steven, Aby, Emma & Josiah Nelms came out to the college for a visit this week. It was great to see them and get a report of their adjusting to life in Chongwe. It is a process getting everything done that needs done. I think we are all adjusting to this truth.
Paul has been teaching the 28 male students the past two weeks in the woodworking class. The students have all expressed their appreciation to the many facets of woodworking and their chance to learn about and use so many tools. Each student got to pick one small item to make. It was fun to see the picture frames, small tables, screen boxes to sift the corn meal with, and clothes racks were the more popular items. The saws, routers, planners, drills and other tools I know nothing about have been put to a lot of good use the past two weeks. The students have a lot of love and respect for Paul and it is evident as they all volunteer to help him with any project. The ground work is being done for the teams arriving this summer and the students do most of this.
The ladies bible study continues to be a huge success. We are learning from the book of Philippians. This past week we again had 40 ladies and many babies. I will have to get a count of the children. This week I gave away many of the extra clothes and shoes I did not need. Yes, I said I gave away some of my shoes. I think at least l0 pair. The ladies were very appreciative of the shoes and clothes and shared with words of encouragement. One of the ladies shared that some in the area were not too certain about the Bible College when it was being built in their area. Now she said, “We can see how it has brought us all together and how we are one in the Lord”. I cried as she shared as we have ladies from at least 5 denominations who come to grow in God’s word. They all enjoy the fellowship, singing and dancing together. It is a wonderful time for all of us ladies. As you can see the campus has been a busy place.
I will change gears today as Friday is the day I set aside to clean the house and get some laundry done. It is still work but of a different kind. I just love our house so much and am grateful to Paul for all the extra things he made for me to make the house so user friendly.
