Over the past 12 months Acts Initiative Coordinator Philip Kazhingu has been building relationships with local church leaders in Southern Africa, for the purpose of encouraging them in their ministries to children living in extreme poverty. After traveling throughout his own country of Zambia, Philip’s next trip would take him to Lesotho and Malawi.
Traveling through Southern African countries was something that really captured the attention of my heart, so months were spent in prayer, thinking through and preparing for these Southern African trips. As the days drew closer, the excitement increased though with a lot of uncertainty on the back of my mind. Knowing that I was going to people of different language and culture, I was not too sure of what to expect and my mind was locked up in the world of imagination. Trying to figure out what the place looks like, the problems facing the children and just what to expect in these countries? I am glad to report the fact that what seemed to be so fearful and uncertain, has now turned out so promising. The future looks so clear and brighter than when we first began, because relationships have been created and are being strengthened.
The time had come to leave for Lesotho and as I got into one of those big luxurious buses while the bus engine was warming up in readiness to hit the road. I saw little children trying to reach out the bus windows to beg for food and money and suddenly my heart sunk low as I realised the fact that this was the very purpose of my trip – Orphans and Vulnerable children. I believe you would agree with me that the attention of every tourist in the given country is focused on the wonders that nature displays and on the different species of the animal kingdom of that particular country. On the contrary, my whole attention was completely absorbed into the plight of children not only in my own nation but also in the region of Southern Africa. The purpose of my trips has given me a great sense of humility.
While I was awake on the bus, as we traveled through from town to town and from country to country, I kept gazing through the bus window. I notice how beautifully the weather changes and how drastically the scenery changes too. Indeed the language and culture change as well. Unfortunately, one thing though seems unchangeable and this is the poverty stricken children. They look the same starting from my hometown Ndola through Zimbabwe to Lesotho, Malawi and across the whole region. These kids look the same. They are dirty and hungry, have frowned faces and always move with an out stretched arm for begging. Though they live in different cultures, speak different languages and live in different environments yet they have one enemy in common and this is poverty. It has destroyed their God given esteem and shattered their hope for a better future.
Upon arrival in Lesotho, I was not only welcomed by Love in Action staff, but also by the unfriendly and terrible cold winter of that mountainous country which left me so cold and tired. Furthermore, poor and cold children stood by to welcome me too. Of course, they did it in their usual way of begging. What a humbling welcome. Though I could not respond to their begging, deep down in my heart I knew very well that they were the reason I was in that country. You don’t need any one to interpret the meaning of an out stretched arm of a dirty poor boy or girl on the streets. You may try to pretend like you have neither seen nor understood, but the meaning of that arm almost haunts you.
Visiting all the villages where Love in Action Lesotho is reaching out with their programs was a mind-blowing experience. I physically witnessed how HIV/AIDS epidemic and poverty has dehumanized the lives of these precious souls.
In Malawi, my heart was so compelled to the point where I had no choice but to do what the government is discouraging and this I gave some money to a beautiful little girl on the street of Lilongwe, who was hungry and dirty. The Malawi experience was quite different from Lesotho in the sense that I spent a lot of time on the streets interacting with the local people. During this time, I was able to see for myself the plight of children in Malawi. This experience helped me to speak to church leaders with a lot of passion and confidence since I wasn’t just speaking from what I had read in books but from what I had physically seen in the streets of Lilongwe.
I wish to thank Eagles Wings Staff for their prayers and all the people who are supporting the Acts Initiative program. It is you who have made it happen. As for me I am just the shoes of grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Above all I thank the Almighty God for the wisdom He gives in moments of predicaments and the strength and joy He gives in moments of stress and disappointments.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Just try to imagine
While drafting up our class reports for those who support the Education Program, we interviewed Naomi*. How can we ever possibly imagine what the majority of children go through around the world today?
My name is Naomi, I am 13 years old, and I live with my mother in Kanyala compound. At first we were 14 in my family, including my parents, but 10 of my brothers and sisters have died, including my father. The only person remaining is my mother, my two sisters and myself. My mother is very old she can’t work anywhere. We only survive through denotation from distant relatives who send us some food every once in a while. We eat once a day but sometimes we are blessed to afford two meals a day. My favourite meal is Nshima with a local relish made from the mixture of vegetables and groundnuts. I want to become a teacher when I grow up so that I can help little children and my old mother.
* Name changed
My name is Naomi, I am 13 years old, and I live with my mother in Kanyala compound. At first we were 14 in my family, including my parents, but 10 of my brothers and sisters have died, including my father. The only person remaining is my mother, my two sisters and myself. My mother is very old she can’t work anywhere. We only survive through denotation from distant relatives who send us some food every once in a while. We eat once a day but sometimes we are blessed to afford two meals a day. My favourite meal is Nshima with a local relish made from the mixture of vegetables and groundnuts. I want to become a teacher when I grow up so that I can help little children and my old mother.
* Name changed
Monday, October 19, 2009
Walk for Education 1
Daniel Zulu writes, the people just came in masses, it was just unbelievable, in response to the Walk for Education.
Eagles Wings and Micah Challenge invited community schools in Ndola to participate in the Walk for Education. The schools came together to present their petition to the government of Zambia to improve the standard and quality of education in Zambia – specifically schools that are established to help vulnerable children.
Each school raised and voiced their challenges and concerns through a petition letter that was accompanied with over 3000 signatures. The petition stated that the government needs to improve the quality of primary education in Zambia, honoring the agreement to the improvement of primary education, according to goal two of the Millennium Development Goals.
http://www.micahchallenge.org/english/think/aim2/goals/
Pray that the government will be moved to act in assisting children further in education. Especially the vulnerable children.
Eagles Wings and Micah Challenge invited community schools in Ndola to participate in the Walk for Education. The schools came together to present their petition to the government of Zambia to improve the standard and quality of education in Zambia – specifically schools that are established to help vulnerable children.
Each school raised and voiced their challenges and concerns through a petition letter that was accompanied with over 3000 signatures. The petition stated that the government needs to improve the quality of primary education in Zambia, honoring the agreement to the improvement of primary education, according to goal two of the Millennium Development Goals.
http://www.micahchallenge.org/english/think/aim2/goals/
Pray that the government will be moved to act in assisting children further in education. Especially the vulnerable children.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Walk for Education
On Saturday 17th October staff and students from Eagles Wings will join hundreds – hopefully thousands – of students and staff from community schools across Ndola in a ‘Walk for Education’. This is in an effort to advocate for a greater commitment by the Zambian Government regarding education.
Eagles Wings Christian Community School Principal, Daniel Zulu, has been at the forefront of this effort and is hopeful that over 10000 signatures can be delivered to the Ministry of Education.
Please pray for this event, and for unity among the community school network, and other Non Government Organisation that have participated in the organising. Education plays a key role in the life and wellbeing of every child. We would hope that many more will have the opportunity and choices that education brings through these efforts.
Eagles Wings Christian Community School Principal, Daniel Zulu, has been at the forefront of this effort and is hopeful that over 10000 signatures can be delivered to the Ministry of Education.
Please pray for this event, and for unity among the community school network, and other Non Government Organisation that have participated in the organising. Education plays a key role in the life and wellbeing of every child. We would hope that many more will have the opportunity and choices that education brings through these efforts.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Break the Cycle 2
To read about Break the Cycle's arrival into Canberra, please click on link below. A huge THANK YOU to all that participated in BTC 2009! What a journey.
http://btc2015.blogspot.com/2009/10/we-made-it-to-canberra-1500km-done-and.html
http://btc2015.blogspot.com/2009/10/we-made-it-to-canberra-1500km-done-and.html
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Break the Cycle 1
Well it is day 10 already on Break the Cycle (BTC) and what an amazing journey it has been to date! We are currently in a country town called Coolah and have cycled over 1000km – well on our way to Canberra!
We have covered the 8 millennium development goals with the whole BTC team – goals that if met will halve world poverty by 2015. Our prayer is that everyone involved will be impacted and know the heart of God for the poor and oppressed.
There are some sore bodies and minds from the stresses of riding over 120km per day, but the whole BTC team has been simply awesome and it has been a joy to build friendships and journey together on a worthy cause.
Please check the BTC blog http://btc2015.blogspot.com/ for all the daily videos. Also to encourage the team you may send a comment through the blog which will be read out each day.
Keep praying for safety and that God’s heart for the poor will be our heart.
We have covered the 8 millennium development goals with the whole BTC team – goals that if met will halve world poverty by 2015. Our prayer is that everyone involved will be impacted and know the heart of God for the poor and oppressed.
There are some sore bodies and minds from the stresses of riding over 120km per day, but the whole BTC team has been simply awesome and it has been a joy to build friendships and journey together on a worthy cause.
Please check the BTC blog http://btc2015.blogspot.com/ for all the daily videos. Also to encourage the team you may send a comment through the blog which will be read out each day.
Keep praying for safety and that God’s heart for the poor will be our heart.
Friday, September 25, 2009
African Fundraising Dinner 3
Eagles Wings/Break the Cycle ‘Dinner for Kids’ exceeded expectations! 240 guests attended the dinner with very generous hearts for children who live in extreme poverty.
While organizers of the event were hopeful of a small profit, many of the guests made sure their ‘limited’ faith (of at least one organizer – the blog editor) was challenged and gave above and beyond. Around $15, 000 was raised mostly through the charity auction in which one traditional African painting brought in Ndola, Zambia went for $2300!
A huge thank you to all involved, from those who donated time, goods and to all the organizing team who made this dinner a success. It is also great to know that all of the funds raised are for grassroots programs and projects of Eagles Wings. Children will directly benefit.
While organizers of the event were hopeful of a small profit, many of the guests made sure their ‘limited’ faith (of at least one organizer – the blog editor) was challenged and gave above and beyond. Around $15, 000 was raised mostly through the charity auction in which one traditional African painting brought in Ndola, Zambia went for $2300!
A huge thank you to all involved, from those who donated time, goods and to all the organizing team who made this dinner a success. It is also great to know that all of the funds raised are for grassroots programs and projects of Eagles Wings. Children will directly benefit.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Break the Cycle
On Sunday the 27th September, 25 cyclists with a large support team depart Cleveland, Queensland for their 1500km journey to Canberra! What an earth for? To help raise awareness and funds for children living in extreme poverty.
Eagles Wings will track Break the Cycle’s progress on ewafrica.blogspot.com/ but for further information and daily video blogs please visit www.breakthecycle.org.au
We would greatly appreciate prayer for this event as Eagles Wings in partnership with Be A HERO and Micah Challenge look to engage and encourage Australians within all sectors of society to consider their place in assisting children living in extreme poverty.
If you would like to see off the Break the Cycle team we will be departing from Cleveland Baptist Church – 240 Bloomfield St, Cleveland. Service starts at 9.00am. There will be a very nervous/excited group of Aussies beginning a very challenging journey.
Eagles Wings will track Break the Cycle’s progress on ewafrica.blogspot.com/ but for further information and daily video blogs please visit www.breakthecycle.org.au
We would greatly appreciate prayer for this event as Eagles Wings in partnership with Be A HERO and Micah Challenge look to engage and encourage Australians within all sectors of society to consider their place in assisting children living in extreme poverty.
If you would like to see off the Break the Cycle team we will be departing from Cleveland Baptist Church – 240 Bloomfield St, Cleveland. Service starts at 9.00am. There will be a very nervous/excited group of Aussies beginning a very challenging journey.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Fostering Hope
Over the past six months Eagles Wings has been developing a foster care program that will enable children to move from an institutional based model of care (which is currently used throughout Zambia) to a family based model of care. That can be incorporated into any local church ministry and/or other non government organisations.
Sharon Daka, a Zambian national staff member of Eagles Wings has been heading up the research and development of this new model, with three Australians, Karyn, Kirsty-Lee and Sally forming the team. Currently Sally, from Brisbane is in Zambia working with Sharon on the final stages of the foster care model. Particularly looking at the training aspects for careers.
This is such a new area that from what the Zambian government are saying, no other non government organisation are using such a model. As such there has had to be a lot of work go into the preparation to make sure all aspects have been covered in the policies and procedures.
We are now getting very close to launching this program whereby over the next 6 months careers will be trained and children who currently have no existing family will be placed within these families. It’s exciting, but we would really value your prayers as we look at moving from development to implementation stages. If we can achieve good results in this area it will have a massive impact on children who have no existing family to care for them, or at present cannot be reunified for various reasons e.g. abuse and extreme neglect back into their existing family.
Sharon Daka, a Zambian national staff member of Eagles Wings has been heading up the research and development of this new model, with three Australians, Karyn, Kirsty-Lee and Sally forming the team. Currently Sally, from Brisbane is in Zambia working with Sharon on the final stages of the foster care model. Particularly looking at the training aspects for careers.
This is such a new area that from what the Zambian government are saying, no other non government organisation are using such a model. As such there has had to be a lot of work go into the preparation to make sure all aspects have been covered in the policies and procedures.
We are now getting very close to launching this program whereby over the next 6 months careers will be trained and children who currently have no existing family will be placed within these families. It’s exciting, but we would really value your prayers as we look at moving from development to implementation stages. If we can achieve good results in this area it will have a massive impact on children who have no existing family to care for them, or at present cannot be reunified for various reasons e.g. abuse and extreme neglect back into their existing family.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
African Fundraising Dinner 2
Tickets are still available for the fundraising dinner to be held at Cleveland Baptist Church on the 25th September at 6.30 pm. Tickets are $50.
To book seats for the dinner please visit www.breakthecycle.org.au or email chantelle@ewafrica.org
To book seats for the dinner please visit www.breakthecycle.org.au or email chantelle@ewafrica.org
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Make a Difference
All MAD keen golfers, if you ever wanted to play a round of golf in Africa that will make a difference in the lives of children, now is your chance!
MAD (Make a Difference) International Charity Golf Day
6th September 2009
Ndola Golf Course, Zambia
$100 to play
$100 to sponsor a player
$1000 to sponsor a hole
Includes lunch and dinner
All welcome
All funds to Eagles Wings
Event sponsor: Energy Management Services Pty.Limited
Contact: Peter Rusin 0417 006 926 or karyn@ewafrica.org for more information
MAD (Make a Difference) International Charity Golf Day
6th September 2009
Ndola Golf Course, Zambia
$100 to play
$100 to sponsor a player
$1000 to sponsor a hole
Includes lunch and dinner
All welcome
All funds to Eagles Wings
Event sponsor: Energy Management Services Pty.Limited
Contact: Peter Rusin 0417 006 926 or karyn@ewafrica.org for more information
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
African Fundraising Dinner
On the 25th September 2009 Eagles Wings, in partnership with Be A HERO (Australia) and Micah Challenge will be having a fundraising dinner. All profit from the night will be going to Eagles Wings, for their child focused projects and programs.
Venue: Cleveland Baptist Church. 240 Bloomfield street Cleveland, Queensland
Time: 6.30 pm
Cost: $50 per ticket (includes dinner)
We are hoping that many who have traveled to Eagles Wings over the past few years will be able to attend. We are also sending off all of the cyclists and support crew for Break the Cycle 2009! 1500km of road ahead from Brisbane to Canberra, departing Cleveland Baptist Church on Sunday 27th September around 11.00 am. Massive effort!
To purchase seats for the dinner please visit:
http://www.breakthecycle.org.au/site/ or email chantelle@ewafrica.org
Please pray for this event as all of the organising is starting to happen for this and the whole Break the Cycle event!
Venue: Cleveland Baptist Church. 240 Bloomfield street Cleveland, Queensland
Time: 6.30 pm
Cost: $50 per ticket (includes dinner)
We are hoping that many who have traveled to Eagles Wings over the past few years will be able to attend. We are also sending off all of the cyclists and support crew for Break the Cycle 2009! 1500km of road ahead from Brisbane to Canberra, departing Cleveland Baptist Church on Sunday 27th September around 11.00 am. Massive effort!
To purchase seats for the dinner please visit:
http://www.breakthecycle.org.au/site/ or email chantelle@ewafrica.org
Please pray for this event as all of the organising is starting to happen for this and the whole Break the Cycle event!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Camp Team Home
Saturday was a good day, the morning main activity was to head into town with the kids and spend 10 000 kwacha on them each! Sounds like a lot of money, like enough to at least put down a deposit on a BMW right? Unfortunately not, but enough to buy some drinks and snacks and show them a good time. Each group went their separate ways and found creative ways to spend their money. One group headed to the markets and bought their kids some clothes, another group bought their kids 'tropicals' (what we call thongs. to Jenny the American's disgust!) my group paid to go to the local park and had a drink and biscuits. So all in all a great time. In the afternoon we did face painting and made balloon animals before heading out to a traditional village to see how they lived. Very interesting, good family, but the part where she said they just go into the bush for a toiletkind of lost the gloss from the rustic experience I was imagining they had! The bonus for the village is that every tour ends in the market (kind of like an African gift shop) where they forcefully cajoled us into buying their hand made crafts. We started to learn how to barter, but were all exhausted from the experience! That night we had dinner watching a slide show of photos from the week on camp which the kids all loved. Then watchedthe Jesus video in the local language (bemba). The kids all cheered when Jesus first came onto screen, such a good moment!
Our last day on camp started with a flurry of activity, all the guys had to vacate the main church hall so that church could go on! After the packing away of bags, blankets and mattresses I was amazed to see how efficiently the kids got into the clean up, it was like they went to autopilot sweeping out the hall then they kind of polished in this red stuff into the concrete to clean the floors with. Girls were lining up to get rags to polish thefloor with! We attended church and even sang our newfound favourite song 'double double'. Although I felt as though the kids weren't as keen on singing for an audience as they were in our own worship times.
In the afternoon we played some group games with the kids, 2 worked and the middle game I tried to get them to do included squeezing each other's hands and passing a signal down the line in each team. Needless to say this was far too complicated to explain through an interpreter, especially with boys who just really liked the idea of squeezing the life out of each other's hands! Later in the afternoon we came to the best part. The end of the Jesus video followed by going into our small groups and sharing with themhow to give their lives to God! And amazingly, all 40 responded to the gospel message and asked to become Christians and have a personal relationship with God!
That was the best part of the whole camp! That night we had hot dogs and soft drink for tea, shared stories from camp and packed the trailer's for the long journey back up to Ndola. We were in bed early and then woke up at 3pm to get the busses away as soon as possible. For the remaining 13 westerners, the Monday was filled with going to Chobe National Park in Botswana. It was such an amazing day after sleeping on the floor and feeling dirty, to go to an all you can eatrestaurant for lunch, really nice toilets and an amazing tour down the Chobe river seeing incredible sights like elephants, hippo's, deer, giraffe's, water buffalo's and monkeys. That night when we got back, we had the worst pizza that Africa could muster! But nothing could spoil our amazing experience.
Our last day included some shopping followed by the trip to the air port. Lots of waiting around and sad goodbye's and long plane trips. Got back to Aus late Wednesday night and now all we have are those wonderful memories and a mountain of pictures to go through and share with our friends!
Matt
Our last day on camp started with a flurry of activity, all the guys had to vacate the main church hall so that church could go on! After the packing away of bags, blankets and mattresses I was amazed to see how efficiently the kids got into the clean up, it was like they went to autopilot sweeping out the hall then they kind of polished in this red stuff into the concrete to clean the floors with. Girls were lining up to get rags to polish thefloor with! We attended church and even sang our newfound favourite song 'double double'. Although I felt as though the kids weren't as keen on singing for an audience as they were in our own worship times.
In the afternoon we played some group games with the kids, 2 worked and the middle game I tried to get them to do included squeezing each other's hands and passing a signal down the line in each team. Needless to say this was far too complicated to explain through an interpreter, especially with boys who just really liked the idea of squeezing the life out of each other's hands! Later in the afternoon we came to the best part. The end of the Jesus video followed by going into our small groups and sharing with themhow to give their lives to God! And amazingly, all 40 responded to the gospel message and asked to become Christians and have a personal relationship with God!
That was the best part of the whole camp! That night we had hot dogs and soft drink for tea, shared stories from camp and packed the trailer's for the long journey back up to Ndola. We were in bed early and then woke up at 3pm to get the busses away as soon as possible. For the remaining 13 westerners, the Monday was filled with going to Chobe National Park in Botswana. It was such an amazing day after sleeping on the floor and feeling dirty, to go to an all you can eatrestaurant for lunch, really nice toilets and an amazing tour down the Chobe river seeing incredible sights like elephants, hippo's, deer, giraffe's, water buffalo's and monkeys. That night when we got back, we had the worst pizza that Africa could muster! But nothing could spoil our amazing experience.
Our last day included some shopping followed by the trip to the air port. Lots of waiting around and sad goodbye's and long plane trips. Got back to Aus late Wednesday night and now all we have are those wonderful memories and a mountain of pictures to go through and share with our friends!
Matt
Medical Team Home
All done and dusted…
Well it is hard to believe but the medical trip is finished. It’s funny when you are away on a trip because it feels like you have been in the place for eons, and then when it is time to leave it feels like you only arrived the day before.
The team worked incredibly hard and saw so many people. I think the final number was something like 900 patients tended to and a few thousand people given worming medication and vitamins. So that is fantastic. It is exciting to see that such small and simple assistance can have such profound effects in the lives of people. One of the quotes our group consistently used was by Mother Theresa. It reads, “We can not do great things. We can only do little things with great love.”
That seems to sum it up for us. It is not a matter of how many people we saw or how much we learnt while in Zambia, it is that we have seen firsthand how powerful it is when we decide to do small things with great love. If Jesus is our example, then this way of great love should be our only pursuit.
Now let’s see if I can apply that here…
Well it is hard to believe but the medical trip is finished. It’s funny when you are away on a trip because it feels like you have been in the place for eons, and then when it is time to leave it feels like you only arrived the day before.
The team worked incredibly hard and saw so many people. I think the final number was something like 900 patients tended to and a few thousand people given worming medication and vitamins. So that is fantastic. It is exciting to see that such small and simple assistance can have such profound effects in the lives of people. One of the quotes our group consistently used was by Mother Theresa. It reads, “We can not do great things. We can only do little things with great love.”
That seems to sum it up for us. It is not a matter of how many people we saw or how much we learnt while in Zambia, it is that we have seen firsthand how powerful it is when we decide to do small things with great love. If Jesus is our example, then this way of great love should be our only pursuit.
Now let’s see if I can apply that here…
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Camp Team 9
Another glorious and exciting day on camp starting with breakfast and leaders devotions where Gilbert shared on suffering for Christ... something that I don't really think we're doing in any great way, but I'm reminded how many in this country do, especially those who are in pastoral ministry and rely on the meager offerings of their parishioners. It was good though that we had an opportunity to give as there have been two people on our camp affected by deaths in their families and we gave towards their funerals, which Reid tells us are expensive and can really be a debilitating factor in a family who loose their main bread winner and then are expected to shell out months of wages to pay for their funeral... amazing how much of an impact death has in this country.
Now into the day... we went to the crocodile park and saw some cool stuff, they had a stack of snakes (some kids got to touch them!) a couple of turtles that looked more like rocks, cause they didn't poke their heads out (and on a side note we're told their very delicious!) and the main highlight was the crocodiles that the Zambian leaders kept saying to our guide 'provoke it, provoke it!' meaning they wanted the guide to poke it with a stick so they moved! And that's just what they did! The crocodile turned their heads, mouth wide open and kind of growled... and all of us jumped miles in the air and took a few steps back, even though we were behind a barrier!!! The biggest one was about 4m long, Borris and he looked pretty imposing. The kids were all amazed at these massive animals, it's great to just watch their reactions as they see new things. We finished in the play park where all the kids played fairly happily together... although there probably wasn't enough activities for 40 kids and each swing, merry-go-round and climbing frame would be condemned in Australia under workplace health and safety! Not that they're dangerous, but that the potential for injury was high, thankfully we were fully prayed up before going!
In the afternoon we had our mini-olympics which was really great, we came up with team chants, had relay races and some team games. The points scoring was questionable and there has been some complaints put forward to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) - because my team didn't win! But the kids had a great time and all were awarded a medal at the end that they are cherishing like they actually won it at the olympics! Many of them took it straight to their bags so it could be kept safe and they told us they were looking forward to showing their parents (meaning whatever relative is looking after them) when they return home.
In the late afternoon we leaders were treated to an outing to Royal Livingstone resort where we sat on the deck over the Zambezi river watching the sun go down and drinking coke and mocktails with Zebras just beside us eating grass. Was amazing and everyone came back with stories of how amazing the toilets were... they were even playing music in there!! But I hear you saying 'what about the kids?' they were back at the church being spoken to by a local pastor, Simon, who shared on sexual purity for the second time.
We all had dinner together, copious amounts of nshima as usual! Singing, Sharing by the elephants and a short message by pastor Gilbert.
Another exhausting and fruitful day, we're missing our families and friends and know that the work we are doing here will have eternal value and is so worthwhile.
Finally one of the Zambian leaders, Sarah had to leave early this morning on a bus back to Ndola because her husband is very sick, please be praying for her on the long journey with her 1yr old Beauty and for her husband's full recovery, we'll miss her for the last 2 days of camp.
Heaps of love
The camp team
Now into the day... we went to the crocodile park and saw some cool stuff, they had a stack of snakes (some kids got to touch them!) a couple of turtles that looked more like rocks, cause they didn't poke their heads out (and on a side note we're told their very delicious!) and the main highlight was the crocodiles that the Zambian leaders kept saying to our guide 'provoke it, provoke it!' meaning they wanted the guide to poke it with a stick so they moved! And that's just what they did! The crocodile turned their heads, mouth wide open and kind of growled... and all of us jumped miles in the air and took a few steps back, even though we were behind a barrier!!! The biggest one was about 4m long, Borris and he looked pretty imposing. The kids were all amazed at these massive animals, it's great to just watch their reactions as they see new things. We finished in the play park where all the kids played fairly happily together... although there probably wasn't enough activities for 40 kids and each swing, merry-go-round and climbing frame would be condemned in Australia under workplace health and safety! Not that they're dangerous, but that the potential for injury was high, thankfully we were fully prayed up before going!
In the afternoon we had our mini-olympics which was really great, we came up with team chants, had relay races and some team games. The points scoring was questionable and there has been some complaints put forward to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) - because my team didn't win! But the kids had a great time and all were awarded a medal at the end that they are cherishing like they actually won it at the olympics! Many of them took it straight to their bags so it could be kept safe and they told us they were looking forward to showing their parents (meaning whatever relative is looking after them) when they return home.
In the late afternoon we leaders were treated to an outing to Royal Livingstone resort where we sat on the deck over the Zambezi river watching the sun go down and drinking coke and mocktails with Zebras just beside us eating grass. Was amazing and everyone came back with stories of how amazing the toilets were... they were even playing music in there!! But I hear you saying 'what about the kids?' they were back at the church being spoken to by a local pastor, Simon, who shared on sexual purity for the second time.
We all had dinner together, copious amounts of nshima as usual! Singing, Sharing by the elephants and a short message by pastor Gilbert.
Another exhausting and fruitful day, we're missing our families and friends and know that the work we are doing here will have eternal value and is so worthwhile.
Finally one of the Zambian leaders, Sarah had to leave early this morning on a bus back to Ndola because her husband is very sick, please be praying for her on the long journey with her 1yr old Beauty and for her husband's full recovery, we'll miss her for the last 2 days of camp.
Heaps of love
The camp team
Friday, July 10, 2009
Camp Team 8
Hello everyone - family and friends. Updating you all on what we did on Thursday and what a day it was! A day of wonder at God's awesome creation, adrenalin and screaming...for some!
In the morning we headed to the aerodrome where some people went on the micro-light over the falls (which was said to be FREEZING, but fantastic!). Others went on a chopper over the falls. The view from the sky is amazing, you could see some animals down below as well as grasping how mighty and big the falls are! Some of the kids were able to participate in this and the look on their faces were priceless!
Then we saw 11 people jump off a cliff into a gorge (for the swing of their life of course!). Some went in a tandem and the guys went solo! Reid and Jason went forwards down - SCARY! Four kids went on the swing - we are all certainly proud of them...and they didn't even scream!
On our way back to the church for lunch, we saw elephants coming towards the road to the river (we were in busses and they were 50m away)...this is Africa after all!
After lunch we headed to the bridge which divides Zambia and Zimbabwe...we got to go to another country! Again we could see the mighty Vic Falls! There we saw Jenny jump off the bridge with only ropes shackled to her feet! Go Jenny! (Yes, she is in one piece!)
So that’s a taste of what we have been up to...We hope you are all well, and we are missing our families.
Please thank God for the safety he have given us thus far (esp. Thursday!) Thanks that some of the leaders who were not well are feeling better. Thank him for the wonderful creation and for the things that the kids are able to see. Many of them have not seen hippos, lions, elephants or even a big church like the one we are staying at! Please pray to the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort for healing. Some of the leaders and children are not well. It seems to be going around!
On behalf of the team
Take care and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Heather
In the morning we headed to the aerodrome where some people went on the micro-light over the falls (which was said to be FREEZING, but fantastic!). Others went on a chopper over the falls. The view from the sky is amazing, you could see some animals down below as well as grasping how mighty and big the falls are! Some of the kids were able to participate in this and the look on their faces were priceless!
Then we saw 11 people jump off a cliff into a gorge (for the swing of their life of course!). Some went in a tandem and the guys went solo! Reid and Jason went forwards down - SCARY! Four kids went on the swing - we are all certainly proud of them...and they didn't even scream!
On our way back to the church for lunch, we saw elephants coming towards the road to the river (we were in busses and they were 50m away)...this is Africa after all!
After lunch we headed to the bridge which divides Zambia and Zimbabwe...we got to go to another country! Again we could see the mighty Vic Falls! There we saw Jenny jump off the bridge with only ropes shackled to her feet! Go Jenny! (Yes, she is in one piece!)
So that’s a taste of what we have been up to...We hope you are all well, and we are missing our families.
Please thank God for the safety he have given us thus far (esp. Thursday!) Thanks that some of the leaders who were not well are feeling better. Thank him for the wonderful creation and for the things that the kids are able to see. Many of them have not seen hippos, lions, elephants or even a big church like the one we are staying at! Please pray to the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort for healing. Some of the leaders and children are not well. It seems to be going around!
On behalf of the team
Take care and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Heather
Camp Team 7
Hi everyone!
We were up bright and early for our yummy breaky and devotion time where the children learnt about Jacob and Joseph. After devotion time it was time to hop on the bus with the 16 children who won some games to go see the lions and elephants. We first went and saw the lion cubs they were two years old but very big! The children were half terrified but amazed to see lions for the first time...one lion even growled and scared all of us...it was very funny! We then got to meet the friendly elephants, sit on their knees and feed them! It was so amazing and special to share this with the children they had so much fun! There was even a baby elephant that was two years old, she was very cute and very hungry. What a wonderful morning. We then hopped back on the bus and headed back to church for lunch.
For the rest of us who didn’t win the competition to see the elephants and lions, we went to the museum to see the history of Zambia. It was really interesting, especially looking at where people groups had migrated from and how Dr David Livingstone (they have his medical kit, bible, gun and even umbrella!) had come and brought the gospel message to Zambia and through that and others efforts (especially the Zambian people) now there is something like 80% of Zambians who are Christians! Praise God! The kids enjoyed the museum too, they had a guide who spoke in their language (Bemba) and especially enjoyed the stuffed lion and zebra! And were amazed at the village life display that had life size people doing things that they do at home, like grinding maize to make mealie meal that they make their favourite food ‘nshima’.
In the afternoon the leaders were blessed to go to the river to have a drink and watch the sun set. Was a great time, beautiful sun set and fantastic to spend more time alone with the Zambian leaders and get to know them better without the kids around. That night another group shared and we sang praises to God and of course ate ‘nshima’ in vast quantities! The amount that these kids put away when offered it is amazing! Pretty much any food put before them they’ll take, I think it’s their mentality of never knowing when the next meal will come which of course reminds us every time that although these kids are happy, love playing and having fun... but they’re from very different backgrounds from what we’re used to and it’s an honor for us to be here serving them here.
Heaps of love from Camille (first bit) and Matt (second bit)
We were up bright and early for our yummy breaky and devotion time where the children learnt about Jacob and Joseph. After devotion time it was time to hop on the bus with the 16 children who won some games to go see the lions and elephants. We first went and saw the lion cubs they were two years old but very big! The children were half terrified but amazed to see lions for the first time...one lion even growled and scared all of us...it was very funny! We then got to meet the friendly elephants, sit on their knees and feed them! It was so amazing and special to share this with the children they had so much fun! There was even a baby elephant that was two years old, she was very cute and very hungry. What a wonderful morning. We then hopped back on the bus and headed back to church for lunch.
For the rest of us who didn’t win the competition to see the elephants and lions, we went to the museum to see the history of Zambia. It was really interesting, especially looking at where people groups had migrated from and how Dr David Livingstone (they have his medical kit, bible, gun and even umbrella!) had come and brought the gospel message to Zambia and through that and others efforts (especially the Zambian people) now there is something like 80% of Zambians who are Christians! Praise God! The kids enjoyed the museum too, they had a guide who spoke in their language (Bemba) and especially enjoyed the stuffed lion and zebra! And were amazed at the village life display that had life size people doing things that they do at home, like grinding maize to make mealie meal that they make their favourite food ‘nshima’.
In the afternoon the leaders were blessed to go to the river to have a drink and watch the sun set. Was a great time, beautiful sun set and fantastic to spend more time alone with the Zambian leaders and get to know them better without the kids around. That night another group shared and we sang praises to God and of course ate ‘nshima’ in vast quantities! The amount that these kids put away when offered it is amazing! Pretty much any food put before them they’ll take, I think it’s their mentality of never knowing when the next meal will come which of course reminds us every time that although these kids are happy, love playing and having fun... but they’re from very different backgrounds from what we’re used to and it’s an honor for us to be here serving them here.
Heaps of love from Camille (first bit) and Matt (second bit)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Medical Team 8
After a somewhat frustrating day yesterday, we braced for another slow day. Not to be! When we arrived, there was a line of prospective patients along the entire verandah of the school building housing the clinic. It turned out to be our busiest day, with over 200 patients examined and medicated.
By the end of the day, it is fair to say that the medical team needed a chill-out. Where better than the Ndola Boating Club! We had an opportunity to discuss our experiences to date. There was unanimity about how valuable this experience has been personally for every member of the team. Stress conditions have been unwound, faith journeys have been accelerated, and general perspectives have been focused and broadened.
Becky has uttered a world record number of unpronounceable medical terms, and attempted a record for contiguous syllables without a breath (and you thought Julie Pope could talk!).
Narelle has attained new levels of calm in the face of trying circumstances (she could teach the Dalai Lama a thing or two).
Madelaine has honed her skills at taking on riotous crowds of Africans – and winning!
Julie has dispensed drugs in at least 3 languages – English, Bemba and Profane.
Andrew’s overwhelming urge to computerize the records system has only been overcome due to Julie’s requirements for him to count innumerable pills and preparations. The obligatory daily faux pas (now known as Popeisms) has been highlight.
Steven’s ability to take basic observations has become nothing short of astonishing. He is proudly boasting that he could find a pulse on a corpse!
With all this going on, Pastor Tim has certainly had his hands full, attending to the pastoral needs of the team.
By the end of the day, it is fair to say that the medical team needed a chill-out. Where better than the Ndola Boating Club! We had an opportunity to discuss our experiences to date. There was unanimity about how valuable this experience has been personally for every member of the team. Stress conditions have been unwound, faith journeys have been accelerated, and general perspectives have been focused and broadened.
Becky has uttered a world record number of unpronounceable medical terms, and attempted a record for contiguous syllables without a breath (and you thought Julie Pope could talk!).
Narelle has attained new levels of calm in the face of trying circumstances (she could teach the Dalai Lama a thing or two).
Madelaine has honed her skills at taking on riotous crowds of Africans – and winning!
Julie has dispensed drugs in at least 3 languages – English, Bemba and Profane.
Andrew’s overwhelming urge to computerize the records system has only been overcome due to Julie’s requirements for him to count innumerable pills and preparations. The obligatory daily faux pas (now known as Popeisms) has been highlight.
Steven’s ability to take basic observations has become nothing short of astonishing. He is proudly boasting that he could find a pulse on a corpse!
With all this going on, Pastor Tim has certainly had his hands full, attending to the pastoral needs of the team.
Camp Team 6
Today was another fantastic day - the sun was shining, and the kids were singing - all in all, a beautiful day for a cruise.
So, that was what we did. The main activity was a cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, to see what we could see. The kids were excited, and lined up at the rail, keen and eager to see what was out there. And the animals didn't disappoint. There was a little crocodile sunning itself on the riverbank, and further up the river, there was a small herd of hippos sleeping on an island.
While this was a highlight in terms of activities, the sharing by the children at night was more interesting, especially for the leaders.
The children shared different things so far on the camp that they found amazing. The expectation for me was that they might say seeing hippos, or cruising on the river. These were amongst some of the things shared, but weren't by any means the most common. The most common things they found amazing are things that we in the west take for granted. One child shared how it was the first time they had seen a projector, one said it was the first time they'd seen a tap. Other things seen for the first time included a frog, a church as big as the one they're sleeping in (it has rooms in it, which they found amazing).
One found the boat we went up the river on amazing - it had food on it, and toilets - it had everything! But one shared something that seemed so small, yet was so sad - it was the first time they had eaten so much good food. How often we are spoilt for choice in what to eat, and complain about the smallest things. Yesterday afternoon the kids were over the moon - playing games, some of them found a lemon tree - they got stuck into the lemons, some eating them rind and all. The fact that it was fresh fruit, and something delicious, they saw as a treat and made their afternoon.
And something to pray about. Wednesday morning during devotions we were told about one little boy whose father passed away on Tuesday. Please pray for comfort for his family, and that they will be provided for. Also pray for him. Pray for strength, comfort and encouragement for him when he goes home and is told.
Also praise God for safety on this camp so far – we’ve had a few go down with sickness, but this morning all are up and well, so that’s a massive praise point!
So, that was what we did. The main activity was a cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, to see what we could see. The kids were excited, and lined up at the rail, keen and eager to see what was out there. And the animals didn't disappoint. There was a little crocodile sunning itself on the riverbank, and further up the river, there was a small herd of hippos sleeping on an island.
While this was a highlight in terms of activities, the sharing by the children at night was more interesting, especially for the leaders.
The children shared different things so far on the camp that they found amazing. The expectation for me was that they might say seeing hippos, or cruising on the river. These were amongst some of the things shared, but weren't by any means the most common. The most common things they found amazing are things that we in the west take for granted. One child shared how it was the first time they had seen a projector, one said it was the first time they'd seen a tap. Other things seen for the first time included a frog, a church as big as the one they're sleeping in (it has rooms in it, which they found amazing).
One found the boat we went up the river on amazing - it had food on it, and toilets - it had everything! But one shared something that seemed so small, yet was so sad - it was the first time they had eaten so much good food. How often we are spoilt for choice in what to eat, and complain about the smallest things. Yesterday afternoon the kids were over the moon - playing games, some of them found a lemon tree - they got stuck into the lemons, some eating them rind and all. The fact that it was fresh fruit, and something delicious, they saw as a treat and made their afternoon.
And something to pray about. Wednesday morning during devotions we were told about one little boy whose father passed away on Tuesday. Please pray for comfort for his family, and that they will be provided for. Also pray for him. Pray for strength, comfort and encouragement for him when he goes home and is told.
Also praise God for safety on this camp so far – we’ve had a few go down with sickness, but this morning all are up and well, so that’s a massive praise point!
Camp Team 5
Mwaiseni to Victoria Falls (Welcome!)
Palicibili (Tuesday)
We arrived yesterday morning to the ‘Smoke that thunders’, Victoria Falls. The first glance of ‘amenshi’(water) created great excitement in the children and leaders. The mist of the Falls was amazing. The leaders took extra special care in holding their two children’s hands tightly along the wet slippery path and bridges. We all got wet. Some of the children enjoyed the experience by screaming with excitement, danced and celebrated in the rain. The children sang the song ‘Our God is goodo’ (great song-some leaders may sing this song to you on our arrival home if you ask nicely?) Other children gripped super tight to their leaders hands for the bigness of the falls.
We were entertained from the local monkeys. They amused the children greatly. The monkeys snatched food from tourists bags when they were not looking. One big monkey in particular attempted to run towards briskly to one tourist who was happy snapping him. The children screamed and clapped with excitement. Most of the children have not seen a monkey before maybe only in a story or educational book.
After lunch some of the group walked down the steep drop of the falls to the bottom known as the Boiling Point. It was not for the unfit or for the fit leaders? We walked through creeks (having shoes on then taking shoes off then shoes on and off) we walked over sharp and slippery rocks. The children had no problems at all their feet are very strong, they are also very confident and active leaving us very exhausted and sore. The Boiling Point was beautiful and our bodies enjoyed the rest to view the wonder. We saw the famous bridge were bungee jumping is done and the flying fox, gorge swing. We will see our bold adventure junkies jump sometime this week.
Today we are off for the Zambezi cruise with the children. Hope to see some African animals.
Prayer points (please)
Health (4-5 leaders down with viruses)
Bus (broke down yesterday)
2 luggage bags still missing (Larissa and Sarah)
Children to be impacted by camp experience
In Lesa (God)
Larissa and team on journey in Zambia
Palicibili (Tuesday)
We arrived yesterday morning to the ‘Smoke that thunders’, Victoria Falls. The first glance of ‘amenshi’(water) created great excitement in the children and leaders. The mist of the Falls was amazing. The leaders took extra special care in holding their two children’s hands tightly along the wet slippery path and bridges. We all got wet. Some of the children enjoyed the experience by screaming with excitement, danced and celebrated in the rain. The children sang the song ‘Our God is goodo’ (great song-some leaders may sing this song to you on our arrival home if you ask nicely?) Other children gripped super tight to their leaders hands for the bigness of the falls.
We were entertained from the local monkeys. They amused the children greatly. The monkeys snatched food from tourists bags when they were not looking. One big monkey in particular attempted to run towards briskly to one tourist who was happy snapping him. The children screamed and clapped with excitement. Most of the children have not seen a monkey before maybe only in a story or educational book.
After lunch some of the group walked down the steep drop of the falls to the bottom known as the Boiling Point. It was not for the unfit or for the fit leaders? We walked through creeks (having shoes on then taking shoes off then shoes on and off) we walked over sharp and slippery rocks. The children had no problems at all their feet are very strong, they are also very confident and active leaving us very exhausted and sore. The Boiling Point was beautiful and our bodies enjoyed the rest to view the wonder. We saw the famous bridge were bungee jumping is done and the flying fox, gorge swing. We will see our bold adventure junkies jump sometime this week.
Today we are off for the Zambezi cruise with the children. Hope to see some African animals.
Prayer points (please)
Health (4-5 leaders down with viruses)
Bus (broke down yesterday)
2 luggage bags still missing (Larissa and Sarah)
Children to be impacted by camp experience
In Lesa (God)
Larissa and team on journey in Zambia
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Medical Team 7
The thought of waking up at 3am is generally not something that warms your heart. However, when you are awaken by 40 Zambian children singing beautiful harmonies as they leave to go on the camp of a lifetime at 3am, it is different. That was the start of today.
We headed off to Grace and Truth Baptist Church this morning and were treated to more gorgeous singing, hospitable welcomes and sensational preaching by the resident international preaching man of mystery, Tim!
Following church, we packed all the clinic supplies into to the car and headed off to set up the new clinic for the week at Kabushi. This clinic is running in conjunction with Spring of Life City Church where we attended last Sunday. There support is fantastic. After setting up the medics got straight into seeing patients. By the end of today they had seen 38 people and referred 1 mother and child to the hospital. Not a bad afternoons work considering we started at 3pm and finished when we could no longer see what we were doing.
So we have 3 more days of clinic at Kabushi this week before we start preparing to head home. I wonder what adventures await us tomorrow.
We headed off to Grace and Truth Baptist Church this morning and were treated to more gorgeous singing, hospitable welcomes and sensational preaching by the resident international preaching man of mystery, Tim!
Following church, we packed all the clinic supplies into to the car and headed off to set up the new clinic for the week at Kabushi. This clinic is running in conjunction with Spring of Life City Church where we attended last Sunday. There support is fantastic. After setting up the medics got straight into seeing patients. By the end of today they had seen 38 people and referred 1 mother and child to the hospital. Not a bad afternoons work considering we started at 3pm and finished when we could no longer see what we were doing.
So we have 3 more days of clinic at Kabushi this week before we start preparing to head home. I wonder what adventures await us tomorrow.
Medical Team 6
Over the last 24 hours, the team has realised that there has been a physical and emotional toll to the intensive treatment of so many in such a compressed period of time. Thus, we approached Saturday with anticipation.
The clinic opened for a short time to provide some ongoing treatment to previous patients. A young man with a nasty head injury came in during this time and we were able to provide him with initial treatment which should improve his chances of recovery.
The ongoing treatment of the eye injury from earlier in the week continued. Happily, today the injury had nearly fully healed. This was a very satisfying outcome, because if this boy had not been treated, it was likely that he would have lost his eye, at best!
Part of the team was able to spend the morning in the town and live the full Ndola experience! They took patients to the local clinic and the general hospital for follow-up. More drugs were collected from the pharmacy and further general supplies sourced.
It is trade fair weekend in Ndola and the town is buzzing with excitement and travellers from all over the province. This brought all the colour and excitement of such an event within arms length of our town team.
This evening, we had dinner at the best restaurant in Ndola – Michelangelos! Those who have visited the Sistine Chapel would be enormously impressed at its replication at Michelangelos – not! However we were well satisfied with the pizza and pasta served.
The clinic opened for a short time to provide some ongoing treatment to previous patients. A young man with a nasty head injury came in during this time and we were able to provide him with initial treatment which should improve his chances of recovery.
The ongoing treatment of the eye injury from earlier in the week continued. Happily, today the injury had nearly fully healed. This was a very satisfying outcome, because if this boy had not been treated, it was likely that he would have lost his eye, at best!
Part of the team was able to spend the morning in the town and live the full Ndola experience! They took patients to the local clinic and the general hospital for follow-up. More drugs were collected from the pharmacy and further general supplies sourced.
It is trade fair weekend in Ndola and the town is buzzing with excitement and travellers from all over the province. This brought all the colour and excitement of such an event within arms length of our town team.
This evening, we had dinner at the best restaurant in Ndola – Michelangelos! Those who have visited the Sistine Chapel would be enormously impressed at its replication at Michelangelos – not! However we were well satisfied with the pizza and pasta served.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Camp Team 4
Well after an eventful and late night on Friday, we were again on the move on Saturday, busy with training and getting to know the Zambian leaders and learning to work as a team and create team unity. The excitement grew the more we found out about what the next week was to bring and the amazing places and people we were to visit. What was planned to be an early night, we ended up going to bed 'Zambian time,' as we were busy packing the two buses and making over 180 sandwiches. The males muscles were put to use and the females showed off their peanut butter and jam spreading skills. It looks like this will be out new staple diet.
2 leaders stayed in with the children sharing only a few mattresses between all the campers, and the rest of the leaders shared their final night at Eagles Wings, snuggling close to keep warm! We awoke at 3, unaware of just how big the day was to be. Final goodbyes were spoken, and there were many tears and hugs as we left our 'home' and new family. Finally leaving at 5, all 40 kids, and over 20 leaders jumped on the buses and set out for the big adventure. Having many toilet stops and being pulled over at EVERY police stop, the trip was a slow one, taking a total of 17 hours! However, the journey was nothing short of amazing, as songs were joyfully sung and to see the excitement in the children’s eyes when seeing rivers and big buildings for the first time brought smiles to our faces and made us appreciate life and put things into perspective. The first bus arrived in Livingstone about 20.45, but the second bus, after having problems with the trailer and the tyres arrived almost 90 minutes later, after being rescued by the first bus.
Once again it was a late night by the time all the children were settled and supper was eaten. The male leaders are sleeping in the main church hall along with the male campers, whilst the girls are squished into a room out the back, with no room to tread due to mattresses everywhere!
We awoke at five thirty, very tired and weary, having breakfast and devotions with the children. Its hard to know who's more excited about seeing the Victoria falls today, the children or the leaders! All in all, we are very thankful for God bringing us to the church safely. Prayers for safety, health (as a few of the leaders are still recovering, and the cold is going around), opportunity to share Gods love and to love unconditionally as well as enthusiasm! Also, 2 bags are yet to be found, so that will be a struggle during camp, so prayer for arrival of the lost luggage, patience and understanding would be great! We thank everyone for all their support and prayer, and ask everyone to kindly continue.
2 leaders stayed in with the children sharing only a few mattresses between all the campers, and the rest of the leaders shared their final night at Eagles Wings, snuggling close to keep warm! We awoke at 3, unaware of just how big the day was to be. Final goodbyes were spoken, and there were many tears and hugs as we left our 'home' and new family. Finally leaving at 5, all 40 kids, and over 20 leaders jumped on the buses and set out for the big adventure. Having many toilet stops and being pulled over at EVERY police stop, the trip was a slow one, taking a total of 17 hours! However, the journey was nothing short of amazing, as songs were joyfully sung and to see the excitement in the children’s eyes when seeing rivers and big buildings for the first time brought smiles to our faces and made us appreciate life and put things into perspective. The first bus arrived in Livingstone about 20.45, but the second bus, after having problems with the trailer and the tyres arrived almost 90 minutes later, after being rescued by the first bus.
Once again it was a late night by the time all the children were settled and supper was eaten. The male leaders are sleeping in the main church hall along with the male campers, whilst the girls are squished into a room out the back, with no room to tread due to mattresses everywhere!
We awoke at five thirty, very tired and weary, having breakfast and devotions with the children. Its hard to know who's more excited about seeing the Victoria falls today, the children or the leaders! All in all, we are very thankful for God bringing us to the church safely. Prayers for safety, health (as a few of the leaders are still recovering, and the cold is going around), opportunity to share Gods love and to love unconditionally as well as enthusiasm! Also, 2 bags are yet to be found, so that will be a struggle during camp, so prayer for arrival of the lost luggage, patience and understanding would be great! We thank everyone for all their support and prayer, and ask everyone to kindly continue.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Camp Team 3
Friday was a good & interesting day. We started our training with the Zambian leaders which went for most of the day. We started with a devotion from Wiza, and then had a lesson in the local language Icibemba which was great. After some team building, and an inspiring lesson on the Zambian culture and children from Pastor Gilbert our training for the day was complete.
In the afternoon we made our way the Nsobe Game Park stopping via Fedex to collect three bags that were found. When we got to Nsobe there were a lot of monkeys that we took photos of. We all started to walk a little bit further into the park when we came across a Giraffe. It was a huge amazing animal and as can be expected got scared of about 20 westerners running at it with cameras. After that a number people turned back to go to the BBQ area…except seven of us. Under the guidance of our fearless leader we kept walking around the game drive track…within 5 minutes it was dark, after many suggestions just to turn back we were lead to keep walking. What we thought was a short loop turned into a 2.5 hour treck in the dark. We had a phone with no reception and another phone with a little torch in the top. We had 1 bottle of water, no food and an asthmatic.
We had to keep two girls positive to the fact that we were on the main track and that eventually someone would be coming the collect us. We endured, kept walking and in the end we were found about 300m before we returned to the BBQ area. So in conclusion 7 of our fearless team managed to walk the entire Nsobe National Park game drive, through Africa, in the dark of night… and survive.
Cheers Guys
Simon
Jenny & Steph to the rescue!!! (…& Reid, Tim, Bonifest, Andrew & Li)
As you read in the previous blog five people were keen to turn around when the sun began to set and we did just that. Nearly an hour later whilst sitting in front of the warm fire awaiting our hot BBQ we began to worry about the “7 missing” in the African wilderness. Jenny and Steph went in search and shout not realizing that what started out as hopeful name call. Turned into a full fledged search and rescue mission! After prayer and a few more shouts Li the kindly park ranger answered our call. With Reid, Tim Bonifest & Andrew in tow we started out on our mission to find the “7 missing” aka “7 ulasakesha muzungus (7 crazy white people)”.
Tracker Tim and Andrew lead us fearlously through the game park by following the unique shoe patterns of the “7 missing” & Li complained about missing out on his supper and milo. We were sure that we were going to find them within the first 10 minutes but 10 minutes turned to 20 and twenty turned to 40. Each crossroads we met our fearless trackers would hop out in search of the unique muzungu foot patterns and at each crossroads our disbelief grew more and more and questions arose. Why hadn’t they stopped? Why hadn’t turned around when the sun went down? But all questions would have to wait until we found the “7 missing”. Luckily we had pastor Tim from the medical team to lift our spirits with jovial nature and constant cracks at the “7 missing”.
After 1hr and 10 minutes of enduring the frigid ride we came to the guard station where they proclaimed to have seen a group of traveling muzungus and laughed. Let it be known that the “7 missing” had been on foot for 10km by this point. Jenny and Steph screamed in disbelief. Finally we saw the white legs shining in the lights of the rescue vehicle…and there they were cold, tired and hungry and in need of the the loo only 300m away from their initial starting point. And that is the slightly amusing story of the “7 missing” and the noble and fearless search and rescue team led by Jenny & Steph…(kind of)
In the afternoon we made our way the Nsobe Game Park stopping via Fedex to collect three bags that were found. When we got to Nsobe there were a lot of monkeys that we took photos of. We all started to walk a little bit further into the park when we came across a Giraffe. It was a huge amazing animal and as can be expected got scared of about 20 westerners running at it with cameras. After that a number people turned back to go to the BBQ area…except seven of us. Under the guidance of our fearless leader we kept walking around the game drive track…within 5 minutes it was dark, after many suggestions just to turn back we were lead to keep walking. What we thought was a short loop turned into a 2.5 hour treck in the dark. We had a phone with no reception and another phone with a little torch in the top. We had 1 bottle of water, no food and an asthmatic.
We had to keep two girls positive to the fact that we were on the main track and that eventually someone would be coming the collect us. We endured, kept walking and in the end we were found about 300m before we returned to the BBQ area. So in conclusion 7 of our fearless team managed to walk the entire Nsobe National Park game drive, through Africa, in the dark of night… and survive.
Cheers Guys
Simon
Jenny & Steph to the rescue!!! (…& Reid, Tim, Bonifest, Andrew & Li)
As you read in the previous blog five people were keen to turn around when the sun began to set and we did just that. Nearly an hour later whilst sitting in front of the warm fire awaiting our hot BBQ we began to worry about the “7 missing” in the African wilderness. Jenny and Steph went in search and shout not realizing that what started out as hopeful name call. Turned into a full fledged search and rescue mission! After prayer and a few more shouts Li the kindly park ranger answered our call. With Reid, Tim Bonifest & Andrew in tow we started out on our mission to find the “7 missing” aka “7 ulasakesha muzungus (7 crazy white people)”.
Tracker Tim and Andrew lead us fearlously through the game park by following the unique shoe patterns of the “7 missing” & Li complained about missing out on his supper and milo. We were sure that we were going to find them within the first 10 minutes but 10 minutes turned to 20 and twenty turned to 40. Each crossroads we met our fearless trackers would hop out in search of the unique muzungu foot patterns and at each crossroads our disbelief grew more and more and questions arose. Why hadn’t they stopped? Why hadn’t turned around when the sun went down? But all questions would have to wait until we found the “7 missing”. Luckily we had pastor Tim from the medical team to lift our spirits with jovial nature and constant cracks at the “7 missing”.
After 1hr and 10 minutes of enduring the frigid ride we came to the guard station where they proclaimed to have seen a group of traveling muzungus and laughed. Let it be known that the “7 missing” had been on foot for 10km by this point. Jenny and Steph screamed in disbelief. Finally we saw the white legs shining in the lights of the rescue vehicle…and there they were cold, tired and hungry and in need of the the loo only 300m away from their initial starting point. And that is the slightly amusing story of the “7 missing” and the noble and fearless search and rescue team led by Jenny & Steph…(kind of)
Medical Team 5
A Brush with Zambian Wildlife
The final day of the general clinic at Monkey Fountain saw a great diversity of complaints – everything from sickening burns to children (from open fires), septic shock, acute malaria though to more mundane general illness.
Earlier in the week, we saw a very noble Zambian woman names Maggie. She was clearly in severe pain, mainly from muscular pain. She was prescribed a course of pain relief, anti-inflammatories and physio-exercises. Today, she came back to the clinic with the broadest smile in Zambia. After touching her toes with a theatrical sweep (!!!), she said the following (paraphrased) “God bless you all for coming. Please tell everybody at home that Zambia needs help from people like you and that we really appreciate it. You have touched our hearts!” This was a great boost for the medical team, as a constancy and the extent of the medical problems is sapping for the team members. It also impressed upon us that we are recognised as only a part of a broader team, including all those at home that are praying for us and support us in tangible ways.
Later in the afternoon, the group travelled to Nsobe Park – a 1000Ha wilderness park, about 1 hour South of Ndola. We arrived just in time to see a magnificent sunset across an idyllic lake in the middle of the park. Seeing a lovely stretch of water was really satisfying to the team. Drs Becky and Narelle paddled into the lake and had a ball splashing around!
The wildlife was amazing! Whilst a couple of the team saw giraffes, the rest of us had to content ourselves with seeing guinea pigs and monkeys.
In the coming days, we will be moving the clinic to a location at a school on the southern side of Ndola.
The final day of the general clinic at Monkey Fountain saw a great diversity of complaints – everything from sickening burns to children (from open fires), septic shock, acute malaria though to more mundane general illness.
Earlier in the week, we saw a very noble Zambian woman names Maggie. She was clearly in severe pain, mainly from muscular pain. She was prescribed a course of pain relief, anti-inflammatories and physio-exercises. Today, she came back to the clinic with the broadest smile in Zambia. After touching her toes with a theatrical sweep (!!!), she said the following (paraphrased) “God bless you all for coming. Please tell everybody at home that Zambia needs help from people like you and that we really appreciate it. You have touched our hearts!” This was a great boost for the medical team, as a constancy and the extent of the medical problems is sapping for the team members. It also impressed upon us that we are recognised as only a part of a broader team, including all those at home that are praying for us and support us in tangible ways.
Later in the afternoon, the group travelled to Nsobe Park – a 1000Ha wilderness park, about 1 hour South of Ndola. We arrived just in time to see a magnificent sunset across an idyllic lake in the middle of the park. Seeing a lovely stretch of water was really satisfying to the team. Drs Becky and Narelle paddled into the lake and had a ball splashing around!
The wildlife was amazing! Whilst a couple of the team saw giraffes, the rest of us had to content ourselves with seeing guinea pigs and monkeys.
In the coming days, we will be moving the clinic to a location at a school on the southern side of Ndola.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Medical Team 4
On day three, the clinic is settling into being a well-oiled machine. In the first couple of days, a number of referrals were made for further investigations – for example, chest x-rays, blood tests. It was very heartening that today a number of these people returned for follow-up consultations, indicating that a rapport has been established with the local community.
One of the extra elements we are adding to this clinic is the collection of basic data on the numbers and types of conditions presenting. This is in order to assist with planning of future medical team visits to Eagles Wings. For example, several cases of Malaria came to us today, including some quite young suffers.
Whilst we have all read about the devastating effects of AIDS on the community in these countries, we have seen this first hand in the patients presenting for treatment. There are very few patients in the age range 35 – 55, which is the age range which we have heard has been decimated by the disease. Another interesting observation is the joy which the locals derive from what we may see as a fairly hard, joyless life. All our stereotypes of Africans having rhythm and harmony are totally justified – they rock! Again, we were invited into the Eagles Wings staff devotions this morning – they burst into spontaneous song, and it was perfect in rhythm and harmony from the very first note, until we joined in!
One of the extra elements we are adding to this clinic is the collection of basic data on the numbers and types of conditions presenting. This is in order to assist with planning of future medical team visits to Eagles Wings. For example, several cases of Malaria came to us today, including some quite young suffers.
Whilst we have all read about the devastating effects of AIDS on the community in these countries, we have seen this first hand in the patients presenting for treatment. There are very few patients in the age range 35 – 55, which is the age range which we have heard has been decimated by the disease. Another interesting observation is the joy which the locals derive from what we may see as a fairly hard, joyless life. All our stereotypes of Africans having rhythm and harmony are totally justified – they rock! Again, we were invited into the Eagles Wings staff devotions this morning – they burst into spontaneous song, and it was perfect in rhythm and harmony from the very first note, until we joined in!
Camp Team 2
Hello again just picking up from yesterday.
Last night we were given the opportunity to watch a documentary entitled “Ubuntu” which featured two of the children from Eagles Wings. This documentary aims to raise awareness of the social issues facing South Africa including the plight of street children. It aims to promote action towards solving these problems from within. A team from Eagles Wings produced this enlightening documentary which we found both confronting yet exciting because it strives to help bring solutions to these serious issues.
We started our morning in prayer. We were able to come together as a team and raise our concerns and praises to our Father. This time draws us closer together as we share our thoughts and feelings with one another.
We walked to MMM (Mobile Missionary Maintenance) to look at the work that is being done there. At MMM they offer a variety of training courses including: brick laying, tailoring, carpentry and computer skills. It is inspiring to see the range of training that is being offered to the Zambian people to empower them to be self supporting.
School finished today and we were able to observe and take part in their final assembly. The singing is astounding and is something that is hard to explain with words. The children sing with such light in their eyes and rhythm in their bodies that you can’t help but smile!
This afternoon we will be meeting the children that will be traveling with us to Livingstone for camp. This will be exciting to know who we will be responsible for since we each will be looking after two children during the camp.
Thank you for your continued prayers, please keep praying for the return of our luggage! This is an experience we will remember forever!
Last night we were given the opportunity to watch a documentary entitled “Ubuntu” which featured two of the children from Eagles Wings. This documentary aims to raise awareness of the social issues facing South Africa including the plight of street children. It aims to promote action towards solving these problems from within. A team from Eagles Wings produced this enlightening documentary which we found both confronting yet exciting because it strives to help bring solutions to these serious issues.
We started our morning in prayer. We were able to come together as a team and raise our concerns and praises to our Father. This time draws us closer together as we share our thoughts and feelings with one another.
We walked to MMM (Mobile Missionary Maintenance) to look at the work that is being done there. At MMM they offer a variety of training courses including: brick laying, tailoring, carpentry and computer skills. It is inspiring to see the range of training that is being offered to the Zambian people to empower them to be self supporting.
School finished today and we were able to observe and take part in their final assembly. The singing is astounding and is something that is hard to explain with words. The children sing with such light in their eyes and rhythm in their bodies that you can’t help but smile!
This afternoon we will be meeting the children that will be traveling with us to Livingstone for camp. This will be exciting to know who we will be responsible for since we each will be looking after two children during the camp.
Thank you for your continued prayers, please keep praying for the return of our luggage! This is an experience we will remember forever!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Camp Team 1
Mulishani from all of us in Zambia!
We’re here at last! We are half way through our second day here, and we have already learned so much about the culture and the children. It’s very exciting! Yesterday we had a tour around Eagles Wings and the surrounding compound and markets were the girls bought some chitengis. We then ate the traditional meal of Nshima for dinner- it was very filling.
Today we took a walk into Kanyala to the community school which was in a local church ‘Grace and Truth Baptist Church’ were we met some children (around 80) and they sang some songs for/with us. They have such beautiful singing voices! We got to share a bit about Australia and America. We also got to sit in and watch the teacher ba Prince teach a lesson on ‘sh’ sounds/words- remind us to tell you about ba Andrew’s sheep story.
Today we are also hoping to get at least 3 of our 6 missing bags- we are all so excited and hoping it is ours!
Hope you are all well, we miss you. Take care, will try to keep you posted.
Here are some Prayer and Praise points:
1. Thank you God for the safe journey.
2. Pray for those who are sick and unwell (particularly for Wendy and Sam)
3. Pray that those missing bags will find their way back to their owners!
4. Pray for the lead up to camp.
5. Praise God for the medical team and what they are doing for the community, and us.
6. Pray and thanks for ba Matt‘s leadership.
God Bless,
Love Heather and Sam, on behalf of the camp team.
Ps. Mulishani means ‘Hello, How are you?’ In Bemba
We’re here at last! We are half way through our second day here, and we have already learned so much about the culture and the children. It’s very exciting! Yesterday we had a tour around Eagles Wings and the surrounding compound and markets were the girls bought some chitengis. We then ate the traditional meal of Nshima for dinner- it was very filling.
Today we took a walk into Kanyala to the community school which was in a local church ‘Grace and Truth Baptist Church’ were we met some children (around 80) and they sang some songs for/with us. They have such beautiful singing voices! We got to share a bit about Australia and America. We also got to sit in and watch the teacher ba Prince teach a lesson on ‘sh’ sounds/words- remind us to tell you about ba Andrew’s sheep story.
Today we are also hoping to get at least 3 of our 6 missing bags- we are all so excited and hoping it is ours!
Hope you are all well, we miss you. Take care, will try to keep you posted.
Here are some Prayer and Praise points:
1. Thank you God for the safe journey.
2. Pray for those who are sick and unwell (particularly for Wendy and Sam)
3. Pray that those missing bags will find their way back to their owners!
4. Pray for the lead up to camp.
5. Praise God for the medical team and what they are doing for the community, and us.
6. Pray and thanks for ba Matt‘s leadership.
God Bless,
Love Heather and Sam, on behalf of the camp team.
Ps. Mulishani means ‘Hello, How are you?’ In Bemba
Medical Team 3
Clinic Day Two – Eagles Wings School
Today was devoted to treatment of community members, mainly from the local community. Whilst treating the various maladies presented, we have also been able to provide worming treatments and Vitamin A for all those who we have seen. Over the course of the day, our systems for recording triaging and treating patients improved substantially, and our throughput increased whilst maintaining the quality of the care offered. The significance of throughput becomes apparent when you see the crowds waiting outside the clinic. The Zambian people display levels of patience which has to be seen to be believed – they wait in the queues happily without complaint.
Our first obvious worming success today! One of the children vomited up a worm - about 12cm long. This is an early demonstration of success of the worming treatment program – a major reason for our presence here.
There is heartbreak in many of the stories we hear. One of the patients – a very elderly lady (born 1918) came to the clinic. She suffered from nothing more that the usual aches and pains associated with old age, however she had no warm clothing and was clearly freezing. This lady, who had probably outlived the rest of her family, was not even able to comfort herself with warmth on a cold day. Our hearts were gladdened by being able to provide her with a jumper, which we had brought from Australia. Her smile alone made the trip worthwhile.
The medical team is forming into a very tight and happy team – I am sure that lasting friendships are being formed through our shared experiences. The evening meal was shared at the Ndola Boating Club – a surreal place – a boating club with no boats!
Today was devoted to treatment of community members, mainly from the local community. Whilst treating the various maladies presented, we have also been able to provide worming treatments and Vitamin A for all those who we have seen. Over the course of the day, our systems for recording triaging and treating patients improved substantially, and our throughput increased whilst maintaining the quality of the care offered. The significance of throughput becomes apparent when you see the crowds waiting outside the clinic. The Zambian people display levels of patience which has to be seen to be believed – they wait in the queues happily without complaint.
Our first obvious worming success today! One of the children vomited up a worm - about 12cm long. This is an early demonstration of success of the worming treatment program – a major reason for our presence here.
There is heartbreak in many of the stories we hear. One of the patients – a very elderly lady (born 1918) came to the clinic. She suffered from nothing more that the usual aches and pains associated with old age, however she had no warm clothing and was clearly freezing. This lady, who had probably outlived the rest of her family, was not even able to comfort herself with warmth on a cold day. Our hearts were gladdened by being able to provide her with a jumper, which we had brought from Australia. Her smile alone made the trip worthwhile.
The medical team is forming into a very tight and happy team – I am sure that lasting friendships are being formed through our shared experiences. The evening meal was shared at the Ndola Boating Club – a surreal place – a boating club with no boats!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Camp Team Arrive
After a one hour flight delay into Lusaka airport and an eventful 1 ½ hours getting through immigration and customs, in which 6 bags were missing, our Camp Team arrived! A little tired, but yet to experience the African road system from Lusaka to Ndola. Thankfully many were that tired that they slept through some ‘interesting’ driving conditions, to finally arrive safely at 11.30 pm into Eagles Wings for a good nights sleep!
Medical Team 2
First day of running the clinic.
The team was up early and looked fantastic in their shirts (except Tim who put his in the wash as he had been wearing it since leaving Brisbane). We were invited to join the Eagles Wings staff daily devotions, which was fantastic. We opened at 9 and saw the students from Kanyala and Monkey Fountain Campus (Eagles Wings Christian Community Schools). We ran some education programs and gave insokanda (worm) tablets and multivitamin and vitamin A tablets to all the students (over 200 students).
In the afternoon word had got out that a clinic was opened and many mothers with young babies attended. We are fortunate in that we have the services of 2 local nurses (Florence & Vutiway) to help us. A number of the local students from Eagles Wings are helping with translating. We closed the clinic to the public around 4.30 but it was near 6.00 before the last patient left. Our team are all a bit tired after day 1 but feeling good. Andrew still getting over being mistaken for a pastor upon his arrival in Ndola – Tim can’t believe it!
Medical Team 1
Things that stand out from today…
1. According to the ladies, the showers are pretty cold?! Us guys wouldn’t know! We’re having a competition to see who won’t shower ever again.
2. Spring of Life City Church was very much full of life. Great singing, dancing, hospitality and not to mention the 2 sermons. Tim had the experience of preaching to the church and having to remember to stop so the translator could translate into Bemba. In fact, the translator was so good at his craft he would mimic the person speaking not just translate the words. It was also confirmed that we dance to a different rhythm than our Zambian friends… usually on the off beat!
3. Becky spent some time trying to teach the kids at the church how to play “Duck Duck Goose”. She did well, except the game turned out to be “duck duck DUUUCCKK”.
4. Three of our bags were lost in transit and we were told yesterday to check back today. Well, low and behold… they arrived! Thank you God!
5. The afternoon was spent setting up the clinic that will start tomorrow. We’re all pretty happy and excited about the clinics starting.
Check in same bat time same bat channel to see how day one of clinic went.
1. According to the ladies, the showers are pretty cold?! Us guys wouldn’t know! We’re having a competition to see who won’t shower ever again.
2. Spring of Life City Church was very much full of life. Great singing, dancing, hospitality and not to mention the 2 sermons. Tim had the experience of preaching to the church and having to remember to stop so the translator could translate into Bemba. In fact, the translator was so good at his craft he would mimic the person speaking not just translate the words. It was also confirmed that we dance to a different rhythm than our Zambian friends… usually on the off beat!
3. Becky spent some time trying to teach the kids at the church how to play “Duck Duck Goose”. She did well, except the game turned out to be “duck duck DUUUCCKK”.
4. Three of our bags were lost in transit and we were told yesterday to check back today. Well, low and behold… they arrived! Thank you God!
5. The afternoon was spent setting up the clinic that will start tomorrow. We’re all pretty happy and excited about the clinics starting.
Check in same bat time same bat channel to see how day one of clinic went.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Medical Team Arrive
With the backdrop of a prolonged health workers strike and headlines reading We’re ready to be fired – Copperbelt health workers in the Saturday Post (Zambian newspaper), our Medical Team arrived into Ndola. This also coincides with recent investigations into the embezzlement of funds within the Ministry of Health, of a massive scale. It really will be a welcome to Zambia for our team as these issues will no doubt bring an escalation in the amount of people within the poorer communities that require urgent medical assistance.
While we hope that health workers and government can come to an agreement for the long term benefit of all Zambians, we can, at the very least, thank God for the timing of this team for our local communities. We hope many will be greatly assisted over the coming weeks.
On arrival, Tim (our team leader) received his African welcome by being asked to preach the following day. What’s that verse, be ready in and out of season! However staff at Eagles Wings did mistake Andrew for the Pastor, and were quite surprised to find out that it was actually Tim! Easy mistake to make…
While we hope that health workers and government can come to an agreement for the long term benefit of all Zambians, we can, at the very least, thank God for the timing of this team for our local communities. We hope many will be greatly assisted over the coming weeks.
On arrival, Tim (our team leader) received his African welcome by being asked to preach the following day. What’s that verse, be ready in and out of season! However staff at Eagles Wings did mistake Andrew for the Pastor, and were quite surprised to find out that it was actually Tim! Easy mistake to make…
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Camp and Medical Teams
July will see two teams arrive at Eagles Wings, one for Camp 2009 and the other, a Medical Team that will run clinics for the surrounding communities. In short the month of July will be huge for all involved. Our teams are very different in style and purpose, but they will be experiencing some very similar emotions and issues during their time in Zambia. So we would value your prayers during this time as all of the last minute details and planning are put in place. Please pray that God is honored during this period and that the lives of the children, their families and communities, and the team members themselves all are impacted in such a positive way. Also watch this space as many entries will be made during their time in Zambia, to update all who are connected to these teams.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thank you 2009 Building Team!
A big thank you to team leaders, Joe and Lyndell, and all members taking part in the 2009 Building Team. We hope you had a great experience, and the work that you put in will be part of the transformation in children’s lives well into the future.
Stage Three is 85% complete and is well on track to being opened for use by January 2010.
Photo of some the team members standing on top of Stage Three.
Stage Three is 85% complete and is well on track to being opened for use by January 2010.
Photo of some the team members standing on top of Stage Three.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sylvia at Livingstone Christian College
Livingstone Christian College was so amazing. The teachers were so easy to work with, they were willing to help and discuss with me Special Education and Eagles Wings. The students were also interested in hearing about Eagles Wings children. Most of the students in primary have promised to pray for children at Eagles Wings. The most amazing thing was seeing teenagers signing to do the Bike Ride in order to raise money for building more classes at Eagles Wings School in Zambia. It was also great catching up with chantelle after a long time. I have learned a lot of things and I can’t wait to go back home and share them to the staff.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sylvia in Australia
Hello from Australia! After a 50 hour flight I have finally arrived and settled in Australia. It’s so amazing and different from Zambia. I had never been to the ocean before, and to see it was sooo amazing. So big and blue and the waves! I like the beach a lot.
I started at Hillcrest Christian College working with the children in year one. I taught phonics and learned more about Read Write Incorporated (RWI). The children had so many questions about me and Zambia, especially about the children I teach back home. I met the camp team from Gold Coast Christian Family and cooked them a Zambian meal. Nshima for everybody! It was great having some Zambian food again and answering all of their questions about the camp and the children at Eagles Wings.
I also spent a week at Miami State School working with children with hearing impairment. I have learned a lot and hope to use this at Eagles Wings within the special needs area.
I've also been to Labrador State School and spent time with visually impaired children. Over the coming weeks I will be spending time in Sydney at a number of schools and churches, talking about Eagles Wings and continuing developing a better understanding of special needs education and how it is done here in Australia.
It has been fun so far and I’m looking forward to the coming weeks.
Sylvia
I started at Hillcrest Christian College working with the children in year one. I taught phonics and learned more about Read Write Incorporated (RWI). The children had so many questions about me and Zambia, especially about the children I teach back home. I met the camp team from Gold Coast Christian Family and cooked them a Zambian meal. Nshima for everybody! It was great having some Zambian food again and answering all of their questions about the camp and the children at Eagles Wings.
I also spent a week at Miami State School working with children with hearing impairment. I have learned a lot and hope to use this at Eagles Wings within the special needs area.
I've also been to Labrador State School and spent time with visually impaired children. Over the coming weeks I will be spending time in Sydney at a number of schools and churches, talking about Eagles Wings and continuing developing a better understanding of special needs education and how it is done here in Australia.
It has been fun so far and I’m looking forward to the coming weeks.
Sylvia
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Fostering Hope
It has been a busy and exciting two weeks in the office at Eagles Wings working on a model for a new program for Act’s initiative. Foster care is beginning in Zambia! We have been busy discussing how things can work, writing our first policy, and an assessment form for potential foster carers.
We are aiming to start small – we are aiming to recruit and assess 5 foster carers in the coming months. We have talked with some people about how this can work and they are all supportive. Now we just need to get it up and running.
Kirsty-Lee has one more week before she leaves Sharon to finish everything! And Sharon will be relieved because the office will be “quiet” again!
Please keep praying for wisdom for us – this is all new territory and we would love to start something that will be great for the local community, and later...well, who knows how far it could reach, God willing.
Sharon & Kirsty-Lee
Hard at work
Zambia
We are aiming to start small – we are aiming to recruit and assess 5 foster carers in the coming months. We have talked with some people about how this can work and they are all supportive. Now we just need to get it up and running.
Kirsty-Lee has one more week before she leaves Sharon to finish everything! And Sharon will be relieved because the office will be “quiet” again!
Please keep praying for wisdom for us – this is all new territory and we would love to start something that will be great for the local community, and later...well, who knows how far it could reach, God willing.
Sharon & Kirsty-Lee
Hard at work
Zambia
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
More than a building
Christine and Greg are part of the Building Team currently working on Stage Three (Grades 7 – 9) of Monkey Fountain Campus. While the construction side is moving along to something that now resembles a school building, it’s great to hear about the children as well. Christine writes:
'We've been enjoying being with the children at the school, there are a few in particular that have befriended the team and are a part of our daily life now, chatting or singing away to us as we work. We have both felt moved by the beautiful African singing both by the children and teachers at school and the church community. The poverty here is apparent but despite it, every child and adult has a smile and a hello for us.... amazing. I'm sure there are a million more things to tell you but it will have to wait! We are happy and well and enjoying our time. We hope you are all well wherever you are and send our love your way.’
'We've been enjoying being with the children at the school, there are a few in particular that have befriended the team and are a part of our daily life now, chatting or singing away to us as we work. We have both felt moved by the beautiful African singing both by the children and teachers at school and the church community. The poverty here is apparent but despite it, every child and adult has a smile and a hello for us.... amazing. I'm sure there are a million more things to tell you but it will have to wait! We are happy and well and enjoying our time. We hope you are all well wherever you are and send our love your way.’
Love Christine and Greg
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
On the road with Philip
Philip Kazhingu coordinates Acts Initiative, a new program designed to encourage and assist local churches in social ministries, with the emphasis on vulnerable children. Philip writes while on his first journey through Zambia for this program.
The program in Choma has really been very successful. Thanks very much for your prayers and thanks to the Almighty God for allowing our dream become a reality. I started by meeting the Pastors in Choma and shared with them the vision Acts Initiative. They received the message wholeheartedly and went flat out to mobilise their Churches. On the other hand, I was requested to speak in a conference, which started the following day after my arrival. The first day I preached and the next day I showed the UBUNTU Documentary, which left a lot of them in tears. Many made a decision to start doing something about the problem at hand. Furthermore, a door was open for me to preach in Choma Pentecostal Church and showed UBUNTU. The response was just great. One woman who runs one of the biggest private schools has offered 10 places for any orphan who will be identified in the community. We did an intensive seminar yesterday which started around 09:00 hrs and ended at 17:00 hrs. Six Churches were represented. Interestingly we had Catholics, Brethren in Christ Church, Pilgrim Church, Wesleyan Church and Pentecostals.
The program in Choma has really been very successful. Thanks very much for your prayers and thanks to the Almighty God for allowing our dream become a reality. I started by meeting the Pastors in Choma and shared with them the vision Acts Initiative. They received the message wholeheartedly and went flat out to mobilise their Churches. On the other hand, I was requested to speak in a conference, which started the following day after my arrival. The first day I preached and the next day I showed the UBUNTU Documentary, which left a lot of them in tears. Many made a decision to start doing something about the problem at hand. Furthermore, a door was open for me to preach in Choma Pentecostal Church and showed UBUNTU. The response was just great. One woman who runs one of the biggest private schools has offered 10 places for any orphan who will be identified in the community. We did an intensive seminar yesterday which started around 09:00 hrs and ended at 17:00 hrs. Six Churches were represented. Interestingly we had Catholics, Brethren in Christ Church, Pilgrim Church, Wesleyan Church and Pentecostals.
Regards,
Philip Kazhingu
Please pray for Philip as he continues his journey through Zambia.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Eagles Wings has a new blog
Dear Partners of Eagles Wings,
In the last few months we have had a number of people comment that they miss the regular Praise and Prayer updates that we published monthly up until the start of 2009. Even though we will still be publishing EW News quarterly, we thought we would come into the 21st Century and create an Eagles Wings blog for all partners to keep up to date with the latest news, photos and events within the ministry of Eagles Wings. We hope that this will help everyone to pray for specific areas of need and praise.
So a big welcome to our new blog!
In the last few months we have had a number of people comment that they miss the regular Praise and Prayer updates that we published monthly up until the start of 2009. Even though we will still be publishing EW News quarterly, we thought we would come into the 21st Century and create an Eagles Wings blog for all partners to keep up to date with the latest news, photos and events within the ministry of Eagles Wings. We hope that this will help everyone to pray for specific areas of need and praise.
So a big welcome to our new blog!
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