Sunday, June 14, 2009

SICKNESS & REALITY

SICKNESS & REALITY:

One day last week our team went to the Chawama Compound (a permanent squatter camp). We were doing orphan updates to send back to the people who are sponsoring the orphans here. At one point more than 200 kids surrounded us as we were walking thru the compound. Us white kids really stuck out. Then all of a sudden they started shouting out “OLD MAN!” “OLD MAN!” The kids started running away from us… screaming. Then we see this old man… he could barely walk… he suffered from AIDS. The “mamas” were calling him names and throwing things at him. They really seemed to be upset at him. Then we saw a mentally ill man… he tore his shirt off and threw a water jug at the old man. It hit him in the arm. It really hurt him. He had to sit down. Then the mentally ill threatened to start beating the old man. But, two other guys came over stopped it all. The old man was able to walk away. Some of the kids came back to us afterward. We asked them why did you do that?? They said because he was old and sick. We told them that Jesus wouldn’t do that. That’s not how to treat people who are old and sick. They seemed to be listening to us…. We’ll see.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

CHURCH IN ZAMBIA




CHURCH IN ZAMBIA

We went to church the day the team got here. We went to Chyaeen, Mama & Marta’s church. We walked in and everyone was dancing and jumping around. It was awesome. I was standing there worshipping and praying… and, I looked around.

I was overwhelmed with the thought that people of all different kinds and languages were worshipping the Lord all over the world… at the same time. I couldn’t help wondering why… there is such a difference between the church in Zambia and the church in the USA. And it hit me… the people in Zambia are going to WORSHIP and GIVE to God. Where often in the U.S. we go to church to RECEIVE from God… to get OUR needs met. I need to keep this thought in my mind. I need to remember it… always.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

COMING HOME




COMING HOME


The second I got off the plane I could smell Africa!! It brought back memories of last summer… it instantly brought to mind why I had come back… The orphans, the need, the tug on my heart that I needed to be part of the solution. I was also caught up with a sense of community and belonging. The same feeling I felt last year. The feeling I now had again, since I had come back. This all hit me in an instant when the smell washed over me: I said to myself , I am Home!!!!!

All my feelings grew even stronger when I went into the customs/immigration area. “Mama,” one of our Zambian EOH (Every Orphan’s Hope) leaders remembered me. It just felt so great to be back. I know I belong