Our Last Day In Zambia

Hello all!  We are back.  And no, the generators didn’t fail or the computer didn’t crash.  We lost internet connection for several days.  We wrapped up the eye ministry on Saturday and have been busy working hard on jobs that Jako gives us as well – on top of the chores, such as cooking, pumping water from the well, and chopping firewood.

For those who have never been here, life is quite different.  It isn’t as difficult as the first year’s team.  There have been many improvements at camp, but as we have come to know the locals, we have learned much about their everyday life and the hardships that come with living in the bush.  Having a car is a luxury.  For most it is walking, unless you have the privilege of owning a bicycle.

Charles, whom we mentioned earlier this week, told us that on Wednesday, he went to get a physical from the doctor in town.  Now for us, that is a jump in the car to get there by your regular scheduled appointment.  And once you are finished, you drive back home the same as you arrived. 

Charles’ only transportation was a bicycle over roads that I cannot even begin to describe.  Dust, sand, dirt, ditches, holes, some of which feel like valleys, you name it.  Here is the catcher… Kauwe clinic is 3 hours one way.  Yes, you read that correctly.  3 hours on a bike.  To a place with no scheduled appointments or determined times.  Patiently waiting for your turn to get a physical.  And then back on the bike for another 3 hour ride home.  Could you imagine if you had to walk?  Could you imagine if you had a loved one that was sick enough you had to carry them because it is the only way available?  I could name limitless circumstances that would start with “Could you imagine…”

This is only one circumstance that people in Zambia face daily.  Throughout the eye clinic this week, we saw people that were blind due to cataracts.  We saw people with dust stained feet that walked miles just to see us.  We saw people whose eyes were so red from bacteria that they had to cover their faces with their clothing because even a gentle breeze would cause their eyes to throb with pain.

We also saw hope.  When a patient put their glasses on that had not been able to see, the joy and delight in their eyes was indescribable.  All we heard over and over was “Twalumba” (thank you in Tonga) with smiles from ear to ear.  And that tiny little bottle of eye drops to cure pink eye or that one pair of glasses they proudly wore was God’s invitation to His free gift. 

The eye drops, free.  The glasses, free.  God’s gift of salvation, free.  We are so proud to be a part of God’s work among the community here in Zambia.  As we completed our last eye clinic today, 159 people were seen, 106 pairs of glasses and 28 pairs of sunglasses were distributed and 47 decisions for Christ were made.  Little did we know when we started this endeavor how much of an impression the people of Zambia would have on our hearts. 

This will be our last post because we leave the bush tomorrow morning for Livingstone and Chobe.  We didn’t mean for it to be originally, but with the internet problems over the weekend, we haven’t been able to keep in touch like we had wished.  So a few things to update you on before we sign off.   

During the last day of eye exams, a small team,  (Jako, Steve, Jeremy, Ethan and Kerry ) went over to the cattle farm to inoculate the animals.  There is a disease spreading through the area that will kill the animals if they are not protected so Jako took a break from work to get this accomplished.

Yesterday was a great day, filled with sad goodbyes and we had our last day of church in Mukumba.  Pastor Petros, Roster, Belita, Obi, Charles, Progress and many more were there as we said our farewells.  Tears of happiness were shed by the team as hugs and handshakes were given while the tonga ladies sang their closing song.  It was an experience that is difficult to put on paper.

Last night we ate dinner at the orphanage and spent some time with the children and house mothers.  We had the privilege of listening to their songs, especially from Pamela, the oldest orphan at age 16, who led the music.  Ed and Ben also played their guitar and sang songs to the children.  We brought a tambourine with us to use in church and decided to give it to the orphanage.  The kids shared the instrument and played along with the guitar.  We showed them a few tricks with it and they could play better than us by the nights end!    

Ethan and Ben holding the roosters that were caught for dinner at the orphanage.

Today we planned on visiting the local school, but we found out that it is a holiday.  So instead we are staying in camp and trying to finish digging and cementing footers for the chicken coop and Charles’ house that we started on Friday. 

Mixing cement for the footers.

Pouring cement into the footer.

Ed leveling the footers. (note, this picture is specifically for Bill Dane :)

Due to our inability to communicate, we haven’t been able to tell you about the Lorrie – it blew a head gasket last week and Mike is not able to pick us up tomorrow.  So Jako and some of the guys (Ryan – you were missed!) worked hard to get the side shaft fixed on the Land Rover.  It is a temporary fix that will allow us to drive at slow speed.  Pray we make it to Kalomo (2 hours) so that we can switch out the Land rover for a van Mike has, to continue to take us to Livingstone.      

Happy belated birthday to Becky Fraizer.  Sorry we didn’t get it on the blog the day it was your birthday!  Again, internet issues.  And Ed would like to tell Briana – orange ninja.  I am not sure we will be able to view any comments past this evening (which will be about  3 pm your time) but you are welcome to still leave them!  Most of us will be reading the blog when we return and we will see them then!

Thanks everyone for your prayers and encouragement during our trip to Zambia!  We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!  Pray for a safe travels as we enjoy our leisure time in Livingstone and Chobe, as well as the long plane ride home starting Friday.  We love and miss you all!

Team Zambia 2010