Farms, Cows and Goats – Oh My!

I didn’t get a chance to mention what we did yesterday at work because I spoke mostly of the children.  The entire team, minus Bill and Ryan, went to the cow/goat farm.  We completed another round of eye ministry, as well as starting to build a platform for the goats to sleep on (so they don’t have to sleep in the manure…to put it nicely).

We also inoculated all of the goats and cows with a de-worming and parasite removal medication.  It was fun and the guys enjoyed handling the cows to do this. Obi, the manager of the farm, uses a lasso to catch the cows foot.  Then it takes anywhere from 2 to 4 people, depending on the size, to bring the cow down.  It was a hoot watching the team coral the animals!  They did an amazing job!

Obi’s rope

Jako giving injections

Ryan and Bill took the Land Rover with 4 of the children from the orphanage to the Kaluwe clinic.  Three of them were babies, just getting their routine shots.  And Ortevia (the girls with the fever the day after we arrived) returned for a check-up regarding her HIV medication.  She is doing much better and we have enjoyed spending time with her!  

Today, some of the team stayed behind to work at camp.  Steve and Fred built a new antenna so that the missionaries can attempt to get better internet access in the bush (a faster connection) and hook up a router to the computer so they can go wireless.  Alyssa will be moving into her own house within the next few months so it will be nice for her to be able to use her computer through wireless connection nearby.

Steve Welding for the Antenna

Others went on sand runs to start collecting more sand for building projects.  The best sand is by the river, so it was quite a hike (an hour ride on the tractor one way) to load up the trailer and return.  They were able to make 2 trips today – bearing the heat of the sun and the bumpy trailer ride!

Sand Pit

Trailer Full of Sand

Bre and Candi spent the day in the library, cataloging the books and workbooks from the donations brought over by the team.  They spent many hours sorting them into categories and labeling them.  The missionaries put all of their materials for the preschool, orphans and the community in this library, so we were glad to help sort our many items that we brought with us!

Candi and Bre Sorting and Labeling

I also wanted to show each of you that we were able to purchase the bikes for the orphans!  They need some work straightening handle bars, putting on chains and cleaning them up (they still have the wrapping on them).  But thanks to the kids at VBS, here are the bikes for the kids at the orphanage to ride to school! 

So, I know you have been patiently waiting to know who killed the goat… so we won’t make you wait any longer!  Drum roll please….. and the answer is: Noah!  He did a great job (did it on the first try!) and we will be feasting on goat tomorrow for our supper! 

Also, to Jill – Noah was wondering if you were able to read the second post we put on the blog?  It was the post that showed Fred preaching in church.  Both Noah and Fred said hello to you in that post on day 2 of being here.  He just wanted to make sure you saw that :)

That’s all for this post!  Talk with you soon!

Zambia Team 2011