Funny Things that Happen in Africa.

When you use the toilets in the office you have to pour water in the toilets to flush them. Toilets do not automatically flush here. Sometimes they need a little help.

We stick forks in electrical sockets to make them work. (Yes, opposite of what your momma told you.)

You take showers in the bathtub standing up without a curtain, so, sometimes water gets on the floor. Sometimes the hose does not reach when you stand up and you have to sit and shower.

We break out in random dance parties everywhere. On the street, in the immigration office, at local restaurants, at the FLMZ office, and always in villa 57. The summer theme song has been Low.

We try to talk in a Zambian English accent, and it usually sounds more like an Asian accent.

Coffee is very deceptive. When it is light brown it is usually strong, and when it is black it rips your stomach up. Sometimes when your water heater is broken you boil water on the stove. (We drink instant coffee here - Ricoffy.)

The Internet is painfully slow – similar to dial up. So, uploading things is very impossible.

Not only do we dance everywhere, but also we sing everywhere. We usually sing in Nyanja, and sometimes I do not know all the words so, I pretend I know them, and then I’ll make them up.

Sometimes the electricity goes out in Zambia at random times. It may be out for hours with no indication of when it will come on again. So, you get use to the dark.

I like to watch the Zambian children jump off the bus when they are at camp. There will be a group of them, and then they spot their American and Zambian camp counselors and they will take off after them in a full sprint. They usually then dogpile their counselors. It's like watching a pack of hyennas attack a wilda beast - it makes me laugh.

Often it feels like college life in that there are sometimes 8 to 12 girls that live in your house, and you share a bathroom with four of them and a room with at least one of them. (I don’t get a lot of alone time here, but the community is AMAZING!) I laugh all the time when I'm not crying, and then I'll usually start laughing again.

We taught some of the Zambian staff how to two-step and jitterbug. And the two-stepping was RID-IC-U-LOUS. Zambians have rhythm but, even in Africa - guys step on your toes.

You have to look both ways when crossing the street – literally, because sometimes you forget if you’re in Africa or America and you have to reverse your directions or you’ll get run over.

We get honked at constantly and yelled at “Muzungu – Marry Me!” Why are there not American guys this bold? ;)

I like to watch the grown men (the 50 yr old crowd) dance with their grown boys at camp. I laugh as they start dancing and prancing around in a circle like they were 20. Sometimes Jesus makes us look like fools -but it sure is good entertainment.

Even in Africa there are crazy kids- not demonic – just crazy. There was one kid named Junior who is 5, and he punched and kicked Teddy and tried to bite Pastor Raphael. They just both looked at each other and said, “ This kid is crazy.” He would look at Kasey, and mimic her and say, “No fighting”, and then he would go and pummel some kid.

All the Zambian children are obsessed with the wrestler John Cena. They often say, “Satan – you can’t see me!” As they say this, they wave their hand in front of their face and then hold up their hand and shout, “The Lord is MY SHEPHERD.”

There is this orphan named Paul, who has been at camp almost every day since we have arrived. He assists us in various things, and generally just makes us laugh. His school has not even come through camp yet, but he has already received his “blessings” from the Lord. He is the Zambian version of Dennis the Menace.

Zambians call flip flops - tropicals. And when they say the – it sounds like da. And they add the ee sound to the end of many words. For instance light is lightie.

There is a strong presence of marijuana here at Mulungushi – every night. Apparently people can smoke pot in their house here, and this odor lingers outside. This odor comes from the other Gushi residents or at least I’m hoping it is not from the Camp LIFERS. If it is then it gives the PSALMS – He makes me lie down in green grass, restoring my soul – a whole new meaning.

Pray for the Birkenfelds!

Please pray that the Zambian government will give Brock and Megan Birkenfeld the comittal order to foster and then adopt Joe. This will be happening Friday morning at 8 am here so, around 1 in the morning in the states. So, please just pray that the Lord's will would prevail. I am confident that the Lord will have His way in this. Pray for Joe and his grandmother. Pray for the Lord's peace to cover each individual that is involved in this process, and pray for protection. Pray for the Holy Spirit to proceed before everything and everyone that is involved tomorrow. I know the Lord has special plans for baby Joe, and He has started a good work in him. Pray continuously!!!

The Good Samaritan and (maybe) a New Home for Joe!

The Lord answers prayers. This is totally the story of the Good Samaritan. Two of my boys – Luck and Levi – have a little brother name Lewis. Lewis is 6 and this was his first year at Camp LIFE. Lewis was in Michael's group – well at the end of the day - Lewis actually got on the wrong bus. He got on the bus going to Tithandizane Overspill. (Which would be like going to Denton when your school is in Oak Cliff.) So – he went missing Monday evening. Teddy and Mutale went looking for him at about 10 at night in Kenyama. This is a horrible compound and not safe at all. WE prayed for him that night and all the next day. Poor Lucky was just a mess. Weston and I tried counseling him and telling him that this was not his fault. I fell that he felt some responsibility being the oldest. This just broke my heart for my boy. Not to mention that I was a wreck trying to think how we could find Lewis. All this time – we went to police stations -which are corrupt in Zambia – we even went to the tv station knowing most people don't have t.v.'s and reported him. Most of you know that the first 24 hours are critical to finding a missing child. Well, 24 hours went and passed – We were going into the 36 hour mark. The Lord was working though......

So, Lewis started walking by himself at night as a little boy from Tithandizane. I won't even tell you what they do and how they use children here in witchcraft that go missing. Anyway - a woman picked him up. She fed him and let him sleep on a mattress. She kept him the next day and fed him and Lewis did not say anything and could not tell her his name. (He's very shy.) Well, later that night she saw the broad cast on the tv about the missing child - Praise God she had a t.v. She saw that a little boy was missing - so, the first thing the next morning was she brought him to the Kenyama police. The crazy thing was I had been up the entire night before almost talking to Raphael about offering a reward to anyone who found him and having the kids do a search party in Kenyama when they did evangelism in their community.

Well that morning I took baby Joe to the hospital for his second check up. I was praying for Lewis and then I just knew the Lord would find him and then Raphael called me to tell me he had been found - Well the most AMAZING thing was minutes before we found Lewis - Greer had all 1750 children at Camp LIFE and all 155 Americans and 300 Zambian Counselors raise their hands to God during the freedom song and pray for Lewis. The Americans were saying it was the most awesome thing. Raphael went on stage later to tell the children that Lewis had been returned safely. Lucky burst into tears. You do not understand the emotional and faith impact that it had on these children and on my children - my boys especially. Lucky was so relieved and full of joy. Pascal- told me that God does answer when you truly believe. I still am so amazed and know that it was only the Lord who returned this precious boy. He is so amazing and I am in awe of HIM. He deserves - all the honor and praise. What Satan tends for bad - God deems for good. It certainly reaffirmed my faith.

Baby Joe - well, We went for his check up. I was feeding him applesauce. He was just laughing - having a great time. We go back to the doctor in 2 weeks . We talked to his grandmother Saturday about his results and about treatment and health and nutrition . Her prayer request was that someone would take Joe – She has no income and raises 5 of her grandchildren – all orphans. They do not have enough to sustain themselves. SO – God began working in the hearts of Megan and Brock . They have completed there home study and fostering program in the states. They want to adopt and care for Joe. They met with the adoption worker on Sunday and tonight they are meeting with a social welfare judge. Please pray for them as they start this complicated process. Pray for Joe, his family, for Brock and Megan, for the social welfare and adoption system here. This would be such a wonderful blessing for my baby. They are an amazing couple who love the Lord and I know in my heart they will provide a good home for him. Just pray for the Lord to prevail. It would be wonderful if they could take him home before Christmas. Pray for this situation.

I love it here- and feel home with my boys and the Zambians and the Americans here. I went to Wiso's school - Destiny on Friday. He was so funny. He told me - I love you TOO much. I told him - I love you too much - It hurts me at times. He asked Weston why couldn't I be his mother. That of course broke my heart. Weston tried to explain the concept of me being his spiritual mother. He said he understood – but he still wanted me to be his mom. This makes me ache. I love him TOO much. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement – They are much needed. This is week 4 of camp and then we have a break then 4 more weeks! Love Ya'll!

With a Heavy Heart.

I'm writing tonight with a very heavy heart. Baby Joe is my little one-My mother is his sponsor. I love this wee one with all of my heart. Many of you might remember that this is the little boy who had his foot healed last year at Camp. He was the little one who had a bone growing outside of his foot. We had surgery to remove the bone and 3 days later – he was dancing. He is so precious to me. We decided to take Joe to the clinic this morning during the afternoon of Camp. I just felt the Lord pressing me to take him today. Sitting in that waiting room waiting for our name to be called felt like death. I looked at the lifeless faces around me and then I looked at my wee one just smiling away – sitting in my lap playing with my hair. The doctor called our name and we went inside the room. They told me he was sick. The doctor talked a little bit about what the next step was and I can tell you that my mind was swimming. When we got back to camp, I sent Joe back to the boys and grabbed Weston and just cried and cried.

I know that Joe knows the Lord, and I know that they are doing some great things with treatment. But this is my baby, and I am so angry. He is 5 and he does not deserve this. My heart is just breaking. I know in my head that the Lord is in control – and I know in my heart – It is just getting the 2 to talk to one another. Please pray for complete healing for my baby. Our Lord is the Lord of miracles and I know that He can raise the dead and heal the sick. Just pray for a miracle for my baby Joe. I believe – I just pray that the Lord helps me with my unbelief.

Catterpillars and Pascal

So, today was another Father's Heart Trip day. We went to Kenyama. I got to go to Joe's house and visit him and his grandmother. We hung out at World Baptist for a bit and then we got to pick up Pascal and Webby and their mother from the bus stop. It was so good to see them. We got to drop them off at World Baptist - they are staying with friends. They looked really well. Webby's English has gotten so much better. Pascal was talking about Galatians 3:1. It was so good to see them . Taylor bought some caterpillars for us to try to cook and eat tonight -so, we'll see how that goes. We also ate enshima and chicken and ripe. I really love going into the communities and just hanging out with the people in their environment and just really talking and laughing. I like being the part of the body of Christ that way. I love loving people where they are and encouraging where I can. I know that this is how Christ loves us. It makes my heart happy to be with my kids and take part in their every day lives. Say a prayer for Joe we are taking him to the clinic becasue he's been not feeling well. Thank you for the prayers and encouragement.

Love Rach

The Best Birthday Ever!

I got to see my boys from my World Baptist. Despite my broken arm it was a great day! Joe has gotten bigger and he jumped into my one arm. Emmanuel and Samson are both taller! Their English has improved by bounds! Victor, Gift, and Douglas could not stop smiling. Lucky was running by the bus bringing me to the school. The boys presented me with flowers which was so sweet! We prayed and they told me that the Lord answered their prayer in bringing me home to them. They are very excited about camp next week. Please pray that they would all know that The Lord is Their Shepherd.

One armed work.

I am officially typing this with a broken right arm so, my left hand is hunting and pecking. I am clumsy anndI fell broke my radial head. Let me tell you why God is amazing- because we went to a hospital - Christian/British that is very nice and professional. We met some doctors that need more access to children because they have plenty of resources-- and we have plenty of children! We told them about Family Legacy and remote camps, we have a meeting on Monday with them and our health department. They give free health care to children and they specialize in neuro and ortho pediatrics. They also do a lot of rehab with children. - Erin, this would be great if you ever came to Zambia to meet up with this Beit Cure Clinic! So, through breaking an arm and Dr. Ellis (our Ortho doc who was here Week 2.) God is providing a way for our children to receive services.

Here are some pictures from last week: (We got to annoint the children with oil, Wisdom prayed over Greer and Raphael-- God speaks mightily through Wiz!)

Matero.

Today was community and shoe day! My kids got their new shoes and t shirts and bandanas
today and went into the community to preach the word. They went a little nuts today. The went inside of taverns - outside of taverns - Wiso wanted to go house to house. Matero is a very poor and rough compound where my children live. It is full of trash and flies. My kids were so proud to be talking about how God loves them and how he is a provider. All of my kids were witnessing. Not just Wisdom. They were praying over people and talking to people. Ruben and Fred witnessed to a drunk man who literally put the bottle down before our eyes and started crying. The kids placed their hands on him and prayed over him and they told him how much God loved him and how Jesus died for him. They led him to Christ right there. I think what was so amazing was to see their courage and boldness in sharing the gospel. Last year they were very shy and would not talk to many people. This year I could barely keep up with them. Given took me by his house which I was very humbled by until Wisdom took me to his house.

Wiso's house is about the size of a walkin closet. He was so happy to have me in his home. He just could not stop smiling. I met his mother - she was very excited to meet me. I told her what an amazing boy he was. She just beamed. This morning Musole and Nalisa both went to the clinic. Musole is still having some ear problems and Nalisa's infection is healing very nicely. All in all - I could not be prouder of them. I can't believe that a week of camp has already gone by. I am so sad to think it is my boys' last day of camp. They do receive fleece jackets and school bags tomorrow which they are really excited about. I know that they really have a good grasp on the Lord and HIS truth. I know that they not only believe that the Lord is their shepherd, but I have seen them speak it. Continue praying for them and all of the children.

Serving HIS Kids!!!

Wisdom.

So, this blog is on Wisdom. Umm, yeah he is stinking amazing. He led two other little boys to the Lord today. He prayed over them and prayed with them the salvation prayer. Mom, I got the card today and the camera this morning! Thank you the card was sweet. Wisdom had his one on one today. His nightmares are gone. Praise GOD! We showed him the video of Tyler. He was so happy. He kept saying Zi Komo Kwamburi. (Which means thank you.) Wes and I both prayed over Wis and then HE prayed over himself and Weston and I. Erin - he prayed for your family - specifically Tyler. It was such a sweet prayer. Last year he did not even know how to pray - this year he prays with might and authority. AMAZING. One of my new babies, Mukonda, had a little accident on me today. Pretty funny all in all - but he was bawling and so embarrassed. Well, we solved that problem. I got some water and poured it on his shorts trying to wash them out, and then I just picked him up and held him the rest of the time, trying to reassure him that I did not care - I still loved him. (I went home and took a shower afterwards.) I just love that the Lord moves here and that I feel so much at peace here. I can hear him here and I can see him here. He definitely loves these kids. Continue to pray for Camp - this is only Week 1. Many of the Americans have had similar stories to me as last year. I feel blessed because my kids are spiritually more mature then last year. Continue to pray for them.

Sunday at church - Isaac Sikazwe - one of our discipleship leaders sang this amazing song called Daddy -How long. I just cried and cried because I think about the oppression of these kids. How poor they are and just how hard their lives are - the constant uncertainty for food - the toughness of survival - the witchcraft - the abuse - the neglect - AIDS - the lack of love. I just cried and wanted to know how long Lord - how long will you wait to rescue these kids. My children despite their circumstances which are still hard thrive. Their faith is real. They hope in the Lord. He is their strength - he is their rock. HE is real. I see him in their eyes, their smiles. I just love hugging them - these children who last year would not hug me back - now tackle me with kisses and hugs and sit in my lap and just lay beside me. I love being the Lord's hands and feet this week. Please keep praying. Thursday is community day - when the kids go out and witness to their community -Matero. Just keep interceding for them, for me, for all of the Americans here, and all of the Zambians here. Zi Komo Kwamburi!

Destiny

It has been a crazy past couple of days. We have been getting ready for camp this week – adjusting numbers and schools and placing American with “supposed” groups. (The logistics of that did not go over as well because TIA.) Anyway, needless to say there have been many long nights ...........BUT it is so worth it! Jesus is so good. We ended up moving Destiny School to week 1 and I got to see my boys today, and got them in my group. I saw Wisdom beating the bus like a drum when they were pulling into Dunamas, and just praising the Lord. I started screaming and jumping up and down. As soon as my kids' bus pulled to a stop – they started to jump out the window to get to me. CRAZY. The Lord has been moving in their life in a magnificent way. THEY do not even look like the same kids I had during Week 4 (my hard week) last year. They were all smiling and laughing and hugging me screaming Aunty Rachael – you are back. They talked a ton during small group time - and really have started opening up. They know that there are many Americans praying for them, and they know those who are specifically praying for them. (By the way - Addie and Whitney - Fred and Sima can't wait to meet you!)

Ruben looks remarkable. Weston and I – (Oh did I mention that Weston and I were partners again? - cause we are!!!) got to spend a lot of one on one time with him today. Shelah – he is a different kid. Last summer – he was telling us we could not and should not pray for him and how he was possessed (and then delivered), and this summer he told us to pray that God would keep him and pray blessings over him. We did! He was laughing answering lots of questions – telling us that Yesu lived in his heart (Jesus in Nyanja people.) He is staying now with his Aunty and she got married, and he likes him. Wiso – of course is his remarkable self – dancing up a storm preaching – make that screaming that The Lord is HIS Shepherd. When we were sitting down I just looked at those big brown eyes and started crying. I was so full of joy that the Lord restores my boys, so happy to see them and love on them. Seeing Wiso made me not miss home. Cause when I see him – I still see my nephew Tyler.

So – trying to keep this short. I will add a ton later - plus pictures. Please pray that God would continue to fill me up so, I can pour myself out to my boys. Honestly, I am so grateful just to be in their presence and see smiles on their faces that he has placed. I feel that God used many of you in those smiles as you prayed for them. I also know the discipleship leaders at each school have been such a blessing for the boys spiritually. Other things about the boys - Oh, Fred has got hair. Given shaved his head. Sima is so much taller. Chingube is wanting to read the bible more. Masole is all smiles – he is still little – pray for growth. Nalisa also has an eye infection and we took him to the clinic today. Pray that God would heal him. I will delve in more as the week goes on. Pray for all my boys to KNOW and trust PSALM 23. It is going to be a great week!