In my last blog I talked about Moses, what a lad and only 11 yrs old – we learnt today that he had run away from the Fountain of Hope. Yesterday, he went to Lusaka Baptist Church with everyone from Fountain, he slipped out and brought some stikker, got as high as a kite so Vasco told him to have a shower and go to bed and he would see him in the morning. So knowing that he would be in trouble he ran back to the market. So today we went on a fam trip with Ruth and Jemma to the market with Vasco and found Moses in the bus station. Elijah (an ex street boy) who was with us managed to catch him, he was given the option of going back to the Fountain but couldn't come with us, he had to decide that it was what he wanted to do and to make his own way back and face up to his punishment. He was at the Fountain of Hope last year when Mission Directs teams were here, so we saw a lot of him. FOH found his mother and he had been re-homed with her, but she had been hiring him out to thieves who needed a small boy to go through little spaces to hand out goods to them.
Its been really good getting to know the staff team this year – as well as Geoff who was country manager last year we have Ian and Ruth, they have served as missionary's in many different countries, last 4 years in Pakistan, Ian is in charge of our building projects whilst Ruth will be taking over from me on the volunteer hospitality side, Jemma is the other member of the team, she was on team 1 last year and agreed to come back to help on the staff team this year. The last members of the team are Sue and John who are coming out to run the parallel team 3 with Emily from last year, Please do hold us all in your prayers as we learn to work with each other, to acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses and spend time seeking God's guidance in all we do. I almost forgot to tell you about the last member of our team Chika, our driver, he was with us last year – it is so wonderful to see his lovely smiling face and to know that we have in him a safe pair of hands.
Emmanuel is not part of the team this year as he has his poultry enterprise and school work, he is re-taking some of his exams to help him to get into college.
On Wednesday, we have a day off so Vasco is going to take me to see Stan, he is a lad I got really fond of last year. Jemma is coming with me, we have to get a bus to city market where Vasco will met us then we will be taking another bus up towards the copper belt to met his family. It will be really wonderful spending time with Vasco and catching up on all he is doing.
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Zambia 1
First of all a big thank you to Sue for driving me to terminal 5 where I met up with Ruth and Ian and Jemma who like me are all on the staff team. After a very uneventful journey we arrived safely at Lusaka Airport early on Monday morning. As usual I didn't manage to sleep very much on the plane, I was much too excited!
Geoff (MD country manager) and the Nigh's Canadian SIM missionary's met us at the airport - as we had so much luggage we needed two vehicles – BA were fantastic and gave us a baggage allowance of 63 kilos, mine only came to 46 kilo's so I could have had a bigger third case !
Once back at Chamba Valley it felt just like coming home, I'm in the same bungalow and in the same bed, just as I remember it, not too comfortable (the bed I mean) but I will get used to it. After breakfast we had a walk around the compound, calling in to see old friends – Bishop Paul was the first person we bumped into – my first big Zambian hug, as you can imagine I've been enjoying lots of hugs and even tears as I've been reunited with such dear friends. Cosmas and Benson are both away so I hope to see them later in the week.
The staff team has been out visiting partners: So far we have been to see:
Dorothy Nswma – Works of Faith Bible Church and the site for her new school, the caretakers house is started and some of her home based caregivers have started digging up some to the land at the bottom of the plot so that they can grow vegetables which will help to feed some of the poorer families. She has put in for some funding to help buy seeds, tools and a pump so that she can pump water up from the stream to irrigate the crops – hopefully it will be approved soon so that they can get planting.
Garden School, a CAZ project this school had to be knocked down as it was built without foundations so we are partnering with CAZ to provide 2 classrooms this year for grades 7 & 8 who will be coming from local feeder schools, eventually it will be extended to provide more classrooms. This is a very poor community which suffered greatly from the heavy rain that Lusaka experienced this year.
The House of Moses where we had a chance to cuddle the babies and toddlers. There were 2 very small twins which had been brought down from the copper belt, they think they were about 3 weeks old. So tiny but really wonderful to know that they were in a safe place where they are being so well looked after.
Bill and Bettie Bryant's the follow on home (2-4 yrs) from the House of Moses, here I met up again with several children that were there last year. They had just moved into there new home, in a much better neighbourhood then the previous home, they are in the process of building a school room in the garden – this does mean the garden will be out of bounds until its completed but once everything is cleared up it will be wonderful for the children to be able to run around and play out of doors. They still need lots of things, so I'm looking forward to giving them the money Horley Methodist Church Toddler group collected for them.
Kumbayah School was our visit at lunch time today, we arrived just on lunch time – every week day they give the children some soya porridge and what looked like beans and vegetables at lunch time, there was as usual a long queue and as lots of non Kumbayah School children had come there wasn't enough for them as well. These poor families live in what is called an unplanned community which means that houses are built all over the place, which shared pit latrines and water being brought from standpipes. What was wonderful was to see so many children who recognised Geoff and myself and many had on the red checked dresses that some folk brought out last year. One of the children who didn't get fed was Moses, a youngster who used to live at the Fountain of Hope, he had been sent to this community to live with his grandmother by his mother who he had been reunited with. It seemed that it had all gone wrong for him so we rang Vasco who said we could take him back to Fountain with us.
So lastly to Fountain of Hope, what joy and what hugs from Vasco and Kenny, most of the boys as well as Moses, Kennedy and a few others were there, I had never seen so few boys, the team had been working really hard at reuniting these children with extended families, we pray that they will be happy in their new homes. This leaves the outreach team able to build on relationships they have been building with boys still living on the streets so that they can be offered places at Fountain now that they have the beds.
I'm now down at Arcades in the internet cafe, my first time online.
We have just visited the vocational training centre at EFZ, they have now started a work shop making school uniforms, it was wonderful to see so many machines being used, although they do have more waiting to go into operation once the orders start rolling in. there are five ladies in the tailoring training facility about six in the woodwork training, all sponsored at least in part by folk who came out with MD last year.
Time is limited so I must close now, please pray for a good journey for the first team and that the staff team continue to bond and grow together.
Serve one another in love is our verse today
Geoff (MD country manager) and the Nigh's Canadian SIM missionary's met us at the airport - as we had so much luggage we needed two vehicles – BA were fantastic and gave us a baggage allowance of 63 kilos, mine only came to 46 kilo's so I could have had a bigger third case !
Once back at Chamba Valley it felt just like coming home, I'm in the same bungalow and in the same bed, just as I remember it, not too comfortable (the bed I mean) but I will get used to it. After breakfast we had a walk around the compound, calling in to see old friends – Bishop Paul was the first person we bumped into – my first big Zambian hug, as you can imagine I've been enjoying lots of hugs and even tears as I've been reunited with such dear friends. Cosmas and Benson are both away so I hope to see them later in the week.
The staff team has been out visiting partners: So far we have been to see:
Dorothy Nswma – Works of Faith Bible Church and the site for her new school, the caretakers house is started and some of her home based caregivers have started digging up some to the land at the bottom of the plot so that they can grow vegetables which will help to feed some of the poorer families. She has put in for some funding to help buy seeds, tools and a pump so that she can pump water up from the stream to irrigate the crops – hopefully it will be approved soon so that they can get planting.
Garden School, a CAZ project this school had to be knocked down as it was built without foundations so we are partnering with CAZ to provide 2 classrooms this year for grades 7 & 8 who will be coming from local feeder schools, eventually it will be extended to provide more classrooms. This is a very poor community which suffered greatly from the heavy rain that Lusaka experienced this year.
The House of Moses where we had a chance to cuddle the babies and toddlers. There were 2 very small twins which had been brought down from the copper belt, they think they were about 3 weeks old. So tiny but really wonderful to know that they were in a safe place where they are being so well looked after.
Bill and Bettie Bryant's the follow on home (2-4 yrs) from the House of Moses, here I met up again with several children that were there last year. They had just moved into there new home, in a much better neighbourhood then the previous home, they are in the process of building a school room in the garden – this does mean the garden will be out of bounds until its completed but once everything is cleared up it will be wonderful for the children to be able to run around and play out of doors. They still need lots of things, so I'm looking forward to giving them the money Horley Methodist Church Toddler group collected for them.
Kumbayah School was our visit at lunch time today, we arrived just on lunch time – every week day they give the children some soya porridge and what looked like beans and vegetables at lunch time, there was as usual a long queue and as lots of non Kumbayah School children had come there wasn't enough for them as well. These poor families live in what is called an unplanned community which means that houses are built all over the place, which shared pit latrines and water being brought from standpipes. What was wonderful was to see so many children who recognised Geoff and myself and many had on the red checked dresses that some folk brought out last year. One of the children who didn't get fed was Moses, a youngster who used to live at the Fountain of Hope, he had been sent to this community to live with his grandmother by his mother who he had been reunited with. It seemed that it had all gone wrong for him so we rang Vasco who said we could take him back to Fountain with us.
So lastly to Fountain of Hope, what joy and what hugs from Vasco and Kenny, most of the boys as well as Moses, Kennedy and a few others were there, I had never seen so few boys, the team had been working really hard at reuniting these children with extended families, we pray that they will be happy in their new homes. This leaves the outreach team able to build on relationships they have been building with boys still living on the streets so that they can be offered places at Fountain now that they have the beds.
I'm now down at Arcades in the internet cafe, my first time online.
We have just visited the vocational training centre at EFZ, they have now started a work shop making school uniforms, it was wonderful to see so many machines being used, although they do have more waiting to go into operation once the orders start rolling in. there are five ladies in the tailoring training facility about six in the woodwork training, all sponsored at least in part by folk who came out with MD last year.
Time is limited so I must close now, please pray for a good journey for the first team and that the staff team continue to bond and grow together.
Serve one another in love is our verse today
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
4 days before touch down in Zambia
Several people have been asking if I intend to blog during my time in Zambia this year. Can it really be a year since I first stepped foot on Zambian soil. Well yes it is, I stepped of the plane on the 13th June 2009 feeling anxious about what I would find. So different to how I'm feeling today - I know that I'm going back to met up with friends, the sense of excitement I have is palpable, I really can't believe that I've been so blessed to be allowed to return. God is amazing, he works in so many ways and although I often fight with him, he is ever gracious and allows me time to come to terms with what he wants me to do.
last year when I left Zambia I just wanted to come back immediately, now I know that its God's timing for me to return on Sunday. I came away from Zambia thinking I would be able to do so much, but I didn't allow for the reverse culture shock I experienced - I'd warned many people about it, but I hadn't appreciated just how long it would go on for and how it would affect me both physically and emotionally.
So here I am, half packed, half ready, but fully ready to go. Our God is a great big God and like the childrens song has me in his hand.
last year when I left Zambia I just wanted to come back immediately, now I know that its God's timing for me to return on Sunday. I came away from Zambia thinking I would be able to do so much, but I didn't allow for the reverse culture shock I experienced - I'd warned many people about it, but I hadn't appreciated just how long it would go on for and how it would affect me both physically and emotionally.
So here I am, half packed, half ready, but fully ready to go. Our God is a great big God and like the childrens song has me in his hand.
Friday, 2 April 2010
Easter 2010
Good Friday, its been a long day - one or two bright periods, but keeping close to our Lord as he faced the cross, has been hard as I've had to work. But its nearly over and tomorrow we remember... a day to keep watch at His tomb, to be alongside the women who were waiting for the Sabbath.
But, my long day at work means that I'm nearer to raising the money I need to go back to Zambia. I have my tickets and have been thinking about what I need to take with me. It doesn't seem possible that its now nearly six months since I left - today I sent e-Easter cards to my friends in Zambia but also to my new young friends who have been having the most amazing time in Uganda. I thank God for Facebook, its a wonderful resource and enables me to see photo's almost as soon as they getup-loaded.
So this is all for now, its time for some quiet and getting ready for tomorrow.
I pray that if you read this that you will be richly blessed and experience God's peace. x Carol
But, my long day at work means that I'm nearer to raising the money I need to go back to Zambia. I have my tickets and have been thinking about what I need to take with me. It doesn't seem possible that its now nearly six months since I left - today I sent e-Easter cards to my friends in Zambia but also to my new young friends who have been having the most amazing time in Uganda. I thank God for Facebook, its a wonderful resource and enables me to see photo's almost as soon as they getup-loaded.
So this is all for now, its time for some quiet and getting ready for tomorrow.
I pray that if you read this that you will be richly blessed and experience God's peace. x Carol
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
In Australia
So this is really the end, I arrived at Brisbane airport yesterday (Tuesday) morning - it had taken 1 short and 2 long flights to get me here. It was wonderful to see Jon in the flesh - I suppose having seen him regularly on Skype until I went to Zambia I didn't notice much change. It was then a drive north up to Buderim where Emma was waiting to greet me - I crashed for a couple of hours then went to collect Katy and Jared from school, I was a big surprise as they weren't expecting me until Wednesday. Today we went to the local church which also has a cafe, gym and swimming pool - we had a lovely swim although the water was amazingly warm, then after sampling their latte we walked home. Later when Jon and Emma got back from work we went down to the local beach where I was instructed in the finer points of body boarding - I managed to exfoliate my feet, legs and especially by knees but didn't win any prizes!!
Anyway, back to Zambia - as I'm writing this I'm listening to Ephraim (not sure about the spelling). After we came back from Livingstone we had less than a week to clear up and sort everything out to leave ready for next year and off course organise our end of campaign bash. Geoff, James and Emily worked like Trojans - they were joined by Chika and Emmanuel and Neil and Eirlys on Monday which all helped, the windows were given their final coats of paint, walls painted inside and out and thankfully all left ready for occupation on Friday morning. Friday dawned bright and clear, thank goodness Babrah Benson, Eunice, Evelyn and Jane were on hand to help with the food. They were very polite about having to prepare muzungu food (strange white folks). It was a wonderful afternoon, the food was good - grateful thanks to the guys that helped with the barbecue as I was getting very hot and bothered doing the cooking. It was really good to see all of our partners and the folk from Chamba Valley getting getting along so well. It was also sad when I realised that it would be the last time I would be seeing the guys, especially those amazing guys from the Fountain of Hope. Emmanuel did a sterling job getting photo's so I will paste a few in here so that you can see the new building and some of the folk.
We also had news that the video taken by Steve was posted onto Facebook, its excellent if you would like to view it go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FQMDW6mp1Y
So on Saturday morning it was off to the airport to say goodbye to Geoff and James who were flying to the UK, and to Emily who was going to work with the MacDonalds for two weeks. It was strange saying goodbye as we had been living and working together for 4 months. On the way home Cosmas and Emmanuel joined me for breakfast at Arcades where we were able to watch Steve's video - very emotional for us especially as Cosmas had just downloaded onto my computer the final photo's of all the vulnerable children and orphans that he is trying to get sponsorship for. I will be trying to sort out the photo's etc so that they are in some semblance of order ready for when I go back to Zambia next year. In the meantime I've got to produce a shorter version for Geoff to take to the de-brief day on Saturday.
So the rest of Saturday was spent with Emmanuel, his mum Babrah and Chika who came back later - they gave me a lovely lunch we then went back to the cottages to pack up and sort out all the things that needed to be left for next year. Later in the evening Babrah and Benson came back and prayed for me, such a wonderful, kind couple. In the morning I went to the early service where the congregation prayed for me, and then it was time to go - Cosmas and Emmanuel took me to the airport - the hardest goodbyes to say. I thank God for all the blessings I have received. God has been so good to me, I came hoping to be a blessing but, for the little I was able to do I have received unlimited blessings. Being taken into peoples hearts I now have a new extended family - who are as close to me as my family.
Over the last few days, especially, whilst I was awake on the plane (when all around seemed to be sleeping) I pondered on how God's word has been so alive - I guess having daily devotions in our groups has greatly helped but somehow I think it was being with so many people that not only lived by the Word they were able to talk so openly and honestly about how much they were blessed. This time for me has been a time of exploring what God is saying to me and one recurring passage is Jer 29:11 - I marked this passage in my bible when I was at Loyola on retreat in 2007. It is wonderful to know that God still has plans for me, that there is still work for me to do and that he wants to bless me. So I pray that I will continue to accept the challenges that he will certainly place before me.
I thank everyone who has taken the time to read my blog, and for all the prayers that have really helped me when the going has been hard. Please continue to pray that I will be able to raise sufficient finance to go back and help Cosmas with the orphans and vulnerable children, help Babrah set up her Home Care Givers project and go and help Vasco and Vincent.
Sorry I couldn't get the photo's to upload so I will try and put them onto Facebook
With many thanks to you for reading my blog and praying for me.
Shalom
Carol
Anyway, back to Zambia - as I'm writing this I'm listening to Ephraim (not sure about the spelling). After we came back from Livingstone we had less than a week to clear up and sort everything out to leave ready for next year and off course organise our end of campaign bash. Geoff, James and Emily worked like Trojans - they were joined by Chika and Emmanuel and Neil and Eirlys on Monday which all helped, the windows were given their final coats of paint, walls painted inside and out and thankfully all left ready for occupation on Friday morning. Friday dawned bright and clear, thank goodness Babrah Benson, Eunice, Evelyn and Jane were on hand to help with the food. They were very polite about having to prepare muzungu food (strange white folks). It was a wonderful afternoon, the food was good - grateful thanks to the guys that helped with the barbecue as I was getting very hot and bothered doing the cooking. It was really good to see all of our partners and the folk from Chamba Valley getting getting along so well. It was also sad when I realised that it would be the last time I would be seeing the guys, especially those amazing guys from the Fountain of Hope. Emmanuel did a sterling job getting photo's so I will paste a few in here so that you can see the new building and some of the folk.
We also had news that the video taken by Steve was posted onto Facebook, its excellent if you would like to view it go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FQMDW6mp1Y
So on Saturday morning it was off to the airport to say goodbye to Geoff and James who were flying to the UK, and to Emily who was going to work with the MacDonalds for two weeks. It was strange saying goodbye as we had been living and working together for 4 months. On the way home Cosmas and Emmanuel joined me for breakfast at Arcades where we were able to watch Steve's video - very emotional for us especially as Cosmas had just downloaded onto my computer the final photo's of all the vulnerable children and orphans that he is trying to get sponsorship for. I will be trying to sort out the photo's etc so that they are in some semblance of order ready for when I go back to Zambia next year. In the meantime I've got to produce a shorter version for Geoff to take to the de-brief day on Saturday.
So the rest of Saturday was spent with Emmanuel, his mum Babrah and Chika who came back later - they gave me a lovely lunch we then went back to the cottages to pack up and sort out all the things that needed to be left for next year. Later in the evening Babrah and Benson came back and prayed for me, such a wonderful, kind couple. In the morning I went to the early service where the congregation prayed for me, and then it was time to go - Cosmas and Emmanuel took me to the airport - the hardest goodbyes to say. I thank God for all the blessings I have received. God has been so good to me, I came hoping to be a blessing but, for the little I was able to do I have received unlimited blessings. Being taken into peoples hearts I now have a new extended family - who are as close to me as my family.
Over the last few days, especially, whilst I was awake on the plane (when all around seemed to be sleeping) I pondered on how God's word has been so alive - I guess having daily devotions in our groups has greatly helped but somehow I think it was being with so many people that not only lived by the Word they were able to talk so openly and honestly about how much they were blessed. This time for me has been a time of exploring what God is saying to me and one recurring passage is Jer 29:11 - I marked this passage in my bible when I was at Loyola on retreat in 2007. It is wonderful to know that God still has plans for me, that there is still work for me to do and that he wants to bless me. So I pray that I will continue to accept the challenges that he will certainly place before me.
I thank everyone who has taken the time to read my blog, and for all the prayers that have really helped me when the going has been hard. Please continue to pray that I will be able to raise sufficient finance to go back and help Cosmas with the orphans and vulnerable children, help Babrah set up her Home Care Givers project and go and help Vasco and Vincent.
Sorry I couldn't get the photo's to upload so I will try and put them onto Facebook
With many thanks to you for reading my blog and praying for me.
Shalom
Carol
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Last visit to Livingstone
So this is the end, team five are in Livingstone and my time in Zambia is fast coming to an end. My mind is full of images, dreams, hopes and prayers for the many wonderful people I've met over the time Ive been here. Its strange to think that I came out here knowing so little and will be going home having built some wonderful relationships but still knowing little. Its humbling to work alongside the Zambians that we have partnered with. Their faith is inspirational and their lives are lived serving their fellow Zambians.
The lady in red is one f the home care givers - they were all sporting the same uniform which they thought was great.
I'm afraid all of my photos show me squinting into the sun, this is Beauty the home care giver that came out with me and Steve, the lady in the brown is Barbrah, Emmanuel's mum. We have become great friends, she is wanting to set up a scheme of Home Care Givers in Chambia Valley, she has been out with us helping to interpret etc.I've just had a really interesting conversation with one of the guys who works at Limbo Lodge (where we stay when we are in Livingstone). We were talking about the impact of the teams on the lives of Zambians - I really think in the short term its only sticking plaster stuff but its when they go home and talk to their churches, friend and colleagues that hearts will be stirred to offer real long term help and support. He was telling me about a dutch man who brought a farm which included a lake which had a lot of fish in it. The local people fished the lake and were able to sell what they didn't need. Now the place has been turned into a rose farm, the water in the lake is now poisoned and used to irrigate the roses. The people work on the farm in bare feet and without gloves so they have lots of bleeding scratches on their hands and feet from the thorns. It made me wonder if we always buy fairly traded roses! We then got on to talking about the mono-culture on french beans and mange tout peas for the UK market - is this ethical? Don't start me on that one as I guess I've already bored you in the past with my views.
We had the most amazing baptism on Tuesday afternoon, Pastor Benson baptised one of our team in the swimming pool at Chamba Valley - it was so special and a real privledge for us to witness.
Please will you pray for Benson as he has malaria which has affected his liver, he has only just gone to the doc after a lot of nagging!
So I must close now - we will be going out for supper soon, so until I have a chance to update I ask that you continue to hold us all in your prayers.
With every blessing
Love Carol
Saturday, 3 October 2009
I thought you would all like to see me in my new outfit, trad Zambian, it was a bit sunny so I'm squinting a bit but I'm sure you can see the full effect!!
Well here I am in the middle of the last team, the Zambian Campaign ends on 16th October when we have our handing over event, two classrooms will have been completed for the new Kiine School, years six and seven will be moving in when they start their new school year in January. All the teams have worked really hard, in very hot weather and so far each team has finished its allocated tasks so, well done to James who has been leading the build. Its been no easy task as things are done very differently then on a UK build, for instance both the ground floor and roof slab concrete was mixed by hand - very strange to us when a concrete mixer would have done it so much quicker but the blessing here was that it provided employment for the extra builders which not only helped them, it meant their families were housed and fed and of course that helped traders who they purchased from.
It's so easy for us to bring our UK expectations, but we have to be guided by local people.
So this is a sad time, we are having to say goodbye to everyone, I'm finding it so emotional as I've made such brilliant friends. I now know that I will have to come back as there feels so much unfinished business.
This is me with mu friend Stan, he's living at the Fountain of Hope, but next week he's moving with 20 others to their next stage place where they hope to reintegrate them with their extended families. Stan is 17 and came from Chisamba in Central Province, at the moment he is in grade 7 at school - I don't know his full story - how long he lived on the streets before coming to FOH but as you can see he is holding my bag and calls me mother Carol. In fact they all call me mama Carol which is a huge compliment - Stan wants to be a pilot but whether he is ever able to complete his education i don't know. There is huge costs involved. But I want to keep in touch if I can.
These are some of the younger boys, Stan took this photo, they all love hugs and we have lots of them, I hopeless with languages and they mostly speak Bemba (not sure if that's how its spelt) but hugs speak wonders. Its amazing to think that they have only been at FOH for between 3-6 months. They don't always tell us their stories, so we don't know for how long they may have lived on the street.
On Monday we are taking a load of them to Adventure City the water park, we took half with the last team so this time we take the rest plus any new arrivals. So that will be a very sad day, I've already cried all over Stan so am likely to do the same on Monday - I'm becoming a real cry baby. its now two weeks since Isaac died, they are so upset. Isaac was going to sort out some boarding school places for the older guys who only have one or more years schooling to complete. There is one lad Jackson, who should be in grade 11, he is desperate to go back to school so that he can go to college - now he doesn't know what will happen, please will you pray for him - every time I see him he thanks me for my prayers.
Here I am talking about FOH in a very nice Internet cafe in Arcades, the most upmarket shopping mall - it feels like a million miles away from FOH and city market where the boys who live on the street stay. I've just been and had my hair done and had a whole load of photo's developed so that I can give them out to the guys on Monday. Stan had my camera and took loads of shots of the guys eating dinner, Nshima everywhere! Very tasty too. I'm going to miss going there for dinner with the teams. This time I also took Stan a pair of shoes and Lemi a bible so I bless all the folk that gave me money to bring out. Its all gone now as is all of mine - I've just changed my last £ so it will be hole in the wall from now on. I was also able to give Vasco some money to by some meat for dinner as most of the time they only have beans - these lads eat like horses and Vasco has been hard pushed to get food for them. Amazingly we are receiving the most generous donations from past teams, God is so good.
Another project that I'm helping with is documenting all the children that need sponsorship to go to Kiine School. So far Benson and Barbrah have identified 120+ vulnerable children and orphans who need help. I'm hoping that when I get back we can encourage some folk to help send them to school. I'm also going to be rising money to provide books for Dorothy's school - I visited them this week with Sarah one of the team members - we had a fab morning and taught them some songs, she did the singing and played the accordion and I did the actions. Great fun and mostly I managed to keep up with the actions. The children do laugh to see this white haired, white lady jumping around. its very hard trying to explain Our God is a Great Big God without!! I can hear you laughing. I'm afraid my voice hasn't improved but folk here are so gracious - Benson our Pastor told me that I'm a Soprano!!
I'd better finish now as I must be running out of Internet Time...
Love to you all and I pray that you will be blessed for all the support you give me.
Shalom
Carol
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