The Simakakata Story

I can almost hear Ruhtt's singsong voice: "Shepherd, what's wrong with those people?"

"I'm sure it's nothing, Ruhtt," Shepherd replied, "let's go home."

It was 1998. Ruhtt and Shepherd Mbumwae were returning from a long day of work in Simakakata, laying the ground work for a church plant. They had brought a group of students with them to go door to door, speaking to the residents of the village about Jesus. Now they were tired and on their way home, but Ruhtt was disturbed by the behavior of some people walking in the bush just off the highway.

"They look like zombies; what's wrong with them?! Pull over, Shepherd."

Shepherd knew well that when Ruhtt get's her mind set on something, she latches onto it like a pitbull to a favorite toy. Shepherd pulled over.

The people walking like Zombies were blind people. They walked with their hands in front of them, feeling their way around an unknown area. The government had uprooted them from their homes in several cities in the Southern Province, promising them land of their own. They dropped them off in the bush near Simakakata with nothing; they had no food and no hope to get any. When the Mbumwaes pulled over the people asked them, "Where are we? We can hear cars, but we don't know how far or how to get to them to ask for help."

Ruhtt and Shepherd rushed home and gathered food for them. On Monday of that week (and Tuesday and Wednesday and for several weeks) they appealed to the government on their behalf, but the bureaucrats were unable to help. So, Ruhtt and Shepherd organized a group of students to help clear the land and build some rudimentary shelter.

Now, fourteen years later, there is a community of ten families with at least one blind family member.  They living in their own little village with their own church building. Our team was blessed with an opportunity to visit these faithful people last Tuesday to leave them a gift. We brought them a Proclaimer from Faith Comes by Hearing. 

Grayson explains to one of the church leaders how to use the proclaimer.

Angie and Emma pass out gifts to ladies from the community.

We brought frisbees for the young people, but this woman caught the bug.  Here Marti teaches her, but before long she was teaching others.  We were all smiling and laughing.

 

Winter Means Dry

Grayson plays soccer with the elementary kids on the "football pitch."

Did we say that it's winter in Zambia?  And winter means it's the dry season.  Apparently the rainy season lasts about four months and then it doesn't rain again for eight months.  Can you say dry?

Worship with the Sinde Church of Christ

We rode to Sinde Mission on a bus with about forty children from Heart Spring Orphanage.  They sang both English and Tonga choruses for us most of the way.

The Sinde Church of Christ meets in this building, which was originally a house, built in the 1940's by the first Church of Christ missionaries in Zambia.

Chris, as a visiting preacher, was asked to preach as we walked in the door.  He chose a text from 1 Tim. 1:12-17 to talk about how an understanding of God's grace leads to worship.

This is a typical Zambian clothesline.

Twelve girls who attend high school at the Sinde Mission board in this room. Another room like it holds twelve boys.

Sinde Mission Tomorrow

We had planned for a laid back day tomorrow, our last day in Zambia.  (On Monday we begin the long journey home, with a three day layover in Germany.) We had planned to walk around the corner to the Livingstone Central Church of Christ.  Instead we'll be traveling with Jacob Sianungu to Sinde Mission, about 45 minutes from our hotel.

Jacob is the founder and director of Heart Spring Orphanage. He'll be picking us up with a bus along with nineteen children from the orphanage.

Faces

Making due with few resources

Resourceful teachers and kids used stones from the schoolyard to learn division and almost microscopic pencils (see below).

Can you see the pencil in this child's right hand?

Sharon's class

Angie, Grayson, Rachel and Emma enjoyed working with Sharon and her preschool class at Siabalumbi.  Angie connected with her so well that she gave Sharon her Bible as a gift on their last day together.  She underlined Gen. 31:49.

More photos

Chris preached at Siabalumbi our first Sunday in Zambia.  Samuel Moono did a masterful job translating.

Our first morning at Seven Fountains, holding babies and singing songs during morning devotional.

 

 

Thoughts from Gray

So of all the positive things we've gained from Africa no one really hears of the negatives. Its been very interesting learning to use some of the "toilets" or holes in the ground surrounded by a few bricks for privacy. Or riding everywhere in the back of a pick up truck on the "roads". Over all it really hasn't been bad at all tho. Rugged Africa has been a thrilling view into the lives of people who live to work and work to live. I've been greatly humbled seeing these people who will never experience luxury. Or even understand it. Let alone enjoy it. They say, "A day without nshima (the bland ground corn meal they eat) is a day without food." That's something I will never be able to understand. But they have taught me a great deal about humility and hard work. Something that I WILL carry with me back to America.

Random thoughts by Angie

by Angie 

 
I don't even know how to describe the emotions in my heart after being in Zambia for the past three weeks!!!

God has overwhelmed me with his faithfulness in this place, with his love in the warm greeting from the people, his deep love in the faces of the children and babies as they stop and stare at the "makua"... (white people), and then as they warm up and all try to high 5 or hold our hands at once! 

Ruhtt and Shepherd Mbumwae have made a deep impression on my heart in their generous hospitality, fabulous food, life changing teaching in their daily example, and the fellowship we enjoyed daily. 

My emotions are very near the surface as I think of the Mbumwae's, Ba Wilson, and his infectious smile and jovial attitude, his story telling and contagious laugh. Joan and the precious babies at 7fountains orphan care.  Of dinners by candlelight... Stories at the fire.  Siabalumbi school with Sharon Mulanga, and Clinton, mestridah, josphat, rhoyd, mapenzi... Of nalabumba and God's blessing of finding water in a village that needed a source of life and encouragement, that came at the end of a week of much prayer for them and the good news being shared... Of see you laters.... When they are so far away... And Emma's baptism in Zambia is the cherry on the top... Sweet surrender....

God has been good to us.  Words cannot describe. We are all changed. My prayer is that we will be different because of what He has shown us in his grace.
Keep praying 

Sunday, 17 June, 2012: Seven Fountains

by Chris

Zamtime has begun to seep into our daily routine. We arrived for church at Seven Fountains about ten minutes late, expecting Bible class to begin at 9:00. Wilson Siazilo, the elder statesman of the church, greeted us in the churchyard. Being the guest speaker for the morning, I was embarrassed and so I apologized. We made our way to the entrance of the church, stepping over the numerous cowpatties in the church yard, and walked inside to find that no one else had arrived yet. Gotta love Zamtime.

Bible study started at about 9:30. We discussed Deuteronomy 8. We celebrated the Lord's Supper with saltine crackers and watery wine, and listened to Chris and Shepherd preach a bilingual sermon on spiritual growth from Phil. 1:6. Seventy two people were present, contributing a total of 139,150 kwacha (about $28). At the end of the services a quartet of young men honored our team by singing three beautiful songs in Tonga. (Wow, the Tonga people have a gift for singing!)

Finally we participated in a wonderful tradition. Wilson asked our team to exit the church first, as honored guests, and we stood just outside the door. Then, as one of the ladies led an echoing song of good bye, the congregation sang and filed past, shaking our hands, one at a time.

Loving On Babies at Seven Fountains

by Emma

To say we haven't been changed by our time in Zambia would be a lie. From the smiling faces at Siabalumbi, to the warm handshakes of the blind people at Simakakata, we have been welcomed with love. It is for this reason that I am not particularly keen to leave this place. All are happy to greet us by saying "Mwabuka buti!" And and all hold out their hands with gratitude at the gifts we bring.

At the beginning of our trip, we stayed at Seven Fountains orphanage. It was here that we faced no hesitation about the "makua," no curious stares. To my surprise, the aunties left us alone with the babies- on the first day no less! The aunties, patient, kind, compassionate, and joyful, looked genuinely glad to meet us. We were outside- in the spacious courtyard, the babies' playpen. Instantly I bonded with Sibajene. They call her Jene, pronounced Janie. She's a toothless, consistently happy, sweet eight month old., impossible to not befriend. I not only bonded with Jene, but became attached to Abigail. As a sassy almost two year old, Abi's cirrhosis, toddling steps, and silly inconsistencies immediately captivated me.

On Sunday, after church, we walked to the orphanage for one last visit- we had been invited to lunch. During final preparations for lunch, Rachel, Grayson, and I waited patiently in the room outside the nurseries. The only one awake was Cornolius- Gray's little buddy. After peeking consistently into the nursery containing Abi's crib, for maybe ten minutes, I finally saw sweet chocolate brown eyes peeking out at me. With permission, I picked up my Abi, despite her leggings being soaked through (as they wear cloth diapers). She and I very patiently waited our turn as the aunty changed Lumamba. When she had on a dry dress and leggings, we sat out on the ABC mat. Here we practiced saying our favorite word "Emma", "yeah yeah yeah", and also "boop boop boop boop!" while gently tapping each other on the nose.

After lunch, with the dishes washed, and put away, Rachel and I immediately found our way to the other kitchen. Hearing laughter, and baby chatter, we grinned and hurried to join in. Practically sitting under the table, I motioned for Abi to crawl over into my lap. It seemed that not two minutes later, Gray came and impatiently told us to say farewell. Tears welled up in my eyes as I kissed Abi's cheek for the last time. I will probably never see my sweet, independent, crazy toddler again. When I tried to put her down, I could no longer blink them back: Abi did NOT want to be put down. Clinging to my arms, and wrapping her legs around me, she made a desperate exclamation. As I hugged her for the last time, I prayed that God would watch over my baby girl, keep her safe, and hopefully send her back to her family. Then, before leaving, I prayed this same prayer for each of the little one as I kissed their head, sleepy or wide awake, and said my final goodbye. 

Although we are not related by blood, I am now connected to each of these children. I will never forget their smiling faces, as God has used them to make an imprint on my heart.

Mural

Angie, Grayson, Emma, and Rachel painted this mural inside two of the five churches we visited, in Nalabumba and Siabalumbi.  They were going to paint it in Mutala also, but the workers who were asked to paint the undercoat misunderstood the instructions to paint an area "at the front of the church." Instead, they painted the front facade of the church.  We're considering painting the mural on a banner when we return to the States and then sending it with the next team to come over.

It's a timeline of the Bible.

Saturday, 16 June 2012: Gathering to Listen to the Makua

by Chris

I was told before we left Topeka that our white skin would be an attraction. We've felt the stares of the people almost the entire time. It was most blatant, however, when we returned to The Plateau after lunch. Mr. Kajolo said, "Why don't you and your family stay here and we'll send the people to you?" He and the rest of the men walked through the compound, inviting the people to come listen to the makua preach. Makua means "white people." We have heard that word often as we walk through the villages.

The children came first. We sat in the middle of the "football pitch," the soccer field, and sang Bible songs. Mostly the children just stared at us. After about thirty minutes the adults started to arrive. I got up to move to the adult group and Abson came to join Angie and the kids in order to translate for them. They sang more songs and told a Bible story.

Mr. Kajolo had Joseph lead a couple of songs for the adults and then introduced me. I preached with a translator again, breaking my sentences up into brief thoughts. I told them a little about my own experience with a messenger of God, people who came to point me to Christ. I shared with them what the Bible says about sin and separation from God. We were created by God to be with him and he is our greatest joy, our greatest satisfaction. Without him we will always be dissatisfied. And there's nothing we can do about it. But Jesus has already done everything about it. He volunteered to be sacrificed on a Roman cross in order to bring us to God.

With the winter sun hanging low on the Zambian horizon, burning the back of my pale neck and turning the elephant grass into waving gold, twelve people stood and wanted to be restored to him.

Photos from Zambia

We have access to a good internet signal for the first time in weeks.  Here are a few photos of our work.

Chris receives a gift of ground nuts from a village leader at Nalabumba Community School.

Marti receives a gift of a chicken from Tryness after our work at Nalabumba.

Children carrying water from the community well.  They have to carry it about half a mile for drinking, cooking, bathing.

This is one of the "taxis" that ferry people to and from some of the villages we've visited.

About 25 students from the teachers' college gather at the Mbumwae's home every Monday night.

Saturday, 16 June 2012: Lunch

by Chris

After Patson's baptism we returned to Seven Fountains for a break. The men who were leading us had not planned to eat any lunch: "We're not working hard, so we don't really need food," Abson told me. We plump Americans, however, bit our tongues so that we would not complain about hunger pains.

We had prepared peanut butter sandwiches, granola bars and a bag of trail mix. I walked around offering to share our lunch with the men. When I offered the trail mix, one of the younger men, named Wisdom, was hesitant: "I'll give it a trial," he said with an accent. I gave him a small handful and moved on to the rest of the men. By the time I came to the end of the line he was said with a smile, "Mmmm, I'm ready to eat some now!"

A Prayer for Mutala

by Angie 

Psalm 46 (see below) was my prayer today after we visited Mutala and saw the discouragement in the teachers there.  The village has a power hungry chief and demands money, persecutes his people, and leads poorly.  The people here don't want to build the school, which means making bricks by hand, harvesting river sand, etc... So the school has two teachers left.  
This Psalm was in my read the the bible in a year palm this week and I was a few days late in reading it... But it was God's timing... As it was just what I needed to pray for them and lift them to the throne room.
Pray for Mutala and the people there.

 

Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord. (Psalm 146:1-10 NIV) 

Door to Door at The Plateau

Saturday, 16 June, 2012

by Chris

The five Stewarts loaded into the king cab of Mbumwae's Isuzu pickup at 8:45am on Saturday, June 16.* Grayson and I were glad to be able to ride in the front of the truck as we drove for fifteen minutes over the sandy, rocky, rutted path to Seven Fountains church building.  On many of these trips, as we've bounced along, I wonder what the roads are like during the rainy season.  I'm told that many of the villages we've visited are inaccessible.  

When we arrive Mr. Kajolo and Abson Muumbe were there waiting to lead us.  We walked twenty minutes through the bush to The Plateau, a small residential community established by a neighboring farmer for his workers. The plan was to walk from house to house, meeting the residents, asking for permission to speak with them about the things of God, and to invite them to an afternoon gathering for preaching and singing.

We divided into three groups. Grayson, Emma, and Rachel formed a group with Richard Jabinika to work in an open field with the children. Angie went to the right with Abson and a few other men, while I joined Mr. Kajolo, Mr. Muntanga, and Joseph going to the left.

We spent about three hours talking with the people, sharing the Bible and inviting them to return for a gathering at 15 hours (3:00pm). The two groups came back together at about 12:30pm as Mr. Kajolo's group joined Abson's group at the home of a man named Patson. Patson confessed belief in Christ and expressed interest in baptism.

We sent for Richard and the Stewart kids, who had grown a little tired of singing and playing games with nearly fifty children after 3 hours, walked back through the bush to Seven Fountains. Thirteen of us packed into the Isuzu and drove to Namwianga Dam, where Patson was baptized. I was happy for Patson, but I was also a little nervous for him and Joseph who baptized him. We had heard a report of a crocodile eating a dog during a baptism some time ago.

*We've been praying for Marti as she strives to be faithful to our mission here while also finishing writing for her doctoral comps by the 20th. The team decided it would be good and right for her to stay behind today to write. It's going to be tight.

**I'm not sure why it's called The Plateau. We did not climb any hills to get there.

Workshop for Teachers

Eight teachers from 5 different community schools gathered at the Seven Fountains Church for a day of equipping and encouragement. Marti masterfully led the five hour workshop. The rest of the team provided support, including the preparation of a lunch of chicken salad sandwiches on home baked rolls. We couldn't tell if they liked our food or not--most Zambian don't eat much other than the traditional Zambian meal of nshima and relish.

Some of the teachers walked as far as seven miles to attend. Consequently we started on Zamtime: We had planned to start at 9am, but got it going at about 10, with two of the teachers arriving at 2pm.

After the workshop we exchanged contact information; we won't see most of these teachers again.  Then, before returning to the Mbumwae's, we loved on the babies and the "aunties" at Seven Fountains orphan care home. Emma said, "I either want to stay here and love on babies forever, or take them all back with me. It's going to be heartbreaking to leave them."

Power Outage Again

Thursday night we spent several hours waiting for the power to come back on. Every Monday and Thursday nights the power company imposes a "load sharing" blackout from 6-8pm. (Though we're learning to always be ready for the power to go out.  It is unreliable at best.)  We gathered in the living room around the fire when the sun set shortly after 6pm.  We began to tell stories as the blackout stretched longer than usual. We heated water for tea in the fireplace and got to hear the stories of how both Ruhtt and Shepherd came to Christ and how they later met in college. We finally gave up and went to bed around 10pm. Unfortunately we failed to turn off the light switches and almost every light in the house was on when the power came back at 11:30pm.

An Eye-Opening Tour

Thursday June 14 was our "rest day." The day began for Marti, Angie and Chris at 8:00am with morning devotional at the Namwianga Clinic where Shepherd is the administrator. Chris, being the visiting preacher, was asked to bring a devotional thought. The chaplain led a song in English and a few in Tonga. We then toured the clinic and were impressed by the steady progress Shepherd and his team are making toward the goal of becoming a regional hospital.

After breakfast back at the Mbumwae's house, we loaded up for a tour of the rest of Namwianga Mission. We saw the radio station, boarding school, college, orphanage, basic school and dormitories. The primitive conditions were humbling. If the internet access will allow, we'll upload photos because words will fail.

Three Days at Nalabumba: From Frustration to Live Chickens

On Monday night we sat around the table eating our supper. Ruhtt and Marti spoke in animated tones, visibly frustrated. They were discouraged and overwhelmed by the problems at Nalabumba Community School. Marti later said, "I was unsure what we had to offer. It felt like we were putting a band aid on an arterial bleed."

The classes are packed with children. The largest class has 62 students. The fourth grade teacher is using best practices, but only eight of his 40 students are able to read. The teachers seemed polite, but resistant. The headmaster seemed passive and disorganized.

We prayed. And we worked to win the teachers and the staff over. We asked Wilson Siazilo, our friend and an elder in one of the churches to come to talk with the headmaster.

By the end of our three days with them the scene was dramatically different. The teachers were inspired. They had come to realize that we were there to partner with them, not to fix them. And they were celebrating that God loved them enough to send people from so far away to encourage and support them. They convened a closing ceremony and gave us gifts: four pumpkins, two chickens, and a bag on ground nuts.

And when Ruhtt announced that water had been discovered for a new well they danced and hooted and sang.

God had answered our prayers.

Sunday

Sunday morning we were ready for Shepherd to pick us up for the drive to Nalabumba at 8:00.  He arrived right on Zamtime at 8:30.  After some discussion, we decided to take only one vehicle, which meant that Chris, Grayson, Timmy and Muhammad would ride in the back of the Isuzu.  This vehicle has a topper on the back, but this only manages to keep the dust and wind out.  They loaded mattresses and floor pads in hopes of finding some comfort as Shepherd drove down the road to Kabanga.
I’m not sure I can describe how bad this road is.  This narrow dirt road connects the mining area of Kabanga with the highway that leads from Lusaka to Livingstone.  Big trucks hauling amethyst and maize create washboard conditions that jar the teeth.  Boulders and potholes fill the road, so creative steering is required. This road to Kabanga is to bad, that I like to say, “there is no road to Kabanga”.
Shepherd drove slowly and with expert care and attention, yet the 4 men in the back had suffered much by the time we arrived at Nalabumba on hour later.  The makuas stretched a lot and moaned a little from being rocked and bounced around.  I’m certain this is not an adventure they will enjoy repeating.  We will definitely have to rotate who rides in the back as we travel to this village the next three days.
Bible study was scheduled for 9:30, and we started right on Zamtime at 10:00.  Shepherd taught a great class, and Chris gave another wonderful sermon.  The singing blessed us all, and at the end of the service eight or nine young people from Sunday school stood up and quoted the individual  scriptures they had memorized.  It was very encouraging.
The best part of worship for me was the collection.  After the plates had been passed around and the total announced, as is the custom here, a young boy about 8 or 9 came to the front carrying this large white sack.  I leaned forward and whispered to Angie, “I think it is a chicken”.  It wasn’t a chicken; it was a cabbage.  It humbles me each and every time a person contributes the fruit of their labor.  I am reminded that God accepts whatever we have to offer when it is given with a cheerful heart.  I would love to post a photo, but the internet is not cooperating.
I've also wanted to includ a picture of the babies from Kasensa on a Saturday afternoon stroll.  The aunties had put the 4 older ones in a wagon with high sides and were pulling them along the road between Kasensa and the church building.  It was a precious sight.  We moved from 7-Fountains to the Mbumwae home on Sunday afternoon, and I think we will all miss the babies.
Sunday evening we attended church services at Namwianga Mission where as many as 700 students gather.  The singing defies description.  At the end of the service, three different groups presented music, and each chorus astounded us.  What a joyous blessing. 

Thank you so much for writing.   We can feel your prayers.  ~ Marti

Three full days

It is Saturday night, rapidly approaching midnight, and I'm not sure where to begin.  Since we last posted on the blog, we've had three very, very full days.  Thursday morning Angie, Grayson, Emma, Rachel and I went to Kalomo town to the market.  We wanted to buy chitange fabric so Angie & the girls could have skirts made, and Chris and Grayson could have shirts made.  Ruhtt helped us haggle and bargain so we could get a good price. I wanted to go along, because I wanted to see their reaction to the market.  I was not disappointed.  I handed the camera over to Grayson and he got some very good pictures.  I'd love to be able to post them, but the internet connection is very slow this evening.  Perhaps we will have more luck tomorrow.
Thursday morning became Thursday afternoon, and we decided to have lunch at El Pantano, a fabulous restaurant in Kalomo.  Ruhtt called ahead, and we had chicken wraps and El Pantano coolers waiting for us.  The food was delicious, and the El Pantano coolers, a fruit drink with a secret recipe, was a big hit.  The big excitement for me, was the gathering of church leaders from surrounding areas who were waiting near El Pantano to catch their ride to the Leaders' Meeting being held at 7-Fountains church over the next 3 days.  I met friends that I have not seen since our trip to Siamabele two years ago.  I was touched that they remembered me.  Soon, Shepherd arrived with the Lory to take the people to 7-Fountains, and the Stewarts and I climbed on board, too.  Angie said it was her first ride in a Zambian convertible.
The Leadership Meeting started Thursday afternoon and lasted until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.  I lost count, but I think Chris preached 6, maybe 8 times in 48 hours.  That has to be some kind of record.  It is so encouraging to see how anxious these men and women are to learn how to be leaders.  They love God, and they love His Word; blessings overflowed!  Angie and I each took a turn speaking to the women, and Grayson, Emma & Rachel talked about the importance of teaching children when they are young.  They also helped the group learn songs the leaders could use to teach their children important facts, stories and concepts from the Bible.
Something really special happened on Saturday.  Angie was scheduled to speak, and there was no female interpreter.  Ba Wilson solved the problem by going to get one of the cooks, a young woman named Charity.  Angie had been praying through her anxiety about this event for months, and she did a fantastic job of speaking at just the right pace, with just the right pauses to make interpreting easy.  At the end of her talk, Angie turned to thank Charity, and Charity said, "it was my first time to interpret."  That was not at all evident; it was more like the two of them had practiced together for weeks.
Through these three days, we continue to enjoy playing with the babies at Kasensa.  We often have one or three joining us for the dinner hour, which is often by candlelight, solarlight, or flashlight.  Joan has cooked for us frequently, and the Stewarts have adopted a new saying, "Food tastes better in Zambia."  The fresh produce from the garden and fruit from the trees definitely adds to the wonderful flavor.  The absence of first world distractions, and good company, and being able to reflect on a day purposefully spent contributes to the enjoyment of food, as well.

Thanks for reading.  Thanks for commenting.  Thanks for praying.
~Marti

Farewell, Siabalumbi

 I think it is best if we let the pictures tell the story of our last day at Siabalumbi.  Yes, I got a bit teary when I was saying goodbye to the teachers, but the children are the ones that rip the heart right out of my chest.  I think the Stewart family feels the same way.

The Stewarts and Richard.

Siabalumbi school.

The only way we can connect to the internet is through our satellite USB in the middle of the yard as Grayson demonstrates here.

As I mentioned, the Grade 3/Preschool teacher stole our hearts, especially Angie’s.  Here is a picture of the two of them together. 

Emma and Rachel with a group of children, look at the love.

Learning to line up for class.

Grade 1 P.E. Class.

The beloved Pre-K class.

Painting the mural in Siabalumbi Church.

Mixing cement for the new Siabalumbi school buildings.

African sunset.

Carrying bricks to the builders.

Walking home from school.

Just a note to say that we had another great day at Siabalumbi.  Internet remains cantankerous, so I am sitting out on the lawn watching the sun go down with the laptop on my lap typing this post.  The USB modem only works outdoors, and we are away most of the day.  Thanks for all your prayers.  The people we are working with are receptive and encouraging.  We are learning very much. 

Monday at Siabalumbi

2012-06-04

From Emma

Hello all! Although it has only been about a week, it seems that so much has happened. It’s still strange to me that Zambia is 7 hours ahead, so when it’s 12:40 for you, it’s 7:40 here. The negative side of this is that our sleeping habits are all out of whack. We’ve gotten to know 8 of the 9 babies that live here because Abroham went home today. I love how they all have their different personality quirks, and characteristics that make them unique. Today we spent our time at Siabalumbi, at the school there. We taught grade 3 reading techniques Grade 4 we attempted to help with long division (attempted). Also the pre-schoolers and grade 1, where we talked about colors, numbers, letters, and shapes. This last group was a joy, very eager to learn, and very interested in the makua (white people). Overall, everything is different, but also similar. They are more advanced in technology and there are more white skins than I expected. As Gray said, the weather is awesome, but the mornings are quite chilly. The food is incredible. Joan is an excellent cook and every night my stomach feels full to the brim.

         I could attempt to tell you all about Zambia, but quite honestly it is indescribable. You’d have to come see for yourself. The view from even 7 Fountains (the orphanage we’re staying for now) is beautiful, but the view up on Siabalumbi is even more so. The people are incredible, so welcoming, especially the children.

            Gray is standing over my shoulder, pestering for his laptop back, so I must go. Thank you for reading! I hope all is going well back home.

Some pics of Rachel and Emma with the babies:

 

Comparing North American Education and Zambian Education is like comparing a penguin and an eagle; they are both birds and that is where the similarity ends.  At first glance, there is often a mixed reaction of WOW! These schools look a lot better than I expected, and WOW! Every visual aid, every flash card, every poster is drawn by hand – when do they have time to do that?  What the Zambians lack resources they make up for in innovation.  For instance, there were no math manipulatives for the Grade 4 class, so the teacher asked the pupils to go outside and gather 100 stones each.  She gave the two minutes.  At the end of two minutes, students poured into the classroom with their shirts forming a container for 100 stones.  I was amazed at how quickly these children could count the numbers for their division problem.  How would you like to teach or do a division problem like 2100 ÷ 17 = n with 100 rocks?  

Angie’s group of 6 boys was especially bright and they whizzed through the problem.  I worked with a boy who really struggled, and I longed for something besides rocks to use as counters.  Angie, Grayson, Emma and Rachel did a fantastic job of encouraging and prompting the students so each child could succeed on his own. 

I think it is safe to say that we favored the Grade 3 teacher; she teaches Gr. 3 in the morning and Preschool in the afternoon.  She was enthusiastic and animated and it is obvious that she cares about the children. She was very receptive to some ideas we introduced for teaching phonics, and it made me feel very good when she asked if we could come back on Tuesday so she could learn more.

Can you find the pencil this Grade 1 boy is using to write the word /cat/?

Chris spent the morning with the Bible teacher and then taught two Bible classes in the afternoon.  At the end of the day, the teachers treated us to sweet potatoes and tea.  This afternoon snack revived us and sustained us so we could enjoy the journey back to 7-Fountans.

After another wonderful meal, Angie, Chris and Joan went to the Mbumwae’s for the Bible study they hold each Monday night for the college students.  Grayson, Emma, Rachel and I washed dishes and made lunches for Tuesday.  Early to bed so we can rise early tomorrow feeling rested and ready for another blessed day.