Thanksgiving in Zambia 2008

We had a wonderful time of thanksgiving with our fellow missionaries on Friday. The large gathering took place at the Washer home again this year. There was plenty of room, plenty of food and plenty of thankful hearts.
I have more picts, but they just won't upload to this entry. I'll try on a separate one.

Auntie in Residence

Since the middle of October, we have had the privilege of having Auntie Rachel live with us. Previously, she lived in the Beamans guest house, but she was left homeless after their abrupt eviction. Actually, many of us missionaries were fighting over who got her. We won! We enjoy having Rachel around, but the kids absolutely love her. Rachel is in Zambia short-term, serving as secretary at Central Africa Baptist College.

Leadership Conference

Last week Central Africa Baptist College hosted their fifth annual Leadership Conference. It consists of an expository preaching block class (this year based on Revelation) for pastors and a variety of workshops for laypeople in the local church. Over 70 pastors and over 100 laypeople were in attendance this year. Speakers included Dr. Sam Horn, Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Jones, Dr. Joe Helm, Mr. Jerry Frye, Zambian pastors, CABC faculty and other missionaries. John and I had prepared a two-hour workshop on teaching children about God which we were to teach four times during the week. We did this on Monday, but then John fell sick and was not able to attend the rest of the conference. Thus, I managed to teach the other three days by myself.

Mrs. Erin Jones taught the ladies three times and we were encouraged and challenged by what she shared from God's Word. Monday before the conference started, our GFA team enjoyed a wonderful lunch and time of fellowship with the Joneses. Our girls had fun listening to Auntie Erin read books.

On Wednesday evening of the conference, the CABC students performed a drama directed by Joy Washer. They did an excellent job and we were challenged by the lives of great men and women of faith who have gone on before us.

On Thursday evening the building for CABC was dedicated. The service was very special. Even the mayor of Kitwe graced us with his presence and addressed the crowd.

During the week, we had the honor of having the Joneses in our home. Even though John was sick and not able to attend most of the conference, he still had a few moments when he was able to visit with our guests while they were with us. We are grateful for their sacrifice in time and resources to come and minister alongside us and to us.

Girls Night

One of the missionary families that worked alongside the college moved to South Africa on Monday. We enjoyed ministering with them and fellowshipping together. Our kids had many fun times playing together. Their 4 year old daughter and Becky are great friends. Before they moved, the girls had a sleepover at our house. They had fun playing together and then talked and played in the dark for quite a while before Mommy made them be quiet and go to sleep. We will miss the family, but are excited about how God will use them for His glory in South.

A little boys' dreamland

Zambia is full of small and not-so-small creepy crawlies that make it a critter paradise, especially in the rainy season. This little frog was resting on one of the poinsetta bushes in the back yard.

At the college, there are thousands of tiny frogs about the size of a pencil eraser. The kids had fun playing with them.

This large snail was slowly making its way somewhere in front yard.

This large spider was on the outside of the house by the kitchen windows. We are thankful for screens on the windows!

Are you hot?

When Auntie Joy comes to visit, Becky often asks her, "Are you hot?" If the answer if positive, then Becky wants to put Auntie Joy's hair up to help her cool off. Joy is very patient and tolerant during this lengthy process. The end result is always unique.

Fringilla Farm

The middle of November we took a quick trip to Lusaka, the capital city, to meet with a man about the house we will be renting here in Kitwe. We were able to stay at Fringilla Farm/Guest House. We enjoyed the quiet atmosphere while the kids had fun on the playground. They also enjoyed walking around the farm and seeing the animals. We saw goats, pigs, cows, chickens, and ducks. There were cute Siamese kittens hidden in one of the lots among some old farm equipment. We quietly watched them play for a while. The goats were cute until they started butting the kids - then they got annoying.

The grounds around the guest houses and restaurant are very well kept. We were amazed at the size of this flambouyant tree. This picture doesn't really do it justice. I couldn't get far enough away to get the whole tree in the frame. The flambouyant trees are beautiful in October through December with their red blossoms. I remember last year I was watching the red petals fall from the trees in our front yard and thinking that it really was autumn!