Twenty-one on the Twenty first – Birthday in Zambia =)

I woke up bright and early this morning, 6am, to go for a run with Kim (my roomie), Kayla and Hannah (Robertson girls) plus other activities to start our morning on the right foot. Well, I suppose a morning is started on the right foot when it is begun with time spent with the Lord – and so of course that’s included as well. Then I went to breakfast for 7am and the kids at my table all wished me Happy Birthday – shortly after 710 Mr. Ronald rung the bell and said “Now, I have no birthdays on the list, but does anyone know whose birthday is today?” Nkisu answers, “Miss Laura!!!!”. So then I was forced (well expected) to stand on my chair while the whole school sang to me. It was rather embarrassing – pretty sure I turned the same colour as my red shirt. Ha – but it was great! I’m pretty sure I’ve never been asked to stand on my chair while 72 Zambian children sang Happy Birthday to me.

First class was at 840 and it was strange because the kids were really quiet when they came to the door, and they all started to sing Happy Birthday complete with a version in English and Lunda – Miss Janette took a picture of me with the grade ones and twos! Then I thought I’d give them a present for my birthday and so they got spelling tests. At break, Ms. Saunders (who likes us to call her Vicky) had a delicious cake made complete with twenty one candles . After lunch, I accompanied the Robertsons on their excursion to Ikelenge.

Just a thank you to all of you who sent Birthday wishes and such through email, facebook, ecards, cards in my suitcase J, cards hand delivered to Sakeji… It really means a lot !!!

So, let me update you on my recent activities. Mornings begin at 7am sharp with the sound of the bell summoning student to the dining hall (btw the meals are FANTASTIC! Thanks to Ms. Saunders and her staff!) At 745 the kids have assembly (Kim and I run it on Wednesday) where the kids sing to begin their day. Monday afternoons I have “off”, meaning I do not have to attend meal time with the children – it’s a good break. Thursday and Friday afternoons I have relatively free as well so I’m always up for some kind of adventure away from the school into the lives of the locals.

Incredible – it’s almost the third weekend here in Zambia… Let me rewind to weekend one....

May 9th/10th
This was my first weekend on duty (meaning I have to be on campus at all times, or most times to supervise ). The morning still begun at 7am with breakfast and morning devotions (since there is no assembly) and I took Kim’s class (known as Ms. Caulback) for the period before break at 10am. After break, I helped Ms. Jill Avery (known as Ms. Avery) with gr1/2 hand crafts. At some point close to the middle of term, there are is a “Birthday Party” – so instead of celebrating each student birthday during the term separately , it’s celebrated that day. The theme for this year is Hawaii. So, in art class we made shell imprints, Hawaiian tropicals (aka flip flops) and little Hawaiian people. In the afternoon I supervised swimming at the pool and by the river. On Sunday, Kim and I taught Sunday School – since it was Mother’s Day, we thought it appropriate to teach about a well known mother in the bible – Mary

Magnified God
Obeyed God
Trusted in God
Humbled herself to God
Exalted God
Rejoiced in God

(source – the best book of all J -the Bible) I supervised until lunch where the older girls took advantage of my drum. For those of you who are unaware, Tara Jo and I bought a drum in Isreal – I was going to send it back to Canada but I’m glad I didn’t. It add a nice flavor to our singing time and the kids love it. After supper there was evening fellowship, led by Tim McDougal where Christians from around the area come to sing, pray and enjoy Christ for the evening.

May 14th
Adventure #1 with the Robertsons: I’ll say that they accompanied me on a bike ride- lol. We took our bikes (when a woman rides a bike, or goes anywhere, it is proper to have her legs completely covered. So, I wore a chitengue (a wrap type thing) on the bike – it’s definitely a skill to learn… not to get it caught in the spokes and to have it tied such that it does not blow in the wind) alongside the airfield then we came to a T . Left = Mutshasha, Behind = Sakeji School, Right = Hillwood Farms. Venturing left towards the Congo we went through two villages Mavunda and Yiangainga. Another note for women, usually, you do not greet men unless they greet you first – if you do, it can be thought that you are interested in them. At the school however, it’s polite to greet the workers! Going through the villages, I felt as though I was in a parade – all the children were coming to the side of the road waving yelling “hiiiii or mwaniiii”. After the second village we reached the Robertson’s road and the home that they are in the middle of building. The houses are usually made of ant hill dirt (GIANT ant hills are demolished and made into houses.. or something like that. ) – with all the refining of the ants, it makes for a sturdy house. Their foundation is laid and 17 ft (or more) of the well is dug. They have 10 acres of land and have a few fields planted. Coffee plants are placed closest to the road to serve as a type of fence since coffee beans are tedious to pick – so to avoid thieves. But, the rest of the crop will be visible from the main road and they hope to serve as model farmers (for all you ewbers) in the village area. They have planted right now a green manure plant which uses nitrogen to replenish the soil with nutrients to allow for successful crop growth. I also got to see their latrine (aka "bathroom" ... pic to the left... also for you ewbers) .. a luxurious one at that!

This seems long enough for one update .. oh and just a note - I apologize I haven't loaded many pics - it just takes too much MB - so perhaps once in a blue moon you'll see some pics :)

I pray all is well in Canada – or wherever you may be reading this from.
God Bless,
Laura

P.S. I had written this yesterday, actually the day of my birthday but I’ll give an update from today – I SAW A SNAKE! It was a huge school thing.. all the kids gathered around Mr. McDougal and Mr. Ronald as they courageously took out the snake with a large stick. It cracked each time a strike was taken at the snake. I had just woken from a nap and as I came out of the house, I heard the kids whisper “Miss Laura, there’s a SNAKE!!!!” – luckily I woke just in time for the action. So that was my first sighting of a snake in Africa! Woop woop !!!

Mwani from Sakeji School !!

Bruce Poidevin met Allan and I at 1:30 PM and we loaded into the plane (6 seats) with 2 children from the school. The flight was around 3 hours long ( I think.. I kind of lost track of time as I was sleeping). But I did wake up in time to take in an hour of the view. We flew for a few mins over the Congo, so I can say I was in the Congo (ha) and then we landed. Upon landing, a swarm of kids from the village were running towards the plane to meet us.

Mr. Robertson (Him along with his wife and children are at Sakeji from Quebec since 2005) met us at the plane with a vehicle to take our bags to the school. Kim (Ms. Caulback) and Pam (Mrs. Ronald) ran up the road to meet us with open arms and then we road back to the school in the truck bed. We had arrived just in time for supper.

Entering the campus, I was at its beauty; an AMAZING learning environment for these children, grade 1-8. I can see why those who have come for a term + have fallen in love with the area, the place, the children, the people and long to return. The headmaster has employed approx 60 villagers to work here at the school, and so each day I get to mingle with Lunda speaking Zambians. Most speak either English or French as well which makes communication a little easier, but I hope to learn at least some Lunda by the time the term is over.

I live in a house with Ms Kimberly Caulback. I wasn’t too sure about it at first (he he, just kidding!!!! ) – it’s been awesome so far living with her and I’m sure it’ll continue for the rest of term. Our free time is used by sleeping (1st priority), jamming with piano, guitar and drum , reading or just talking for hours.

So, I’m sure many of you are wondering : “Laura, what are you doing at Sakeji??” Well, let me tell you!!

I am known to the students as Miss Laura – I share teaching the grades 1 and 2 with Miss Janette (who is an amazing individual – as is all of the staff I’ve met so far). I teach Spelling, Language, Phonics, Creative Writing, Handwriting, Reading and Physical Education (all for gr 1&2) - pretty much filling in for what Tara Jo was teaching. To add to that I supervise the playground on Mondays of week 1, teach and supervise swimming on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, teach piano on Tuesday afternoons and other random things that arise throughout the week. I am kept quite busy and so any free time I tend to use for sleep. It’s amazing how much a person can sleep when they have the opportunity to do so. We awake each morning at 6:20 (or 6:50 depending when we went to bed) for breakfast @ 7am. My classes begin at 8:40 and go until tea time @ 10. I usually have class then until lunch at 12:10pm. After lunch in rest hour (I need to bring this concept back to Dal! It’s definitely an essential part of the day..) and then maybe a class or an activity of some sort until supper at 5:30pm. The juniors (gr 1-4) go to bed at 7pm and the seniors (gr 5-8) at 8pm. Each night of the week there is usually a special activity for them before bed; chat time, movie, music, etc.

Beginning the 2nd week here at Sakeji, I feel Im getting into the swing of things. Here’s a list of my grade 1s and 2s that you can pray for =)
Grade 1: Ntemesha, Kuwunda, Musala, Temwani, Watela, Naomi, Nkisu
Grade 2: Victorious, Mwitwa, Ndala, Mwengwe, Broddy, Naomi R, Mark, Kirrilee
They are amazing kids – and Miss Tara Jo, I’m taking care of your babies for you =) ..attempting to do so anyways. They are full of so much energy and love – it’s great.

Now I sit relaxed in the Admin finishing up my afternoon off. Every staff member has one afternoon off – I used mine today for sleeping =) Ms. Jill Avery has the same afternoon off as I, and so when it’s convenient we will be going into Kilene for an afternoon bible study with her friend Joyce who runs a bible study.

I have a request – if any of you have any neat ideas for teaching the subjects I have mentioned above, please share them with me =) With phonics, I’ve incorporated music, which the kids seem to enjoy and helps them remember. There are books to help out as well, but fresh ideas are always helpful!

Thanks again for prayers and support.
Much love,
Laura

Arrived in Lusaka, Zambia!

At 5 30am on May 5th 2009 - Allan Kember and I arrived in Lusaka - as we exited the plane, the sun was beginning to rise ; the beauty of the African sunrise.
I speak for the whole "Pilgrim Group" when I say : Incredible trip to Isreal!!!! . Here's a little overview.

Saturday night

There was a bit of trouble leaving Toronto with a severe thunderstorm ripping through the area. The luggage carts outside were being blown around like paper bags. So, I suppose it was good to be on the ground for the time-being. The flight was 8 hrs long - but not too bad with movies, sleep and food provided kindly by Alitalia.

Sunday -In Rome- the airport was much smaller than expected. Half of us had already boarded when they discovered technical difficulties and we had to disembark while the repairs were made. They didnt seem to be in any rush to get us anywhere -lol. An hour later we were in the air. Tel Aviv- Israel greeted us with warm weather and sunshine. Reuven Solomon, our tour guide met us, and on our way to the hotel we visited Joppa, home of Simon the Tanner, and where the ship picked up Jonah.

Monday- Headed up the Mediterranian coast and stopped at Caesarea(Jeswin - Acts 24), Mount Carmel (David Z - 1 Kings 1:18-41), Tel Megiddo, and the Brow of the Hill (Luke 4:22) in Nazareth for overnight. We stayed at a guest house in Nazareth called Fauzi Azar Inn. Derek, the team leader of 8 other Americans who are volunteering at the Inn and around Nazareth took us downtown on a walking tour and we bought the most delicous "canoffee" dessert. Brian treated! Yummmmm! Back at the Inn, we had a sing and it was amazing!!!!

Tuesday- Up bright and early and to the Nazareth Synagogue where we sang and had devotionals. (NBC showed up bright and early and followed us for the 2 day bike tour. We will be airing on the Today Show on May 11th. Also, they provided us with red Jesus Trail shirts) Biking- We followed the Jesus Trail as advertised on the internet as a walking trail. We didn't know, until that morning, that we were the first people to actually bike most of it. Silvie was our guide and she was great! Her assistant, Anna, captured pictures for an advertisement phamplet. We met Silvie, our biking guidein Cana and walked up, up, and up! Lots of commotion getting our bikes, helmets and gear ready. The trail was rough and mostly uphill at first. But it was fantastic !!!! The view along some of the trail was tremendous. Camping- We arrived early at the campground so we helped set up tents, prepare supper, and build a bonfire pit. Before anything was done, Lois Kember lef us in stretches and Silvie organized a massage circle. It was like the Israelites in the wilderness.... every man had a job. Because it was Memorial Day the "facilities" were locked up solid! But not to worry: lots of trees. Around a bonfire we shared testimonies, life's experiences, and had an awesome hymn sing. Troy Thomas actually had the gall enough to let a two-litre bottle of water spray freely in Brian's tent after he had settled for the night. (he did think it was someone else..) Quite the night to remember!

Wednesday- We woke up to NBC news crew.. lol. Independence Day: A celebration of Israel's 61st year of being a recognized state. We took the bus to the top of Mount Arbel and then the bikers started their hike down the mountainside. It was pretty steep in some places: only metal U-shaped hooks to hold on to and step on. Half way down we met some cows and a bull in a cave. No bull chases and we made it down the hill in record time. This time one of NBC crew hopped on a bike and accompanied us as we drove. We biked through Magdala, stopped and swam at a natural spring. While there, a Jewish family invited us to join their holiday celebrations. They shared their food and beverages with us...much appreciated! As we biked through fields, woods, and along roadside paths we had time to meditate about Jesus, his journies, miracles, and teachings. It was quite a moving experience to share with each other and pray along the way. Lunch was picnic style in a citris grove. On our bikes and on the trail again. Lots of dust as we biked and VERY hot! One final hill was the highlight of the afternoon (not!) but then a swift ride down into Taghba. (Where Jesus breaks the five loves and two fishes.) Just a few more kilometers to we visited Jesus' Synagogue in Capernaum. Overnight at Capernaum.

Thursday- All a bit stiff and slow moving this morning as we visited the site of a 2000 year old ship. It has been restored using parafin wax and it was easy to see how Jesus would have lain in the ship's hinderpart. Down to the seaside for a cruise on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41)Water was smoothe and spirits were high. Hymns, "Life Lesson" devotional, and a nice quiet time gathering our own reflections rounded out this experience. A modern day 'Peter' demonstrated how to throw a round net to catch fish - but nothing was caught :( Next was the Mount of Beatitudes (Matt 5:1-20, 43-46) and a visit to the Jordan River. We waded into the waters and watched other individuals in white robes dip seven times into the muddy waters. You were to rent the white gown if you wished to do the dipping, so we didn't - although Russell got quite close. Next stop was Bet She'an where we had lunch and then travelled down the Jordan Valley to Jericho. Although we were not allowed into their territory, they have a nice stopping place for facilities and giftshops on the highway, so those needs got met. Some quick thinking pilgrims took advantage of a camel ride. Tara Jo and I bought a drum for future jam sessions=) The camel owner offered Brian 26 goats for Tracy Walker, Manitoba. He seemed very impressed with her riding! hee hee.. Arriving in Jerusalem in early evening, while Reuvan blared "The Holy City" hymn on the bus's P.A. system, we toasted (non-alcoholic juice) to the peace and blessing of Jerusalem on top of Mount Scopus.

(Pictures : Rive Jordan, Bet Shen and the Sea of Galilee)

Friday- The day started with a ride into Bethlehem (we had to switch bus and tour guide since Jews are not allowed in) where we visited the House of Hope. This is a school for the blind and children with special needs. Rhonda Davis is the director and is looking for volunteers to help out - http://www.houseofhopemd.org/ We went back into Jerusalem where we picked up Reuven and headed to the Mount of Olives ( Matthew 21, Zechariah 14). It was incredible to stand on the Mount where the Lord has promised to return. Gethsemane (John 18, Luke 22) meaning corruption of "olive press" was our next stop. Olive trees do not die, but rather old bark crumbles away and new shoots spring through - there was a 2000 yr old tree in the garden. Here we got a group photo in front of the Eastern Gates. Next was the Temple Mount and the House of Caiphas. We sang in the Sacred Pit (#324) and on the steps leading to his house - it is here that it is guaranteed the Jesus walked. It was very moving to look and see Gethsemane and the path that Jesus would have walked to Caiphas' house, the pit where he stayed, the steps he walked and then finally Golgotha and the Garden tomb (John 19). At the tomb, we sand "Lord I lift your name on high" and when we came to "From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky - Lord I lift your name on high" we were actually able to point to those places.. It was incredible. At the base of skull hill, there is actually a bus station (like are you serious?!) but we gathered there and sang hymns and shared devotionals. After supper than night, a few of us walked to the Western Wall (aka Wailing Wall) - walking through the streets of Jerusalem at night was awesome even though it was streudeled with garbage. We met a Jewish man who sang to us some songs in Hebrew - It was the Sabbath.

Saturday- First stop was Messada where we had to take a Gondola to the top. We also visited David's Waterfall(1Samual 23:28-24:12, 16-18), where some of the boys went swimming - absolutely beautiful! Next was the Dead Sea - here we covered ourselves in mud, dried in the sun and soaked in the sea. Lots of pictures taken here!!! It is 33% solid material and so when you submerge your body, you float like crazy! After, your skin felt super smooth. That night we went to the mall.

Sunday- The day began wonderfully with morning meeting in Jerusalem. It was the most incredible and spiritually enjoyable meeting as 17 brothers took part. Mary, who owned the house that this little room was attached to, privided us with refreshments after. Her and her husband were commended from Britain many years ago - and he has of late gone to be with His Lord. After fellowship, we went to a Holcaust Memorial - Yad Vashem , the Western Wall and the hall of the Last Supper. To end our last day in Isreal, we went to the Valley of Elah and filmed a re-inactment of David and Goliath. Absolutely hilarious!

We were to leave at 2am the next day to go to the airport and so many of us didnt sleep - instead signed our "yearbooks" and shared the sites and devotions we've enjoyed over the past week.

What a trip!!! I would suggest anyone reading this to take your time and money and travel to Isreal! You will NOT regret it - to walk where Jesus walked is just incredible.

Monday- May 4th We got our flight at 530 am ( I had some trouble getting through, apparently I dont look like my passport photo.. ) and arrived in Roma at 8am. My flight flew to London at 2:15 pm and so I had time to go with the group to the Colosseum. Arriving in the huge London airport, I met up with Allan and a crew of nurses from a school in BC that were also going to Zambia. The flight was 10 hrs long.. but with sleep, movies and books it was fine. I was sitting next to a girl - Mhlabangobo , who is coming home toLusaka for the summer. She gave me her number and said if I ever needed anything to give her a call and she'd take me around to see some of the sights =)

So now it's Tuesday and just waiting in the Lusaka airport for the plane to pick Allan and I up from Sakeji.

Not sure how much access I'll have at Sakeji - so I'll try an update as soon as I can.

God Bless!

Laura

(It's taking forever to upload pics, so I'll add some more later)