The day before this weekend, was Kim’s convocation day and so there were congrats the whole day plus a bonfire to end it off. This was my first weekend OFF duty. The morning still begun at 7am with breakfast and after break, I helped Ms. Avery with gr1/2 hand crafts where we made fish pillows. The students drew a fish on material, cut it out and began to stitch it together – that’s right they used a need and thread! Now, I think in Canada, this would be considered huge hazard for kids that age (right mom?! J ) but they did just fine – I was quite impressed with their stitching abilities.
On Sunday we went to Ikelenge for breaking of bread .. which I’ll talk about a bit later.
The 18th was the first Monday Jill and I begin our Monday afternoon adventures. We went to locate the Magistrate and the Lord brought her right to us as she came towards us on her bicycle. Then we went to the orphanage near the farm to visit with the children and for supper. Helen and Esther run the orphanage and Helene told us all about her trip to South Africa.
May 23/24
Kim Kaulback and I teaching the juniors (gr 1-4) for Sunday School. I decided to teach a lesson on David and Goliath and then get them to re-enact the scene. It was quite a time!!! And of course at the end, we all watched the re-enactment that the Isreal crew did while we were in the Valley of Elah. King Saul + Abner duo and the lip syncing Goliath got a few laughs. I’ll have to show you all when I return.. (compliments of Mr. Allan Kember)
The 25th was the first Monday I went to the Lunda women’s bible study in Ikelenge. Jill and I drove to the orphanage owned by Joyce and Bernie just in time for it to begin.
The 28th, a few of us went on a game drive at Hillwood Farms. It was quite fun and we got to witness a hunt!
May 30/31
Another weekend off – woop woop. On this Sunday morning we also went to Ikelenge. At the door we are greeted by the elders, who do speak English and greet the others as well but in Lunda. First we sing in Lunda or Lavalee – which is fantastic!!! Everyone is singing from their hearts, as someone stands at the front leading the singing and hitting their hand off the pulpit to the keep the beat as others clap along. Then there’s the gospel meeting which is usually translated into English for us. The speaker was a doctor from Kiline. Then the women are asked to go outside while the men discuss certain issues and pray. My French has come in handy here and some women speak French since we are so close to the Congo border. I’ve become close to a woman named Rachel whom I’ll talk about a little further down. Then we are summoned back inside for the Breaking of Bread. There is of course singing and then the new visitors are asked to stand as they introduce us. The first Sunday this meeting was not translated, but this week it was. All in all, this is another fantastic experience – enjoying what the Lord Jesus has done for us on the cross amongst only a few who know English. Just goes to show that there are a number of ways of communication!!!! – and I’m sure I’ve been practicing them all out here.
On June 1st, I ventured to Ikelenge by myself, consisting of a 20-30 mina bike ride, greeting those as I go in Lunda of course. Then I went to the market – this was pretty big because in the past Ive always been with someone who can at least carry a convo in Lunda.. I can now – kind of .. so I was rather excited. I bought 2 chitengues (which is really just 2m of material used as a skirt) and Apple Max (specialty of Zambia – carbonated Apple Juice). I bought the material because I want a traditional African women’s outfit made and Rachel (the woman who speaks French from the assembly) is a seamstress! She informed me that she lived behind the catholic church … but there are about 50 homes behind that church – ha. Luckily when I stopped into say hello to Mwuise (the book store owner who gets supplies from Sakeji who also speaks French), Rachel’s father-in-law was there!!! And so I had an escort to her home. I then went to the women’s bible study but this time by myself. The women really enjoy when we take part as well – so I share my thoughts in English while Joyce translates into Lunda. Also, I’m up to reading 10 verses in Lunda! .. I was told my pronunciation is pretty good as well , so that’s a bonus. It is quite something spectacular to be able to share the joy of knowing the Lord as Saviour with fellow believers when we can barely speak each others language! Quite an experience.
Tim and Mary McDougal left for Canada Thursday past :(An AMAZING couple who went to see their new grand-child (well, soon-to-be … not sure if it’s born yet) and they’ll be returning here for third semester.
Friday past was June 5th and so I had to get my visitor’s visa renewed. The Robertson’s and I made the treck to the Angola border to see the immigration officer. What a treck it was… all I have to say is that road is not good for anyone's car or back ... 4 hours of camel/horse back like bumpy roads lol. ; collasped brigde on the way back; passengers who think I can speak Lunda .. but quickly understand I cant lol ; and of course many other interesting stories along the way
Today begins half term - goodness how time flies. So that consists of two days with no classes, filled with activity for the students. Right now, Kim and I are in charge of 620 morning swim … providing hot chocolate - just waiting for the student to arrive.
To wrap this update up, I’ll share a few thoughts..
…. Whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heave, thou art there…
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Ps. 139: 7-10
Someone added this passage to my birthday card a few weeks ago (my dad) and Ive held it dear ever since. I love the thought that no matter where we are, whether it’s home, school, work, Israel, Canada, US, Australia or Africa the Lord will be there to lead and comfort us. Which leads me to another thought..
If I ascend up into heave, thou art there…
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Ps. 139: 7-10
Someone added this passage to my birthday card a few weeks ago (my dad) and Ive held it dear ever since. I love the thought that no matter where we are, whether it’s home, school, work, Israel, Canada, US, Australia or Africa the Lord will be there to lead and comfort us. Which leads me to another thought..
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come
unto you; but if I depart,
I will send him unto you.
John 16:7
Even after the Lord Jesus dealt with 3 years of persecution, was betrayed by his own disciple, bore a crown of thorns and was mocked publicly, crucified on the cross - all because of OUR sin – when He was returning to Glory with His Heavenly Father, He was still concerned about US and promised to send a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to dwell in us until He promised to return. Like how AMAZING is that?! What a Saviour we have .. Who would love us SOOO much to continue to think of us and our needs even after because of OUR sins, we sent him to the cross.
I pray this will be an encouragement and enjoyment to each of you as it was to me.
Much love!
Laura
