Friday 14 March 2014

Zambia- Final Blog!

Tuesday

Sanchie kept telling me she will miss me loads today- the feeling was mutual!
It was sunny again today, after all the rain yesterday! Sunshine for our last day :)
We began the day with giving out certificates to the I.T class and English Lit class, this was great!
They were all dressed up and very excited about receiving their certificates!
In the afternoon we gave out some more lollies to all the school children, whilst saying goodbye to every class! We then popped into town to exchange our left over money and get the family we stayed with some chocolate! We also picked Gladys up, who had been shopping for our leaving meal that evening- in a carrier bag she had 3 live chickens! She put them in the boot of the car, and I couldn't help jumping every time one of them squawked- needless to say I couldn't wait for dinner time ;)

For the rest of the afternoon, we spent some really lovely time with the children. Malama and Suzen disappeared, and came back with a letter for me- telling me how much they love me and will miss me. So lovely!
Another of the girls, Lilian, gave me a bracelet which says 'God bless you.' Such lovely girls. We shared the last of our sweets out with them all, and they were very happy!
When it came to 7 pm, George arrived to collect us. The goodbyes were the hardest thing! All the children walked with us to the car, and little Catherine started crying and whispered in my ear "I will always remember you Auntie Hannah". I couldn't stop crying after this... and Ali was really upset too. Eventually, after hugs all round we got into the car and went onto our next destination- our leaving meal at Glady's house!
We turned up a bit late and most people were already there and waiting for us. The gathering was basically all the Pastors and their wives, all just wanting to thank us for our work there. It was a lovely time- and the chicken tasted good too ;)
After this we said more goodbyes, seemed to be never ending and really hard!
This night we didn't get much sleep as we wanted to stay up and be with the family for the last time. In the end we went to bed and got a few hours kip before getting up to travel home!

Wednesday & Thursday

We said goodbye (more goodbyes!) to the amazing family we stayed with, and said we hoped to see them again sometime... and piled into the car at 8 am.

Next we picked up Farayi and James and George and Yvonne came with us also to the airport (Yvonne was going to make sure George stayed awake on the way home!)
A long, bumpy drive to the airport and we were finally there! We said our goodbyes to George, Yvonne and Farayi who was staying on for a few more days.
Finally, we arrived in Kenya where we met Len... it was good to catch up with him and hear all his stories... we had a 7 hour wait in the airport, so it gave us plenty of time!
After this we travelled back the UK, which took about 9 hours. Then we waited in Heathrow airport for another couple of hours... then finally headed home! (27 or so hours later).
Got in about 10.30, and was very happy to see Livs and Esther coming to greet me... it was so good to be home!
Went into my room and there was a big welcome home banner and lots of yummy food on my bed... happy days! Have spent the last couple of days just catching up with people and it's been great. Been very busy though and haven't had any time to just sit and process anything yet- time for that will come though :)
It's been an amazing two weeks, and it's good to be home :)





Tuesday 11 March 2014

Zambia Part Three

Sunday

Today started with church. This week we went to George and Yvonne's church- it's a pioneering branch off of the main All Nations Harvest Church. There were about 10 (ish) of us at the service... bit different to the 100 or so last week! Still, it didn't make a difference. There was still masses of life and I really enjoyed the service... 'when 2 or more are gathered...' became evident... it's not about the numbers but the hearts.


Waiting for the church to be unlocked

Yvonne asked me to open the service with a prayer, next she called Sanchie up to lead the intercession and prayer- this was very powerful and well led, next Yvonne led the worship- no microphone or instruments... just voices, it was beautiful. After this Ali was asked to share her testimony, and this she did very well! George then preached about the church being a team and everyone needing to know where they are corporately going together. He also touched on ministries and gifting, saying everyone has a part to play and is needed. After this we had a little response time... he called people forward if they didn't know their ministry in the church, and asked Ali and I to go and pray for them... thrown in the deep end much! It was fine though- I prayed for a girl named Bertie and had a wisdom picture for her of her gathering people to her. God was saying He has called her to be a gatherer of people and this will grow the church. I told her this and she said she is very happy and encouraged, as she used to love to invite her friends, but got disheartened when they didn't come. She said she now knows she's got to persist and trust God in this. Thank you Jesus! 
We were called to give an offering by another guy after this, and he shared his testimony of how last Sunday he gave the little money he had left, and the next day he found a house, which he has been searching for for a long time- and he could afford it which was a miracle- he gave all he had and God met him in his need. So inspiring to hear. After this I was asked to say the closing prayer and then we went to the Hungry Lion for a take-away (chicken and chips) yum.

The afternoon was pretty chilled after this, lots of sitting around and catching up with George and Yvonne at home. It was such a hot day, hottest so far, and I was very grateful when running water came at 5.30 pm!

After this we had some cow's heart for tea, was actually nice! And then we had a Skype call to Heart, was good to see some familiar faces and weird at the same time, thinking that this was going on in England while we're sat in Africa!

Monday

Farayi and James joined us again this morning, which is nice. The team is back to four :)
Been at the church again today, and it's raining- what a relief after the hottest day yesterday!
First thing in the morning we visited the babies class, and saw them playing with the toys we had bought them and did some filming... this was lovely :) 
The baby class!

One little girl, Precious, cries every time she sees us... think she's scared of white people hehe.
After this we had a really healthy lunch, which consisted of tropical juice, crisps and chocolate! 
In the afternoon we gave out the paintings which some people back in the UK had painted to send over... this was lovely- the children loved them. 
We also presented Catherine (the youngest girl- aged 9) with a blanket which Doris knitted in England to send over, bless her. Catherine was very happy! :) 
A fairly slow day today- we seem to be flagging as a team... two weeks is probably about right we have decided :) 
Farayi is just taking a meeting for married couples at the moment and then we can go home for some dinner, yay... it's 7pm here! 

Later- 
we got home about 8.30pm and enjoyed some lovely rice, chicken and vegetables for dinner! Then we had a hot chocolate and sat around chilling... then for an early night, busy day tomorrow- last day at the Church, it's going to be sad!

Saturday 8 March 2014

Zambia Part Two

A fairly chilled day today, and a chance to update my blog from where I got to last…

Tuesday

Today was different to most days, as I had to go to the Zambian hospital this morning! Turns out I’d had an allergic reaction to a bite of some kind, and had a rash developing all over my face. George took me in, and we payed 120 Kwacha (about 12 quid) to register me, then went straight into the doctor’s room- much faster service than back home, but I get the feeling maybe George jumped the queue as some people were sitting patiently outside the room… oops!
The doctor diagnosed me as having an allergic reaction, gave me 2 injections to take away, a pack of antibiotics and some cream! We went to pay for all this, and I was thinking it would cost a fair bit… however, it was only 90 Kwacha (about 9 quid) so that was a relief! Next was the first injection… that wasn’t very fun, but hey, it helped!
We took the second injection away and I was told to return with it that same evening as it contained a sedative, and having it first thing wouldn’t be too clever!
After all this George dropped me at the school to join the others. On the way though we stopped to get some petrol and the guy at the pump asked George if I was his wife! He later explained the reason he asked this was because I’d had my feet on the dash board… and here, only the wife of the driver can do that- oops!!
I spent the morning counting all our literacy books we’ve sent over, so Nathan and Steven know if any have gone missing at any point! Then, after a very filing (not) lunch of biscuits (we didn’t mind though as it was so hot, so we weren’t massively hungry) I went in to teach a class of school children how to use the computers. It was crazy... about 30 students all crammed into this small room, and the power was down too, so the fans were out of use- it was very hot and stuffy! Despite this I really enjoyed taking the lesson, I thought it would be quite difficult teaching 30 students, being as I’m not a teacher ha ha, but I kind of just blagged it and it seemed to go well. The children didn’t know how to switch the computers on, so we began with this, and then logging in and finding their way around the computers. I decided they would probably enjoy paint, so I showed them that, and sure enough they loved it… success!
After this the school children went home and I taught the children from the orphanage the same… by this point we were down to about 4 working computers, as the power was still out! It was good though, the children loved it, despite having to take it in turns to use the last few working computers!
After this I decided to go outside and get some sun, as I’d been inside all day. Peter and Francis were outside, so we ended up chatting- they both shared their amazing testimonies with me… and then I shared with them about Christian Community… was a good time.
After this it was back home for some food… this was welcomed very well as we’d obviously missed lunch! Over tea, George was sharing his testimony with us of how much God has provided for him… very inspiring.
After tea, George, Ali and I headed back to the doctors for my second injection…and I enjoyed a Skype call to home (Living Light) in the car on the way… so lovely to see them all! Waited a while for the injection, but it was fine, then home to bed we came!


Wednesday

One day later and the rash is already beginning to clear… so glad!
I felt sleepy for most of today though, I think it was the sedative they gave me in the injection last night… knocked me out a bit… but, was just glad it is working!
I taught the same lessons today as yesterday- still focusing on the basics, but they’re picking it all up quickly! One of the girls, Chilli, was practicing typing on Word, and she wrote ‘I love you Hannah, you are so good.’ So sweet… wish I could bring all of the children home with me!
The day passed slowly, I think because I was feeling so tired… but, eventually we went home and I skipped tea and got an early night.

Thursday

Feeling much more awake today, thank God! We started the day with a trip into town to get some toys for the babies at the school. They were well received!
Then back to the Centre and taught some more I.T lessons. This time I taught the children Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing (a DVD I brought from home), which is very good… and the children loved it as it has some typing games on it also! After teaching the children, the teachers wanted me to give them a lesson… I guess it will be good for them to know for when we’ve gone.

Went outside and played with the children from the orphanage after this. They asked me to teach them some games we play in England, so I taught them POLO, what’s the time Mr Wolf and bulldog… was great fun.
In the evening we had Sharon and her children over for tea. Sharon was hosting James, and she was missing him as he travelled to Lusaka today, so she came to us instead. She’s lovely.
George’s sister and children were also here, so it was a full house… felt like community, it was lovely.
I whipped out the hot chocolate and chocolate biscuits I brought from home and we ended the evening enjoying these together.

Friday

Headed into town again this morning, but on the way George got stopped by the police! Turns out he didn’t show enough signs of stopping at the stop sign, and wasn’t wearing his seat belt. So, into the car came the police woman… and off to the station we drove! We waited in the car while George went in, and didn’t wait too long before he was done. He got fined 300 Kwacha (about 30 quid), and this was more than he had, so he was going to drop us off and try and find the money, before picking us up! Bless him.
Anyway, eventually we got into town and George helped us to bargain with the market guys! Normally they rip white people off, but George helped us to get good prices. He’s a great guy, so glad of his help on this trip! 
When we were walking around town people were shouting 'white, white' at Ali and I which was quite amusing for us and George :P 
After town we went back to the Centre, and on arrival were greeted by a pile on hug from all the children… so sweet! Honestly don’t know how I’m going to manage to leave them next week!
After this I taught some more classes again, Mavis Beacon on request. Then again chilled and played some games with the children in the sun. It’s so hot here!
Also, I filmed some of Ali’s literacy students and some of the children about the I.T class. Then Ali and I had to interview each other about the week!
On the way home it was very quiet in the car and I took some time to think about everything… time to think has been sparse! We’d been told today that when Sharon, the orphanage secretary, goes home the children lock themselves in and sort themselves out. Same in the morning before Sharon arrives. It’s crazy, such independence at such a young age. They are looking for someone to come in and be there full time and stay with them… but it’s working out the finances that is the tricky bit for them. I hope and pray they work something out.
I was thinking about all sorts in what felt a lifetime in the car… how happy the children are, despite how hard their lives are, how I’ve never heard one of them complain… and trying to figure out how we can continue to support them when we have come home.
Had to switch off from thinking when we arrived home, and go to my bedroom to compose myself as I suddenly felt a bit emotional about it all.
Gave it to God and I guess that’s all we can do… and pray for his wisdom with how to realistically further help them!
Came out of the room to a lovely dinner of chicken and chips… yum! Sanchie is an amazing cook… and we still haven’t had fish… woohoooo! 

Saturday

Today was meant to begin with a Women’s meeting at the church. We arrived, and a wedding was about to take place! Seems the Women’s meeting is no longer on the agenda. Ali and I sat around, waiting to find out what we should be doing, and eventually Gladys came and found us, telling us all the women were waiting for us in a small school classroom! The meeting was ok, Ali spoke very well about Community and commitment etc. She did well to shout over the noise of the wedding music in the next room!
After this we were rushed out of the room and into our rest room, and served Fanta and biscuits for lunch! It felt strange to be rushed out once Ali had done her bit, as the meeting was still going on. We would’ve liked time to talk to them afterwards, but it seemed it wasn’t to be.
We didn’t really know what to do with ourselves for the next hour or so before we got picked up, as none of the children were about. So, I went out and sat on a wall… the grass isn’t safe to sit in, too many insects and lizards about! I enjoyed a few minutes of just sitting and thinking… very rare to get this opportunity out here! It only lasted a few minutes, as one of the girls from the orphanage came back and came and sat with me on the wall. I hoped she wouldn’t get into trouble for climbing the wall… but no one came to tell her off! When we were chatting, Catherine, age 9, said to me “when you go home, take me with you.” So heart breaking. I just told her I would love to, but it wouldn’t be possible. She’s asked Ali and I a few times now to take her away. It’s been amazing seeing the change in her since we first arrived though. When we first got here she was incredibly shy and sad… now she runs to give us hugs and is all smiles most the time. She loves the computers, bless her!
This is Catherine :) 

After this, Catherine went off somewhere with Hannah, one of the older girls, and I was left alone in the blazing hot sun for a few minutes before Peter arrived to keep me company. Peter, 17, asked to take me for a walk down the road to show me the area…so I agreed and went for a walk. We met Lilian on the way so she joined us too. We just walked down the road, as I didn’t want to go too far off the premises! On the way back a guy from across the road shouted us and insisted we talk to him… he came over the road and started to ask me how England is and how I’m finding Zambia etc. He then decided to be really forward and ask for my number… I quickly blagged that I didn’t know it and made a swift exit with Peter and Lilian. We had a good laugh about it on the way back. The culture here is funny!
Got back to the Centre and just sat around for a while with Ali, watching the children play footie. Then into the computer suite with the children again… then home!
It’s been nice to have a slightly slower paced, more chilled day. Just waiting for dinner now… it’s 7.30pm and I’m marving!
Also managed to get myself pretty sunburnt today… oops!
That’s all my ramblings for now, will update some more days when I next get the chance!


Monday 3 March 2014

Zambia Part One

Finally a chance to sit down and try and write a proper blog post... now to try and remember the last few days enough to (briefly) summarise them! :)
Wednesday
The flight here was a long and tiring one- none of us got much sleep on the plane, and the film selection wasn't too brilliant- I ended up watching Despicable Me 2! Finally we arrived at Nairobi airport, to find the next plane was delayed! We sat in a hot stuffy room for a few hours waiting for the next flight. I ended up chatting to Tanya, Farayi's niece- he was dropping her off in Kitwe so she can go and live with his sister now. She is a lovely little girl and I enjoyed hearing her tales of Zambia (she grew up here).
We eventually boarded the next plane and arrived in Kitwe a couple of hours later. The second half of the flight felt longer than the first! We were relieved to get off the plane, as the air conditioning had broken, so it was very hot and stuffy! However, when we got off the plane it wasn't much cooler! We waited to get our visas sorted and finally we felt we were on our way! :)
As soon as we got out of the airport some guys came up to us and ushered us into their cars- we were later to discover who they were! Pastor George was one of the drivers and he's done a wonderful job of looking after us and driving us about :)
The drive to town was an interesting one... so many sights to see and things to take in. People were selling goods they had crafted on the roadside, loads of people were walking everywhere- but still a number of cars about too, there wasn't a buggy in site!
I felt fairly self concious as everyone was staring at us through the car window and I felt very aware of this! A group of lads went by in their truck and spat at us! At this point I was pretty worried about my stay here and thinking it would be like this the whole time.
We went into the bank and changed some dollars, and into some shops etc. Then on to have a meal- KFC! Lots to take in and we were exhausted. We came out of the cafe and a little boy came up to us with his mother who is blind, and began begging us for change. Farayi explained to the boy that we had just arrived and didn't have anything to give.
Immediately you are struck by the poverty here.
Finally- we arrived at George and Yvonne's house and were introduced to the family...George, Yvonne, Sanchie, Rachel and Agape. Sanchie is George's sister and Rachel her baby.
Our bags were swiftly taken off of us and we were shown to our room. Then we sat down for what must've been our fourth or fifth meal of the day!
Shortly after this we decided for an early night as the travelling had left us exhausted!
Thursday
The next day, we were served a delicious breakfast of porridge and fried eggs! More English than we expected and Alison and I were relieved!
We then headed off to the conference. We didn't actually spend much time in the conference, instead we were shown around the Centre. The Centre consists of a school, orphanage and care centre. We were shown into all the bedrooms and classrooms. I felt incredibly humbled... possessions are minimum.
The children were very shy when we met them the first time- but one class started to sing to us 'The love of Jesus is so wonderful' when we first entered the classroom.
It was a mad experience to meet these children, so many of them orphans too. We all came out feeling a bit overwhelmed... and then Ali and I had to try and put into words what we were feeling on camera...that was a difficult task!
When we later arrived home, we enjoyed another lovely meal with the family. They have a tradition in Zambia where they wash your hands for you before the meal... so they washed our hands and we tucked in. After dinner, Ali and myself tried to help clear the table... we were quickly told "no you are our guests- you are not allowed!".
Sanchie was keen to get us into our bedroom after this- and picking up our bags she showed us to our room again. We were soon to discover why she wanted us to go to the room- they had brought us some curtains and a bedspread... and also tidied our room and unpacked some of our stuff! (we'd just slumped into bed the previous night). We were blown away by this action- they really want to bless us and be the best hosts they can be... they have so little, yet they insist on giving so much.
Friday
We met some of the children on Friday, and for a large portion of the day we were playing with the children- skipping with a long piece of elastic, racing and singing Zambian songs. Ian and Len were still in the conference at this point.
The children became a lot more confident and really enjoyed having some new people to play with :) They began to call us Auntie Hannah and Auntie Ali- apparently it's a sign of respect here.
These children have already got a big place in my heart - such a range of characters and personalities- and they all just love us to play with them. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them all!
Following this, we had some lunch together- there was an option to have some Kapenta, but I gave it a miss! Len bravely ate some though, and reported that it is actually quite nice... hmmmm!
After this, some of the girls- Taonga, Mulama, Christine, Suzen and Catherine took Ali and myself for a walk.
We only went over the road to the playing field, but even that was a little daunting. It was the first time Ali and I had gone off unsupervised- as normally we should always go somewhere with another adult from here. Needless to say - it felt more like the girls were looking after us than the other way round! They grabbed our bags, water, notepads, cameras and insisted on carrying it all for us. One of the girls said "when you come back again, bring me a bag" to me. That's another culture difference that has really stood out in our time here- where English people are very polite and would think it rude to ask straight out for things, everyone here is the opposite and quite happily ask for what they need or would like. It highlights the fact that they are just so desperate for anything, as they have so little. Heart breaking.
When at the field, they showed us the boys playing football and then took us for a little walk around the market which was on the same premises. I think they were hoping we would buy them something, but we had no money at this moment in time!
Again, we headed home to enjoy another delicious meal and spend some quality time with our hosts. Agape, the little boy age 7, really came out of himself as he was quite shy to begin with. He now comes running to greet us with a huge hug, bless him. Rachel, the little baby seemed quite shy to begin with and a little scared of us, but now she's all smiles! :)
Saturday
We decided to come and meet the orphans on Saturday- as they were in school on Thursday and Friday. Sharon, the leader of the orphanage rounded up the children, and we were then to present them with their gifts. We handed out the TShirts first- a white TShirt each with Jesus Army and a red cross on them- they love them! Followed by several footballs and skipping ropes. The children came up one by one to receive their gifts and as they did so they took a bow... so sweet. We then watched the place turn into total chaos as the footballs started flying! Great fun.
Ali and myself had also bought some hair accessories for the girls, and sweets for the boys earlier that day. They were ecstatic to receive these!
We then headed over to the field again and the lads played some football, while we played some team sport games.
 This was my highlight so far... seeing the girls really come to life, and also chatting to some of the older girls about home life and showing them my photo album of pictures from home, and pictures of the fundraising activities to raise money for this project. They were blown away... one boy later said, "wow, these people in the UK have really sacrificed for us!".
We were happy to chill out Saturday evening, as it had been such a hot and tiring, but amazing day. I bought some of my chocolate bars and hot chocolate out to share with the family... they were very happy :)
Sunday
We were told we would leave for church at 8am, as it begins at 7am... we actually ended up arriving at 8.30am haha! True African style!
I loved the service. It was so lively and I really felt the presence of God in this place. Then Pastor Nathan preached about unity- very similar to the teaching we have at home, so it was lovely. Felt like we are definitely one heart and soul with these people. When we started to sing 'Let there be love shared among us' with joined hands around the room, this was confirmed!
I forgot to say, previous to this, Ali, James and myself had to introduce ourselves and say a little about ourselves to the church. I usually hate public speaking, but this time it was different. I was just so aware that everyone here is so free and not self-conscious at all, that it made me feel the same. I felt, and feel, so at home with these people. It also helped me to have to speak slowly as I had someone interpreting me! Ali shared a bit of her testimony which was brilliant, and very powerful.
After this we had a Hungry Lion take away- chicken and chips, yum.
 The food is actually quite similar to ours in a lot of ways... apart from Nshima which is their traditional food- I really like it which is a relief :)
Sunday afternoon we played with the church youth over the playing field again. Another lovely time of meeting new people and really getting to know some of the previous children. I spoke to Sharon a little bit, who was telling me how she was bought up by Pastor Steven and Gladys, as her parents had died of malaria. Malaria is so common here, and so many people seem to have lost relatives because of it. Just the other day, another lady named Sharon was sharing her experience with me of loosing her husband due to it and she welled up whilst telling me, bless her.
In the evening we went back home and George and Yvonne's neighbours came to meet us, so we chatted with them for a while. We then attempted for an early night... it soon became late though when we decided to start rigging up our mosquito nets!
Monday
Today, we got up at 7am and left the house early to come to school. School starts at 7 here, and finishes at 1.30pm.
I helped James in the I.T. class- doing some filming and also helping the adult students to follow his instructions. They didn't know the basics such as logging on, so it seems a really amazing thing to be teaching them these skills. It's great to see the laptops all in place and being used too!
We've done a fair bit of sitting around and catching up since then.. Ali is currently teaching her literacy class, until 4pm (our time), James is outside kicking a football around and I am here, blogging- it's taking ages to try and summarise so much, I'm sure I've missed out loads!! At 4pm, so in 20 minutes, I will be going to be with the children in the orphanage for some time... looking forward to that.

To summarise- we are being very well looked after by our hosts- above and beyond the call of duty! We are all enjoying our time here very much, this Centre and the staff are amazing. I feel very at home here, and am very much enjoying getting to know the children and adults :)