Post-Zambia Musings...

I decided not to write a blog again when I was out in Zambia, and I was quite glad I decided that as our time there was quite busy and I don't know when I would've found time! It was an amazing time and though I don't want to waffle on for too long, I will try and summarise the main things we achieved.

The first thing was that the school was in danger of being closed down by the government because of poor lighting and ventilation. The extension they had been given to get this sorted was actually after the Easter break, and we went during the break, so the timing was perfect! We paid for 8 new openings with louvre windows, plus 6 new strip lights and 3 large fans. The school is an amazing thing to be able to give to as it caters for a large number of vulnerable children, including those from the orphanage (up to grade 7), and the lighting and ventilation will definitely make a huge difference!

First of five openings to provide better lighting in the School

The next thing we set out to do was to give the Internet cafe a boost. Ritesh was taking classes each day, and he also trained Vincent, who is going to take the whole thing forward. We also paid for the next internet installment, and for a sign board advertising the cafe, school and English classes. The English classes are still happening and going well, and Ali was able to give Agnes some training on her new laptop (which we also bought), and this will facilitate communication of easy exchange of teaching resources.

New sign should hopefully bring lots of people in!

My personal highlight was the final thing we gave to, and that was for a bore hole to be dug. The work men drilled over 50 metres underground to reach water, and the Centre will now have fresh, running water 24/7! It was so exciting to watch and wait for the water to come up, knowing that it will make a huge difference to the lives of the children living there, and everyone who works at or visits the Centre 😊

The bore hole being dug

They were the main things that we used the money we raised for, as well as other little things like hair clippers and food. Something we want to put in place now is to help to provide the children with food, clothing and school/college fees, so watch this space as we get it set up. Once again, thank you so much to everyone who donated or helped with fundraising in any way, without you none of this would've been possible!

I really enjoyed spending time with the children every day and teaching them to play some games that we took over, which they loved! The family we stayed with were really lovely too, and very hospitable. It was definitely less of a culture shock going back this time, and it was so lovely to see old friends again, and make new ones also. The hardest bit was definitely saying goodbye to the children, it's so heart breaking to leave them behind, I wanted to pack them all in my suitcase! 😉  

Teaching some of the children to play Twister

A lesson that I learnt/something I felt God speaking to me about was gratitude. I just realised again how much we have and how much there is to take for granted- running water and an ample supply of food & drink being two of the main things, as well as many more luxury items that they just don't have. I just felt that I should be so grateful for all I have, not just materialistic things either, but also my amazing family, friends, church, a job to go to etc. Their love and trust in God convicts me too, because although they have so little materialistically, they have so much in the Kingdom and their love for God, and need for Him and His provision is so genuine. Makes me think of Matthew 5:3 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.'

I'll leave it there as I still haven't fully processed everything, but basically it was an amazing time and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to go back. God is good.