From London to Lusaka, the flight went so well.
When I left a couple friends were saying in light of the many prayers that were offered up and the specific ones of the Lord doing beyond what we could expect or imagine, they could not wait to hear how well things would go.
So here you go...The flight was not full at all, which meant we were able to spread out and I pulled the “I have alot of kids card” to one of the flight attendants. They said that after take off people could change seats and spread out some. So I asked one of the attendants if we could have several of the seats toward the back for the kids to sleep. She said ok and I am very glad I asked her because as soon as the seat belt light went off and we went back there she was standing by two rows telling others no they couldn’t take these seats.
SO what that meant for us was that we had 7 rows! 4 of the two seater rows in our regular seating and then 2 three seat rows and another two seat row in the back. The kids were so weary that before take off Emma fell asleep, as well as Jackson. Caleb was starting to nod off too! Everyone was able to stretch out and get some sleep if even just an hour or two. By this London to Lusaka flight we had been awake a full day and a half and the Lord just blessed us with this kindness.
We arrived on time into Lusaka where it was warm and sunny. We didn’t have any trouble with the Permit issue, they let us in and had to just pay for James and I and he is to go and start the process to renew the permit this week.
ALL of our bags arrived. This is another great blessing! There were 24 checked bags, 8 rolling carry on suitcases and 8 backpacks. Everything made it.
We loaded up and came home to the house.
I will say it was a bit surreal feeling walking into the house.
We were all happy to be home, but feeling a bit strange too.
I don’t know about most people, but as soon as we get back form a trip we start unpacking. So we started opening bags and boxes to see where things were, if certain items, “made it” and started unpacking. We were attempting to bring a tv back. The prices here are expensive and we got a good deal on one the day after thanksgiving so we thought we would give it a try. Well it arrived, but had a crack in the screen so is black on one half of the screen when we turn it on. There was a puncture in the box so somewhere in transit that must have happened.
Disappointing, but in light of all the things we brought, we have no complaints.
6 laptops ( personal and ministry ones) made it. Picture frames, glass candle holders, small kitchen appliances, christmas ornaments, lots of clothes and shoes, pots and pans, books, CDs, DVD’s..etc
Now we are having to figure out where to put all these things. So we are still unpacking and sorting things out. We had decided to move the kids rooms around so not only are we unpacking but we are clearing things out of closets and drawers too.
Seems like alot, and it is, but rather unpack where they were going to be then have to move things twice we decided to go ahead and do it now.
We are all getting over the jet lag and had a good nights sleep sunday night. Saturday most all of us were awake and 3 am. Several of the kids have allergy issues the last 2 days, so hopefully those will settle down once we readjust to things here.
The kids will start school on wednesday. It will be Jackson and Caleb’s first year in school so I want to make sure they are caught up on sleep before they have to be in the classroom setting.
As we were landing we all commented on how green everything is. The garden is full of corn and we just enjoyed some for lunch today. Limited and Perjuite, our workers were very glad to see us and asked how our trip went and how everyone is “that side”. It was sweet they missed us too.
We were back at church yesterday and it was good to see everyone and hear people telling us they missed us and welcome back. We worshipped at Ibex Hill and it was great to hear the singing and pastor Kasongo preaching. He was ordained as a pastor last month. He was a student at the Copperbelt College so James has especially enjoyed seeing the “fruit” of the College.
The Lord has blessed our travels. Thank you all for praying.
Please continue to pray that we would re-orient back into the culture here, and be joyful in the midst of the frustrating or inconvenient aspects of daily life. (Roaches taking over the kitchen, trying to get internet started again, laundry ) I was commenting to James about how I started a load of laundry and now 5 hours later it is still not finished washing. (Water pressure issues). He jokingly said, “Well you think we should call up British Airways and see if they can book us a flight back?”...
Ok. Point taken, thanks deary.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
En Route
We are waiting in the airport in London. All day. We ate lunch at the Giraffe which is where we ate the last 3 times we have been here. James and I might get one more starbucks drink before we head to our gate in a few more hours.
The kids have been on the internet on webkinz and now are watching a dvd on one of the laptops. Dora, not too exciting for the majority of the kids anymore but it is for Grace, she just took a good nap in her stroller. We have all been trying to catch a little nap as we are spread out in a busy section of the airport. Every 5 minutes the speaker announces which flight is closing and the time. Talk about making the time go slow!
There are Shops all around us, but what is the point of looking, we can not fit another thing into any of our bags. :-)
The Lord was very kind yesterday and everything went great at check-in. We arrived in plenty of time to the Louisville airport. All the luggage was loaded in a 15 passenger van, then all the kids were loaded in another van and all the backpacks and carry-on suitcases in a third vehicle. Our check in went very smoothly and we were not even charged for the 2 oversized and overweight bags! That was great.
One of the challenges going through all the airports is everyone is pulling a suitcase or pushing a stroller. And 6 of the 8 suitcases are the ones that tip over when you let go of them, so every time we stop all the kids bags fall over...Thankfully just now in London we were able to check 5 of the bags through so we only have 3 to keep track of.
We had several friends out to say goodbye to us at the airport. I was talking to a few of them and the younger kids were crawling on the floor under the seats. I said, that's fine with me, I don't even care if Grace is licking the floor as long as everyone is happy!
Well about 10 minutes later I look over and Jackson was licking the arm rest of the chairs we were sitting on.
WHAT???!!!!
I was joking, it wasn't to be taken literally. Funny thing is he did not even hear me saying that. HA! oh well.
Our gate in Chicago was right across from a play area which was such a blessing! We were able to meet my cousin for about an hour before going back to the international flights and earlier in the day we parked ourselves at the end of a baggage claim area near the escalators and elevators and we all took turns with the kids going up and down and running around them. A couple scraped knees, bleeding through their jeans and all in all it was a good thing keeping them busy!
Let's see...what else. I guess this blog is mostly for me today just writing to have something to do! Grace fell asleep on the plane coming here during takeoff and slept until about the last hour or two. That was another blessing.
Thanks for praying!
The kids have been on the internet on webkinz and now are watching a dvd on one of the laptops. Dora, not too exciting for the majority of the kids anymore but it is for Grace, she just took a good nap in her stroller. We have all been trying to catch a little nap as we are spread out in a busy section of the airport. Every 5 minutes the speaker announces which flight is closing and the time. Talk about making the time go slow!
There are Shops all around us, but what is the point of looking, we can not fit another thing into any of our bags. :-)
The Lord was very kind yesterday and everything went great at check-in. We arrived in plenty of time to the Louisville airport. All the luggage was loaded in a 15 passenger van, then all the kids were loaded in another van and all the backpacks and carry-on suitcases in a third vehicle. Our check in went very smoothly and we were not even charged for the 2 oversized and overweight bags! That was great.
One of the challenges going through all the airports is everyone is pulling a suitcase or pushing a stroller. And 6 of the 8 suitcases are the ones that tip over when you let go of them, so every time we stop all the kids bags fall over...Thankfully just now in London we were able to check 5 of the bags through so we only have 3 to keep track of.
We had several friends out to say goodbye to us at the airport. I was talking to a few of them and the younger kids were crawling on the floor under the seats. I said, that's fine with me, I don't even care if Grace is licking the floor as long as everyone is happy!
Well about 10 minutes later I look over and Jackson was licking the arm rest of the chairs we were sitting on.
WHAT???!!!!
I was joking, it wasn't to be taken literally. Funny thing is he did not even hear me saying that. HA! oh well.
Our gate in Chicago was right across from a play area which was such a blessing! We were able to meet my cousin for about an hour before going back to the international flights and earlier in the day we parked ourselves at the end of a baggage claim area near the escalators and elevators and we all took turns with the kids going up and down and running around them. A couple scraped knees, bleeding through their jeans and all in all it was a good thing keeping them busy!
Let's see...what else. I guess this blog is mostly for me today just writing to have something to do! Grace fell asleep on the plane coming here during takeoff and slept until about the last hour or two. That was another blessing.
Thanks for praying!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Twas the night before...
TAKE OFF
And all through the house, several creatures had been stirring
and making quite a ruckus.
The van was loaded with much care and 24 bags sit waiting,
hoping for no extra bag fares.
Our goodbyes have been said, and we are weary but well-
just can't wait to get home now, but must sit for quite a spell.
16 hours on a plane, and 16 hours in the airports...
Ok I can't take this rhyming any farther.
I was stretching it for those few sentences wasn't I?
I am sure Ian could as he is really good at that kind of thing. We read a book on the founder of Chick-Fil-A ( our favorite place to eat) and I told him to write a poem and he did. It was quite entertaining. But ...
Maybe I am a bit giddy as I am so ready to get home now.
I know the irony of it all is no sooner than we are back I am sure we will be missing things about America again.
The kids and I have talked about this a few times. They are ready to get back as well even though they have enjoyed their time with their friends. I should say all the kids except Grace.
She was laying in bed tonight, arms folded behind her head on the pillow and she was telling me she didn't want to go back to Zambia!
I reminded her of her room, the trampoline, swing and things at the house. But that didn't help.
I am sure in her mind, America means fun, great food, candy every time she is at church from one of our pastors, and lots of attention from other people! She has loved having older kids carrying her around playing with her and catering to her. I think its safe to say between all the people at church, and her grandparents and family she has been spoiled! No wonder she doesn't want to go home. She is still not a American citizen anyway so she has overstayed her welcome, from the American Embassy's point of view...
Since we were delayed with my surgery her visa was not extended so we are hoping not to run into any problems leaving the country. We would appreciate your prayers for that, as well as for James Work visa.
When we left Zambia, he was notified that his work permit/visa had expired and he will need to reapply for one when we return.
Theoretically this should not be a problem, but who knows what will happen when we arrive into Zambia.
We have been blessed to have this extra time here and have felt more encouragement and strengthening from the Lord. We are leaving in a far better state than when we arrived and for that we are very thankful!
I have recovered from the surgeries and am walking fine now and feeling much better.
Our church prayed for us tonight specifically in regards to several different areas of our personal and family life. It was a blessing and we are continually humbled by how much we are loved and cared for and prayed for but so many people!
Our plane leaves tomorrow at 1:30 and we fly to Chicago where we have a 6 and 1/2 hour layover. We then fly eight hours to London where we then have a 8 hour layover before flying 8 more hours into Lusaka.
We should arrive into Lusaka 7 AM Saturday, which would be midnight Friday night here. So anytime you think of us and wanted to shoot up a quick prayer, we would be so glad.
It was great to see some of you while we were back, though I know there were many we didn't get a chance to visit with.
Thanks for supporting us with love and prayers!
Next Post should be from Zambia. That country that just happen to win the Africa Cup of Nations last week! YEAH!!
And all through the house, several creatures had been stirring
and making quite a ruckus.
The van was loaded with much care and 24 bags sit waiting,
hoping for no extra bag fares.
Our goodbyes have been said, and we are weary but well-
just can't wait to get home now, but must sit for quite a spell.
16 hours on a plane, and 16 hours in the airports...
Ok I can't take this rhyming any farther.
I was stretching it for those few sentences wasn't I?
I am sure Ian could as he is really good at that kind of thing. We read a book on the founder of Chick-Fil-A ( our favorite place to eat) and I told him to write a poem and he did. It was quite entertaining. But ...
Maybe I am a bit giddy as I am so ready to get home now.
I know the irony of it all is no sooner than we are back I am sure we will be missing things about America again.
The kids and I have talked about this a few times. They are ready to get back as well even though they have enjoyed their time with their friends. I should say all the kids except Grace.
She was laying in bed tonight, arms folded behind her head on the pillow and she was telling me she didn't want to go back to Zambia!
I reminded her of her room, the trampoline, swing and things at the house. But that didn't help.
I am sure in her mind, America means fun, great food, candy every time she is at church from one of our pastors, and lots of attention from other people! She has loved having older kids carrying her around playing with her and catering to her. I think its safe to say between all the people at church, and her grandparents and family she has been spoiled! No wonder she doesn't want to go home. She is still not a American citizen anyway so she has overstayed her welcome, from the American Embassy's point of view...
Since we were delayed with my surgery her visa was not extended so we are hoping not to run into any problems leaving the country. We would appreciate your prayers for that, as well as for James Work visa.
When we left Zambia, he was notified that his work permit/visa had expired and he will need to reapply for one when we return.
Theoretically this should not be a problem, but who knows what will happen when we arrive into Zambia.
We have been blessed to have this extra time here and have felt more encouragement and strengthening from the Lord. We are leaving in a far better state than when we arrived and for that we are very thankful!
I have recovered from the surgeries and am walking fine now and feeling much better.
Our church prayed for us tonight specifically in regards to several different areas of our personal and family life. It was a blessing and we are continually humbled by how much we are loved and cared for and prayed for but so many people!
Our plane leaves tomorrow at 1:30 and we fly to Chicago where we have a 6 and 1/2 hour layover. We then fly eight hours to London where we then have a 8 hour layover before flying 8 more hours into Lusaka.
We should arrive into Lusaka 7 AM Saturday, which would be midnight Friday night here. So anytime you think of us and wanted to shoot up a quick prayer, we would be so glad.
It was great to see some of you while we were back, though I know there were many we didn't get a chance to visit with.
Thanks for supporting us with love and prayers!
Next Post should be from Zambia. That country that just happen to win the Africa Cup of Nations last week! YEAH!!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Rooting for Joy
Two weeks from right now and we should be cruising at a high altitude above the Atlantic Ocean, beginning our journey back home. I just wanted to write a quick note and ask for prayer as we finish up our time here. Our last couple weeks are packed with last minute things.A few more doctor appointments, visits with friends, one more sermon for James at our home church this coming Sunday, a couple more trips to Target and Walmart and we should be set.
Then there is packing. The weighing of the packed bags, rearranging things so they are at the limit, packing more bags deciding what to leave behind because we can't fit it in, or because we didn't need it in the first place-then reweighing the bags again! 6 of the 24 are good to go. Packed fully and weighing in right around the limit.
Often it is during these times that I get stressed and sadly, irritable and awnry, or is it ownry--either way I don't know how to spell it cause I shouldn't be that anyway! I was telling a friend no matter what, it seems like any trip we plan for and pack for, even when we lived here, I always get tense and stressed the day before and morning of. So, here is where my praying friends can remember me and my family.
We have 2 more weeks. As James tells me, we are getting on that plane with what we have and if things don't make it that is fine, we will be ok. It would be great if these next 2 weeks were a time of joy and peace and happiness. Not of stress and crankiness. The indicators of the last few days would point to the latter. I am rooting for the former and praying for that too. I can root all I want for it but without Jesus giving the grace and strength and joy, I know I won't be very fun to be around! So thanks in advance for your prayers!
Then there is packing. The weighing of the packed bags, rearranging things so they are at the limit, packing more bags deciding what to leave behind because we can't fit it in, or because we didn't need it in the first place-then reweighing the bags again! 6 of the 24 are good to go. Packed fully and weighing in right around the limit.
Often it is during these times that I get stressed and sadly, irritable and awnry, or is it ownry--either way I don't know how to spell it cause I shouldn't be that anyway! I was telling a friend no matter what, it seems like any trip we plan for and pack for, even when we lived here, I always get tense and stressed the day before and morning of. So, here is where my praying friends can remember me and my family.
We have 2 more weeks. As James tells me, we are getting on that plane with what we have and if things don't make it that is fine, we will be ok. It would be great if these next 2 weeks were a time of joy and peace and happiness. Not of stress and crankiness. The indicators of the last few days would point to the latter. I am rooting for the former and praying for that too. I can root all I want for it but without Jesus giving the grace and strength and joy, I know I won't be very fun to be around! So thanks in advance for your prayers!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Last "Tour"
Well the time for us to have left for Zambia on our original plans has come and gone. I am still on recovery from the second surgery and James was able to squeeze in one last "tour" of churches in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Since this was a driving trip he was able to take Sarah and Emma with him for some father-daughter time.
Sunday He was in Greenville, PA at Crossroads Community Church. Pastor Todd Jaussen was out to Zambia this past year and their church has been supportive and interested in continuing to supporting the work.
Today he spoke to a group of Pastors at the Pastors Fraternal in New York. Then this evening he was going to be presenting the work in Zambia to a church in Albany, NY. Tomorrow night ( wednesday ) he will be at the church in Dolgeville, New York. The pastor there, Lenny Byerly is the one that got James connected with Zambia in the first place. So they have a special place with us and the work there. Hopefully it will encourage them to see all that the Lord is doing and has done and that they have a part to play in it! Then Thursday night James will be speaking to Amazing Grace Church in Catskill, NY where a friend Adam Davies pastors.
Friday he and the girls will spend the day and evening in New York City doing something fun.
Then Saturday afternoon he heads over to a church in Montville, NJ. (Trinity Baptist Church). He will be presenting the work in Zambia in the sunday school class and also preaching in the morning service. Then he is scheduled for the evening service at another church in Flemington, NJ that same day. Whose Pastor Alan Dunn also came to Zambia to teach last year.
Please pray for stamina and strength for him as he works hard this week and also for safety traveling. Thank you.
They are expected to come home on Tuesday. I miss them all already and look forward to next week.
My mom has been here this week helping me with the other kids and taking care of me which has been nice!
We just set up a Facebook Page for LION of Zambia and hope to utilize that more this coming year for quick updates and news.
So...look us up!
Sunday He was in Greenville, PA at Crossroads Community Church. Pastor Todd Jaussen was out to Zambia this past year and their church has been supportive and interested in continuing to supporting the work.
Today he spoke to a group of Pastors at the Pastors Fraternal in New York. Then this evening he was going to be presenting the work in Zambia to a church in Albany, NY. Tomorrow night ( wednesday ) he will be at the church in Dolgeville, New York. The pastor there, Lenny Byerly is the one that got James connected with Zambia in the first place. So they have a special place with us and the work there. Hopefully it will encourage them to see all that the Lord is doing and has done and that they have a part to play in it! Then Thursday night James will be speaking to Amazing Grace Church in Catskill, NY where a friend Adam Davies pastors.
Friday he and the girls will spend the day and evening in New York City doing something fun.
Then Saturday afternoon he heads over to a church in Montville, NJ. (Trinity Baptist Church). He will be presenting the work in Zambia in the sunday school class and also preaching in the morning service. Then he is scheduled for the evening service at another church in Flemington, NJ that same day. Whose Pastor Alan Dunn also came to Zambia to teach last year.
Please pray for stamina and strength for him as he works hard this week and also for safety traveling. Thank you.
They are expected to come home on Tuesday. I miss them all already and look forward to next week.
My mom has been here this week helping me with the other kids and taking care of me which has been nice!
We just set up a Facebook Page for LION of Zambia and hope to utilize that more this coming year for quick updates and news.
So...look us up!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Re-arranging
I was bored this evening, laying on the couch with my foot propped up on a bunch of pillows recovering from this first surgery.
Sometimes I like to rearrange the furniture in the living room or bedrooms. But since I can't be lifting heavy things right now, and we are in a rental house, I couldn't move the furniture around. I feel like I am in "nesting mode" big time. No I am not pregnant ( though my vein doctor asked me that twice in the course of just a few weeks) but I am eager to get back home to our house in Zambia and re-organize and rearrange things.
We are talking about switching some of the kids rooms around so the older ones can have a bit more space. And re-decorating.
Well I should just say Decorating.
The first few weeks back visiting in people's homes I was struck by how well decorated homes are. And there is a broad spectrum of course. Many are decorated so nicely and every corner of every wall has something going on. Pictures, artwork, floral arrangements, candles, etc. The list can go on and on. Some are more simply decorated but still decorated. The homes feel warm and inviting. I miss that. I want that for my home.
When we moved over to Zambia we pretty much sold everything we had, saved a few boxes of keepsakes, and sent a small pallet of our things. Things that were toys for the kids, a few pictures, a few linens and a few boxes of kitchen items.
We purged everything. Our blender, food processor, griddle, waffle maker, popcorn popper, ice cream maker, fondue pot...all those things that are fun to have but not necessary. ( We have since bought a few of those things over there. In fact that was my delight last Christmas to get those things which were helpful to have but expensive over there. So I cried when I opened up a griddle! )
Funny story about our fondue pot. I had wanted one and James bought me one once in Washington State. On one of our trips when we lived in Montana. I think it was for our anniversary. I had great dreams of using it, it was a top notch one with a lazy susan that spun around with all the cups to put the dippers in and the sauces. It was really cool.
But like so many things we want that we get, I never used it. Never. Until we got ready to move, then I decided well we moved this from Montana to KY 5 years ago I should at least use it once before we give it away. So we made chocolate turtle fondue for Sarah's birthday. I think James actually made it. We used it and then gave it away to some dear friends.
A few weeks ago we had dinner with those friends. A chocolate fondue was prepared for dessert and served on our fondue set, because she thought surely this had sentimental meaning to us. We laughed when she told us that, but then laughed even harder when she also told us that she had been digging around in her storage closet for all the pieces trying to assemble this since they had not used it in the 2 years they had it! After dessert I told her feel free to give it away!
So purging these things...
Well since we have been back we actually have bought an air popcorn popper and ice cream maker to take back with us!
Still not necessary, but more necessary then they were to use here in America.
Microwave popcorn is like $5 for a box of 2 bags, so we do alot of homemade popcorn for a snack. It can be even more inexpensive and healthier if we don't use any oil to cook it so that is reason for that.
Then as you probably have heard us mention before, the ice cream in Zambia is not very good. Made out of vegetable fat solids oil and things like that. And it is about $7 or $8 for a half gallon. My favorite is Breyers All natural Vanilla Bean Ice cream, and I would always make it a point to read the side aloud to James- pure ingredients. We have tried to make ice cream without a maker and it turns out ok but we will be glad to have a real ice cream maker to try our own pure vanilla.
(Speaking of vanilla we bring over our own pure vanilla extract. not the "vanilla essence" they have over there.) I will admit I am a bit of a snob about baking. For the most part my kids never really got to get "store bought cookies". Why when you can have real fresh homemade cookies? Maybe... because its normal to buy packages of cookies, like most everyone does? I guess they have been deprived!
It is funny how much packaged, convenience food we have bought these few months we are here, just because we can. Velvetta Kraft Cheese and Macaroni, cans of soup, the kids got to pick out a kids meal tv dinner the other day and boy that was exciting for the little ones. It will soon come to an end and we will be eating homemade things again so we are enjoying it while we can.
But I got off track. So I was struck with the decorations and "homey-ness" of making your house your home.
When we set up our home I picked out some nice fabric for curtains and we hung up the 2 pictures that our friend gave us and the vinyl lettering on the walls and 2 candle holders. Then I bought 2 frames that would hold pictures of our dear friends and family. And that was it. Its nice and feels like home but doesn't really give you the warm fuzzies when you come in.
A few rugs in the rooms since it is tile floor throughout and one for the living room. A little more than the basics, but I wouldn't say it was "homey" or "decorated". And that's ok. Its more than any of my friends in Kabanana have. But I have come to realize it is also ok to have some extras. Some things that you like just because you like them and you hang them on your wall because it makes you smile or it cheers you up or it reminds you of home. It serves no purpose or function but you like it and thats ok.
The problem though is that several of the decorative things for your home you can find in Lusaka at Mr. Price Home or Woolworths, are so expensive 3 times at least what you would pay for the same item here. That then makes it hard to buy.
At one point I mentioned wanting a few more picture frames when James was shopping with me last year, so he said just get them. It took quite awhile to pick them out because I knew the cost. I think though that is a good thing to make me more appreciative.
So for Christmas my sweet husband took me to Hobby Lobby. Wow. I had never been in that store. And they were having a sale!
So one duffle bag is already packed and filled with some home items that serve no purpose whatsoever. And I am good with that!
I have read a few blogs and articles recently about the excess of things and the materialism and just the super abundance of possessions Americans in general have. And I totally agree. SO much stuff.
When I see all the nice things here, I sometimes am between 2 extremes.
One-"That is so ludicrous, and so pampering and absurd". Just browse through the sky mall magazine and you know exactly what I am talking about. Or just look down the aisles at Target ( one of my favorite stores ). "Don't people know how many kids you could send to school or buy a meal for with the money they are using on ..."
Two-"Wow. It is so nice. I really wish I could have that. I really wish my house looked like that." and I am jealous.
Seeing some of these comforts and extravagant things (that people here would not even see as extravagant) does make me jealous. A few times I have had to wrestle with those feelings, just seeing all the nice things. Or worse seeing things that we gave away freely to friends and loved ones as we prepared to move to Africa and thinking, "oh, that was nice. Sure would be nice to have that again".
(But don't worry we are not going to be going around asking for everything back!)
But just the struggles. Then we watch the video we have been showing that summarizes what the Lord is doing in Zambia and I am reminded again why it is so much MORE than worth it. I see the kids faces, all 30 of them that we are directly impacting and it puts these struggles into perspective. I hear the pastors in their own words, thanking the Lord for being able to study and learn how to be a better pastor and I remember it is a privilege to be part of it. And I know that can sound so cliche, when I hear others say it I sometimes think, really ? Do you really feel privileged to be living in a 3rd world country? And I would say YES. When my heart is right, Yes, I do feel the great privilege.
So please pray that my heart stays right. Focused on serving Jesus not myself!
Sometimes I like to rearrange the furniture in the living room or bedrooms. But since I can't be lifting heavy things right now, and we are in a rental house, I couldn't move the furniture around. I feel like I am in "nesting mode" big time. No I am not pregnant ( though my vein doctor asked me that twice in the course of just a few weeks) but I am eager to get back home to our house in Zambia and re-organize and rearrange things.
We are talking about switching some of the kids rooms around so the older ones can have a bit more space. And re-decorating.
Well I should just say Decorating.
The first few weeks back visiting in people's homes I was struck by how well decorated homes are. And there is a broad spectrum of course. Many are decorated so nicely and every corner of every wall has something going on. Pictures, artwork, floral arrangements, candles, etc. The list can go on and on. Some are more simply decorated but still decorated. The homes feel warm and inviting. I miss that. I want that for my home.
When we moved over to Zambia we pretty much sold everything we had, saved a few boxes of keepsakes, and sent a small pallet of our things. Things that were toys for the kids, a few pictures, a few linens and a few boxes of kitchen items.
We purged everything. Our blender, food processor, griddle, waffle maker, popcorn popper, ice cream maker, fondue pot...all those things that are fun to have but not necessary. ( We have since bought a few of those things over there. In fact that was my delight last Christmas to get those things which were helpful to have but expensive over there. So I cried when I opened up a griddle! )
Funny story about our fondue pot. I had wanted one and James bought me one once in Washington State. On one of our trips when we lived in Montana. I think it was for our anniversary. I had great dreams of using it, it was a top notch one with a lazy susan that spun around with all the cups to put the dippers in and the sauces. It was really cool.
But like so many things we want that we get, I never used it. Never. Until we got ready to move, then I decided well we moved this from Montana to KY 5 years ago I should at least use it once before we give it away. So we made chocolate turtle fondue for Sarah's birthday. I think James actually made it. We used it and then gave it away to some dear friends.
A few weeks ago we had dinner with those friends. A chocolate fondue was prepared for dessert and served on our fondue set, because she thought surely this had sentimental meaning to us. We laughed when she told us that, but then laughed even harder when she also told us that she had been digging around in her storage closet for all the pieces trying to assemble this since they had not used it in the 2 years they had it! After dessert I told her feel free to give it away!
So purging these things...
Well since we have been back we actually have bought an air popcorn popper and ice cream maker to take back with us!
Still not necessary, but more necessary then they were to use here in America.
Microwave popcorn is like $5 for a box of 2 bags, so we do alot of homemade popcorn for a snack. It can be even more inexpensive and healthier if we don't use any oil to cook it so that is reason for that.
Then as you probably have heard us mention before, the ice cream in Zambia is not very good. Made out of vegetable fat solids oil and things like that. And it is about $7 or $8 for a half gallon. My favorite is Breyers All natural Vanilla Bean Ice cream, and I would always make it a point to read the side aloud to James- pure ingredients. We have tried to make ice cream without a maker and it turns out ok but we will be glad to have a real ice cream maker to try our own pure vanilla.
(Speaking of vanilla we bring over our own pure vanilla extract. not the "vanilla essence" they have over there.) I will admit I am a bit of a snob about baking. For the most part my kids never really got to get "store bought cookies". Why when you can have real fresh homemade cookies? Maybe... because its normal to buy packages of cookies, like most everyone does? I guess they have been deprived!
It is funny how much packaged, convenience food we have bought these few months we are here, just because we can. Velvetta Kraft Cheese and Macaroni, cans of soup, the kids got to pick out a kids meal tv dinner the other day and boy that was exciting for the little ones. It will soon come to an end and we will be eating homemade things again so we are enjoying it while we can.
But I got off track. So I was struck with the decorations and "homey-ness" of making your house your home.
When we set up our home I picked out some nice fabric for curtains and we hung up the 2 pictures that our friend gave us and the vinyl lettering on the walls and 2 candle holders. Then I bought 2 frames that would hold pictures of our dear friends and family. And that was it. Its nice and feels like home but doesn't really give you the warm fuzzies when you come in.
A few rugs in the rooms since it is tile floor throughout and one for the living room. A little more than the basics, but I wouldn't say it was "homey" or "decorated". And that's ok. Its more than any of my friends in Kabanana have. But I have come to realize it is also ok to have some extras. Some things that you like just because you like them and you hang them on your wall because it makes you smile or it cheers you up or it reminds you of home. It serves no purpose or function but you like it and thats ok.
The problem though is that several of the decorative things for your home you can find in Lusaka at Mr. Price Home or Woolworths, are so expensive 3 times at least what you would pay for the same item here. That then makes it hard to buy.
At one point I mentioned wanting a few more picture frames when James was shopping with me last year, so he said just get them. It took quite awhile to pick them out because I knew the cost. I think though that is a good thing to make me more appreciative.
So for Christmas my sweet husband took me to Hobby Lobby. Wow. I had never been in that store. And they were having a sale!
So one duffle bag is already packed and filled with some home items that serve no purpose whatsoever. And I am good with that!
I have read a few blogs and articles recently about the excess of things and the materialism and just the super abundance of possessions Americans in general have. And I totally agree. SO much stuff.
When I see all the nice things here, I sometimes am between 2 extremes.
One-"That is so ludicrous, and so pampering and absurd". Just browse through the sky mall magazine and you know exactly what I am talking about. Or just look down the aisles at Target ( one of my favorite stores ). "Don't people know how many kids you could send to school or buy a meal for with the money they are using on ..."
Two-"Wow. It is so nice. I really wish I could have that. I really wish my house looked like that." and I am jealous.
Seeing some of these comforts and extravagant things (that people here would not even see as extravagant) does make me jealous. A few times I have had to wrestle with those feelings, just seeing all the nice things. Or worse seeing things that we gave away freely to friends and loved ones as we prepared to move to Africa and thinking, "oh, that was nice. Sure would be nice to have that again".
(But don't worry we are not going to be going around asking for everything back!)
But just the struggles. Then we watch the video we have been showing that summarizes what the Lord is doing in Zambia and I am reminded again why it is so much MORE than worth it. I see the kids faces, all 30 of them that we are directly impacting and it puts these struggles into perspective. I hear the pastors in their own words, thanking the Lord for being able to study and learn how to be a better pastor and I remember it is a privilege to be part of it. And I know that can sound so cliche, when I hear others say it I sometimes think, really ? Do you really feel privileged to be living in a 3rd world country? And I would say YES. When my heart is right, Yes, I do feel the great privilege.
So please pray that my heart stays right. Focused on serving Jesus not myself!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Plans
We were supposed to be leaving Jan 20th to head back to Zambia.
We have been delayed about a month and will now be heading back towards the end of February. I had surgery this week on some varicose veins that have been giving me trouble and will have surgery on the other leg in another 2 weeks. ( A phlebectemy- if you care for the details. My Dad told me about a video of the procedure on you tube that he saw but I was not so inclined to watch it! For fear of passing out. "and then they just pull the vein right out of there!" Not something I care to see. ) My doctor advised not to fly for about a month after the surgery. 5 years ago I had surgery as well and that seemed to help for the time being. It will continue to be a reoccurring problem over the years but it becomes a "how much can I handle" in regard to pain and discomfort.
I am recovering now at "home" here in Louisville. Again it has been such a blessing from our church here that they have rented us our own place for the time we are here. (Rest for a family of 8 simply can not happen when you are staying in someone else's home.) Since we have a little more time, James is going to be able to visit some churches in New York and New Jersey that were interested in having him come speak about the work we are doing in Zambia. But by January 30th he will be done traveling and have 3 weeks of REST. At least that is the idea. He desperately needs it. I am able to be getting some rest now, with the surgeries so I hope that the recovery will go well and be better than normal as we head back over to Zambia at the end of next month.
The kids are getting antsy and bored so we hope to work on some school work over these next 7 weeks.
We appreciate your prayers. Thank you!
We have been delayed about a month and will now be heading back towards the end of February. I had surgery this week on some varicose veins that have been giving me trouble and will have surgery on the other leg in another 2 weeks. ( A phlebectemy- if you care for the details. My Dad told me about a video of the procedure on you tube that he saw but I was not so inclined to watch it! For fear of passing out. "and then they just pull the vein right out of there!" Not something I care to see. ) My doctor advised not to fly for about a month after the surgery. 5 years ago I had surgery as well and that seemed to help for the time being. It will continue to be a reoccurring problem over the years but it becomes a "how much can I handle" in regard to pain and discomfort.
I am recovering now at "home" here in Louisville. Again it has been such a blessing from our church here that they have rented us our own place for the time we are here. (Rest for a family of 8 simply can not happen when you are staying in someone else's home.) Since we have a little more time, James is going to be able to visit some churches in New York and New Jersey that were interested in having him come speak about the work we are doing in Zambia. But by January 30th he will be done traveling and have 3 weeks of REST. At least that is the idea. He desperately needs it. I am able to be getting some rest now, with the surgeries so I hope that the recovery will go well and be better than normal as we head back over to Zambia at the end of next month.
The kids are getting antsy and bored so we hope to work on some school work over these next 7 weeks.
We appreciate your prayers. Thank you!
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