More to it then just "Brick by Brick"

Katunda Baptist Church, the building, is a work in progress.  Katunda Baptist Church, the people, the body of Christ, IS GROWING!!! 

Tyler and his mud-mixin feet.
Faithful to the work, the members gather for several days to work on bricks for the walls of the new church.  Tyler was very excited to go each day and help with this work.  He sacrificially gave up schoolwork to go play in the mud.  Actually, he did the labor and then made-up the work for school as well.

Kaiphus, Reuben, and Tyler

Duncan Kakoma has been a part of every construction project of Katunda Baptist Church.  Several years ago he helped carry bricks from another location to the present spot to build the walls of the former church building.  He was so small and it would take all his strength just to carry one block.  Today he stands taking a break from shoveling the remains of the old bricks he carried to make mud for new bricks.

Do not judge them by their size.  These young boys carried their weight throughout the day.  Hands of all colors and sizes would form those bricks throughout those days.

Much water is needed.  The water had to be brought from a nearby stream
and carried to the church.

I remember sitting at the meeting as they discussed what preparations needed to be made for the molding of the bricks.  It is quite an undertaking and if one thing doesn't happen or they are missing one necessary supply, the work comes to a halt and the days can be lost until they get what is needed.  Sometimes, getting what is needed, can be a little more tricky then you might think.  They do not have a Lowe's or Home Depot to run to and pick up any necessary forgotten items.

However, if you need more "cement", you just tear more of the "old church building" down and make more. Tyler likes "DEStructing" almost as much as CONstructing.  The people outgrew the original building quickly.  I remember some of the last few Sundays in that small building with children sitting on my feet to make room for each other.  We were all welcoming a new building where we could have enough room to stand and sing together.

Everyone plays a part in a days work, whether they lay a hand to the forming of those bricks or not.  The wonderful women of Katunda, when they weren't carrying water, would be found preparing food for all those working.

Bertha, Mwangolita and Pana.

Just another pot of nshima.

 Even me, whom they will not allow to stir the nshima pot, get to hold the babies while their Mamas cook.  

I mean holding the babies is an important job. Otherwise, they end up eating dirt like little Kaiphus does until I capture him.

But the work goes on and after three days there are over 600 bricks for the new walls.

WHAT MY FRIEND HAS. . .

Evie and Chipango have been the greatest of friends since the day they met.  Chipango is one of Reuben Ngusulu's daughters.  Their family lived with us here on our compound.

 When we first moved here Chipango and Evie would be out of the bed and outside before anyone and usually up the tree behind my room just chatting until they woke me up.  They would check the garden and play before Chipango had to leave for school.  They have made many memories together over the years and look out for each other just like sisters.  Between what southern draw Chipango has picked up from Evie and what Zambian English accent Evie now carries, you can barely tell which one is talking outside.  At Christmas this year Evie wanted something special for this special friend.  She had been working and buying Christmas since July knowing exactly what she wanted for everyone.  Which included buying for her brother first - WOW!  She came to me and said, "Mom, I know what I have for everyone, but, well, would it be ok if I spent more on Chipango?"  After discussing what she wanted to buy, I watched the look on my 10-year-old daughter's face as she contemplated how much money she had and how much money it might cost.  Did she have enough?  As I thought about it, all that I could hear was how my daughter wanted her friend to have just a little of what she has in life.  Not necessarily fancy clothes or the best food.  Not better health care or schooling.  Just a nice place to sleep.  As Evie tried to convince me why this was just necessary, I heard as she felt for her friend.  Chipango has slept on a concrete floor of a crowded house for most of her life.  Not because her family doesn't care for her or provide for her, but that was not a possiblity within their lives at this point.  Evie didn't talk about it much because she never wanted Chipango to feel bad about it or to feel that she was looking down on her and her life.  Mike took Evie into town, with an advance in her allowance that she was happy about working to pay off.  She returned home with her gift and kept it hidden in her room until Christmas.  She didn't want to wait until Christmas Day to give Chipango her gift and wanted her to have it Christmas Eve.  Late Christmas Eve we drove to the Ngusulu's new house and there in the front yard, by the light of the truck, called the family out to watch Chipango receive her gift.  Evie's excitement was as if she was awaiting a surprise, not giving one.  It was a delight as a mother to watch.  So, there the family stood, Chipango in the front with all eyes closed.  Imagine, being 11 years old and opening your eyes to find that you would not sleep on a cold concrete floor tonight.  Imagine seeing your best friend standing there holding a gift, just for you, because she loves you and wants you to have all the wonderful things in life.  I thank God for this moment and being able to be just a part of it with our families.

The rest of us stood and just enjoyed such a wonderful event!

At first, I thought they were both being silly and not letting go of each other and hugging FOREVER!  But, then after a few quiet moments I realized that Chipango was overcome with emotion and could not let go of Evie.  She was moved to tears and not wanting anyone to see her crying.  So, they just held each other for a bit and it was as if time stood still.  One of those moments in life that is etched onto your heart.  It was not a camera I even need to hold onto this one for forever.

Just a mat my friend, just for you!

GOD WILL BRING THE INCREASE

Katunda Baptist Church

Just a handful of these people met under a tree several years ago along with a volunteer team from the states.  Not far from that tree, every Sunday, that handful of people and many others gather at this place, Katunda Baptist Church.  It has not been without growing pains, but nonetheless, growing all the same.   I have watched them work through difficult issues facing the church and the community.  I have seen how God has used them to encourage each other, as well as, reaching out to those in the surrounding villages.  They press on though rumors abound as to the belief that they are all Satanists.  They press on though the other churches in the area believe them not to be serious because their building is not substantial enough nor does their choir have uniforms.  They press on though visitors may come and go.  They delight in the Word of God and its truth.  They delight in a grace given to them freely.  I have shared so many wonderful days with them as a church and as friends.    Pray for them as they continue to grow as believers and as they work together to establish the church.

Kasenya Ngusulu and one of his many guitars
fashioned from a 10 ltr oil container and wood.

If you have ever met this young man, you are most likely never to forget him.  He, and you are welcome to quote me, is the most genuine, sincerest, humble, gracious, and kind young men I have ever met.  He is the oldest of the Ngusulu siblings.  He is 18 years of age now and in Grade 12 at Kaoma High School.  His ingenuity has always delighted me.  His humble spirit, I have always admired.  I have been thankful to share in his life and he in mine and my family.  I have had the privilege to watch him live out a life before God and man in truth and honor.  Often he is quiet in the presence of adults and only speaking if spoken to or if someone needs assistance, but has much to say if given the opportunity.  He is humorous and gracious all at the same time.  Being the oldest of the brothers in his family, he stayed in the small house next to ours with the other brothers.  It was just a room that was used as the kitchen and as the boy's house.  One of my many fond memories of Kasenya is one of the many times I went to the door and knocked only to have Kasenya come to the door with Coke bottle-caps pinched into his eyes, looking like he had red bottle-caps for eyeballs, and smiling from ear to ear.  Another is one that includes my children.  He is ever watchful for their welfare and safety here in Kaoma.  We were attending a funeral of a member of a dear family to us.  It was such a very hot day here in Kaoma and we needed to walk far into the bush for the burial.  We had already been busy the entire day helping with the funeral and waiting at the home with the family.  Evie, not being to partial to the hot sun in Africa, was already tired for the day and we still needed to walk to the grave.  We had not been in Zambia long and she still had trouble keeping herself hydrated.  When the time came to leave for the burial, I was busy getting the family and the church choir into the truck with the coffin.  By the time the truck was loaded and Mike pulled away, I realized that I was alone and that Evie and Tyler had left with Melody and Reuben for the grave.  I wasn't concerned for their safety because the Ngusulu's consider Evie and Tyler family and treat them as such.  As I walked and walked into the bush in the hot sun, I began to worry about Evie and trying to do get there at this time.  I was so exhausted from the heat and the day filled with such great emotional stress.  I could only imagine how Evie was feeling and dealing with the same.  When I arrived at the burial site I looked over and realized she appeared to be doing okay and just a little flush.   Later, when we returned to the funeral house, Lulu, Kasenya's sister, and I were sitting and chatting about the day.   She expressed that they were worried for me after the truck arrived at the grave and they realized that I had put the family members in the truck and walked.  They realized that I was alone and walking.  They were happy when I arrived.  I just smiled and expressed how I had been so concerned for Evie the whole time I was walking.   I said, "I do not know how she made it this far in this heat!"  Lulu smiled and with a slight grin and quiet voice said, "It was Kasenya.  He carried her the rest of the way."  Evie was 8 years old and though she was just a thin little thing, I knew that wasn't easy for Kasenya.  

There are too numerous of stories to share about the spirit of this young man.  He does all things well.  I could only hope for those who read this that they may have the privilege of meeting him some day.  

Annual Mission Meeting 2012

Luau 2012 at our Annual Meeting

Every year we travel to South Africa for our annual mission meeting.  We are always excited to see many of our friends each year.  This kids try to squeeze in a year's worth full of fun with their mission family to make enough memories to carry them to the next year.  Each year a different church from the States will come and facilitate much of the activities for us and our children.  We travel 3 days through several countries to attend this meeting and, needless to say, there is always some excitement along the way.  This year we were turned back at the Zimbabwe border.  We spent a whole day traveling and ended up right back where we started.  In the midst of being turned back we wondered why do things like this happen here so often and why does everyone need to be bribed to do things they are already being paid to do correctly.  There is always frustration when you feel violated by corruption.  As you look into the eyes of a national and wonder how they do not see the wrong in what they are trying to do.  You want to pull your hair out and throw a tantrum at the terrible inconvenience they have caused costing you time and money.  Then days later you thank God as it was His hand turning you back and had nothing to do with evil or corruption getting in your way.  After returning to Lusaka on the same day we left, we needed to change vehicles and acquire different paperwork for that vehicle.  We left early the next day to cross a different border.  Success!!  The rest of the trip was without incident.  After arriving in South Africa we called our logistics coordinator and he advised us that another missionary in Lusaka had needed to use our vehicle (the other which we had originally planned to drive to South Africa and had to leave in Lusaka before trying to cross another border) and the transmission had completely messed up and had to be taken to the garage.  We would have been in the middle of Zimbabwe and broken down.  See!  I am reminded to listen to God even when I think He is not speaking.  Do not let the evil of this world bring you to compromise, even in the smallest of things.  We arrived at our annual meeting and shared a wonderful week together.  The wonderful members of the Perryton Baptist Church team were so giving to us and our children.  They made it such a memorable time with our mission family.  Already looking forward to next  year.

Nkoya New Testament Launching Ceremony

* Please note that this post is a little out of order.  Upon a change within the blogspot it rearranged this post and wouldn't let me edit.  So, sorry for this mix up.

Many of you know that a people group we serve here in Zambia are the Nkoya.  They were the original owners of this land Kaoma, formally known as Mankoya.  I love when I meet an older Zambian in the Eastern, Northern or Southern part of Zambia and they refer to it as Mankoya.  The Nkoya Bible  has been in process of translation for many, many years.  The New Testament has been completed and the project is presently working to complete the Old Testament.  It was quite a day as we all came together to celebrate  the arrival of 10,000 copies of the New Testament in Shinkoya. 

Mike presenting a New Testament to the Chief.  It is quite a friendship that his been built between them through the process of God's call to this project.  We value his trust of us to work so closely with the people.

They continued to arrive throughout the morning.  Many having traveled from far places just to be in attendance today. They amaze me!

Yes, this is often what I will end up seeing through my camera lens.  People taking pictures of me taking pictures.  Always makes me laugh!

They marched in the street all the way through the town and arriving at the assembly hall rejoicing and singing all the way.  I was unable to capture a photograph of just how large this group was that had just arrived, but I was moved to tears at their arrival.  As this project has steadily marched on, its incidental days can begin to overshadow the great desire the people have for its completion.  In this moment God comforted our hearts for the call to this project and allowed us to see just how many were standing with us.  

Chief Mwene Matondo attended the New Testament Launching Ceremony.    Years ago, as a younger man, the Chief worked as a translator himself on the New Testament.  It is a great desire he has to see this work come to completion in his lifetime.  

It was a sweet time as the crowd watched the video messages sent from churches in the States.    It appeared to give them such a feeling of acceptance.  That these groups of people in the States pray for them specifically, know who they are, and reach out to them to help with this project.  I loved sharing this time with them.  

A very important group in attendance are the reviewers.  This group is faithful to spend many different weeks throughout their year to come together and work in all-day, week-long sessions reviewing books of the bible.  They are such a behind-the-scenes, committed group.  They even have their own choir and performed at the ceremony.  Their hearts are so committed to this project.  You can even see it in their time of worship.  Without them, the Bible could never be completed.  We are so thankful for them.

Many choirs came to attend and perform during the ceremony.     No sound system needed.    They put everything they have into a performance which can be easily observed by onlookers.  The amount of talent is amazing.  I could sit and listen to them all day.  You will be taken into the rhythm of their choruses and then be overwhelmed by the translation.  Powerful words from scripture!

The Kaoma High School Assembly Hall
People were beginning to gather for the launching ceremony of the Nkoya New Testament.  

It was a long, hard, and HOT day!  Stacey took a moment to meditate on the day!  I mean, afterall, the toughest job is having to be CUTE ALL DAY!  She does well at that task!

It was a special time as Mike gifted New Testaments to all the local pastors and the project translators.  Many of them have heard about this project for years.

Tyler is usually always helping behind the scenes to help make sure things happen.  He is getting bigger all the time and I, as his mother, am glad that he has some muscle.  He does alot of the lifting now and leaves Mama to stand and watch.   He was moving all about on the day of the ceremony to help his Daddy get things where they belonged.

What is behind the Banana Tree?

Just behind this banana tree meets a little group of people every Sunday morning.  They began with just two people, a husband and a wife, reaching out to us for help.  They came asking for us to please visit their village and tell them about the Bible.  After visiting, a few more members of the village began to draw near this place.  One older lady of the community asked only this, "teach".   They continue to grow and have built a small structure which they meet in to get out of the sun and wind.   It is a slow progression of growth, but they go forward.  Their leader, Kosmas, has been faithfully attending training each week with leaders from several other churches.  Though many of the community have turned away from them and "their new church", they press on, believing in the truth of the gospel.  Pray for the members of Kukonge Baptist Church.

Evie and Chipango, also known around here as BB and Chips.  Somedays are terribly long and our children find themselves sitting for hours in a village listening to some "boring" adult conversations. No matter where or when, these two will have each other backs.  They share almost everything they have together.  They play school, cards, ride bikes, paint fingernails, swim,  shell, grind and sift maize and even do some school work together.  They have their inside jokes and have in the past gotten up early together before school so they could play before Chipango had to leave for school.   When they are outside many times, I find myself having to listen very carefully to figure out which one is speaking.  What Evie hasn't picked up in Zambian english accent Chipango makes up for in using our southern draw.  Chipango knows well and listens to stories of Evie's best friend Kelsi from home.  It seems Evie has been blessed with some of the very best of friends from very different sides of the world.  Missing Kelsi when she is here and Chipango when we are in the states.  What a blessed girl!!!

Nightvision

Some of my favorite times in Zambia have been those of watching my children with their Zambian friends.  As you can probably guess, this group of boys can get pretty carried away.  Especially considering it was pitch black out and they were working on building a fire (or two) for our New Year's Eve.  I couldn't even see what picture I was taking.  Only that they were in front of me goofing off.  The camera and flash is sorta my form of "Mama Nightvision".  They quickly realized what I was doing and started to perform.  What a time to be a 12 year old boy hanging out in the bush of Africa!  My Tyler!

The Ngusulu's

Some of you may know the Ngusulu's. Reuben, Sr., center, is the proud husband and father of this crew. We have known Reuben since 2006. I remember talking to Reuben on the phone and wondering if I would ever have the privilege to meet him and his family. I would see countless pictures of them on Mike's return from Zambia along with many stories. Reuben has an amazing story of how God has brought him through this journey of life. It has not been without struggle. His wife, Melody, right in green, doesn't let him talk about the difficult times they have had in the past. It really hurts her to think about days without things they needed for themselves and their children. Days when Reuben had to travel and live in many different places to provide for them. But, whatever Reuben has set his hand to, he has done well and learned much. He speaks English beautifully and is as patient with us as anyone could be. His children are, from oldest to youngest, Kasenya 18, Lulu 17, Reuben, Jr. 13, Kebby 12, Chipango 10, Alice 8 and sweet baby Stacey 2. They are a gift to me and my family. They live here with us and life is never boring. We are family here watching out for each other. Melody keeps careful eye on things and I am sure to have someone rushing to get me if anyone is injured. The creativity runs rampid here and something is always being built, taken apart, or well into planning stages. Baby Stacey couldn't have kept from learning to count to 20 with over 3 bazillion games of hide and seek having been played before she turned 2. Often you could hear her counting long after everyone was found.  The stories are endless of our lives shared here together.  Living, learning and loving together.   I have loved watching them grow as a christian family.  They have sacrificed many things, been blessed in many ways and press forward raising their children in a Godly home.

Yes, we have our own "Crocodile Dentist". I received an unbelievable carved crocodile bench. Christmas morning everyone gathered just outside our door and watched as they led me to a great surprise. What a great job Isaac did on this carving. My Croc is all varnished now and has very sharp teeth thanks to Kasenya! It is where many visitors sit when they enter the yard - on the Crocodile under the Mango tree! Wonder what in the world they think?

The Luena

My favorite picture of the Luena! Down the road from my house is a well-known river, The Luena. That is pronounced LOO-WAY-NUH. Its face changes all throughout the year from the rising with the rains to the shallow of the dry season. I love to stand on the bridge above it or sit on its edge and watch the people that dwell near and around it. Many times it is a laundromat and at the same time a car wash. It is a definite source of fishing for all ages, but mainly young boys who you will find standing in its shallow depths and some even out to their chests just to see what might be for dinner. Women will cast any kind of nets available to also bring in something for a meager meal. I never get tired of its amazing changes from the time of day you find yourself standing beside it or what season we may be sharing. I am always thoughtful as the year passes of the places I have tramped that will be covered with water before the year's end. Such and amazing landscape! There are no crocodiles in this river to anyone's knowledge, but who could really ever know what a river holds.

Uh! Excuse ME!

There is nothing like coming up on something in the road just at dusk and trying to make out what it could be only to find out, yes, it is a LION! I mean what do you do? What do you say? Excuse me Mr. Lion, could you and your lady friend please move? They were just laying there for the longest time! Can you imagine they were reenacting the scene from "The Notebook" and he was showing off about laying in the street! That is how my imagination works anyway! They took their sweet time getting up and sauntering off into the bush! I was so excited I could barely take pictures and nearly forgot how the camera worked! It was an amazing site! I was in no hurry for them to move! Now that is a day in the "real" Africa!

Internet? Africa? WHAAAAT?

When I started our blog before leaving the States in 2008 I thought for sure I would be able to keep it updated. I mean, I read other missionaries blogs from Zambia and thought, "that is so great to be able to let people see the "real" Africa." However, after arriving, I realized the daunting task of Internet in Africa. It became almost impossible to receive e-mails frequently enough, much less update a blog. Well, maybe every 6 weeks on supply trips to Lusaka I can update? That sounds good, right? Then, finding out that most of your time in Lusaka is spent running around looking for supplies and if, and only if, the internet connection at the Guest House is working, then you may update. Only to find myself spending the evening fighting with the slowest connection, if any. It became a weight game of should I spend this time trying to download to the blog or contacting my family? I am not known for my technological endurance! I have too much to accomplish to be content to sit in front of a machine that seems to be plotting my demise. After returning to Zambia in January of 2011, I had hoped for some progress in the Internet world here locally. There have been strides made, but they come with a much greater cost than can be justified. I have been very satisfied with my unbelievable phone and its capabilities. It allows me to do facebook, check my email, and upload photos. There is nothing like sitting out in the bush where there is no running water or electricity for miles and be sitting outside a small hut and someone's cell phone starts ringing. Ah' this world we live in. My phone will allow me to update my blog, but it is painstaking and time consuming. So here I sit with a new portable modem -WOW! Waiting to see if it will actually allow me to download this post! So, let us cross our fingers - WHAT? - I haven't believed in that since I was like 6. I hope this is the beginning of a new, refreshed ability to keep you informed. We shall see. Love to you all!

Welcome Back! Mwaboko Mwane!

Arriving back in Kaoma, Zambia to a very warm welcome is a wonderful feeling. We have not yet been to all the churches, but are going this weekend. The Zambian culture has such a way of helping you to feel like you are a part of the people. They have such a practice of welcoming back those who have returned. Many were afraid we would not return and many were in tears when we have went to greet them. Sometimes in this great big world you can feel unimportant, insignificant. When I stand with my Zambian brothers and sisters,I know I am as important to them as they are to me.

Welcome Back! Mwaboko Mwane!

Arriving back in Kaoma, Zambia to a very warm welcome is a wonderful feeling. We have not yet been to all the churches, but are going this weekend. The Zambian culture has such a way of helping you to feel like you are a part of the people. They have such a practice of welcoming back those who have returned. Many were afraid we would not return and many were in tears when we have went to greet them. Sometimes in this great big world you can feel unimportant, insignificant. When I stand with my Zambian brothers and sisters,I know I am as important to them as they are to me.

Register

REGISTER

Christmas with Family

I knew the Davis family long before they knew me. I had heard of and read of there many years of ministry in Kalabo, Zambia. What a treat to spend time with them during the holidays. They are a missionary family to be admired. I had so much fun while they were visiting. They are now our cluster leaders and I am so glad to be serving with them. They now live in Botswana. We were able to spend a bit of time with them on the way back from South Africa. Just never enough time to spend with people you love.

A Thoughtful Gift

My sister had a wonderful surprise getting to meet Mr. Kamisa. He made the basket Banita is holding for her. He is a faithful member of Katunda Baptist Church and makes and sells theses baskets as a source of income.

If They Can Make it There, They'll Make it Anywhere. . .

Mike's Mom, Carolyn visited New York just awhile back and now it is the talk of Kaoma. She sent all the kids a T-shirt, as you can see. This is their serious pose with their t-shirts. The others are too ridiculous. Evie with her feet behind her head and all of that nonsense. They are all very proud of their shirts and they stick out like sore thumbs in the village. They send out a big thank you to Memaw, but little Alice prefers to say thank you "Nemoy" She isn't quite sure what a Memaw is yet. It will not be long though. Memaw is on her way September 13th and we have all the Tarheel paraphernalia we could drag to Kaoma ready and await'n.