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.

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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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTIAN!!!!

Since Tyler and Christian were born they have shared each others birthdays together ALWAYS!!!! We knew when we moved to Africa that this would be a difficult part of being away from friends and family. Needless to say both birthdays were difficult without seeing these two together. We have cherished watching this "Buzz and Woody" duo for many years. As toddlers these two knew all the words to Toy Story and would act it out as well. I am not sure who had more fun at those birthday parties, the kids or the parents. We love birthdays with the Bellamy's. We love Christian Bellamy. This year Christian had a "Safari Birthday" in honor of us being in Africa. While I was skyping on the computer with Barbara, Christian's mother, she started to talk about the upcoming planning of the party. I just started crying and hated the thought of not being there and decorating the whole place for Christian. Most of all not getting to watch Christian blow out the candles. That is a very special part for us all. We miss you Bellamy's and we hope Christian had a wonderful birthday. To Christian from Tyler: "You've Got a Friend In Me"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM!!!!!!

Evie and Tyler helped as we used the maize of the Ngsulu family that was drying in our backyard to send a message to their Mammaw Eva. Everyone pitched in and formed an assembly line to get all the maize over to the signage area. Then Tyler and Kasenya climbed the water tower and took pictures. It was the most fun "birthday present" to make. We love you Mom and hope you enjoy this picture.

WHEN YOU ORDER FERTILIZER. . .

You get fertilizer. They showed up at the gate with two ox-carts full of fertilizer for the yard and garden. They nearly knocked down the small house where Rueben's boys stay. I am not sure what they thought about us being so excited about fertilizer. Why do these makuwa (white people) take pictures of this fertilizer? How strange we me seem.

? How strange we must seem.

BIG Little Love Notes

If you have ever walked into a room and felt like nobody noticed or that you really are not important, then you have never had the privilege of knowing a little lady by the name of Faith Wilmore. Faith was a student in the preschool class at Grace Christian School. There was never a day that I didn't feel important upon her arrival. She would find me, give me a hug and tell me something new or exciting. O.k. sometimes it was just to show me a dog on her shirt or a new outfit, but it was always with the importance on me. She could, nonetheless, try my patience on days and I would wonder what in the world to do. When I took my first trip to Africa and was out of class for two weeks, she was curious to know why I had to go and would ask me on several occasions. I told her that there were little boys and girls in Africa and they needed to hear about Jesus. I also told her that I love them just like I love her and I would go to Africa to tell her too, if she were there. That was all she needed. The days up to my trip would be full of love and concern about my trip. She came in one day that was assigned to be her "show and tell". It was supposed to fit in a bag that we sent home with all the children. Well, Faith felt this could be overlooked because of the importance of what she needed to show. So, in she walks with her light up globe. She wanted to be sure that the children in her class knew exactly where Mrs. Smith was going. With her parents help she had learned where she lived on the globe and how to show us where Zambia, Africa is located. Somehow, I knew no matter how important or unimportant my trip was to anyone else, there would be a little prayer warrior at home on my side. When I returned to school after my trip and everyone was saying welcome back and hugging, it was Faith who ran up and said, "Do all the little children know who Jesus is now?" Taken aback, I was silenced, almost in tears as she hugged me and told me she missed me. I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was to receive the above note after being in Zambia just a short while. This note is above my nightstand and no matter how difficult going out to teach the children may be on days, I am reminded of Faith and her question. To my Faithie: keep praying and I will keep telling all the children that I meet. To the readers: if you ever have the chance to meet this young lady, you will be blessed, but be careful, she'll steal your heart.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

Now you know that Mike Smith is not going anywhere where he cannot get a milkshake. Well, there are no milkshakes in Kaoma. "My oh' my", said the ladies from Deerfield, "whatever will Pastor Mike do?" Needless to say we were not going to debate with God on such a matter. Sure enough here is our wonderful Ice Cream maker attachment. Mike immediately started
searching for ingredients and recipes for whatever ice cream he could concoct. After careful deliberations and a little tinkering from the chef, we have a winner. I am not sure what to say to anyone who asks why do we have a whole grocery cart full of dessert cream and sweetened condensed milk. (Not really-just adding for exageration so that my readers may truly comprehend Mike's love of a milkshake) . Then to add to his unbelievable ice cream machine - The Ashby's threw in a Cuisinart "Power Stick" which is basically a blender on a stick. A milkshake is a breeze in Kaoma - you just have to know the right places.

"My Favorite Picture in Africa" by Evie Smith

Mike gave Evie an assignment to pick out one of her favorite pictures from Africa and write a brief paragraph describing the picture(s). This is Evie and her "Ant Sky". That is how Evie writes and spells Aunt. Evie wrote this is her with Ant Sky at Lake Karibba Inn. We went there for our annual meeting. Evie said that she and her Ant Sky look alike.

The two of these beautiful ones in my life having a little "girl talk" on the side of the pool. Evie loves her "Ant" Sky and yes, that is o.k. with her Aunt Beata. Ant Sky has already been introduced to Aunt Beata and has overwhelming met with her approval. Sky always makes us smile and her other half, Daniel, he provides us with laughter. I would show you a picture of him, but they all have him either chasing crocodiles or killings snakes.

In Honor of My Sister

Mike has always loved to take pictures of funny storefronts. On his first trip to Kaoma he took a picture of the "Big Bonnita" in honor of my sister Banita (or if you know us well, my sister, Beata). However, this is the NEW "Big Bonnita". The old Big Bonnita used to be next to "Mike Investments". How amusing I know, but the Big Bonnita just got to fancy for little old Mike Investments and had to move. Well, Beata, whenever you are ready you can come (move) over and you already have a little shop ready for you to run. We will have to do a little painting on the name. Hugs and Kisses to my sister.

How Do You Witness to an Elephant?

No, we didn't try to share the gospel with this fellow, but we were close enough to do so. On the road to Lusaka is a view like no other. There are amazing ways that God speaks to us in our everyday lives no matter what road we are traveling. As I sat in the truck looking out at this enormous creature, I recognized his great power and strength. Was I scared? No, I knew I was safe in the truck and we could pull away in a second. I thought how often we depend on man and his many devices. We put trust in them to work and protect us from harm. Our faith is being tested everyday within even the mere things we take as conveniences. Do I think these conveniences are wrong to possess. No, but I think our reliance on our self-made assurances can leave us neglecting the fact that God is ever present and always working. How are we to give testimony if our faith was in the truck and not the God whom provided. I hope you are getting me or as we like to say "Una kunyuvwa". That is Shinkoya for "Are you getting me?" I pray for us all that we will rest in His Strength alone.

TYLER, DOES YOUR MOM KNOW YOU ARE UP THERE?

No. If you don't say anything, she will never know. "UHH? Tyler, what is this picture on the camera", asks his Mother. Just confess and everything will go much smoother. My son took the camera and climbed atop a water tower, a very tall water tower with no ladder or rails. He climbs the tower at our house all the time, but we have a ladder and rails and it is not nearly as high. When I see Tyler doing something that might prove physically consequential he knows what I will say. I usually say, "Tyler, no, my tail is tingling." That is from the movie "Over the Hedge". The turtle knows when something is going to go wrong when his tail tingles. It is a funny way for Tyler to be corrected, but it usually works. Needless to say, when I saw this picture. Well, let's just say if I was going to string him up, it might as well be from that water tower since he had already been up to the top. It made my heart stop I believe.

SO MANY THINGS HAVE CHANGED. . .

but some things are the same. Evie, Mike and Tyler still wrestle as much as always. They always run through the house chasing each other and screaming until I pull my hair out. However, I would like to point out the decoration in Tyler's room. GO HEELS!

TALKING ABOUT CLIMBING THE WALLS

Yes, Tyler will do anything to keep from doing his schoolwork. The walls are concrete and painted with high-gloss paint. They are great for my kids "monkey-feet" That door Tyler is in front of is my bedroom. Sometimes they will climb so high and be so quite that I will walk out of my room and down the hall without even knowing they are there. One time I was looking for them to start back to their school work and they were up - just there- and not saying a word. I told them they could practice that any other time they wanted - EXCEPT- during school.

TO SOME OF MY FAVORITE EMT'S

Evie, Chipango and Alice are quite animated. They play all the time and go from one drama to the next. Look at that Evie. I thought if Linda, Joan, Leon, and Vanessa could see her now. She is taking very good care of her patient. I did have to teach Evie that your heart is not in you abdomen though. Ha!Ha! She just laughed and said Mom, we are just pretending, it is not like I am taking the test to become a real EMT.

A Girl Has to Have her STUFF!

Really Evie! First and of utmost important - make sure your stuff is organized. Mammaw Eva bought Evie an American Girl Doll "Julie" for Christmas. Now Evie keeps her things all put together and when we first arrived in Africa - don't you know it. Yes, these are all Julie's things organized that she can see them all. Who cares if you are a foot and 1/2 tall and cannot breathe - a girl needs to know where here things are, Right? Ha Ha. I guess Julie deserves it. I mean if you would have seen what they put the poor doll through in customs. Quite invasive! Ha Evie keeps her quite stylish for all occasions. We love you Mammaw Eva.