Leaving on a Jet Plane

Hello, again! Sorry that it's taken me a few days to write since I've been home. The festivities have been nonstop since I've gotten here. For those of you who may not know I had to leave Zambia early to be Matron of Honor at my best friend's wedding on June 20th. It was beautiful, by the way.

Despite the fact that I've been back in the States for four days I'm going to look back at my last few days in Zambia and give you a little overview. I packed up all my things Sunday afternoon, all the while trying to pretend I was doing something else. Needless to say, I knew it was going to be hard to leave; not only to leave the babies I had fallen in love with but also my group of friends I had shared so much with over the past four weeks. Monday morning I went to the Haven and "performed" my favorite LETU, "Food", for the last time. I was determined not to cry while with the kids. However, they may have wondered why they were receiving three times as many hugs and kisses and why my camera was capturing their every single move. I tried to soak up as much time as possible, but in the end it still wasn't enough. It was time to go before I knew it. Long story short, it was even harder than I thought it would be. As I've told some of those in my group already, it's amazing how much your life can change in one month.

Once my bags were loaded into Khaki Jackie and good-byes were said to all, Sara, B. Weave and I headed off. We stopped in Kalomo for lunch at El Pantone, a little fast food place (aka takeaway). I believe the owner is a former student at Namwianga so the Merritts frequent it rather often. From there we began the long drive to Livingstone. Let me preface this next part by saying that I knew the plan was to spend the night in Livingstone then go to Victoria Falls sometime in the morning and head off to the airport after that. Well, a little ways down the road a twinkle appeared in B. Weave's eye and I could tell that something was up. Apparently the new plan was to take me to high tea if we made it in time. Needless to say...ahem...we made it in time. :) Tea was incredible. First of all, the Royal Livingstone is the most beautiful place. Not only is the building amaing, but the grounds are gorgeous and right on the Zambezi River. Then we had our choice of about 30 different desserts. If I had ever seen beautiful food, this was it. Then of course there was the tea, served in the most lovely china and also very delightful. Everything was just perfect. The rest of the evening we spent walking and lounging about the grounds. During this time I saw giraffes, zebras, hippos, monkeys, and baboons. It was my own personal safari and it was perfect as well. The next morning we headed to the falls. Yes, they put Niagra to shame. The power and beauty were simply incredible. Sara and I kept going "just a little further". I wanted to get my money's worth, afterall. The end result was two very wet ladies, but it was worth it. The market was our next stop where I was once again reminded that bartering is not my forte. Sara rescued me a couple of times and I ended up with plenty of "stuff."

I had such a wonderful last couple of days and I know Sara and Weave worked hard to make it special for me. It was an even bigger realization for me that these people (including our professors back home) are so much more than just teachers. They really care about us, in the classroom and out. The rest of my travels home are history. Nothing much exciting happened (thankfully). Even my 8 hour layover in Joburg went by quicker than I thought it would. Once more I want to thank everyone for making this trip a complete success. It has meant more to me than I am able to type so I will end here with one more heartfelt, THANK YOU. I cannot wait to share more stories in person. Love to you all.

-Meredith Pietzman
aka Mary Bart

Life After the Haven

Today we had an opportunity to go to a local bush community to see one of the babies that has gone home from the Haven. Lola has been home for about 2 months now and is 3 years old. She continues to look healthy and clean. Kathy M. and Meagan occasionally go to check on the children that leave the Haven and go back to their families. Lola lives right inside Kalomo, out in a bush area. We stopped on our way to purchase ‘sweets’ and soap for Lola. We were greeted as we arrived by lots of smiling children’s faces. They giggled and enjoyed the cameras we all had out. We saw inside the small hut where Lola lives with her family, it’s about the size of the clinic workroom, maybe smaller and not as tall. She recognized Meagan, but didn’t say much. Meagan told us that she was extremely talkative when she lived at the Haven, and on occasion, because of looking at flashcards and asking what sound a lion makes, would growl everything she said. =) There was a picture of Meagan and Lola inside the hut on the wall. Little Kathy (4) went with us to the bush. She had been good friends with Lola. It was sad to see that after only a short time there was no interaction between the little girls, as if they didn’t know one another. Overall, it was neat to see what happens when a child goes home from the Haven and what type of living environment they have to go back to.

This evening I discovered that we had new guests staying with us when I heard through the shower wall Aladdin’s: A Whole New World sung loudly by two gentlemen. It was tempting, and quite frankly I wanted to join in course with Jasmine’s part! =) But decided against it. These two gentlemen, Joseph and James, are very nice, as we found out at dinner. And anyone who enjoys singing loudly any Disney song is okay in my book! They are college students who have come several years in a row for medical missions. We also met Ellie, a remarkable woman who has helped with all our arrangements from room and board, to transportation from Livingston, and even our go between with the missions, etc. Her son, Kell and another man, Will who is here for the medical mission were a part of the group that arrived this evening also.

After dinner tonight, Ellie told us she had one more dessert for us to try… Dried caterpillars!!! And I have to say.. I don’t know if with pride, but yours truly was the only ‘Makua’ (white person) to eat one! Mainly because I knew my husband would never believe I did it!! But Mrs. McLain has proof!! Hehe. Rachel, one of the girls who helps Leonard with cooking and washing dishes, however, ate them like ‘sweets’. =) They definitely don’t taste sweet, more like burnt mini wheats.. without the frosting!!

Well we have 2 full days left at the Haven… only 2!!! It’s going to be hard to say good-bye! I think I speak for us all when I say that these children have impacted our lives in many ways.
-Mary Tom

Kasibi Village

Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with tambourine and dancing; praise him with the strings and flute,
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord
Psalm 150: 1-2, 4, and 6

We were invited to attend church at the Kasibi Church of Christ. Leonard and his family are members of the Kasibi village. Our caravan journey began at 8:30am. We started down the road that leads us to The Haven everyday. We eventually turned onto a long, narrow, bumpy, road (we would call it a two wheel path in the US) that we have become very accustomed to. Once again the weeds on either side of the road were taller than our faithful Khaki Jacki, but of course she pulled us through. There in the middle of nowhere was the Kasibi Church of Christ. We were greeted by Leonard and his wonderful smile. There were only a few people present when we arrived. Soon after a Deacon rang the church bell and the congregation started to arrive. The wooden benches started to fill so the service was moved outside. Harold, Leonard’s son, was the worship leader. After the sermon, the Kasibi Church of Christ singers sang several selections. They were wonderful and the harmony was great. The visitor’s were then asked to render three songs. This really excited Mrs. McLain, she had prepared us well, but visitors from TX and OK joined us so it was not the same. Once church was dismissed, the congregation had a fellowship. African American and Africans define fellowship as ‘lining up to shake hands with everyone in the congregation.’

Leonard cooked and invited the entire congregation to his farm to eat. He just so happened to have cooked my favorite African meal: Nshima with soup on it, relish (cabbage), rice, and chicken. If you are a loyal follower you know we had dessert. Today it was a chocolate cake labeled Kasibi Church of Christ cake. Lunch, of course, was wonderful.

There was also great after lunch entertainment. There was a band, singing and dancing. Brittany, Meredith and Jessica were so overjoyed that they joined the dancing circle. Oh I failed to mention that circle also included a mother dancing while nursing her baby. I even thought B Weave was about to join the circle, she had a little sway going and there was a twinkle in her eye that I had never seen. I even caught Sara moving her feet to the beat with a little short Zambian (Jason). We had a marvelous time but like everything else it had to end.

I think I can speak for everyone by saying “WE ARE GOING TO MISS LEONARD!”

Mary Cat

Sales Queen

Mrs. Moono is our neighbor here on the mission. She and her family raise chickens and grow tomatoes for a living. Mrs. Moono is also a talented seamstress and an amazing sales lady. She sews tote bags, satchels, coin purses, computer bags, skirts and tops (called suites here), place mates, aprons, and quilted bags. She sews on the side to put her five children through school. The thing about going over to Mrs. Moono to puruse her wears is that you always buy more than you anticipated. She can convince you that you need a bag to match your skirt or a coin purse to go inside of your tote. I would put her sales skills up against anyone in the states.

The past two days I’ve been over at her house with different sewing orders. Yesterday, after she measured me for my suite, she informed me that I should marry her son. Apparently he is very handsome and well educated. He’s getting his degree in economics at the university nearby. Figuring she knew I was joking I replied affirmatively. Mrs. Moono said she would sew me all the aprons I wanted for zero kwatcha. I walked away not sure whether a verbal agreement (given in jest) meant that I had just signed betrothal papers.

Today we all went into Choma, a town an hour away with a decent sized market and plenty of people ready to barter. We all left with full bags and empty wallets, especially Antoinette. Shorty after arriving at our house, I made my way over to Mrs. Moono’s. I was warmly welcomed into her dining room, where she was already hard at work. We chatted for a few minutes and then she asked me if I had a fiancé. I said no, not even a boyfriend; I’m very much single. She looked shocked. I wasn’t sure if she really liked me or had entirely forgotten her proposal from the other day. Mrs. Moono proceeds to ask why. I jokingly stated that nobody’s made me an offer. She scoffed. Curiously she asked me if I liked black boys. Sure, I like black boys. She smiled and continued her sales pitch. My witty seamstress again reiterated how good looking her son was and I was informed of all his accomplishments. Mrs. Moono then slyly says “don’t you think the little black babies here are so cute?” I assured her that they’re some of the most precious children I’ve ever seen. She asked if I found a Zambian husband yet and if I would just take one home with me? I tried telling her that finding a husband was not really the reason for my being here. This didn’t really stop her though. She persisted gushing about her son and trying to get me to take him home as my personal souvenir. Mrs. Moono, the humble farmer, is a sales lady through and through. Like any good mother, it’s all for the sake of her children.

-Mary Jo

THERE'S REALLY NO I IN TEAM

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like- minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-5

These particular scriptures have served as the HIZ-PATH's groups motto for the past four weeks. Through the course of our stay here in Africa I have seen so many groups arrive at the Namwianga Mission with the intent of coming to do God's work. Some came to build, some came to paint, and some came to teach. However, as interesting as their jobs sound, I can say beyond the shadow of a doubt that I wouldn't rather be here with anyone other than the eleven fantastic women God placed in this special group.

Since we have been here we have truly become like family. Always looking out for each other and helping each other when in need. Each one of us adds a special talent to the group and a missing piece to the puzzle. Whether we are helping each other plan our therapy sessions for the next day, spraying each other's insect bites, dispensing medication, or baking chocolate chip cookies you can rest assure TEAMWORK is taking place. We are always here for each other providing constant laughter, a shoulder to cry on, or just a word of encouragement for one of our sisters in need.

Long after this trip I can still see myself needing Brittany for her infamous Bedside Comedy Hour and also Brow's by Britt, Antoinette's advice and Hairstyle's by Nettie specializing in side ponies and messy buns, Meredith's positive attitude, Jessica's artistic ability, Ashley's calm spirit, Mrs. Marta's nurturing spirit, Ms. Shock's organizational and scheduling skills, Mrs. McLain's preschool expertise, Dr. Weaver's consistent encouragement and reassurance from Becca and Elizabeth that you do still have hair and a life after graduate school. Also in the event that the workers at Pampers, Huggies, and Luvs decide to join the entire country of Zambia and go on strike then you guys can always call me for advice on what household items make the best diapers because I think I have seen enough in these past four weeks to tell you something.

Overall I think it would be safe to say on May 21, 2009 we arrived at the Namwianga Mission a group and we are leaving here a team. We have given inspiration to other groups and the workers here at the mission but most of all we have inspired each other. We have given each other the motivation to continue laughing as often as possible, loving everybody as Christ loved us, and living to do God's will everyday of our lives.

Sister Mary Mackulata

P.S Meredith we will miss you but I will keep the Meredith Internet Cafe open just for you:-)

The Kids at the Haven

Although the Haven is an orphanage, not all of the children are true orphans. In many cases the mother has died, but the father is still living. Unfortunately, the fathers are forced to give the children up without the mother since single fatherhood does not exist in Zambia. Some of these children do have the hope of going home when they are older and can help at home, especially if they have other living relatives. In cases where there are known living relatives, they are encouraged to visit the children at least once every 3 months, preferably at least once per month, but are welcome to visit as often as they wish. Throughout our time here, we have been able to witness a few of these visits.

One woman, the 21-year-old mother of twins, took her children to the Haven, as she is unable to care for them due to an illness. She came one afternoon to visit with them, and she brought them new clothes. She also took pictures of her babies to keep with her. She clearly loved her children and wanted the best for them. She seemed hopeful that she may be able to bring them home in the future.

Another set of twins came to the Haven just over a week ago. Their mother got a headache and died (probably aneurysm) just before their first birthday. Today their father and (I think) grandmother came to visit. I had not thought until I saw them with their father how painful it must be for him, as well as other dads. He lost his wife very unexpectedly and two precious daughters all in one day, and there was nothing he could do about it. He looked absolutely heartbroken today as he held his daughters for the first time in weeks, knowing that he would very soon have to leave them again. The twins do have 4 older brothers, so perhaps they will one day be able to go home.

Other children are not as "fortunate" as these. Some do not have any living relatives to come back and claim them. Others were denied by their parents or dumped in the bushes. Many children arrive sick and malnourished. Thankfully, they have a new place to call home in the Haven, and they have their aunties (the caregivers at the Haven) and others who care for them and show them love each and every day. The children who do not have a home to return to are raised here at Namwianga, surrounded by a loving new family. Those who do eventually go home are checked on to make sure they are safe and healthy.

Ashley aka Sister Mary Maserati

The Fruits Of Our Labor

The children at the Haven impress me more and more every day! Whoever said, “What can you do with speech-language pathology in Zambia?!” well let me just tell you. =)

Today at the Haven the children were singing along with the songs we sing, making the hand motions, and participating when called on (ex: handing a piece of plastic fruit and asking for it back). It’s fun to watch the little ones try to sing along and be able to do some of the motions. Today during the song: God made the big round sun; God made the tall, tall trees; God made the birds that fly; and God made me, I saw Choolwe, Ashley, and Georgie make a sun with their little arms and place their hands on their chests to say “me”. This is was the first time I noticed Choolwe and Ashley trying to participate and do the motions at the correct time. I just hugged them after the lessons. I’m so proud of what they are accomplishing and I’m blessed to be a part of this.

The older kids (3-4): Jason, George, Kathy, Nawina, Weston, Carol, Bright; and some of the younger kids (2): David, Georgie, Choolwe love to sing along with Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes and do a great job of following along. Kathy (4) often will place her hands on her head to show that she wants to sing the song. It’s exciting to see what we have accomplished in the short time we have been here. Children that didn’t say anything at the beginning of our trip are now saying words and singing along. Catherine (2) came running up to me on Tuesday with a little toy in her hand shouting “apple”. The toy was clearly not an ‘apple’, but she has learned a new word; the only word I’ve heard her say, in fact, since we’ve been here. With limited resources and the setting these children are in, they are blossoming every day and it’s so encouraging and rewarding to witness!

Another example of what these children are learning happened this afternoon at the baby house. As Candice was starting the lesson ‘animals’ with the babies, she quickly had a little helper. Every time she would ask a rhetoric question, “What is this?” a little voice would call out.. Bird!, Pink!, and some random noise.. definitely not ‘tweet, tweet’.. haha. Jason, a four year old, was standing next to where Candice was sitting answering every question. It was so cute! We have decided; however, that the next time we sing: God made birds to sound like this… that we are all going to call out with a different bird sound because the birds here clearly do not say ‘tweet, tweet’. Just ask Brittany and Meredith to demonstrate how the birds here sound.. they’ve really got it down!! =)

So many things are happening to show the importance of what we are doing and why we are here. God has blessed us with this unique opportunity and we will have lots of stories to share when we get home!!

-Jessica Mayes