Our electricity has been in and out quite a bit in the last few days. Yesterday we went nearly 24 hours with only only having about 5 hours of electricity in the early morning. Out of the last 4 evenings, we have only had one with electricity. We’ve learned to always have our flashlights on us, and keep our plans flexible. With the power outage water supply also becomes a concern. The water that we use for showers and the bathrooms comes from a tank that is filled by an electric pump. If the electricity is out, the water cannot be replenished. So we’re trying to use our water sparingly, especially with the electricity being so capricious. Saturday was a day off for us. After breakfast we drove into town to take care of some errands and then we drove to Choma, a town about 40 minutes away. Choma has a small museum which records the history and culture of the southern province. After viewing all the displays, we spent about the same amount of time in the gift shop as the museum itself, buying up the beautiful handiwork of local artisans. After a picnic lunch on the museum grounds, we went to the market looking for pillows and material to make some special pillows for the babies. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful, but we’re still working on it.
Sunday we again each had a child on our lap during the service.
The church that we have been attending meets in the Johnson Auditorium which is shared by the high school and the college. The large auditorium is packed every week with students and faculty from both programs as well as a few members of the surrounding community. Tonight we learned that there are two other churches in the Namwianga area. The one in the Johnson auditorium is primarily done in English because it is made up of people from several different tribes. The other two churches worship in Chi-Tonga (the predominant language of this region). 
We have nearly completed the hearing screenings at the basic school (1st through 9th grades). Besides the challenge of explaining how to push the button when you hear a beep for the audiometer, our most challenging part has been to pronounce some of the names. Several names, however, are quite common; and then there are the handful of names that are familiar words, but not familiar as names. Some of our favorites have been: Gift (a common name for both males and females), Medium, Bright, Cornhill, Scholastica, and Obvious.
Our hosts had a treat for us this evening. Rather than having dinner at the Hamby House (the house next door where we have been eating our meals), the three groups that are here now went out to a place called Jordan’s Rock for a cookout. Jordan’s Rock is a large black rock not far from the school. It has been a gathering place for Christians in the area for many, many years. Roy Merritt (who has lived and worked in Zambia all his life) told us that there is a small pool near the rock where the church would go for baptisms and they called it “The Jordan”, thus the rock became “Jordan’s Rock”. The gathering was fun and provided a peaceful evening where it didn’t matter if the electricity was out or not. Our three different groups gathered there along with Roy and Kathy Merritt (who run the Haven as well as house many of the kids in their own home, which is part of the Haven), several of their kids from the Haven, Don and Laura Oldenberg, Sheri (a teacher at the college), and several Zambian brothers. We were also joined by Claus and Christiana Muller, a German couple who have lived and worked in this area for 30 years. We talked about third culture kids and some of the struggles their kids have faced. He spoke of his kids being homesick, while still trying to pursue their own goals and visions in Germany and elsewhere. It was good to hear someone else’s story, but one I can resonant with despite so many cultural differences.
As I write this, the electricity has just come on after another candle/flashlight-lit evening. The internet has to be rebooted in the other house, so posting will have to wait until morning...assuming the electricity is on.
Photos: One of the many breathtaking sunsets, singing at children's church, holding babies during the service, Jordan's rock
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed following your blog. It's really encouraging to hear about the work your and your team is doing there. I was wondering though what happens to all the kids there when they grow up? Are they addopted in country? Out? I am just wondering. Your stories touch my heart!
Julie, thanks so much for reading and commenting. Many of the children at the Haven still have living family who simply cannot afford to take care of them for one reason or another. Many of the children eventually go back to be with their families as they reach school age. For those who cannot live with their families for one reason or another, they typically end up in the Merritts house, also called Eric's House and live there until they are old enough to be on their own. Roy and Kathy Merritt have about 40 children living in their home from about ages 1 to 18 years old. Each child has a unique and precious story. Your prayers are appreciated! Blessings sweet friend!
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