The Falls

Today was our first day full day in Livingstone. We again enjoyed a wonderful Protea breakfast and then headed to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls was incredible! I never get tired of being there. It is such an exciting experience. The power and size of the falls is so humbling, it is an amazing thing to watch and experience. Our group first took lots of group pictures at the top of the falls and then we ventured down and across to the bridge to get a closer and wetter look. The large amount of mist that rains down on you is an awesome experience, and to hear the roar of the falls up close is just amazing. After being completely soaked and taking group pictures with water proof cameras we headed back to the entrance, and then ventured down to the boiling point. At the bottom of the falls there is an area where the water swirls around in a circle. I did not experience this last year but I was glad that I made the long journey down to the boiling point and back up again. I of course got as close to the water as I could. Ian and I ventured out on a rock that was as far as you could go. We were both enjoying the view on top of the rock until the rock was six inches under rushing water with us still on top it! We held on for a short while until the water reseeded, but this peace was short lived as I saw another surge of water heading toward us. I told Ian to hold on tight! We made it just fine. After that surge we hurriedly scampered off the rock back to higher ground.

Once we exited the falls we then had the opportunity to shop in the markets there. I found a painting of the falls that I really like, and I also bought some gifts for friends and family back home. The markets are always crazy, but I made it out with the things I wanted without spending too much money. The bus then took us back to the main strip where we were given money to get some lunch. A small group of us ate at the Hungry Lion (Zambian Fast Food) I got a burger that didn't taste so great, but I managed to eat most of it. We then walked back to the hotel and prepared for High Tea at the Royal Livingstone Hotel.  

High Tea at the Royal Livingstone again was a great experience. The food is great and the atmosphere is so much fun. The Royal Livingstone is a very nice hotel here in Zambia. Apparent the cheapest room is $500 a night. We come here to drink tea, eat delicious desserts, and then watch the sun set on the Zambezi. The tea was great, this year I got Apple Cinnamon tea. The food was good as well and the company was even better. During our tea time there was a zebra that walked through the grounds, only 50 feet away from where we were sitting! The sunset was also very enjoyable. It was so nice to take a break, sit and converse with friends, and watch the sun set. God is good.

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Ben

Are you preaching?

This morning instead of going to the church at Namwianga I had the opportunity to go with Dr. Tullos and Ian to Webster's congregation outside of Kalomo. None of us had ever been to his church before so we didn't really know what to expect, and we didn't really have any idea how to get there. All we knew was that it was past the hospital on the left. After driving past it twice we got a call from Ellie. Webster apparently had seen us drive by and called Ellie to tell us where to meet him so that he could direct us to the church building. We found him and picked him up on the side of the road and headed to his church.

When we arrived he showed us the building and a plot of land next to the church where they are planning on building a new bigger building, and having the current church be a preschool. The church here was very nice compared to the Kasibi church. It was bigger and completely made out of concrete and brick. After the bible study Dan and I were informed that we were in charge of preaching and the Lord's Supper! FUN. We had been assured by Webster and Ian that neither of us would have to participate in the service, but both Ian and Webster were out with the children for children's church. Dan made up a short sermon on the spot, and I gave the communion comments. This is the first time I have had to use a translator. I had to break apart what I wanted to say in shorter phrases. Over all the experience was very enjoyable. God is good. The church service started an hour late, but Dan and I made sure that it ended on time with our short comments : )

After the service was over Webster took us to his house for a drink and to chat with the preacher before we left. I also got to meet 2 of 3 of his children, along with his wife. Webster then rode with us in the land cruiser until we made it to the main road, where he said good bye. Webster was very sad to say good bye to us. It was a sad moment for us all as we drove away.

Our last meal in Namwinanga was a group favorite, chicken spaghetti, then we packed the vehicles and left for Livingstone. When we arrived in Livingstone we had lots of time to relax and shower after days without water at Namwianga. Then as a group we headed to a dinner and had a wonderful time of fellowship and relaxation. At the end of our evening there the GA's handed out awards to all of us that usually consisted of inside jokes. IT was a very enjoyable evening. Our group as really bonded on this trip, we are not looking forward to leaving each other next week.

The rest of the evening we spent at the hotel resting and relaxing for tomorrow's adventures.

Please continue to pray for the group's safety as we stay in Livingstone for the next week.

Thank you for all your prayers and support

Ben

Good Byes

Today is our last full day in Namwianga. This morning a small group of students that needed extra hours due to illness headed off with supervisors Kara and Carol to the Havens. The rest of the group stayed behind after breakfast and packed up all of our supplies that we have been using the past few weeks and organized it into suitcases and put it in the HIZ storage container across from the Mann house. Once we were finished packing we were free to go to the Havens until lunch. I walked to the Haven with Ashley, Mel, and Dara. We arrived just in time to hang out in Haven 2 some play time with the kids before tea time. After tea time I continued to stay at Haven 2 with the kids there until it was shema time! Once all the kids were gathered to eat shema I left Haven 2 and walked to Haven 1 where I spent the rest of my time till lunch.

At Haven 1 I held Rita. She has grown so much since we have been here, and she is doing quite well. She has gotten over her pink eye and is feeding very well. I fed her and rocked her until she fell asleep. Next I picked up Irene. Irene is doing better as well. She has gotten over her sickness, but she still has difficulty feeding. She is becoming more expressive though. She smiled often as I played with her, which is always rewarding.

After lunch most of the group headed back to the Havens to say our good byes. I spent the first part of the afternoon in Haven 1 with Irene and Emmanuel. I fed Irene until Mel got there. (Irene is one of Mel's favorites) Then I played with Emmanuel the younger, Joy's twin brother (one of my favorites). He was so expressive and smiley today. I sat next to Chelsea on the couch who was holding Joy. We were both so pleased to see how well he was doing on the last day. When we first arrived he struggled maintaining attention or eye contact for very long, but today he was totally opposite. He was doing so well!

Eventually I had to put Emmanuel down and walk to Haven 2 where my true loyalties lie. Maureen was there to greet me, along with Twapegwa. Maureen spent most of her time that afternoon in my lap as I took pictures of the other toddlers around me. Maureen has become very attached to me and would push other children away from me who might have been interested in sitting with us. Oh Maureen. Eventually I put her down and picked up Marcus, who was crying. I think some of the children could since that some of the group was upset about the last day, because they were all whiny and crying. After tea time and eating bananas it was time for us to go. We all said our good byes to the children. I put down Marcus and said good bye to Twapegwa, Maureen, and Leah. It was time to go.

On the walk back to the house it was very quite until!... Jumping picture time! Last year Kara and I and others took jumping pictures on the path on the way back from the Havens to lighten the mood. This was very much needed again this year, and so we took some awesome jumping pictures to boost the morale before we arrived for dinner.

Tonight for dinner Rod made this wonderful delicious soup with wildebeest in it! It was so good I had two very large helpings of it. Apparently it is a South African traditional meal. I was very impressed. After dinner I spent most of my time with Webster and Justine. They were both very sad that we were leaving. Webster told many funny stories, and we listened to his favorite song "Good Girls" on repeat...many, many times. : ) Eventually it was time for bed. I left for Justine and Webster my head lamp, sweatshirt, and extra batteries. They were very thankful and I was glad to share.

Tomorrow we will attend out last church service here in Namwinaga, and then head to Livingstone after lunch, and spend the rest of the week there until we fly home on Friday.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Ben

Good Byes

Today is our last full day in Namwianga. This morning a small group of students that needed extra hours due to illness headed off with supervisors Kara and Carol to the Havens. The rest of the group stayed behind after breakfast and packed up all of our supplies that we have been using the past few weeks and organized it into suitcases and put it in the HIZ storage container across from the Mann house. Once we were finished packing we were free to go to the Havens until lunch. I walked to the Haven with Ashley, Mel, and Dara. We arrived just in time to hang out in Haven 2 some play time with the kids before tea time. After tea time I continued to stay at Haven 2 with the kids there until it was shema time! Once all the kids were gathered to eat shema I left Haven 2 and walked to Haven 1 where I spent the rest of my time till lunch.

At Haven 1 I held Rita. She has grown so much since we have been here, and she is doing quite well. She has gotten over her pink eye and is feeding very well. I fed her and rocked her until she fell asleep. Next I picked up Irene. Irene is doing better as well. She has gotten over her sickness, but she still has difficulty feeding. She is becoming more expressive though. She smiled often as I played with her, which is always rewarding.

After lunch most of the group headed back to the Havens to say our good byes. I spent the first part of the afternoon in Haven 1 with Irene and Emmanuel. I fed Irene until Mel got there. (Irene is one of Mel's favorites) Then I played with Emmanuel the younger, Joy's twin brother (one of my favorites). He was so expressive and smiley today. I sat next to Chelsea on the couch who was holding Joy. We were both so pleased to see how well he was doing on the last day. When we first arrived he struggled maintaining attention or eye contact for very long, but today he was totally opposite. He was doing so well!

Eventually I had to put Emmanuel down and walk to Haven 2 where my true loyalties lie. Maureen was there to greet me, along with Twapegwa. Maureen spent most of her time that afternoon in my lap as I took pictures of the other toddlers around me. Maureen has become very attached to me and would push other children away from me who might have been interested in sitting with us. Oh Maureen. Eventually I put her down and picked up Marcus, who was crying. I think some of the children could since that some of the group was upset about the last day, because they were all whiny and crying. After tea time and eating bananas it was time for us to go. We all said our good byes to the children. I put down Marcus and said good bye to Twapegwa, Maureen, and Leah. It was time to go.

On the walk back to the house it was very quite until!... Jumping picture time! Last year Kara and I and others took jumping pictures on the path on the way back from the Havens to lighten the mood. This was very much needed again this year, and so we took some awesome jumping pictures to boost the morale before we arrived for dinner.

Tonight for dinner Rod made this wonderful delicious soup with wildebeest in it! It was so good I had two very large helpings of it. Apparently it is a South African traditional meal. I was very impressed. After dinner I spent most of my time with Webster and Justine. They were both very sad that we were leaving. Webster told many funny stories, and we listened to his favorite song "Good Girls" on repeat...many, many times. : ) Eventually it was time for bed. I left for Justine and Webster my head lamp, sweatshirt, and extra batteries. They were very thankful and I was glad to share.

Tomorrow we will attend out last church service here in Namwinaga, and then head to Livingstone after lunch, and spend the rest of the week there until we fly home on Friday.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Ben