Zambia is not a safe place. First we armed ourselves with injections and malaria pills. We drank bottled water and ate only what was
peeled or cooked. We used insect repellants and slept under mosquito nets. Valuables had to be hidden in pouches under our clothing. All this to be the pampered guests at the Lusaka Holiday
Inn.
Finally, we were ready to meet the real Africa. On September 2 LuAnn Yocky, Kathie Williams, Lena Jones, Graig Flach, Allison Craker, Scott Fortmann, Russ Brown, and I traveled to
Kangombe, the village our WOV chapter sponsors through World Vision's HIV/AIDS Hope Initiative.
Life in the village is not safe, but it is improving thanks to development supported by your
contributions this past year. Sufficient rain fell on the seeds and fertilizer WOV provided, producing a harvest that allowed every family in the village to store food for the winter. The prevalence of
malaria, often fatal to children, has dropped 80% since last October when your donations provided treated nets for every person in the village. When we drove into Kangombe the villagers met us with singing and
dancing. Translated, their song was "Kangombe is fine now and so we are dancing. Kangombe has development now because we have friends." I walked with the children to the river and saw the stagnant
water and shallow well that currently provide drinking water for the village. The community is rejoicing that our funds will provide a borehole later this year.
It is dangerous to play
'football' (soccer) in bare feet against a team with 'boots' (soccer shoes). The Kangombe Football and Netball Club, founded October 20, 2002, has a record of 10 wins and 7 losses. They let us know
that they would like it very much if we could provide them with soccer shoes. They believe that playing and watching these sports has helped to draw villagers away from some bad habits such as drinking.
HIV/AIDS is dangerous for everyone. It steals life from moms, dads, and children. It places a heavy burden on the uninfected as they take in orphans when they do not have the resources to care
for their own. We saw no signs of improvement in this area– please keep praying.
It's dangerous to be born a girl. The girl child is often denied an education because she must do chores.
She is married off as young as 14 or 15 to bring income to her family (minimum of 6 cows)- pray for the girls.
It is sometimes even dangerous to accept gifts in Zambia. As we left we were
given two goats, a chicken, and four fertilized eggs. Did you know you can hold a chicken in one hand by clenching its legs together right below the body?! I hope I looked grateful. I truly was.
We drove home that night with the goats tied on the roof, chicken feathers in the air, and joy in our hearts because God allowed us to be His ambassadors of hope to the poor.
I am very grateful to all our friends who partner with us in this ministry. Visit our website often,
