We’ve been in Zambia for about 3 weeks now. Either we are getting used to the heat or the start of the rains has begun to cool things down. We do a lot of walking here. Every day to and from the office, sometimes a few trips each day. We have already had some challenging times here. Sometimes a minor miscommunication can lead to a big blow up. But things seem to big back on track.
The people of Zambia are incredible. I love walking the streets and saying hi to everyone we pass. Yesterday we went for a jog in the morning. Everyone is looking at us as we run, we stand out. At one point we were running past a young boy on his way to school, he was maybe 10 years old. And after I thought we passed him I looked beside me, and he is running alongside us. He was no idea who we are, just wanted to jog with us. Where else in the world do you see that. When we go out into the community you might just be walking with some care workers and when you turn around there are like 20 children following you. They love to yell out “Mizungu” when they see you, which means white person and sometimes they just go crazy. Kids will say “How are you?” then you say, “Fine. How are you?” and they say “Fine” and they laugh hysterically.
I got an SMS last night that my Uncle Kevin passed away. That is the last message you are expecting when you are sitting in Zambia. I can’t stop thinking about the family. Uncle Kevin loved to laugh and joke and I will miss that. My thoughts are all in Victoria right now. These are the times it is so difficult to be on the other side of the world. I wish I could be there to support my family. There is a lot of down time here to just sit and think. Sometimes that can be a challenge. We love you all and miss you.

-T

Back in Zambia

We are back in Zambia...the country which stole our hearts the moment we landed last year. And it is incredible! Just like we remembered. Although this time it is super hot.

It has been a little bit of an adjustment for us as living is much more “rustic” than South Africa in the sense that there are much less amenities and much more bugs/cockroaches etc. The grocery stores are quite limited in their selection (and super expensive – especially produce); the water is undrinkable; showers are few and far between – bathtubs with only cold water are all the rage and this makes washing my very long hair a challenge, and there are a plethora of bugs, flies and other critters to keep you company day and night.

BUT...it is worth it because the people more than make up for that. Everyone is so hospitable, friendly and giving. How can we not love it here?
That said, I am not going to lie and pretend it is easy. It's not. Every expereince stretches me emotionally, spiritually and physically. In any case, I really can’t complain because I am living like a queen in comparison to thousands for children here. I am humbled each time I walk into a community and see how hard life is for so so many. It makes me really examine myself and my situation. If those living in such desperate situations can radite such joy then why can't I? Each moment I spend with the people here makes me see life differently.

It is a perspective which I pray I will never loose. I thank God each day for allowing me to be here and grow in such a way.

Photos from Stew and Heather's Visit

Coffee in Kruger Park

On the Beach in St. Lucia

Bulembu, Swaziland

Visiting the Cresh in Masoyi Community

Playing with the children in Siphemandle

Just a few pictures from Tyler's Parent's visit...see more on our Picasa Site: http://picasaweb.google.ca/home

Parents Trip

A few days ago was the end of my parents time in Africa. It was a hard day saying goodbye. It's funny how 5 months spent here goes by in a flash, but when you think about being away from family for another 7 months is seems like a long time.
We did a lot while my parents were here. We visited friends, did home visits, went into Kruger Park, Blyde River Canyon, Shangana Village, into Swaziland, community stay, went to St. Lucia and swam in the Indian Ocean. What an incredible time!
I know my parents were deeply challenged during their time here. We had some tough moments, but I really believe they are all the better for it. It hurt me to see them struggle, but in the end I think it was a good thing. Something that opened their eyes. Sometimes we all need a push. It's not easy to break out of our routines that govern our daily lives. When we are forced to break out, our mind wrestles with itself. You are terrified and left to ask silly questions and try to rationalize your own thoughts in your head. But we grow.
I feel so proud that my parents took that step. Of their 35 years together this was their first real trip. It's hard for me to fathom how challenging it must have been. I lay here wishing now that I could go knock on their door to just talk or play crib. There was a lot of crib playing while they were here. I miss them already. My Dad always says that Ralph's don't do good with goodbyes and it's true I struggle. What a life changing time and an incredible time.

-T