Thursday is Grocery Day and Cleaning Day and WOW!! it is cold!!!



June 20, 2013    
               I am sitting in the meeting hut (ciikuta-pronounced chee koota) where we meet for church and devotions.  Although it was in the mid-30’s this morning, at 10 a.m. it is in the mid 70’s and very windy (almost said breezy, but that is too pleasant a word for the 30-40 MPH winds that we experience).  Max (the Siamese) is in my lap napping.  The sound of Tanga is carried on the wind from the staffers busy about their day.  Thursday is cleaning day at the Ninas hut.  Martha (not the cow but the worker) washes then hangs out our clothes today.  She will also sweep, mop, and put Cobra floor polish on our floors.
               Curtis and Russell just walked by on their way to volunteer to help Lynne in the NDO garden.  It is time to plant onions and carrots.  They will help Lynne and Noah clear out the okra plants that are no longer producing, spread 4-6” of mulch, and plant the seeds.  The bean plants that we replanted are struggling but green and still standing erect with their wilted leaves.  We are praying they recover from the shock of being uprooted and flourish.
               Thursday after devotion is a flurry of activity here at NDO.  Blu and Darbi drive into Choma (about an hour away) to buy groceries for the NDO kitchen.  A lot of local workers hand them money and lists to fulfill while in Choma.  You might think it is a fun time going to Choma on Thursday every week.  However, since we are down to one vehicle (3 are down for repairs), Blu will accomplish as much as possible before returning to Mapanza.  The American teachers are hoping he brings parts for the brakes and motor mount on the mini-van so they can drive to Choma tomorrow for groceries.  Lynne and I agree since Lynne will be traveling with them to get our groceries also.
               At the camp fire last night someone mentioned that they could go their entire day back home without seeking God to fulfill a need.  He said that back home we put God in box and bring him out for church.  Here at NDO, this person stated, the people are seeking God all day every day to fulfill needs that to people stateside would seem trivial . . . water, electricity, vehicle repairs, etc.  Last night during praise and prayer time (every Wednesday in the dining hall, ya’l come!!), we were praising God for having an uninterrupted water supply thanks to the new tanks and well.  We were also praising the fact that we had not lost electricity due to load shedding.  This team member asked how often do we seek God for uninterrupted water and electricity and thank him when we receive it.
               Randy asked Lynne and I how we felt about the team being here.  It was exciting at first, but you keep in mind that they are only here for a short time and then they leave.  So, on one hand you enjoy each minute interacting with them because you have a limited amount of time with them.  On the other hand, a voice in your head says, “Don’t get used to this because soon they will be gone.”  I have enjoyed seeing them get involved “up to their elbows.”  It has been neat (yes I said neat) to see Zambia and NDO through their eyes when they share with us.  They too, have to focus on each minute they are here because their time is limited.  Like a castaway on a deserted island with only one orange, they are squeezing all they can out of each moment here.  I praise God that all who committed to come were able to come despite doubts and funding issues.  Some shared that they struggled emotionally with “what ifs” on the flight over from America, but saw those struggles dissipate when they landed in Lusaka and boarded the truck for the ride to NDO.  The loving hugs of the NDO children are a calming balm for the weary soul.
               Friday will be here soon.  The Jesus film is showing in one of the local villages. The entire Rosemont ministry team will be there.  Some of them have spent this week canvassing the villages inviting people to the film.  I am excited about the film being shown, and the fact that Friday night is fried chicken and crisps at the NDO dining hall.  Pray for the team as they minister and witness tomorrow night before, during and after the showing of the film. Pray that no technical difficulties prevent or interrupt to the showing of the film.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of our team and the villagers who will attend for the work God will do.
               I know I am repeating myself, but to those of you who wrote cards of encouragement, thank you so much for taking the time to do that.  Although there may be no balm in Gillead, your notes of encouragement have been a soothing and encouraging balm here Mapanza, Zambia.

Lilac-breasted Roller

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