Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  

Things have been good.  Last Friday, December 20th, I went to a school in Choma (not one of the Brethren In Christ schools) to meet up with some teachers that I took to Nakeempa for a workshop earlier in the month.  I almost postponed it as I still wasn't feeling 100% but I'm so glad I went!  The original trip to Nakeempa was great and I connected with the two ladies that I chauffeured.  Annie and Amanda.  Both teachers, both moms.  Quickly turning into good friends. I managed to track down Annie's phone number and I asked them if there was a time they were free to help me turn some of my English literacy games (specifically: ABC Bingo and The Alphabet Jive song) into something that would work in ChiTonga.  They were happy to help and are excited to see the final copy (I'm still typing / doing the prep work) and use it at their school.  It was great seeing their enthusiasm and they worked so hard.  (I was no help at all when it came to alphabet sounds and words in ChiTonga!) I explained the two items in English and then they took over!  (Writing an English translation beside so I can find the right pictures for the Alphabet song book!)  It's turning out great.  I'm quite excited about it.  I'm hoping to finish it up before school starts on the 13th again.  

I met these two teachers through Nakeempa school (as I mentioned - the school ended up scheduling me to come out for my "What do you want me to help you with?" goals workshop on the same day these ladies were to present a workshop for the teachers as well.  I was being used for my wheels but it was a blessing!  I got to attend the workshop Annie and Amanda put on, first a general review about literacy and a reading lesson plan (which was very informative for me and I found out many of the teacher lingo for such things as sight words - "look and say" words).   Then I learned more about the THRASS program (Teaching Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills). These two ladies teach at St. Patrick's School in Choma (the other side of town.  It's a large and lovely government school).

On Friday we became even better friends.  (And hey - they were doing my work for me!) :)  On Saturday I ran into them in a shop in town.  It was like we hadn't seen each other for years!  I got a very warm welcome, even a kiss on each cheek!  I'm starting to run into people in town that I know now… and recognize! :)  (Before, I would hear my name and have NO idea who it was - I'd met too many people too fast!) 

Wonderbake coffee with Sugar packets: Tablespoons instead of Teaspoons
and fortified with Vitamin A!

On Saturday I got to meet my friend, Julie, at Wonderbake for coffee.  It was great.  I had to say good-bye to my new and good friend, Dorothy, on Weds. as her and her family were heading to Canada for home leave… for 6 months!  At least she'll be back here eventually!  So it was nice meeting Julie for coffee and hearing all about her travels (she had just been in the US for a month and a bit).  AND she brought goodies!  Stuff I asked her to bring, or had my brother or parents send to her to bring!  It was like Christmas!  (The candy canes she brought really helped with that too!)  I'm looking forward to having coffee with Julie once a week (After we're back from our Lusaka / retreat trip!)  

Christmas!  We weren't sure what Christmas Day would be like and thought it would be quite busy so we celebrated just our little family on Christmas Eve with some carols, the Bible story of Jesus' birth (read from the children's Bible), and presents.  I was surprised at how many presents we actually ended up having for the kids (Julie's package helped as I wrapped some of the fun stuff I found in it!)  

Kate when she saw a present with her name on it!

She wrapped a lollipop up for herself "incase
I don't get any presents"  Too funny!

These flashlights I found in town were a hit!

Snow White costume came in the package that Julie brought.  Found the wings and wand in town!

Swings for the swing set!  Malachi thought
they were skate boards for them.  :)

Christmas Day: We were told the service started at 9am, so we did the sensible thing and showed up around 10:30.  It ended up being perfect (there were only two others in the church at that time even… though a few more outside getting ready for the Braii that was to happen after church).  A Braii is a large BBQ pretty much.  Yum!  The service started around 10:45 so we guessed about perfect!  It was nice, a couple carols, a couple people speaking very briefly about what Christmas means to them (me included - they called my name - I guess I was doing too much eye contact?!)  My answer "Emmanuel.  God with us.  God comes to earth to show us what he's like in the person of Jesus."   Someone else, "food!" :)  A sermon on the Christmas passage in Isaiah.  More songs and prayer.  It was pretty short overall though.  Both kids fell asleep - it was very hot today (over 30C I would guess) and both of them were up late and up early!  (Why get up at 5am when you've already opened your gifts?! To play Uno with daddy?!)

Malachi all ready for church.  "He is very smart" they said.
Means the same as "looking smart"  :)

After the service they started the gift exchange (yes - we knew about it!) I'm pretty sure I overspent but I had fun!  And Christmas is about giving right?! :)  They had the kids first.  Started off with one child and then the child that received a gift called the person they had and gave their gift.  It was entertaining when our kids were called - they were both fast asleep!  I woke Kate up but she wasn't having any of it.  There were plenty of laughs and I accepted and gave her presents on her behalf.  Andrew did the same with Malachi.  

Andrew giving his gift.  Conrad got my name so I was up next!

Half of our church.  It's L shaped.  I was sitting on one of the nice plastic green chairs on this side, taking a picture of the other side.  This space is also my office on Fridays.

Then we went outside for the Braii.  I asked a couple young ladies to come with me to the house to get the two cakes I made the day before. People were offering to bring food for the Braii and I didn't know what to bring so Andrew said they were looking for cake so I asked and yes!  Hardly anyone has an oven so cake is difficult.  And to buy at the grocery store is expensive ($20-$25 for a small round one).  I was scared they'd melt in the sun or flies would get stuck to the icing - so I left them at home!  It worked out really well.  They held them while I drove the 5 minutes back (on really potholed roads by our house!  Hello rainy season!) And they whisked them off somewhere and started serving them!  It was pretty tasty if I do say so myself.  And yeah for dessert first!

We were all hiding in the shade!  Brought the chairs outside for the Braii!

The Braii pit and the rest of the church sitting outside.  Our church is small.  These two pictures are it.  About 25 people?

The young men were cooking the meat on the Braii pit.  T-Bone (beef) steak first.  Yum and then Chicken.  Yum.  They served the men first. Then the ladies and children.  It was pretty tasty.  I was one of the last to get served - but they were starting at one end it seemed.  Turns out they thought I didn't eat meat!  Ha!  Wonder where that came from?  So we joked about that a bit!  During the Braii I talked to a couple of the ladies nearby me. Overall it was a good time even though it was hot!  We ended up departing quickly though as Kate had been having some issues with diarrhoea all day and finally missed.  :(  

We had a somewhat relaxing (and hot) afternoon.  Then started preparations for supper as we were having 3 people over.  

New friends.  Lisa, Jenny, Micke 

Chatted with my parents on FaceTime for a bit, and my brother for a bit too.  Had a nice supper time.  I ate way too many peppermint meringues and burnt sugar fudge!  

Tried to Skype with Andrew's parents before the kids headed to bed, after our company left and alas - the internet iSpot was not working!  Andrew and the kids chatted briefly on the phone with them instead.

Kate's a walker when she talks!

Malachi's such a big boy!

Overall a very nice day.

Tomorrow - off to Lusaka…. 

Merry Christmas!

Real Tired

My friend, Sarah, from my Abbotsford Bible Study group nailed it this week when she said something along the lines of, "How are you doing?  You're staying fairly positive, but the reality of it is… you're far away in Africa.  So how are you really?"

So - here's some authenticity for you… the real part.  Not that the other posts haven't been real.  But blogging is convenient in that I can post on my up beat days and ignore the blog when I'm feeling down.   Well, maybe it's because Christmas is coming up and I'm missing everything that much more.  Part of it is the weather has been changing…. the rains have come to stay (I think) and when they came so did a sinus headache.  Well, I always get emotional and discouraged when I'm sick.  So I'm sure that's part of it.  And I'm tired.  Oh so tired.  School is out at least and I'm working on my literacy workshop for next school year, so I've been able to sleep in.  Yesterday I slept in AND took a nap.  (And then was up until almost 1am!)

We've been here 3 months now.  3/36 months. But who is counting?  

Every time someone tells me they put something in the mail for us, or donated money to MCC, or any other thoughtful gesture that reminds me that my friends and family haven't completely forgotten about me - it warms my heart… but it also makes me miss "home" like crazy.

My Bible Study group - who I FaceTime with every Weds. morning (for them), evening (for me) is now on break for Christmas. So I've been using a book I brought from Canada with me,  "Rivers from Eden" by Eden and Brad Jersak.  I've had this book for a long time.  It's a book of listening prayer / conversation with God.  I've used it a few times before - but even though it's been great, I always stopped after the first couple chapters.  Good thing… now I have it! :)

So I did "Day 3" Today.  Asking God to show me what he's like.  A symbol or metaphor of an object.  It took me awhile to still myself today.  I heard an answer.  "An Ocean Wave."

Huh?  I was expecting something like a rock.  A firm foundation. A lion. A lamb.

So I asked (as the book prompts) why? And how does that relate to me?

The answer, "Consistent.  It looks like it's floundering but it's in God's control.  He has a perfect plan.  A pattern.  The moon and the sun tug them, he blows the wind that changes the size and direction.  God is in control."

Okay - so that makes sense.  Sounds like what I needed to hear. I continued on reading the rest of the chapter (Eden's conversation with God) and it confirmed what I heard.  Her conversation with God ended up being an anchor.  (I read this part after I wrote down what I heard!) 

One of her quotes spoke to me because I am feeling "off" today:  "When I'm feeling "off," it's because I don't feel secure in a situation or because of the waters in which I find myself.  If I feel directionless, like there's no sign of land on the horizon, it may be that I've been in the waves too long without a place to rest." (p.24).  

I found it interesting that God spoke to me as Him being the wave.  Not the anchor He is to Eden. But it makes sense to me.  I feel like I am in that choppy water and it feels like I'll be in it for the next 33 months without "land."  I will get a rest, a vacation.  Right after Christmas - so soon!  But it still doesn't feel like a true rest.  I'll still be in Zambia, in yet another new location (a game park), with friends who are still new.  

So it's good to hear that God's not just the anchor.  He's the wave.  He's got a plan.  He has a purpose.  I'm just going to surf along on Him.  Surfing isn't always restful but it is joyful and it will be quite the ride of a life time!  I know there will be some dunks into cold water and there will be some moments of flying high. And then the times in between of coasting along.

So - continue keeping us in your prayers.  As I began this post - right at the beginning Kate interrupted me and asked, "how did you know God called us to Africa?"  Good timing eh?  Reminds me that there is a plan.  I felt it.  The plan is still there even if I'm not feeling it so much.  I'm tired.

Prayer Requests:

-Health (sinus issues and tummy issues)

-A restful vacation after Christmas, despite more "newness" (and travel mercies to get there!)

-our condo to sell.  (We need it to sell by April 23rd.  Bonus points if it could close on April 23rd!!) Our mortgage comes up for renewal that day - and well, we have no income so most places don't want to take us on for a mortgage.  If we can sell by this date we won't have to worry about renewing!  Bonus if we sell on this date - so we won't have to pay any fees for getting out of our mortgage early!  Though I will stress about leaving it to the last minute!

And some photos:

It's not Ocean Waves - but I love palm trees too!  This one is in our yard

Fanta is sleeping on Cookie now.  :)

Malachi's 3rd birthday cake. Well done Andrew!

The back part of our yard before it was slashed.  There's still a bit left to do.  The snakes are still in there I think.... 

Happy 3rd Birthday Malachi!

One Thousand Gifts

(I've been reading this book called, one thousand gifts, by Ann Voskamp, thanks to my friend, Emily, who gave me the book before we left for Africa.  Now - I'm finding that it's not an easy read.  I don't understand half of it and I'm very slowly wading through it.  I'm maybe halfway through?  But I've grabbed some tidbits out of it and it's the inspiration behind this blog post).  

We were able to go to Macha (about an hour north of Choma) for Saturday and overnight until Sunday.  We celebrated American Thanksgiving with new friends.  I had a great time.  We had a lot of good food… guinea fowl, impala stew, raspberry jello with craisins and apples, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a whole lot more!  (Pumpkin roll with cream cheese in the middle - yum!) and saw a couple MCC ladies that live in Macha and some new friends too.  It being Thanksgiving (again) made me think about Christmas coming.  Now - I know Christmas is going to be different this year.  A whole LOT different.  (Though we do have a tree!) I want my attitude to be one of Thanksgiving and not one of sadness for what I'm missing.  I know I'm going to have to put a concentrated effort into this but if I start now I think maybe I'll have an attitude of gratitude by Christmas?  

The kids after decorating the tree.  They barely stood still so this is one of
the only not blurry photos!

And I know many of you in North America would agree that you need to focus more on being thankful and less on the consumerism and commercialism and stress that Christmas can bring.  (If you're on Facebook - the Advent Conspiracy is a neat group to check out!)

So - who wants to count 100 or 1000 blessings with me before Christmas?  I'm starting a bit late - but it still averages out to be about 4 blessings a day (for the 100).  Very possible.  1000 by next Christmas should be easy enough....

Let's do it together!  Here's a sneak peak at the first few of mine…  please leave a comment below, or e-mail me, if you want to do this challenge with me and I'd love to hear some of the first blessings on your list!  (They are 1000 gifts from God!) :)

1) I'm not cold!  (It was 99F on an actual fancy thermometer when we left Macha yesterday.  Probably got hotter after that).

2) That we have a gardener to slash the long grass and he's "taking care" of the snakes he finds while he's slashing.  (So far - a small one, and a large "poisonous" one… which was not a cobra… so not sure what!)

3) For a Christmas tree and it's fake so we can have it for the next 3 years!

4) For decorations for the tree and watching the kids have a great time putting them on.

5) For family and friends who are working to bring rubber type swings to us so we can give the kids a swing set for Christmas.

6) That work has been going well and the head teachers are very accepting of me.

7) That school "closes" for the year on December 6th.  I'm starting to feel like I need a break already! (Or at least a slow down!)

8) For a friend to do coffee with once a week to catch up

9) For Wonderbake that makes really great coffee

10) For half price coffee before 10am at Wonderbake

11) For the (different) friend that told me about the half price coffee before 10!

12) For iced coffee at home

13) For Memory, our house help

14) For internet so I can stay connected to old friends.

15) For discovering new stores in Choma all the time! (A new photocopying place that sells lots of office supplies too! And a "beauty parlour" that my friend showed me so I can buy shampoo!)

16) For long newsy e-mails from friends

17) For the impala and the bush buck and the monitor lizard I've seen while driving around.  (Okay - the two deer were behind fences in places I know keep some animals… but I hadn't seen them before!)

and so much more - but I should save some for another day!

Put on your Thanksgiving Glasses (perspectacles - glasses that change your perspective!) and start counting your blessings and see how those glasses change your perspective as you journey down this road with me!

Give Thanks!

Nakeempa Basic School and Nahumba Basic School

See - I really do work! :)  (Lots of pictures below if you don't have time to read my written words!) 

Mostly my work has involved going around and visiting the 8 Brethren In Christ Basic (Primary - Grade 1-9) schools.  I've now been to each school at least twice.  Lately I've been setting up meeting times for me to come back and make a school goal.  This came about when talking to one of the head teachers who told me (he speaks very freely to me and I'm very grateful) one thing he liked about a past teacher mentor was that she got the heads together and talked to them about what they wanted her to do.  So I thought about it because I liked that idea.  However, it's the end of the school year (they run January - December) and head teachers are busy!  I decided too that though some needs are similar, every school is different.  I started to set up a time that the head and the teachers could meet with me to discuss how I could help them and their school the best.  So far I've had two "school goal" meetings (which ended up being 2 hours each) and I'm sure are getting a bit better polished as I go!  Both of the two schools set a reading goal to improve reading for next year.  (Not surprising as that was one of the main items in my job description!) So I have a couple more goal meetings before schools close on December 6th.  (2 or 3 schools will have their meeting in January).  Over the break I'm going to be working on a "literacy kit" and the workshop to go with it.  It's my dream to give some extra strategies for teaching reading to the teachers here.  They do really well but have challenges like no resources (books, paper, photocopier, etc.) and large class sizes.   I'm working on an alphabet BINGO game made of large flour sacs (each made 24 boards and cost 1.5 kwacha (it's about 5 Kwacha to the dollar) - so 25 cents.  And I'll provide markers and the TIME to make the boards.  As a teacher, I walk away from workshops with inspiration but never sit down and DO the ideas.  So - I'm going to take time with the teachers to make sure they have a functioning kit that they can start working with right away - the next day!  (Plus - I work in English and they'll have to adapt it to ChiTonga - so bonus if I can get them to do that with me and then I'll have a copy too!) :)

So here's my ideas for my workshop / kit:

-Alphabet BINGO boards (can be used for letter names, sounds, sight words, shapes, colours, any language, they are very adaptable to whatever needs to be taught!

-Morning Message (an easy one to use as the teachers here make good use of a chalkboard)

-Alphabet Jive song (teaching letters and letter sounds)

-word wall (put it in exercise books for dictionary for home as well)

-(sock) puppets to teach beginning and ending sounds (rhymes, syllables, a bunch of things!)

Not sure if I'll do any writing activities - but they are tied so much to reading that if I have time I'll also do:

-writing letters in the air / on partners back / in the dirt with rocks or in sand, making letters with bodies

-teach "house" for printing (tall letters like T take up the whole house.  letters like n are only on the main floor, and a letter like p are basement letters.

-free writing in journal: sounding out words, not doing "book spelling" and using sight words

The two schools I visited to set a time for our goals meeting on Weds. were Nahumba (which is in Choma, the closest BIC school to where we live) and Nakeempa (one of the furthest away.  About 30 minutes down the highway towards Livingstone and then another 30 minutes on a bush road to the South West of the highway.  (If you've managed to read all this you get a bonus: We had to stop for a monitor lizard to cross in front of us on the way home from Nakeempa!  It was at least 3 ft. long!)  I'm kicking myself because I wasn't driving (Kajungu was) and I had my camera in the vehicle and the lizard wasn't super fast and I didn't even THINK to grab my camera and try to get even a poor shot! 

Nahumba Basic School.  The middle is the head office. 

Nahumba Basic School (this is to the left of the above photo)

Nahumba Basic School's Soccer field

Nakeempa Basic School (an hour outside of Choma)

Nakeempa school

Nakeempa school (opposite the photo above)

Nakeempa school (middle block with head teacher's office)

Planning a date to meet to make a school goal for next year, myself and Nakeempa's
head teacher, Chindolo Maxwell.

Students at Nakeempa Basic School

Myself and Michello (who came with us) eating Masuko (fruit) spelling?? and another one I'm holding that I don't remember the name (similar to sour sap though).

Kajungu (middle) eating masuko while two teachers at Nakeempa watch.

Yummy!  Best ones I've had yet!

A masuko tree (on our way home).  We were hoping they could sell us more, but they were all out!  (The orange ones are not ripe)

We found some ladies selling some when we got to the "tarmac" - the paved highway near the turn off for Nakeempa 

We aways have a good time when we go to Nakeempa.  I'll be back there on December 6th for my meeting.  I hope to get more masuko.  The season for them is ending - I don't see nearly as many on the trees as I did before.  But mango season is starting to take off! :)

Travelling Mercies and Macha Central Basic School

I went to Macha Central Basic School (Primary) yesterday.  It's about an hour drive north of Choma.  I've been a few times so I'm starting to know the roads better.  I am so grateful for all of my friends and family who are praying for travelling mercies for us.  Yesterday God sent me a guardian angel in the form of a mini-bus driver!   

(I cheated an took some photos on the way home so you could picture it better - since the story formed after I was in Macha thinking more about it).

I was driving down the road (on the left side!) and the road curved left - but there were all these grasses really thick along the side (which are new from previous drives as the rains are making the "bush" take off!)  

So - as you can imagine, you can't see very far around the corner!   I was only going about 90km/h (which happens to be the posted speed limit).  A mini-bus from the other direction started flashing his hazard lights as he saw me.  I realized there must be something ahead of me - so I slowed way down as I went around the corner.  (Zambians put their hazard lights on frequently - and usually for a good reason!  I'm starting to do it too!)

As I rounded the corner my lane was full of COWS!  

So - it wasn't a "close" call.  I didn't have to slam on my breaks or swerve into the other lane.  I had been warned.  It was about 15 minutes of driving later that I realized God's protection over me.  Before I got to Macha I had to full on stop for the cows, some goats, and some pigs.  I also had to slow down for a mongoose that ran across the road in front of me. 

Oh the way back I almost (but did not not have to completely) stop for: guinea fowl, humans, a dog, a bird, and a small turtle.  And I had to stop for more goats.  These ones….

I am so grateful for your prayers for traveling mercies!  It reminds me of Ezra (which I've been studying via Facetime with my Bible study ladies in Abbotsford) who says, "for the gracious hand of his God was upon him." (Ezra 7:9) about his trip from Babylon to Jerusalem.  Yesterday I felt the gracious hand of God upon me from my trip to Choma to Macha and back again.

Here's the Macha Central Basic School.  We made a school goal of reading though that morning they were dealing with the loss of the roof on one of the classroom buildings.  

Macha Central Basic school.  Termites ate the beams and weakened the roof I was told.

Thanks to God that there was a teacher in the building (who did not get hurt) and was able to save the computer, printer, and many books from the office (in between classrooms) from the rain.  

Here are some other photos of the school as there are many buildings.

My favourite!  The primary wing taken through the archway where the head teacher's office is.

The head teacher's office is in the blue part (middle).  There's a computer lab on the far left!

Primary building (again)

Cool tree I saw while walking around. :)

  

General Update (in small snippets)

There has been so many times when I want to update my facebook status but either the power was off, I couldn't be bothered to sign in with all the random letter and numbers to connect to the internet for just a facebook update (example of a used up one: login: iSp_m7crauw  password: vndysr), or it's been too hot to move!  LOL!

So - here's some updates from life in November, facebook style....

*Had my first "workshop" at a school - working together with the head teacher (principal) to set a school goal.  The goal was to have students reading!  (20% was the guess they had for number of Grade 3 students that could read at the Grade 3 level - independently).

*Our "wild" dog, Cookie, hurt her paw.  Andrew thinks she broke her foot.  Our gardener, Lwiindi, thinks she was outside our gate and someone threw rocks at her.  (Which is what people do when there is a wild dog and they are scared).  She hasn't eaten for days.  Today is the first day I've seen her since it happened (on Monday). 

*Cobras are starting to come out.  A couple friends have seen them.  The rains have come.  Which has brought the frogs out.  And I guess the snakes follow the frogs.  Luckily I have yet to see any kind of snake.  I'm sure it's a matter of time.  Praying my kids never see a live one! They'd have no idea what to do!

*Andrew built a one rope "swing."  Did you see the photos of our gardener Lwiindi in the tree helping put it up?   If not, here's the picture.  Kate's been enjoying the swing a bit, especially the first few days.

Lwiindi

Lwiindi up our tall tall tree! 

*We hired house help finally.  Her name is Memory.  I always want to break out into the Cats Broadway song when I see her around.  I have refrained so far.   It is a bit awkward having someone else do my housework and laundry.  I think I'm going to get used to it though! 

*I visited the last two schools that I'll be working with.  I have finally been to all of the schools at least once.  The last two took some good bush driving. :)  I even saw a motorcycle with a sidecar attached AND it ended up being an ambulance!

*I saw the Choma fire truck (Tuesday)!

*I am getting much more comfortable pulling out of the downtown parking area.  (If you didn't know - it's also the Lusaka - Livingstone highway).  Sort of nerve wracking backing out in front of transport semis (or lorries as they are called here!)

*We'll be going up to Lusaka after Christmas - to do some work (mostly MCC meetings with the country reps) and for a little R&R at an MCC retreat.  Looking forward to it - it will be at http://www.nsobegamecamp.com/   Look it up if you want.  I haven't yet - but it sounds great from what I've heard

*Memory lifted up a CD case today to clean and a lizard scared us both!  (A large skink).  She managed to sweep it out of the house with the broom.

*I haven't carried anymore watermelons back from town lately. :)

*We have cucumber plants and watermelon plants coming up in our garden.  Thanks to Lwiindi.  (The kids and I helped plant... he was gracious and patient enough to let us help with that!)  

*I enjoy tea on the porch almost every morning at 10am (not Sunday mornings or when I'm out working).  It's a good tradition.  Even when it's almost 30C outside!  I have been sampling the variety of biscuits (cookies) that can be found in the grocery store.  There are some good ones and some not very good ones.  Bread is usually served as well.

*The power has been rather unreliable since the rains have started.  In Nigeria the power company was called NEPA and we pretended it was short for "Never Expect Power Again."  We're trying to figure out something witty for the power company here: ZESCO.  Let me know any ideas!  (The best I've come up with is:  Zilch Electrical Supply Continually On).

*People come to our gate asking for help (or more usually a job) all the time.  Today I determined that I'd try to help as much as I can (I have no jobs available though).  This came about because a man came and asked about getting fare back to Monze (a town less than 2 hours from here).  Then he asked for 2 kwacha (about 50cents) to buy "relish" (sauce) to go with his mealie meal (that he held up to me - uncooked).  I told him I (actually Memory really) was making beans and to come back at 13 hrs if he wanted some.  I thought I'd not see him again unless he was truly hungry.  He was back at 13 on the dot (very unusual for African time!)  I was very African because I had to tell him the beans were not ready and to come back at 14 hours.  (They still were not ready!)  However, Andrew is home between 13 and 14 hours (1:00 - 2:00 pm) for lunch.  We ended up getting him and the gardener, Lwiindi, to walk the man to the bus station and pay the driver for his seat.  (I sent along cold left overs since the beans still were not done!)  $6 for a bus ticket.  I keep remember to "store up my treasures in heaven."  I feel like I don't have much.  We are volunteers.  We don't make money.  Etc. But the reality is that what I get for my PDA (personal drawing account) is more than people who work full time here get.  A lot more actually.  And my needs - housing, food, etc. are taken care of.  PDA is purely just extra spending money really.

*Memory looked at a photo album today and saw a picture of me as a bridesmaid (Stacey and Jeff's wedding).  She pointed to my sleeveless arms and said "Oh - you were very fat!"   LOL!  A huge complement here in Zambia.  Though I did lose weight just for that wedding!  Makes me think....  Zambian people think fat is beautiful - because most of them are skinny.  Westerners think skinny is beautiful... because most of us are fat?  And I guess neither of us appreciates the beauty of the reality.  I figure I'm going to work on getting fat here.  And when I get back to Canada I can work at getting thin again - maybe after a couple years of enjoying the things that can easily make me fat in Canada that I miss here.  ;) 

*I'm a bit nervous as there is a new Zambian Syllabi (Curriculum) coming out for next year.  I hear that instead of just Grade 1 in ChiTonga - it's going to be up to Grade 4.  That will make my job a bit more challenging!  (And more motivating to learn ChiTonga!)

*Kate changed her mind about wanting to go to school today.  Home-schooling is hard enough and I told her real school was harder!  (She didn't want to do the two simple tasks I wanted her to do today). I've ruled out the one school but then discovered another private school across town.  I don't really want to get up early though.... schools here start around 7:30am.

*I still remember how to make white glue out of flour and water.  Only one of Kate's beans fell off her bean art.  (We're eating beans for supper tonight!)

*Time is flying.  I can't believe it's November 21st already!  It's been so hot it hasn't felt like the fall season - or almost Christmas!  I guess I can put up our tree soon (December 1st is the soonest Andrew will let me!)  We got a small fake tree in Lusaka - complements of other MCCers who are heading back to the USA.  

*Today I was cold.  There was a good rain today.  I *almost* put on a light sweater.  I think it just feels cold because it's been so hot (best guess low 30s C). I think I'm going to freeze during cold season here!  (May / June I believe - it gets down to 5C at night I hear... but warmer during the day at least!)  No heat in the house!

*Somebody came to tell Andrew his work visa was ready to be picked up at immigration (mine too maybe?)  I think they are getting better as some previous 3 year MCCers never even got theirs before they left!  Our original receipt is in Lusaka - so it will have to wait for a bit!

*I've started to meet with a friend, Dorothy, from Ft. St. John, B.C. on Friday mornings at Wonderbake for coffee (and whatever baked goodie is freshest).  Almost feels like "home."  It sure is nice to chat with her.  She's married to a Zambian and has lived here for 12 years. (??)  She has a 1 year old son.  They are supposed to go on home leave to Canada before Christmas for 6 months.  I'll miss her!  (But my friend Julie will be back so hopefully the coffee dates can continue!)

*Kate said today, "Mommy, you're the best spider snapper ever!"  (As I killed yet another spider with the fly swatter).

*I think that's enough "updates" for now!  Please do feel free to "like" them and comment (below or through e-mail)!   :)

Snail Mail Address

A few people have e-mailed for our snail mail address.  I'm glad to say we have it sorted out (at least for a time). This box belongs to a friend of mine.  She kindly said we can use it.  She'll be in Zambia another year at least.

Feel free to send mail to:

Michelle Potts (or Andrew Potts)

P.O. Box 630083

Choma, Zambia

If you are sending mail to our kids it would be good to put our names on it anyways (as many times you have to show ID and pick it up in person!)  

We do have to pay a (small) fee to pick up packages but I don't think it's anything too crazy ($1) - so if you feel the desire, please send away! :)