Independent Presbyterian Church
Friday, May 18, 2012
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Africa Mission Team 2011IPC has a long-standing partnership with the Mwandi Mission Hospital in Mwandi, Zambia in the southern part of Africa. We take a mission team from IPC each year to Mwandi.
 Please keep the IPC Africa Mission Team in your prayers: Carter Cooper, Elaine Huckleberry, Robin Collins, Phil Collins, Lisa Burton, Greg Jeane, Julie Johnson Rediker, Leah Burton, Emily Alexander, Nancy Cooper, Frannie Chenoweth and Adam SutherlandThese twelve folks traveled to Mwandi Mission in Zambia to do various mission activities at Mwandi: work at the Orphan and Vulnerable Children Center, the Mwandi Mission Hospital, the Mwandi Basic School and Preschool; they will be doing a maintenance project of painting and doing repairs on the United Church of Zambia church building in Mwandi and other activities as needed. This year's group is mostly first-time travelers to Africa! The group will be led by Greg Jeane and Phil Collins who have been many times to Mwandi, but everyone else in the group is going for the first time! We have several young people going to Africa this year, which should bring wonderful energy, enthusiasm and excitement to the team. The children and youth of Mwandi will be thrilled to have so many young people coming to spend time with them! Adam Sutherland, Frannie Chenoweth, Emily Alexander and Nancy Cooper all just graduated from college and Leah Burton is a rising high school Senior. It should be a fun group! Please pray for safe travels and for the group's work to be helpful and successful, for deepening friendships between members of IPC and citizens of Mwandi, and for everyone's faith to be strengthened as the Americans and Zambians share their mutual love for Jesus Christ! The team will return on June 13th. We will post any messages or photos we may receive from them on the website while they are gone. May God bless their journey together! Rev. Susan Clayton, Associate Pastor, Director, Community Ministries Saturday, June 11: Africa Status: "All things Bright and Beautiful...certainly live in Chobe Africa, starting off the day with a boat ride seeing crocs, hippos, a monkey even jumped on our boat! Another delicious lunch overseeing the waterhole, back to the Game Park in the afternoon spotting Giraffes, Warthogs, Antelope, Elephants UP CLOSE and lions being lazy...what a wonderful experience to share and spread all things bright and beautiful made by our Creator...Team Africa Over and Out!"
Saturday Pictures:
1. Team Africa on our boat, everyone except me (Adam) and Dr. Jeane, where we are on the deck before launch 2. A good lookin' Crocodile bathing in the sun waiting for his next meal -After lunch we headed back to the Game Park to see the wild one more time... 3. A pretty Giraffe with some Warthog friends 4. A sleepy Lion with some Elephants in the background 5. Another beautiful sunset on the Chobe River Friday, June 10 Africa Status: "Said goodbye to Mwandi, and it was so tough, thanked the Simba House staff with gifts, headed to the river to catch the ferry, drove to Elephant Lodge to experience the beauty of Africa, watched elephants, baboons, and wart hogs from the water hole and we haven't even gotten to the Game Park yet! Went to the Game Park and…WOW…elephants, giraffes, lions oh my! And it's just Day 1!" Team Africa!
Photos Friday, June 10. See descriptions below.
Pictures:
1. Team Africa with Ru and Fiona before leaving Simba House 2. Team at ferry crossing the river 3. Team at Lunch at the BEAUTIFUL Elephant Lodge in Chobe, Botswana 4. Elephants outside the Elephant Lodge…no big deal… 5. Giraffes, one of many from the Lion King cast seen on the Safari 6. Gorgeous sunset at the Game Park Journal Entry Thursday June 9, 2011 by Dr. Greg Jeane Our time in Mwandi has passed too quickly, as it always does. Our final day has been filled with preparations for our departure, spending time with newly made friends and friends who, over time, have become more like family. Lisa Burton took charge of our devotional today with the OVC staff, a meaningful time of looking into God’s word to discern its meaning for our lives as His servants. But it was also a time to share with them on a more personal level about what it has meant to us to be welcomed into their community, to work alongside them, to share worship with them, and to enjoy each other’s fellowship. For our youth it was one more opportunity to interact with the children of the OVC, to share their faith through song and action, and to fellowship with them. Some last minute shopping in the market, saying farewell to newly made friends, perhaps to shed a tear because our short time with them has come to an end for this season. Keith and Ida took the team out to see the progress on the Sikuzu Community School. The pad is complete and soon the walls will begin to rise. What a privilege to see the joy on their faces for a prayer fulfilled. We concluded our evening with a wonderful meal prepared by Irene and the company of our special guest, Nick. This evening the sunset seemed a bit more vibrant, the stillness of the evening a bit deeper. We leave this place with new memories, new friendships, new perspectives on the shared life of brothers and sisters in Christ. Thanks be to God. Greg Jeane
Thursday photos (descriptions below)
1. an early morning picture from Lisa (Burton) of some fisherman out on the Zambezi
2. in the morning we made some visits to our friends, and then the 'youth' led devotion at the OVC (Orphan & Vulnerable Children Center), starting with energizers of course! 3. we helped serve lunch at the OVC, and the children were just amazing; they even sang us songs before they personally said goodbye; it was heartfelt and such a great experience 4. after lunch we gave our AMAZING cook at Simba House, Irene, a prayer shawl, made from our very own knitting group at IPC! 5. the team visited Sikuzu after lunch to see the progress of the town and the town's school 6. a picture of Phil and Robin (Collins) holding hands with a friend from Sikuzu, the children were so happy to have us visit and it was such a joy! Thursday, June 9 Africa Status: "Slept in this morning, Mrs. Lisa Burton led Staff Devotion at the OVC, some of the team visited Mwandi sculpture experts at the market, then the Youth visited the OVC to do energizers and devotional as well, after lunch we visited Sikuzu to check out the progress of the school and Dr. Greg Jeane gave us a tour of the grounds to explain the plans for the school! Came back for naps, reading, and more futbol for our last day in Mwandi, final dinner with our dear friend Nick (town architect/contractor), and scattergories to end the night for Team Africa!"
Wednesday, June 8 Africa Status: "The church is complete, and we are enjoying the final cleaning stage scrubbing floors! Next to the village preschool to play, sing, and have story time, while also Julie and Emily worked at the hospital drawing blood and helping out, and after lunch we went to visit the market to buy our shanghais, soccer jerseys, and other souvenirs while we can, and during Leah is tutoring our Mwandi friends with math, and for dinner we enjoyed the most luxurious dinner at Shackleton's down the road! The stars are unbelievable out here...beautiful, well, good night!" Team Africa
Journal Entry Wednesday, June 8 by Julie Rediker
I knew I would probably have medical experiences in Zambia that are quite different than my usual ones at Children’s Hospital. Africa has not disappointed in the unusual adventures. Last night, the Scottish missionary couple and their four-year old adopted Zambian son came to Simba house requesting I vaccinate them for rabies! I have given many human vaccines, and many rabies shots to dogs at the vet clinic where I once worked but never the rabies vaccine and human combination. It was a rather sad situation when the Waddell’s little Jack Russell puppy became suddenly and mysteriously very ill and died during our stay in Mwandi. The puppy had bitten the mother and so the family decided to be safe and take the vaccines. Sweet little Mubita thankfully forgave me pretty quickly after his shot and we returned to playing and laughing on the floor in no time.
Emily (Alexander) and I were able to go to the Mwandi hospital this morning. We met first with Romeo the hospital administrator and then Veronica the nurse “matron” lead us on a tour. The Mwandi Mission hospital has approximately 80 beds. At first glance it appears to be a hut compared to our towering Birmingham hospitals. However, this hospital is quite impressive. They have a Maternal & Child Health Clinic, a World Health Organization recognized anti-retro viral medication clinic for AIDS patients, a maternity ward with an ultrasound, a laboratory, pharmacy, X-ray machines and a separate building for isolating tuberculosis patients. This hospital could use some paint, some equipment that isn’t over 20 years old and beds that don’t appear to be so rickety, however, the people are incredibly grateful for what this hospital does give them. The missionaries explained that through a lot of hard work and determination the anti-retro viral medication clinic has made a tremendous impact on survival in Mwandi. The village has gone from 7 funerals a day to only 2-3 per week. There is still a long way to go, but the progress in Mwandi sheds hope on the HIV/AIDS situation. Emily and I spent the morning drawing blood from pregnant moms and the fathers to test for HIV. The Maternal Child Health Clinic provides teaching, counseling, testing, medications and support for countless pregnant girls and women. They are striving to educate and prevent the transmission of HIV to babies. It was encouraging to see several fathers actually come to the clinic to be tested and show any interest in learning about how to protect their children and themselves. Thankfully, all the people we tested today were negative. We are winding down our time in Mwandi. It has been incredible and will leave a permanent impression on our hearts. The church painting project was completed today. We have delivered almost all of our medical supplies, baby and children’s clothes, toothbrushes and school supplies. We ended the night gazing up at the Southern Cross after a delicious meal at Shackelton’s Fish Camp. Love from Africa! Julie Rediker Wednesday photos (photo descriptions below)
Description of Adam's Wednesday photos above:
1. a picture of the left side of the church with finished paint, finish painted verses on the walls, and new curtains for the windows
2. a picture of the Team at the village preschool during storytime 3. Julie working at the hospital all day working as a nurse, cause that's what she does! 4. a picture of the market, where we visited to buy all of our last souvenirs 5. Leah tutoring our Mwandi friend Joseph with math, the 3rd time this week she has been meeting with him 6. a nice picture of Shackleton's, where we enjoyed dinner and gazing at the stars Tuesday, June 7, 2011 Africa Status: Tuesday morning tour of the school grounds, visited the principal's office and all, then half the Team led devotional at the OVC with the children (songs straight from Bibletimes), after lunch participated in a futbol game for the high school, put some more finishing touches on painting the church, visited the outdoor market to purchase all kinds of souvenirs, and enjoyed a lovely dinner with Keith and Ida Waddell, along with their little one named Mubita, and also Betrums, one of the leaders of the church...well, good night!" Team Africa
Tuesday photos and captions from Adam Sutherland:
6.6.11. Monday in Mwandi Africa Status: "Finished painting at the church, visited the preschool with songs and coloring, watched a monitor lizard sun bathing during lunch
 , some of us had our pen pals come and visit from the Mwandi schools (Emily and Leah), played some more futbol with friends, and enjoyed a dinner with the church pastor and his wife, also the hospital administrator (whose birthday was today) and his wife, while celebrating his birthday with the best peach cobbler ever!"Journal Entry by Nancy Cooper June 6, 2011: We began the day at the church painting the remainder of the walls. We were once again joined by our new friend, Kaleb, who acted as “paparazzi” for the team. Before heading back to Simba House for lunch, we were able to drop by the preschool for a quick visit. My Mom (Carter Cooper) was, of course, in her prime, dancing and singing along with the teacher and students. She even knew one of the songs! The rest of us joined in and helped the children color. We look forward to visiting them again later this week.
In the afternoon we split up to do various activities. A group of us went back to the church to begin painting Bible verses on the walls. Though the project was a bit tedious, the end result looks great! Other members of the team spent time playing soccer with the children and hanging out with the local teenagers. Paster Manda and his wife, as well as Romeo, the hospital administrator, and his wife joined us for dinner and fellowship. We enjoyed celebrating Romeo’s birthday and learning more about Mwandi from our new friends.
Another great day in Mwandi, full of working, playing with precious children, and fellowshipping together. We look forward to what the rest of the week will bring! Nancy
Monday photos
Sunday in Mwandi --Africa Status: "Rise and shine, church service is at 9:00 am! What a wonderful experience it was to worship the Lord with our friends from Mwandi and celebrate with the gift of singing, dancing, and prayer. Back to Simba House for a wonderful Sunday lunch and reflection time to write in our journals, practice IPC choir music (Greg Jeane), play futbol, and share our Mwandi end of the week. The reverend of United Church of Zambia is joining us for dinner." Adam Sutherland
VIDEO FROM ADAM: Below is a link to a video clip from United Church of Zambia church service today, enjoy!...because we surely did, every minute of it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8sNY1xdqEI June 5, 2011 Journal Entry from Elaine Huckleberry: What a special Ascension Sunday! For 4 hours we celebrated with the Mwandi New Jerusalem Congregation . Singing hymns and listening to an inspirational message from The Rev. Manda. Greg delivered the offeratory prayer and I had the honor of giving the intercessory prayer. After church we had a little informal meet and greet with the congregation and returned to Simba House for lunch. Heeding Lucy's admonition about the Sabbath, many of us took a nap. It was a nice pleasant afternoon and I chose the porch sofa as my napping place. Around 5 a few of us headed to Kandiana to give the residents a little gift bag. After returning to Simba House, the Hospital Administrator and The Rev. and Mrs. Manda stopped by for a visit. Every hour that passes brings a new joy and a new blessing. Though our lives are literally worlds apart, we are one with the good people of Mwandi. Elaine Huckleberry
Intercessory Prayer from Elaine Huckleberry
Our God, the Great Creator, you have blessed all of us in your house today. We meet together to sing your praises and to give thanks for all you have given to us. We are especially grateful that we can come together, as people of Zambia and America, in friendship and in a shared belief in Jesus Christ. Thank you for working though our hands and hearts to help fulfill your great plan for Mwandi.
God, please bless Rev. Manda and the leaders of New Jerusalem Church. Bless Rev. Sharps and the leaders of Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL.
Continue to bless the United Church of Zambia and the Presbyterian Church of the USA. May our partnership remain unbreakable. God, send blessings to Chief Yetta, the Kuta, and the Barotse Royal Establishment. May they continue to rule with compassion for the people under their care.
Bless the National Government of Zambia. We pray for peaceful elections.
As we look beyond this village and this river, we pray that all people on earth will live in peace as brothers and sisters. We pray that everyone may work together to benefit all- not just a few. May we work together to protect our resources- the water we drink, the air we breath, the ground we farm and mine.
Dear God, as we count our blessings, let us be ever mindful of the needs of others.
Bless and protect families that are apart today
Comfort those who are suffering in grief or loneliness Heal those who are ill Uplift those who are low in spirit Strengthen and encourage those who are facing difficult decisions or are experiencing a personal crisis Please feed, cloth and give us shelter Lift the yoke of oppression and injustice from all of your people God, when we were little, we were taught the Sunday School Song - Jesus loves the little children - all the children of the world - red and yellow, black and white - they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Lord, please help the adults of the world, keep children precious in their sight. Remind us that children are our greatest treasure, our greatest joy and our greatest hope, and our most important responsibility.
And so, Lord, on this - Ascension Sunday, we rejoice that we live by your grace, enfolded in your love, guarded by our angels - awaiting your return.
Amen
(Elaine Huckleberry)
Saturday, June 4, 2011 Africia Status: "Mission work at the church, finish painting and decorating for Sunday's service with a delicious lunch before, Zambia defeats Mozambique 3-0 in futbol!, wonderful dinner with quality living room games...everybody's workin' for the weekind in Mwandi!"
Journal Entry from Leah Burton: Today was another great day in Mwandi! The weather continues to be beautiful...so glad to not be suffering back in Birmingham in that awful heat! First thing this morning we headed to the market to scout out some things to buy. On our way, a herd of cattle came up behind us on the road just minding their own business. An interesting sight to see early in the morning! Unfortunately, the merchants in the market were not able to accept our American money so we will have to get some “Kwatcha” to pay with.
After we left the market, we headed back to the church to finish up our painting. Adam and I hopped back up on the scaffolding and finished the cutting on the top section of the walls. The rest of the group was busy cutting and rolling the walls and painting the windows. We had a very productive morning and enjoyed a nice lunch of sandwiches and tuna salad afterwards. During lunch we spotted another monitor lizard!
After lunch we took a short break and then headed back to the church to pull the painter’s tape down, clean up, and hang up the curtains. This afternoon we were joined by two adorable little boys, around the age of 5, who were so fun and not shy at all! They were with us the entire time, pulling down tape, rolling it into “soccer balls” to play with, taking pictures, practicing karate, and much more. We really enjoyed their company, especially when it came time to move the pews back into the church. They were so eager to help but could not even budge one of the pews! They helped us lift the pews instead, and then decided that they could handle carrying the smaller benches by themselves. They were beaming with pride when they set the bench down inside the church, and we were so proud of them for helping us.
Right before we left, the women who had gone to Skuzu for the night returned with all of their belongings. They had baskets the size of carry-on suitcases balanced on their heads, and baskets filled with fruit, vegetables, etc.
While we were finishing cleaning up, Adam snuck off with Ruri to watch the Zambia v. Mozambique futbol game at a local bar. He had a blast and came back so excited to tell us all about his interesting experience. Luckily, Zambia won 3-0! We had a few hours this afternoon/evening for some free time. Our group members spent time reading, napping, showering, visiting the piggery, and viewing Ida and Keith’s new home.
We have been asked to sing some songs tomorrow in the church service. There are some mixed feelings about this service, as it is known to run from 1.5-5 hours long! However, I know everyone cannot wait to experience this different type of worship. As far as our songs go, we may sing a hymn or go a little crazy and sing a song from Sister Act!
We continue to have a great time in Mwandi, experiencing new and exciting things every day! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and know that we are praying for the congregational decision tomorrow regarding the church next door. Mwandi is such a wonderful place and we have so many days ahead of us! ~Leah Burton
Friday, June 3, 2011 Africia Status: Mission work at the church, moving out pews, preparing to paint (IPC's not the only church getting worked on!), another beautiful day for lunch, painting to 'church camp energizers', playing soccer with the children, a moving devotional at the OVC Youth Group, and a wonderful dinner with true Mwandi missionaries: Ruairidh, Fiona, and Percy. Team Africa!" Adam
1st photo-team walking from Simba House on our way to the church (United Church of Zambia) to do our mission project for the day
2nd photo-team cleaning inside the church, cleaning the walls before we start painting 3rd photo-team break, team outside the church on break from working 4th photo-when I went to play futbol with the Mwandi club team, I had to take this picture of the players soccer pitch, because to me it looked like a run down trash sand pit, but to the players, it was their kingdom.
Journal Entry from Adam Sutherland: Another beautiful day in Mwandi and another wonderful experience. I have to say however, I feel like I enjoyed today the most because of my opportunity to play soccer with the local Mwandi club soccer team and then attend Youth Group. We started out the day walking to the church (United Church of Zambia) to begin our mission work. After a couple hours of cleaning the inside walls of the church (working to church camp energizers and Phil Collins dedication songs, in honor of our team member Phil Collins!) and preparing for painting later on in the day, we were in mission work mode. Come lunch time on Simba House porch, we enjoyed the best supreme pizza human hands can make, absolutely delicious.
The best part of the day came for me, after we finished painting the church, when I was free to take a soccer ball to the OVC grounds and play with the children. It was an absolute blast to play with the children and see the smile on their faces as we celebrated goal after goal. Later on however, my friend Neil from Mwandi asked me to come to practice with him and the Mwandi club team, how could I say no? When we finally arrived at the pitch, to me it was a field of garbage and sand, but to these guys it was their kingdom. It was quite interesting to play with all of them, while Mwandi families are making fires at the end of the field, herds of cattle are walking by...it was a great time interacting with these extremely talented Mwandi players. They even asked me to join them (along with the rest of the village) to watch Zambia play Mozambique on Saturday for the soccer game, awesome!
However, as much fun as soccer was, I had to leave early to meet some of the mission team at the OVC Youth Group. I arrived just in time before devotional, and I have to say, me and the other team members felt so welcome and comfortable to share our time with the Youth. The pastor who led the devotional had crackers/chips and juice for everyone before we started, they were so hospitable. Then the pastor began to deliver the devotional reading scripture, asking Youth to read, giving interpretation, but the most fascinating aspect was this pastor standing before the Youth for an hour, sharing the Word of God. I feel compelled to share with you a message he gave us, because we hear this often, but when you hear this message in a completely different country halfway across the world, it moves you..."Choice is might and the choice is yours..." Along with many other messages, I felt this was the most beneficial for me, and I find it very important to understand every day of our lives.
The evening ended with a walk back to the Simba House gazing at the stars, and then preparing for an exciting dinner. We were joined with the major force behind Mwandi missions Ruairidh and Fiona and Zambian pastor Percy. It was another wonderful dinner with guests and the team, before retiring to the living room for some quality living room time. Just another day in Mwandi!
All the best, Adam Sutherland
 (photo left) The backyard at Simba House (where the team is staying). The house overlooks the Zambezi River.
Photos by team member Adam Sutherland
Thursday 6/2/11 Africa Status from Adam Sutherland
"Rise and shine to Africa, cool morning walk to the village, children everywhere wanting to hold your hand and have their picture taken, met the Chief's mother, delicious lunch on the porch overseeing the Zambezi River, walked around the mission compound, including the farm, saw the biggest pigs ever, visited the hospital and the church, organized all of our mission gear/supplies after dinner, and ended the day playing bananagrams in the living room!"
(Journal entry from Lisa Burton) We had a full day! We walked to the paved road and met Gertrude, a matriarch of Mwandi, who took us on an extensive walking tour. She seems to know everyone and commands great respect in a quiet yet direct way. While we waited, we had time to photograph many local children. They love to have their pictures taken and are quite often hams!
As we walked among the houses, we came upon a young man who is in the church choir. He was playing a homemade zylophone made from wood. He made beautiful music and we enjoyed listening. There was a tree with a large, oblong fruit growing from it. Gertrude told us that it was not a fruit at all but loofah! Yes, the stuff we use in the shower! Who knew it grew on trees?
The houses are made from mud and have either thatched or tin roofs. Oftentimes there are reed fences that are probably 8-10 feet tall. Everything is very neat. Some houses have hedges made from what, I think, we call a pencil plant. The houses are connected by "alleys" that we decided reminded us of a variation of the paths in Seaside!
Along the way we met a number of residents. The "chief of staff" for the chief, the chief's mother, a retired geography teacher who had his picture taken with our own geography teacher, Greg Jeanne, holding the two text books that he had published. Everywhere, we could pick up a small contingent of children who would just fall in line with us. Some would just grab the nearest hand. Others would mug for the camera. Adam found a couple boys playing soccer (futbal) with an underinflated ball. Without proper equipment or formal coaching, those boys could handle the ball and manage some pretty nice headers!
After a wonderful lunch, Ru took us on a tour of the farm. He has made tremendous progress in the past three years. With chickens, cows and pigs the farm is an important resource for the OVC program. They have laying hens, meat chickens, pigs from 6 weeks to "large economy size", milk cows from which they pasteurize the milk for the OVC children. It is well run and moving towards profitability. They have begun a talapia farm as well. This was a highlight and we have some fabulous pictures with some photogenic, loud and hungry pigs!
After we left the farm, we visited Kandiana. The woman who cares for the adults there is a happy, cheerful person who truly cares about the residents. When I said, "you do a great job here" her only response was "please pray for us." It takes a great deal of faith to do what she does everyday. There are two blind men under her care, one in a wheel chair that has a plastic lawn chair for a seat and several others who utterly depend on her.
Ru gave us a real education in HIV/Aids. It is simply daunting. We also visited the hospital and the clinic. Our final stop was the chapel where we will begin our work tomorrow.
Today was extremely full and we learned an amazing amount. The work that is done here is heroic. The people are lovely. The needs are tremendous. It is almost time for dinner. The sun has set - providing us another beautiful end to the day.
Love to all. Liv, I hope the things go well at Kirkwood! Give me and Mrs. Cooper a report.
Lisa (Lisa Burton, IPC Africa Team Member)
Wednesday 6/1/11 (Journal entry from Lisa Burton) We had some excitement at the airport this morning when we were told that we could only have ONE checked bag each. Of course, we all have TWO! Poor Greg had to hassle with them, showing contracts that indicated we could have two. We ended up paying $50 for each bag which was an unexpected expense!
The flight to Livingstone was smooth and we were able to see Vic Falls from the airplane. We loaded up a la the Clampets in three vehicles, one with a trailer for luggage. They took us directly to Vic Falls and it was STUNNING! HUGE! TONS of water. The mist shoots waaaaay up and you get soaked from over 100 yards away. Anything not under the poncho or raincoat got soaked!!! It was a tremendous treat. As we were turning into the parking area we saw green ververts (look that up!) and baboons. Did not expect that!! On the trail by the falls we were plenty close - even chose another path one time since a baboon already seemed to be enjoying the middle of the other path!
Some of us did some shopping in the market at the Falls. Phil helped me buy a hanging and a purse for Leah.
After a brief trip to the grocery store (have diet cokes!!), we left for Mwandi. To describe our car as "hurtling" down the road is probably not an exaggeration. Our metric is pretty rusty but we think we were going about 80 mph. Lots of people we walking along the way and we passed many small clusters of thatched huts. Also saw a couple of donkey carts. Our vehicle had the luggage trailer. When we would go over a large-ish bump, I noticed that the three of us in the back seat would all reflexively look back to the trailer to see if everything was still intact!
Our group arrived at Simba House in time to unload and take in a breathtaking sunset. As we were getting some "house instructions" at dusk, Leah motioned for me to look out at the river. In silhouette, we saw two men in two mokoros (long flat boats made from hollowed out tree trunks) pass by in the river just outside the house. Wow. This is Africa!
After a delicious dinner, voted best so far on the trip, we have a group playing banangrams and a few still unpacking and getting settled in. During dinner, Greg and Phil gave us some good background on what is going on in the village, how the OVC came into existence and generally increased our excitement about being here.
In the morning, we will have breakfast then walk to the village where Gertrude will give us a morning tour of the village.
New to Simba House is unlimited e-mail. It is slow but as long as we share nicely we are able to send personal e-mails home! John, please send this to mom, dad, david/pam, mike, meg, meme, et al
Already I believe this trip will be a huge blessing to everyone here. Tomorrow will be a great day!
Much love, Lisa (Lisa Burton, IPC Africa Team Member)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
(from Rev. Susan Clayton) The Africa Mission Team arrived safely in Mwandi, Zambia today. It has been fun to read emails from those who are seeing Africa for the first time and to remember the sheer awe of seeing that beautiful continent with fresh eyes. May they share Christ's love with those they encounter in Mwandi! Enjoy it, friends! Wish I was there with you!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011: The IPC Africa Mission Team arrived safely in Johannesburg, South Africa today where they are spending the night. Tomorrow morning they will fly to Livingstone, Zambia and will be picked up by mission personnel from Mwandi Mission, go see Victoria Falls, then will drive a couple of hours and arrive in Mwandi about dinnertime tomorrow night. Please keep them in your prayers! Thank you! Rev. Susan Clayton, Birmingham
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