African Church Service

Today we went to church! We knew most churches started around 10am so we headed out a bit early, looking for one we had heard about. We couldn't find it so we followed people who were walking with Bibles until we found ourselves on a dirt road. I realized we were heading to one of the BIC (Brethren In Christ) churches that I had been to recently, so we went there--there were a few other churches along the way that would have worked as well. It was hot and there was no shade but we found the church and were welcomed inside. It turned out that we were catching the end of Sunday School; the service started soon after. Most of the service was in Tonga but there was some English as well, so I had a general idea of what was going on. We didn't realize at first that it was a special 'revival' service, which was fine except there were several choirs singing songs, a soloist, offering time, and it all took about two hours and then a special guest got up to preach. The kids were done with it all by that time, fighting with each other, so we left a bit early. We had a long walk in the hot sun and we were all hungry, so I jogged on ahead and brought the vehicle back for the rest of the family. After we all got some food in us we were happy again and the kids did a puzzle for quiet time:

It was interesting and good and I enjoyed the part of the sermon that I heard, and the singing (I think I recognized the hymn even though it was in Tonga). But we're not used to the length. I think we'll still try to find that first church because I've heard that it's a bit more informal and all in English.

Below is a picture of the front of our house, as well as the backyard. We hired a gardener to tame the backyard, and he has done an enormous amount of work in three days. I'm hoping to have a fenced-in, level grassy area with swings for the kids to play in, as well as a large garden (behind the big tree). The house in the background belongs to a different tenant, and there are two dogs that came with the house that no one really owns or feeds...which we're a bit nervous about (around the kids), although so far they've been fine; our landlord is trying to find a new home for them.

So far there have been some challenges but Zambia really is a friendly country and we feel welcomed. Our house is starting to feel a bit more like home. Our actual work here will commence more in the next couple of weeks.

Almost There

We packed. We packed some more. We drove to my parents house for supper and to see our kids once in awhile. We packed. Then we moved our boxes with some help from Dad and church friends. We went to the MCC Relief Sale. We had Kate's birthday party a bit early. We cleaned. We had a send-off at church and a good-bye party at a friend's house. We ran errands and tied up loose ends. We said good-bye to my family and home in general. We flew away!

But we are not in Africa yet! We are in Alberta to say good-bye to Michelle's side of the family. I spent today doing some final paperwork and then rode Michael's bike to town to use the bank and post office (I do love small towns!). Then I worked on supper preparation a bit while everyone else drove to town for slurpees. It's been quite a relaxing day after the last whirlwind week of getting ready.

We have had many people giving us words of encouragement, and I think only one giving us a word of warning...we have felt very supported by our family, friends, and church community. Christian Community is indeed a wonderful thing! Many people have also given us some cash to help with our moving expenses, which are a bit more than I anticipated, but it looks like everything will work out about right. When you leave a first world country for three years, you have to take care of lots of things, such as making sure your medical, vision, and dental health is all up to date. Then times that by four if you have four people in your family! Then there is the matter of immunizations for strange diseases you may pick up in a third world country. Don't forget to load up on meds for malaria and other things you normally take. It's a lot at once!

Anyway, I hear the call for supper...Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf. Mmm.