Can you Imagine?

"Can you imagine?"  This is becoming a common phrase here in Zambia.  It is the equivalent to Americans saying, "Can you even believe this?"  I will get back to this statement in just a minute, just let me give you the backstory.  
Yesterday, we headed to Kalunga orphanage and school to meet the headmaster, Bishop Prince Musepelo. Back in Iowa this last July, our community group all bused tables at Pizza Ranch in Ankeny for 4 hours to raise money for this specific place.  Much of our church came out and supported the fundraiser and we were able to come up with a good chunk of change to help.  The only reason we knew of this place was a past AFC church member stumbled across it while here on a short term missions trip with our pastor.  When we saw the pictures of this place, Mickey and I felt an immediate calling to make it part of our work here in Zambia.  And of course our awesome small group was up for helping!  Let me tell you, busing tables is not easy work either at a pizza buffet!  :)  So before I go even further, I want to tell those who either helped bus tables or those who gave to this cause:  THANK YOU!!! Every dime is going to help these people who are in desperate need.  You may not be able to be here doing the work on the ground, but WITHOUT you, the work wouldn't be possible.  You saw a need and filled it, without even physically seeing, just by hearing about it. The love of the Father is truly in you.

1 John 3:17 But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him ? 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. 1 John 3:19 Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God's side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.

Ok, now back to the statement, "Can you imagine?"  As we started talking with Prince about the school, orphanage and students. we quickly found out that no, we can't possibly imagine.  There are 265 students who show up at this village school each day.  Most are single or double orphans.  Some of these orphans might be cared by grandparents or other family, and some are just part of the village and no one really looks after them.  The school doesn't have enough funds to feed the kids every day.  Typically, they can give one or two meals of nshima a week.  All of these kids are already showing up very malnourished and hungry.  The teachers are volunteers since there is no money to pay them.  Because of this, they don't always show up and their work is pretty sub-par.  There are literally no materials.  Just a chalkboard and tables with benches.  They have a few poorly constructed outhouses for bathrooms.  They are trying to build an actual house for the village orphans to have a place to stay outside of school, but there are not enough funds to finish the structure.  And one of the final kickers for us was when he told us of how girls are being married off at 13, because they think then they will have someone to care for them, but they get pregnant, then the guy typically leaves because he doesn't want to care for the child.  Hello!!! When you are a 13 year old girl, you should be in school and hanging out with friends!!!  Seriously had to compose myself after hearing this-it is something you hear about happening, but when you are actually there where it is happening, it's another story.  

The school: this little building has 265 students inside daily, from toddlers to high school!

Now, the whole time, we were waiting for Bishop to ask us for money, to ask for help.  We have already had this happen quite a bit, since we are white and in Zambia, we must have loads of money to help everyone!  And we do have loads compared to them!  But alas, we do have to be careful, we want to give to those who are really honest, hard-working, caring people who have a vision and a heart for their cause.  I am happy to say, he did not ask us once.  We just talked and he showed us around, and was very hospitable.  And thank God, it was so clear that we should help him and the best way for us to help them at this time with the funds we have.  How awesome to look at him and say, "Prince, we want to help you."  "We have awesome people in Iowa who raised money to support you and the work you are doing here."  Oh how I wish all who supported this could have seen his smile and gratitude pouring out.  

They happened to have 2 perfect amounts of land: one the right size to plant maize, and one the right size to plant a garden.  We happen (well not really me, but Mickey-ha!) to know a little bit about doing this and we both really feel strongly that getting these kids foods in their belly every day is pretty important.  As a teacher, I know students can't concentrate at all without food in their bellies.  I know I can't concentrate without food in my belly!  So, this Saturday, yes, already, we will head back out to work on the field.  It has to be done now before the rains come, so there isn't a moment to lose.  Mickey will work on getting the hoes/shovels, seed, and fencing this week so we are ready to go.  Mickey only asked that people from the community come and help-this puts a little of the responsibility on them, which is important, so it is not us doing it FOR them, but WITH them.  

While there, we also met two middle school girls who were not attending school.  When we asked them why, they said they couldn't pay the fees.  I spoke to them for a while and made a deal with them: "we will pay for this term, but I will be back once every few weeks to meet with you and check up on you.  If your are doing well, we will continue to pay your fees.  We want you to get an education."  For a whopping total of $40, these girls will be able to attend the next term in January.  I think I can find a way to save $40 in the next month so these two girls can go to school.  Pray that I will be able to come alongside these girls and disciple them.  They don't have anyone else... 

And as you all know, we are trying to adopt from here.  We are still waiting to hear some information about the two brothers, but we did ask Prince to find out what young children would be available to adopt from here.  Praying God will make it clear either way in the next few weeks-we will let you know when we know!  

So there you have it, an exciting day.  Many blessings again to those who are making this possible.  And while I am at it, if any of you are inclined to raise funds again for this place and then come over on a missions trip to help us, there is much more work to be done there.  Please let us know.  

Mickey walking with Bishop to check out the borehole

Check out this view from the school-God's creation is indescribable!

The Kitchen, yes, the kitchen...

The kiddos are really adapting to Africa well. No toys?  Fine, we will play with sticks and dirt. :)

I couldn't resist singing a little song with the 1st and 2nd grade class.  They loved it even though they didn't understand a word I was singing!  Ha!  It was worth it to see some smiles on their faces.