After the time I spent in Muzoka last week, the people brought gifts to us to thank us for all that we did for them. I have a great picture of me in a Chitenge wrap with a live chicken...my gift from a lady I prayed for and led to Christ. You don't refuse gifts here, so I had to take it from her and hold it until she had left. :) A Zambian friend was kind enough to say he would 'keep' it for me. I am working on getting pictures on here, it's just hard doing that in an internet cafe and nothing ever seems to work as it should.
When standing in line for anything here, you must stand so close to the person in front of you that you are practically, if not, touching them. If you are not willing to break the built-in American rules of personal space, you will be cut in on as though you are not there. If you are not packed in like a Sardine, you are definitely not Zambian, and also, not in line.
I haven't started working yet, so I am trying to just relax and continue to let my body get used to the climate. Sleeping is a much bigger part of my life at the moment. I feel like a growing teenager...needing nine or ten hours at night and a good nap in the afternoon. I'm going over the border to Zimbabwe this weekend with the woman that runs one of the schools I will be working in. She's from England and has been here for two years, so she is a big help to me. She's buying a car(Rav4), which she is already calling 'our' car...very exciting! We have a van now, but you can't go very far in a vehicle that doesn't have off-road capabilities.
I am excited about what I will be doing in the school here, in addition to the work in Muzoka. She wants me to establish programs for students with special needs and do some counseling with 8th grade girls. I also know that I am going to learn a lot from her and from the experience.
7 comments:
Thanks so much for the love note. Maybe you didn't know that's what you were posting, but to me, it is a love note. We are praying for you. Enjoy your chicken.
Hi Julia,
Good to hear you are "getting acclaimated" there. I leave in 13 days for South Africa. We will be ministering in East London on the coast and then travel to Limpopo ministering in communities along the way. Then we end up on a safari. I still can't believe I'm doing this at my age. God is good!
Take care. -Arlayne
Jules, we spent time praying for you as a homegroup last night. Cristen Iunerich was there and I thought it particularly significant to have someone from a recent trip there to share in teh excitement of all God is doing in your life and thru you in Africa. Again, the strong truth of "living water" came thru as we worshipped God-- pouring out over his children and welling up within...
we are praying for you to know all that God has for you in the "meantime" prior to set schedules etc...
We love you and miss you dearly,
Linds
hey julia, i love you. starting 6th grade on monday!! im so excited.
SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad u r having a good time in africa. love lots!
rilke
You know you are living in a third world country when the term "personal space" is lost in translation. My prayers are with you Julia. Love from Megan's sister, Shelley.
Hello, my friend. It is pleasing to be able to read your "random thoughts" from Africa. You are amazing and I am excited that you are there, in the center of God's will for you, impacting lives for His Kingdom. Looking forward to seeing some pics! I love you and am praying for you!
~Ro
Hi Jules-a...miss you. -Lori
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