pray for rain

believe it or not, this will dry up soon, just like the rest of the rivers and streams here. any Zambian will tell you, water is life. no water means no food for a good majority who live out in the bush villages. October is generally the hottest month and during that time, everyone just hangs on for rain. pray that it comes early, so that crops will survive. there are several churches out in the bush that we work with and support. pray that God will sustain them through this difficult time of the year and that they will remain strong in their faith, not giving up seeking Him. pray that strongholds will begin to be torn down and that a standard that honors the Lord Jesus Christ will be raised.

i’ve been thinking about Elijah when he called down fire on Mount Carmel. the pagans were calling on their god and it was the Almighty God that answered Elijah. pray for that kind of faith in God’s people here to stand up to those around who are turning to gods that will not answer; that they would stand and see the salvation of their God.

back to basics

sorry that it's been a while since i posted anything. work started a couple weeks ago and that's about all i can handle. life is so much different here. the days are long and very hot. by the end of the day you are exhausted and very dirty. then you have to somehow find the energy to cook something, since there are no easy frozen meals here. thanks to my friend Ronnie, i don't have to wash my clothes by hand, but i do have to hang them to dry and then iron everything. i've been so used to tossing things in the dryer when they're wrinkled. the smallest tasks seem overwhelming in the heat and there is no quick way to do anything here. i love it though, being the minimalist that i am. it just takes a lot of getting used to.

before school started, we went to Zimbabwe for a couple days. we did a lion walk which is part of a program to save the African Lion from extinction. this was one of the coolest things i've ever done. these were 16 month old cubs that have been raised in captivity, but taught to live in the wild. eventually, their cubs will be released into the wild, without any human contact.

the answer is yes, i was extremely nervous at first. especially, in the first picture where i was holding his tail. we had only just started the walk and everyone was very hesitant. so of course, i stepped forward and said i wasn't afraid to go first. next thing i know there is a lion's tail in my hand and then all the guides disappeared to take photos.

this is the picture i promised of me with my gift chicken, looking very Zambian. i must go now, the sun has gone down and it is time to get back to the center. i will write more when i can.