I want to apologize up front for the random blog you are about to read. It's been over a week since I've written because of how little time I had relaxing this week--so I'm sorry for being so random...
Whew. This week has flown by and I am exhausted. So much happened while Greer was here! One of the biggest things I learned this week was that it is crazy how much you can get done in one day--if you utilize your time and are determined to complete tasks. I have felt very productive, but very tired.
For work this week, I was able to go around and see every one of our schools except one--but I've been there many times before. The children were learning and the teachers were already starting their assessments and enrollments for the new year. Tomorrow they begin the content for the students. It's just so neat to actually be here and watch these things happen. Back in the states, I would get emails and talk on the phone once a month or so with the Zambians, but being here and physically seeing the children in their classrooms and in the CRC's is such a blessing. One of the things we are trying to do is get our LCA's fully funded. The cost per month pays for the rent, utilities, some supplies, and the salaries for the teachers, the coordinator, the security guard and the cleaning lady. When someone can fund a school per month, or groups of people can fund the school, then we can start more. So as of now we have 6 schools, 3 of which are fully funded. I was able to visit all of the adopted LCA's this past week. The opportunities for these facilities are endless. Think about it. If a school is funded, eventually we could get an internet connection at the school, and how neat would it be if those orphaned and vulnerable children who come from the slums of Lusaka, were able to look on the internet at pictures, academic games, and even participate in a pen pal or e-pal type thing with American students.. I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do with these schools.
Another thing the week held was many many meetings. I was able to meet with all of the senior staff here as well as other select groups of people to hear and see change that is happening. We went out to the Tree of Life every day to see the progress made and we have officially started pouring concrete for the Legacy Center! Traveling around Lusaka all week helped me to get used to some of the roads, so hopefully by June I will be an expert!
After going to the Tree of Life one day, Greer dropped us at the edge of a road and one of the Zambians on our AV team walked Clay and I to a cab. This is when I felt truly Zambian. They walk everywhere. So without big buses, or a vehicle of any kind, Clay and I trekked through the Chainda compound as if we were Zambians ourselves. It was awesome. I love when the change from tourist to local comes... of course we were the only white skinned people for miles around so we didn't look local, but I felt more like local then ever before. :)
Yesterday, after Greer left, Clay and I, along with the social services department, were able to collect bunk beds and mattresses for new children moving into our CRCs! When we arrived at a CRC with the bunk bed, the children were so excited because they knew more people would be moving in! I am convinced that Zambian children are the most beautiful children in the whole world. I haven't hugged or seen one child that I wasn't affected by. I feel like the Lord has given me His eyes for them. I just love them. When we went out in the community to one of our schools, I got out of the car and this little girl- probably around 7 years old- ran out of her house and just smiled from ear to ear at me. As we pulled out of the school, she continued to watch us smiling and waving the whole time. I mean come on. She lives in this unfathomable environment with the most horrible conditions, and yet she's showing this joy that only the Lord could have given her. NOTHING in her world can give her joy except for Jesus Christ. And she had joy. Amazing.
Now that Greer has gone, the dirty work begins :). I expect to see change happen. I expect to see the Lord move DAILY. And I expect to be radically changed. Don't worry. You will hear all about it!
Whew. This week has flown by and I am exhausted. So much happened while Greer was here! One of the biggest things I learned this week was that it is crazy how much you can get done in one day--if you utilize your time and are determined to complete tasks. I have felt very productive, but very tired.
For work this week, I was able to go around and see every one of our schools except one--but I've been there many times before. The children were learning and the teachers were already starting their assessments and enrollments for the new year. Tomorrow they begin the content for the students. It's just so neat to actually be here and watch these things happen. Back in the states, I would get emails and talk on the phone once a month or so with the Zambians, but being here and physically seeing the children in their classrooms and in the CRC's is such a blessing. One of the things we are trying to do is get our LCA's fully funded. The cost per month pays for the rent, utilities, some supplies, and the salaries for the teachers, the coordinator, the security guard and the cleaning lady. When someone can fund a school per month, or groups of people can fund the school, then we can start more. So as of now we have 6 schools, 3 of which are fully funded. I was able to visit all of the adopted LCA's this past week. The opportunities for these facilities are endless. Think about it. If a school is funded, eventually we could get an internet connection at the school, and how neat would it be if those orphaned and vulnerable children who come from the slums of Lusaka, were able to look on the internet at pictures, academic games, and even participate in a pen pal or e-pal type thing with American students.. I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do with these schools.
Another thing the week held was many many meetings. I was able to meet with all of the senior staff here as well as other select groups of people to hear and see change that is happening. We went out to the Tree of Life every day to see the progress made and we have officially started pouring concrete for the Legacy Center! Traveling around Lusaka all week helped me to get used to some of the roads, so hopefully by June I will be an expert!
After going to the Tree of Life one day, Greer dropped us at the edge of a road and one of the Zambians on our AV team walked Clay and I to a cab. This is when I felt truly Zambian. They walk everywhere. So without big buses, or a vehicle of any kind, Clay and I trekked through the Chainda compound as if we were Zambians ourselves. It was awesome. I love when the change from tourist to local comes... of course we were the only white skinned people for miles around so we didn't look local, but I felt more like local then ever before. :)
Yesterday, after Greer left, Clay and I, along with the social services department, were able to collect bunk beds and mattresses for new children moving into our CRCs! When we arrived at a CRC with the bunk bed, the children were so excited because they knew more people would be moving in! I am convinced that Zambian children are the most beautiful children in the whole world. I haven't hugged or seen one child that I wasn't affected by. I feel like the Lord has given me His eyes for them. I just love them. When we went out in the community to one of our schools, I got out of the car and this little girl- probably around 7 years old- ran out of her house and just smiled from ear to ear at me. As we pulled out of the school, she continued to watch us smiling and waving the whole time. I mean come on. She lives in this unfathomable environment with the most horrible conditions, and yet she's showing this joy that only the Lord could have given her. NOTHING in her world can give her joy except for Jesus Christ. And she had joy. Amazing.
Now that Greer has gone, the dirty work begins :). I expect to see change happen. I expect to see the Lord move DAILY. And I expect to be radically changed. Don't worry. You will hear all about it!
Megan! I can only imagine how fast you all were moving this past week----lightening speed! I just love every one of these accounts of your new life in "Z"----you have such great comments on what is happening. Love and miss u, dear one! Tell all the Hugheys each of you is being prayed for DAILY!! Can't wait to hear more this week---bless you, Auntie Megan!You know who to love on for me!!!!
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