Christmas in Zambia

The Christmas season was very different in Zambia compared to the Christmas we normally experience at home. There was no rushing around buying gifts, or going from party to party. There was no snow or Christmas lights twinkling on any homes. If it wasn’t for Shoprite, the local grocery store, who decorated in early October you wouldn’t even think that it was Christmas. We enjoyed a small dinner with the four of us on Christmas eve, and opened some gifts my sister had sent up with the previous team. Christmas morning we went to church and when we got back we were honored to serve the kids at Grace a Christmas dinner. The kids had worked hard on song and dances and we enjoyed watching each of their performances. We missed our kids at home, and our families very much during this season, and yet we are so grateful to be here. We had a simple, beautiful Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Savior with our Grace family. A Christmas that we will remember forever.

Earlier in December Lucas had his 16th birthday. Such an exciting birthday because it means you can finally get your learners license and drive! But not in Zambia. He missed his friends, and didn’t get to get his L, but he still had a great day. We golfed and got spat at by a spitting cobra, and had a fun dinner out where Lucas was very celebrated in true Zambian style with singing and dancing.

Our family also helped out again with a feeding program. This was a special Christmas feeding program with many more children and families being helped. The kids got a meal of chicken and rice and a drink and then were sent home with so many groceries for their families. The kids sing songs and dance and are so grateful for the food. We are happy to help with these programs but it also is so hard to see. Children that stuff themselves with food, two and three helpings, because they don’t know when their next meal will be. Children that are dirty and are wearing clothes full of holes and shoes that are broken or don’t fit. Little ones with obvious lack of nutrition, and sickness. Sister Josephine, who organizes these programs is such a gift to this community and we are glad we can help provide food alongside her.

Other than that life has Grace has been quiet. Many of the kids go home on holidays to family members that can take them in for a couple weeks. Lucas and Levi helped me organize some fun days for the kids that remain at Grace. We did a few different craft afternoons and had sports day where we had some friendly competition against each other. The highlight though was teaching the kids how to bake cookies. We spent many afternoons baking away and all the kids were happy to get plates full of cookies to take back to their dorms.

On the construction side, the roof is on the youth center and the gables blocked in. Interior walls are well underway as is the plastering and sacking. I’m glad for a full crew now in January as a lot of the construction crew used up their remaining leave days in December. I’ve also been helping out on the farm a bit, which has been a fun addition. I love tinkering with just about anything and the folks here are starting to see that. Most every day there are shoes to fix, skateboards that need new bearings (I even made a new skateboard) electronics, small engines, farm implements etc. Word even traveled to the neighbors that I fix things, and a lady brought over her weed whacker for me to fix! I really enjoy it, finding parts is tricky and a huge win when you do find what you need. If I can’t find it I fabricate the new part and when that works its an even better win!