Our New Year started out well. The kids and I had tried out a small local hike (there are no mountains here - just a few small hills) with a fellow staff member, and we decided to do it again, this time as a family, on New Years Day. Hiking was a big part of our life back in Canada, with so many trails & beauty to explore so close to home! This hike, while small, felt like a good slice of home.
After taking a month off of homeschool, we needed to jump back in. To be honest, I really wasn't anticipating jumping back in. The less structured days and mental break were so welcome. The school that we are enrolled in does report cards in January, and we were getting different emails requesting more work samples and projects to be turned in - so restarting school was necessary! We love the accountability of having support teachers in Canada expecting kids to stay on track, but it did feel stressful knowing that we were falling behind (we started school in October due to our move and took the bulk of December off because that's what Zambia does!). It's been a steep learning curve, and now that we are a few weeks back into the routine, it does feel good to have a solid footing again.
It's no secret that soccer is a big deal in Zambia. It's a sport that requires very little equipment, and nearly all kids grow up immersed in it. There is a wonderful coach that lives across the road from Living Hope, and he commits to training the community boys 3 days a week, plus there is often a Sunday game. Jon thought it would be a good idea to have a bit more of a set schedule to the games, rather than midweek phone calls trying to arrange games for the weekend. Together with Coach Carlos, they met with 7 local coaches and organized an 8-week-long tournament, which Living Hope is hosting. Aside from a deep love of the sport, the coaches all said that coaching boys' soccer keeps the boys out of trouble, and away from alcohol and sex. What a wonderful way to keep them engaged and working towards something wholesome and healthy!
The tournament started three weeks ago, and the first games have gone so well! They have hired local referees to keep things unbiased, while also giving the referees experience and cash. The teams are required to show up on time for the games (hello African time, haha! Time is fluid). If the team shows up late, they are required to cover the cost of the referee, which amounts to about $2.50 CAD. But it's a great motivator, and so far the games have run on time! The team two weeks ago also brought a volleyball team, so the community boys that I have been coaching got to have their first game! It is just so fun seeing their training come together and have them really enjoy it! Of course, a win is always an extra confidence boost! I met a soccer coach that wants to bring his volleyball team next week, so it sounds like we'll have more games in the future!
Aside from organizing and playing sports, Jon has stayed very busy with things on the maintenance side. The renovated board room is officially completed! Jon made a barn door, a wooden cross, and the board room table, so there was lots of love and attention poured into making these. Also, picking up something like wood stain is not just a quick whip to Home Depot. Items are hard to find, and often a good 1.25 hours' drive away. But worth it in the end to have it all come together so beautifully!
There have been a number of fun things going on with within the school. The first day of school for grades 2 and 3 started mid-January (because the government is changing the curriculum, kindergarten and grade 1 will start next week). There was a Uniform Day where teachers, staff & parents were encouraged to wear their old school uniforms to support the current students. There was a parent-teacher meeting that day, and about 6 parents came in dressed in their old school uniforms and it brought a lot of joy to the place! Parents could sit in on their child's class and see what goes on in school. We also do collective Bible study on the first Monday of the month - which includes all the students & all staff (kitchen, office, maintenance). We had to split into groups and act out a Bible story that was given to us without using any words or sounds, and the other groups had to guess what story we were acting out. It was such a great way to learn & laugh together!
The police in Zambia can often be found at the top of the hill, just before the turnoff to Living Hope. Soon after arriving here, I was pulled over for overtaking (passing) up a hill, which I didn't do. I was told to pull over and pay cash roadside. If I have done something to warrant a ticket, I'll certainly pay up, but I refused to pay for something I didn't even do. The officer went from reducing my ticket to a lesser amount to eventually just letting me go. It's so frustrating to see people who are supposed to be upholding the law being corrupt. Jon drove over there later and had a frank conversation about how we are just here volunteering our time to better the community, and that it isn't fair to be trying to get us to pay for things we haven't done. They were actually receptive to it and said that they just need to be able to pay their bills (apparently police are very underpaid and basically need to pocket money on the side in order to make enough). Since then, we've had a friendly relationship, and Jon recently invited them over to have lunch on campus. They thoroughly enjoyed eating and touring the place and even popped into the grade 2 & 3 classrooms to say a quick 'hi' to the students!
Reflecting on the fact that we've now been here for 4 months, it's been pretty incredible to see how much we've learned & how many wonderful people we have met already! We have visited a church that is most likely going to be our home church. It is a good 45 minute drive and starts at 8:30 am - but we are encouraged & excited about the preaching, the worship & the community! Praise God! A few Sundays ago, we were invited to a friend's place with another family, and we spent the entire day in conversation while the kids played capture the flag & went swimming. Before we moved Jon & I had talked about how important it was for us to make friends outside of Living Hope, but I don't think I really thought it would actually happen - or happen so soon. We are just so grateful for hospitable souls with beautiful families that are welcoming us in!
Three of the board members are currently out from the United States, and TODAY my parents arrive!!! They have had several flight changes already, so we are hoping that there are no more delays, and they can indeed set foot in Zambia this evening! We are so looking forward to that piece of home & familiarity that comes from being around my dad and mom. Please keep them in prayer that all will go smoothly for their last flight (of 3) here! I'll wrap up this update for now, and imagine that we'll have more adventures to share next month!
Blessings on your February,
Love,
Renae
Jenny: We so enjoy your stories. It must be encouraging to have some friends and also feel at home in a church family. May you continue to be blessed with the Lord's care and mercy
Ok, the police story….wow! I love how understanding a situation just changes perspective! Thank you for sharing that! Enjoy those visitors to the fullest!