Children sitting at the new table which God provided Here are many of the students. I had to take two pictures to fit as many of them in as I could so that is why the lighting is different
Back: Nyuma, Ndanji, Nkumbu, Darlington, Mapalo, Natasha, Georgina, Sam, Ryhima (not seen)
Front: Mbele, Adrian, Kalunde, Chisopa, Chama, Kayula, Daniel, Wakumelo
It has been exciting to watch the children growing every day. I have quite a group of interesting characters this year. They like to keep me on my toes. But truthfully, Zambian children are generally very obedient so I have very few problems with them. They all like to have a good laugh though and it doesn't take much to have them all laughing hysterically. Zambian adults usually have very little to do with their children. They provide for the children, but they do not make much effort to spend time with the children and show them love, whereas, Americans in general do spend time with their children. I did not realize that I was doing anything different until the parents started exclaiming how wonderful it was that I could connect with the kids and then also connect with adults. They thought that if you played with a child, that would make you childish. Now even the parents are learning to show more love towards their children.
God has truly blessed me with a room full of wonderful children. One exciting addition to the school is 2 sets of twins, Mbele and Nyuma; Natasha and Chama. Fortunately, I don't have a problem telling them apart since they are both boy and girl sets. I would fail to tell you all about these children in this newsletter, but if you wish to learn more about them, please check out my website at www.zambianorphanage.com
Liberty Independent Baptist Church
We had baptism again last week. Although 14 were baptized just a few weeks ago, Pastor Frazer realized that many more were waiting to be baptized. So once again we all jumped into a trailer and headed off for the water hole. Everyone sang the whole way there while people on the streets all waved at us enthusiastically. When we reached the water hole, we found that it was much deeper than when we had been there before. Men started clearing away the grass so that they could find a place a fit more shallow. Thirteen people were baptized. Among those baptized was the mother of Christopher from preschool. Also 2 of the children from Sunday School were baptized. I was especially thrilled to see Mercy Banda baptized. Mercy was one my first friends here in Kalulushi and also one of the first preschool students. She is now 9 years old and was very excited to be baptized even though it frightened her to be in the water.
Electrical Problems Continue
I mentioned in my last newsletter that an electrician was working on some electrical problems. Well, he is still working on it. It has been a trying time where I have had to learn more patience. At least the major work is done. The electrician just needs to install the breaker switch for the pump. Every time there is a storm, I get nervous that the whole electrical panel will be blown again. Pray that the electrician will be able to find all the parts and finish the job soon.
It is the rainy season and with the rainy season comes power surges that tend to destroy things. It seems like every week something else breaks down. Once that happens, it can take weeks to get it fixed. Please pray for me to be able to find someone to fix the lawn mower. Morgan, the one who helps me with garden, has had to start cutting the grass with scissors again.
Rabbits
The time came where I had to face the fact that I was keeping the rabbits for food and not just as pets. One afternoon, Pastor Frazer's nephew, Kenny, stopped by. Clara and I asked him if he had any experience with preparing rabbits. He did not know anything, but was willing to give it a try. So Kenny and I both gave it a "try". When we were finished, Clara and I decided that we would very much love to give the meat to someone who needed it. In the end, I gave it to a friend. The whole incident left my mind until a few days later when my friend thanked me for the meat. She said that whoever prepared it must have been an expert because the meat had not gotten spoiled in the process. I guess that means that the inexperienced Kenny and me are actually experts in disguise.
Floods
Many parts of the country have been flooded in the last few weeks. Many of the people are homeless now. Roads and bridges have been washed away which makes it hard to reach the people in need. The floods have also brought the crocodiles closer to the people and there have been many attacks. Just this last week, two boys lost a leg each to a crocodile. The floods have ruined a large amount of the crops which also will make it hard for Zambia to have enough food this next year. The floods are not near to me, but I cannot help but be concerned for the people that this is affecting. Please do not forget to pray for Zambia at this time.
I want to thank all of you that have been writing. It is always exciting to receive letters or e-mails from the States. I love being in Zambia, but it is always good to hear from home. I also thank you for the prayers that I know are constantly being said for the ministry here. I struggled again with sickness this month, but praise God that I am feeling much better. Lastly, I want to thank you all for your continued support. May God bless you for your giving hearts.
Praise Be To God,
Jennifer Townsend