Bus picked us up at 8:00, to head to the housing village we would be moving to where we met our FLMI staff guide, bus driver, and security guard. Our bus was already packed with the 4 food drop bags for each of the sponsored children we would be seeing. We also had a backpack for each child filled with a soccer ball, school supplies, shoes, toys, books, stickers, pictures and a bible. As well as a pillow, personalized pillow case and blanket for each child. Erin sponsors two girls, Charity and Bwala; Chris (who is not with us but Erin stood in) sponsors Waiteson; and Trish and I were visiting Serah (pronounced Selah). Our bus was full! Each child had two big bags (garbage bag size) of food, one 50 lb bag of meli meal, and a bag of meat.
We headed out to the school where the children were meeting us. At this point the kids do not know we were coming to see them, only that they should be at the school for something "special". We arrived before any of the kids, so we spent a while playing with the many children that were hanging out/playing in the adjoining school yard. They were so cute! They thrive on attention, just like any child, they want you to take their picture, they pose and want to see immediately. They had plastic bags stuffed inside of bags to form a "ball" and kicked it all over- there was no goal or determined boundaries, no teams, just a roaming crowd of children running after several "bag balls". They are quick- and the littles ones, don't worry, they hung in like troopers and were just as fast on their feet! To NO surprise, I am not equal or even close to there ability, I tried to play with a few small girls, they ran all over me! AND! Not a single one tripped or stumbled on the big rocks sticking out of the ground (like I did twice... they laughed at me)! Some of the children attend school, some did not, but for the most part- they all laughed and played and were SO happy to be with friends and meet new "white people". There was a boy, Isaiah, who had gone to Camp Life last week, who had his bible in hand and explained the Armor of God that he had learned at camp. It was pretty awesome that a couple of other boys asked for his bible to read as well, when I asked them if they had read the bible, one said yes, turned to Matthew, said he liked this one and started reading. I WISH I could remember his name, I will be posting a photo of he and his sister (maybe not in this blog, but soon). The kids just kept coming, every time I turned around there were more!
Serah and her best friend Alice showed up, then Waiteson. After lots of hugs and greetings, we loaded the children on the bus to head to their homes to see where they live and meet their families. First stop, Serah and Alice! Alice had been in Erin's camp group with Serah, and although she was not one of our sponsor children we gladly welcomed her to the group and made her feel a part. Proof that God works in amazing ways, we had an extra load of food so Erin went with Alice to her home to meet her family, share the gifts and pray with her. Trish and I headed down the street to Sarah's home. It was a nice, very well kept, the surrounding area (kind of like a yard) was clean and there were a few small trees, it is a stand alone cement home with two rooms where Serah lives with her Mom, Dad and 4 siblings. When you think "room" think the size of your walk in closet! Serah's mother Mary, a sweet sweet woman, stays home with the children, maintains the home, chores, children and cooking. She was excited to see us, she welcomed us into her home as she watched us shower her sweet daughter with gifts! Every time Serah would take something out of her bag, her mother would stand to hug us and say thank you (all the while with beautiful baby girl Emma in her arms). Serah was SO gracious, at one point offering Trish her hair bow! She is a smart, very determined little girl! She is in grade 8, favorite color is pink, wants to be a Pilot, and do well in school so that one day she can take care of her mother.
Her smile is contagious and her eyes are filled with joy, you can see it! I could go in for a while and will probably do an entire blog on this experience in the future, but it is getting late and I need to get some rest!
Next we went to Waiteson's home, he had sat patiently in the bus the whole time we were with the girls. He is a sweet, quiet, sensitive boy. He lives with his mother, father and 2 brothers. His parents did not speak much English, so our Zambian partner/translator was a huge help! Again, more details later- it's getting late!
Next up, one of the residential homes of the Father's Heart sponsorship program where Charity lives. AWESOME! and so many things to say, you will have to read about it later. Sorry, this is how I am going to keep you coming back, and my eyes are weighing heavy and I need sleep!
Keep in touch, xoxo
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