Reflections on Zambia

As we prepare to leave Zambia, I am reflecting on my experiences. It has been a time of both joy and sorrow. Certainly some of the situations are even worse than I expected, but there have been compensating and even surprising pleasures. Namwianga Mission is even in greater difficulty than I expected, and my friends there are suffering. On the other hand, things are developing very well in our community schools. We enjoyed great experiences in those schools and are encouraged that education is being made available to more and more children. It was especially rewarding to see how some communities are uniting to promote development. Community headmen and other leaders are organising the people and planning construction projects and other improvements. The people are willingly assembling construction materials and preparing bricks so work can go on. It was delightful to celebrate this progress with them. There was much singing and dancing, especially by the women.
Other highlights included The Haven--an orphanage developed by Steve & Joan and now operated by Thomas & Cecilia. What a delight it was to see how wonderfully it is progressing under their management! The place is clean and neat. The yard is both functional and decorative. This represents the cutting edge of our response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The tiny victims are struggling for life under Cecilia's dedicated and effective care. We are so proud and happy!