I can't believe it's been two days! Sometimes, it seems longer; sometimes shorter - time is funny that way. Yesterday, we did some errands, bought some groceries; you know "normal" stuff but yesterday was our first workshop day. Let me tell you, I was nervous about the workshop - I mean, I don't speak or understand Zambian and we were told there would not likely be an interpreter, YIKES!!! I spent time the day we arrived reviewing what I wanted to share, knowing that they wanted me to speak about leadership and team. Sounds simple, right? I was worried though as I was only using a very small amount of the material we use in courses at home since I couldn't take gear with me.
The first day of workshops was for a group of women who are leaders in an organization called Hearts of Compassion. This organization was formed to help widows and orphans - mostly widowed due to HIV; most of the women in the group were widows themselves and ranged in age from about 25 to 60+. When we arrived at the location for the workhop, about half of the women were there (Africa time means we start when people arrive for example a 9ish start could be 9, it could be 10, it could be later). Since we needed to wait for the other group, the women burst into song - literally, the sound burst from the room. They were praising and worshiping and dancing. The beautiful harmonies were so powerful! I felt such powerful emotion listening to the women sing; I could barely hold back the tears. When the other women arrived, we began the day. It didn't take long to realize that most of the women spoke very little English; thankfully, a lovely lady named Helen stepped forward as a translator and the day began. While I know there were things that I forgot to say that I'd planned to say and I did a lot of improvising so that the women could understand the concepts; God was definitely there and the result was overwhelming. In addition to the teachings I did, Debbie & Betty taught the women to make rag rugs. The only man in the room was one of the acting leaders and he said the timing of the workshop was perfect and the content exactly in line with what the team needed. I feel so blessed to be here! For lunch, they served us nshima - a stiff dough made from ground maize called mealie meal. It is the consistency of playdough and tastes like a mix of mashed potatoes and cream of wheat. You knead in the palm of one hand, flatten it in that same hand and use it to pick up other food called relish. Relish could be a vegatable mix or chicken for example. This was my first experience with traditional Zambian food.
Today, we worked with a group of Church leaders at the Fountain of Praise Assembly; the group was worship leaders, pastors, deacons, deaconess', youth leaders, praise members, etc. The church building itself was so simple - concrete and aluminum - a clear reminder that the building is irrelevant to God. We were set to start at 9am but we were told to come at 10am due to African time :-) Then, we didn't even start until close to 11! Good thing that doesn't bother me too much :-) Again, the group lifted their voices in the most beautiful harmonies - I wish I could bottle the sound and bring it home with me!!! The men and women were so wonderful and the level of English was astounding: no translator required! During lunch (which was 'take-away' chicken & chips from the Hungry Lion), Betty and I sat with the younger people who were there. Some were finishing high school, some in college and some already working; all were highly intelligent and communicated very well in English. One young woman, Mercy, is planning to become a neurosurgeon or cardiologist, part of that plan is to go to medical school in Canada in the fall. All of them are on Facebook even though they don't have computers at home. We had so much fun with the group and I have learned that Zambians seem to have an excellent sense of humour.
I can't even begin to explain all that is going on in my head and my heart. God has been good to me and directed to to create teaching sessions for the workshops that have been well received here; He's also granted me the grace to let the agenda be fluid and 'wing it' along the way.
Tomorrow is Sunday and I can't wait to go to Fountain of Praise for church!!! Debbie is preaching and I don't do anything but enjoy!!! Tomorrow is also exciting because we are going to the market; it will be a nice relaxing day. On Monday, I'm teaching all day again, Tuesday we travel to Kitwe where we meet up with Ruth & John Kerr who are missionaries teaching at a college. Tuesday is a travel & market day. Wednesday, we help Ruth sort a bunch of donations and have lunch at the college. Thursday, we go out and deliver clothing to needy families in the morning, I do an afternoon workshop do the student wives and other women on campus; Betty & Debbie will then teach them to make rugs. Friday, we teach a group of women to sew quilts then head back to Lusaka.
I don't think I'll have internet from Tuesday to Thursday night because of travel.
God Bless!
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