Highlights from Zambia 2009

This is Kathy, Jamie's wife writing to update our week. We returned home over a week ago and not only were we tired from traveling and time changes, but every day seemed to bring a problem in one way or another. Jamie's health grew worse, he started to have pain in is neck and head and the swelling was still present in his ankle. He either talked to his doctor or went in for tests everyday.

Keeping up with the events of each day has been very difficult. Our last day of ministry before we headed to Livingstone for three nights and two days at Victoria Falls (one of the world's 7 natural wonders) was truly eventful. The Medical & Outreach teams were able to conclude their day in Makenzie a little early after treating and meeting with all the people who came out to the clinic.

Sunday was a day of celebration. I had the pleasure of preaching at a local church in Ndola. Singing with the people of Zambia is an experience almost worth the cost of the trip in itself. I am convinced that the Zambian people will have a significant role in leading the choir in heaven. What a celebration!

Completing our time in Ndola is surpising. The time has certainly flown. We have had a great trip. We have been able to provide significant medical care to over a thousand people in just a short time.

Shedding more tears than I ever imagined. Feeling more joy than I ever imagined. The emotions overwhelm and drive me to pray. It is difficult to describe all the feelings.

A bottle of water in Johannesburg: 7 Rand; Fish heads for supper: 10,000 Kwacha; 1 pizza and two Cokes in Lusaka: 56000 Kwacha; 10 minutes on the internet: 5000 Kwacha; Worshiping Christ with brothers and sisters in Zambia: priceless.

(Rand is South African currency; Kwacha is Zambian currency)

Currently in Washington D.C. at Northwest Club with one of our team members who flies forever for work. Good to know the right people. Free Wi-fi!

Zambia is a landlocked nation in sub-Saharan Africa. It is slightly larger than Texas with about 12.9 million people. The nation has been ravaged by HIV-AIDS. Nearly one million children have lost at least one parent to AIDS. Life expectancy at birth is officially listed at 51.2 years, but the CIA World Factbook lists it at 38 years.