We're here!

We have arrived in Lusaka! After a long wait in London, (Joel is actually sleeping here, whereas Frankie and Johnny are just pretending!) we arrived yesterday morning in Zambia. We are delighted to be here and our first few days have been full of happy surprises!

Our home is on the seminary campus at Justo Mwale Theological College, and Frankie and Johnny have already been playing with the children here, enjoying footraces with other kids, climbing in one boy's tree house, and discovering mulberry bushes on campus. They came home with stained faces, but very big smiles!

When we arrived at the airport, my colleagues from Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Synod of Zambia, were there to welcome us, and they are remarkably kind. I am very excited to work with a group of gifted, faithful Christians, and I am so grateful for their warm welcome. They even stocked our kitchen with food in advance of our arrival!

Today, we went to Lusaka International Community School, where Frankie and Johnny will be attending. They had their Zambian Independence Day celebration, and the former First Lady of Zambia, Dr. Maureen Mwanawasa, was the honored guest and speaker. It was great to hear her reflections on independence and the future of Zambia. It was the 48th anniversary of independence, and she spoke about the freedom from colonial oppression that was gained when the country achieved independence. But then she also reflected on the oppression of poverty and disease, and how Zambia must continue to move forward towards freedom from those things, as well. She spoke of how those who worked for independence had to struggle and fight, and how this generation needs to struggle against the forces that oppress Zambia today. It was so nice to be able to hear her thoughts on our very first full day here!

The children also did traditional songs and dances. It was incredibly fun. The 3-5 year olds were especially amusing, and very into their dancing! The school is 50% Zambian, and the other half represent 37 different countries. So, it was a wonderful demonstration of unity and diversity, and we really enjoyed it!

This is a photo of Dr. Mwanawasa at the school assembly. We are now ready for some rest, as we are still adjusting to the time change.

Thank you for the prayers. We feel so blessed to be here, and excited to start our ministry in Zambia, as we are ministered to, as well!

(We will post more photos soon!)