And Everybody Was Kung-Fu Fighting...

Yesterday, there were sixteen children in our front yard, and yes, everybody was Kung-Fu Fighting. In fact, the older children were even singing the song while practicing their high kicks and some very impressive backflips. There were hours of laughter as older children flipped the tiny ones, and then, of course, there were breaks to kick around the futball. While it is true that I tend to resist any sort of violence with all my might, this was just pure, hilarious fun, and the kids were all smiling from ear to ear.

Frankie and Johnny have such lovely friends here, kids who spend most of their time outdoors, and find entertainment in doing backflips, kicking around a ball, dancing to improvised drums, and climbing trees. The boys are learning where to pick mangos, how to rock out using sticks and a metal slide, and some pretty impressive dance moves. When the rains came a few days ago, I stuck my head out the door to call in our kids. Frankie, however, couldn't come, because his rear end was stuck at the top of a mango tree. Joel had to go and pull him out, and they came inside, drenched and laughing.

While we find enormous joy at our home, surrounded by wonderful children, and very kind neighbors, we are also able to continue our work with CCAP Zambia. I continue to preach in congregations, and I have started to do home visits with the Home Based Care Program. These women go every week to visit the homes of those who are sick, and those who are HIV positive. As I learn more about their work, I am incredibly impressed.

On the days when they are not doing their visits, the women of the church make embroidered cloths and clothing to sell in the market. With the profits that they earn, the women buy food and medicine to bring to the homes of those who are sick or struggling with HIV. So, each week, they can provide food and medicine, as a way to testify to God's love for all people.

When I first met these women, I saw their beautiful embroidery and they shared stories of those for whom they cared. Mrs. Phiri explained that she visited someone who was sick, but very afraid to go to the clinic alone. And so Mrs. Phiri provided money for bus fare, and accompanied the woman to the clinic. This woman is now able to get the medication that she needs, and Mrs. Phiri visits her regularly to provide support, and to bring extra food to help in her healing. There are 15 women, in one congregation, who each visit 5-6 people. Just in this one community, the Home Based Care program is providing love, food, and medicine to over 60 people. It is exciting to think that this loving care is happening all over Zambia, through CCAP's HIV/AIDS programs. It has been a great blessing to work with these women and accompany them on some visits!

As I continue to learn Chichewa, to watch the children play and thrive, to work with Joel on exciting projects, to see CCAP Zambia touch the world with love, I can't help but feel enormously grateful. We are so blessed to be here, to be with such amazing people, and to learn from the generous and faithful hearts of our partners in ministry.