One thing you need to know about Africa is that nothing goes according to plan and everything is done in African time. This can be a hard concept for us North Americans to grasp as we rush through our fast paced, finely tuned lives in order to crane as much stuff in as we can.
Well part way through the trip my hopes of updating this blog with more stories got side tracked because it very quickly became a reality that God didn’t bring me half way around the world to just have us help others, He took me around the world to talk into my life while I was away from the craziness and distractions, where others could speak into my life as well. I can’t tell you this trip went as I planned. We never handed out the soccer jerseys in person so that will be done by the Zambian crew, we didn’t get to see a few friends from last time up in Kalomo and we didn’t get to the fisherman’s camp by Canoe. Bit despot the issues are had an amazing trip and we see this is the beginning of something big.

Now my last post was from a very rough day for me, the mental, spiritual and physical attacks were come from every angle. There are many things I need to work on now that I didn’t realize before but the eye opener for me was that I was apparently to busy in my daily life to allow God to speak to me here. This trip was challenging and faith building, and sometimes a missions trip is more about working on your life than those you go and intend to help. No matter what you are working through though God can use you. He can bring people together to speak into your life while you are being a blessing to others. I thank God for the amazing team we had on this trip!! We all played a roll and all blessed the villages as they blessed us.

I so badly wanted to update more by today with picture of teams with new jerseys playing soccer, children learning how to play frisbee and any news of where the 2nd borehole is going, but as everything goes we got delayed with a few things with the limited time we were there. The important thing is plans are in motion and relationships with the villages we are helping are being built and strengthened. Over the next few weeks we will be getting an update of what schools and teams are getting the jerseys so for the people who graciously donated them, pictures and information will be coming. As for the second borehole, we may have a second option for the funds. We originally were going to drill a borehole in a specific village but after talking with the head man we found out they have a couple water wells that were close but the pumps are broken. We are now looking into things but I will update soon with the borehole, first we are seeing if the need is greater In fixing current wells verses drilling a single new one.

The updates might be delayed a bit but the plans are huge!! The need is everywhere and we plan on working with the locals to increase their economy and not just give a handout. The website will soon be set up for Canadian donations but check out https://www.btgmissions.org for upcoming trips, project updates and donation options.

So today we flew home, well I’m half way home at the moment in London waiting to board in 2 hours. This is giving me a chance to sit back and reflect on the trip, and wow did it ever fly by. The trip has been a blessing to each of us in different ways but besides the challenge God laid before me on this one thing really stood out to me. Zambians have an amazing culture, they are all about relationships over anything else it seems and despite the hardships they are so happy about the smallest things.

It’s the boy that wants a picture with his ox cart

or the young kids trying to catch the ice cubes being dropped.

They aren’t thinking about what they don’t have they are just loving the blessing in that moment, no matter how small it is. Everywhere we went people along the road would wave at us, people would call out in there native tongue to our Zambian team different things as if everyone knows each other. Gatherings were regular events and when work needed to be done everyone pitched in without complaints. Whether is was planting mango trees in rock hard ground or transporting a full set of audio gear and benches to a remote village where we did an outdoor service, everyone chipped in! Zambians just seem happier and friendlier all together. So on my layover in London I had some time to take to train into downtown and do some site seeing. The UK is beautiful! It’s green, its rich in history, tourism and economically seems to have a lot going on….but the people here aren’t smiling. Riding almost 45 minutes on a train and not one person said a peep or smiles at another. It wasn’t until I ran into an Australian woman that we finally broke the rule and had a conversation on the train. Why are the 1st world so scared to talk to others around them? Why can’t we be good neighbours again and invite each other over more? Lets change the world around us and say hi to strangers, who knows just might make someone’s day!!

Missing Zambia already! I will be back if more pictures and short stories and I can get the photos on my computer.

God Bless!!