Happy Birthday Paxina!!!!

Paxina is a Hope Art lady, and a very good friend of mine! Today was her birthday, and let me say it was an amazing day!! Full of laughter and joy! 

Quote of the Day

"No one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank

Look who I found!!! Agness and Wassa

I stumbled across Agness and Wassa on Tuesday :) 

Can't believe how much Wassa has changed!

Cooking Shima at the School :)

Photo by Claire Taramarcaz

Our AMAZING team up here in Zambia :)

Being back "Home" (Mongu, Zambia)

Well, what can I say!! It has been about a week and half since I arrived back in Mongu, Zambia. And I literally get butterflies in my stomach about how amazing it is being back "home." It really does feel like home, and where I am meant to be. I literally have a family here that can never be replaced.

The beginning of the trip, started off rough, as I got to Lusaka airport and the Taxi that was meant to pick me up, never arrived. There was no money in the exchange bank and the ATM machines had no cash available. And I had no local currency. Which meant I had no money to pay a taxi to take me to the guest house I was staying in, or money to bus my ticket for the bus trip to Mongu. All the money issues had occurred because they are bringing in a new currency, and I had arrived at the same time the new money arrived and some ceremony was happening and the military was on high force. Anyway, to cut the story short, they managed to get some old currency for me to exchange.

THEN, I found a taxi, who thought he knew where my guest house was. "Thought" - he had no idea. We managed to get lost for 2 hours, and we happened to end up about an hour out of Lusaka. It was hectic. And my Zambian sim card had expired, and I didn't have international roaming on my SA number. So I had no way of communication. Anyway, we eventually found the guest house.

Anyway, I had a very pleasant stay at the guest house; they gave me a lift to the bus station. The bus left at 8am to Mongu. It’s a very long trip. It’s about 8 hours! But what’s awesome about the trip is that we go through Kafue National Park, which happens to have thousands of animals. I was lucky enough to see a lion, a hippo, some antelope and millions of warthogs.

After 8 hours, I finally saw Mongu in the distance!! I have never been so excited! I was finally Home!!!!!! 

So far, my trip has been amazing. This time I am staying for 4 and half months! It was a surprise to all the locals that I was coming back. And I will say that Monday the 23rd of July 2012, will be a day that I will never forget, and wish to repeat it forever. It was the day that I got to surprise "my extended family" and my friends! Wow, it was a irreplaceable day. I have never felt so must love in my life. 

The day started with me walking to the Orphan House, where Charity and Florence ( House Mothers) were. I walked through the door, but because of the sun, they couldn't really see me, only the shape of my body. And I will never forget Charity was cooking and because she had no idea who it was she just said "you are welcome" Florence at this time was still in her room. As I moved closer into the house, and Charity realized who it was, and Florence was coming out of her room. Suddenly there was burst of screams and the biggest smiles on the planets. They picked me up and were hugging me, and screaming and all. It was so overwhelming the amount of excitement they had. Also baby Ruth (An Orphan at the home, who I adore) saw me, and was smiling constantly! It was a beautiful moment! Then about 15 minutes later, Teacher Margret, walked through the doors of the orphan home, not knowing I was there, and she also just started screaming. It was amazing! Whilst I am writing this, I am simply smiling; it literally makes me so happy!! :)

Then I went to the school, which the children really couldn't believe that I was back, and they were jumping around and smiling! And screaming Teacher Tara!!  Chef Jane went crazy as well! She was shouting " My Daughter!!!!"

Then, it was time to go to Hope Art! This was a funny one I must say. I went with the View Church Missionary team to the Hope Art offices. Then they went in, to have their tour. Whilst I was just waiting outside. They finished the tour in the first room. Which is the Sling bags and Critters room. Which has Paxina and Irene (If you read my previous blogs, you would understand, how much these ladies mean to me). I stood in the door frame, and looked to my right, where Irene sat. And she just looked at me in shock with her jaw dropped nearly to the ground. Then her eyes started to water, she couldn't move or say anything. Then suddenly she screamed " PAXINA." Paxina saw me, and went crazy and nearly fainted! She literally jumped on top of me! Both of them went crazy, and couldn't stop hugging me! It was amazing.

I then went into the next Hope Art room, and those ladies went insane too!

It was an amazing day! And couldn't have gone anymore perfectly! Perfectly unplanned, yet planned surprise :)

I have been currently working at the school. I am teaching on my own, which has actually been pretty awesome. The school closes tomorrow ( 2 August ) and then I shall be at Hope Art and doing village outreaches. But I will keep you in the loop.

All I can say is that I have some exciting times ahead of me!

Quote of the Day

One Life - One Chance

Quote of the Day :)

"Those of us that live in freedom are responsible for those who don't" - A21 Campaign

Favourites!

Hope Art Ladies. Paxina and Irene! Miss them so much already!

Being back home!

So I haven’t blogged for a while, and have actually missed it. Even though I am not in Zambia, I will still blog about updates in Zambia and what interesting things I am doing with my life.

So I have nearly been back for a month, which seems so crazy as it feels like yesterday I was in Zambia, but it most probably feels like that as I have had Bri and Rose ( Girls I lived with in Zambia ) staying with me as they had a holiday in Cape Town. Also Matt has been down here too, which has been great to have the whole household together. Seriously I can say that the friendships that I created in Zambia are lifelong friendships and actually stronger than most of my school friendships. That’s really what’s so weird being back, is that hardly anyone keeps in contact and no one really knows what’s happened to each other. Also everyone keeps saying they have created better friendships at Uni than at school. Same for me, better friendships in Zambia than at school. It might seem harsh, but it’s so true.

So what have I done since being back home? It’s been really chilled, I have done some touristy things like climbing Lion's head, going on a boat ride, eating a lot of good food. Been seeing some friends also got a job riding Friesians at a Stud farm. Then also been gyming. I have also taken the duty of being a kind of representative for Hope Art. So been talking to some stores to see if they interested in selling Hope Art. (Crossing fingers they will start selling) I also went to this incredible confernece "Colour". It’s a humanitarian conference. It was amazing!!! So life changing and inspiring. They had these two guest speakers which really influnced me. One was from Ukraine ( Vera Kasavich ) and the other was from Australia ( Christine Caine). Can’t get over how incredible they are. Truly amazing. Also I was blessed enough to be able to see my childhood hero, Ruby Wax. It was an incredible show, and seriously funny, but also had its very deep and serious moments.

Being back many people have asked me, "Are you glad you have taken a Gap Year?" Or "Do you advise taking a Gap Year?" And my answer is YES! But I always said to myself, If I take a gap year it has to be constructive. I advise a Selah year.( In the words of Bobbie Housten) It has made me become the person I really am, I am much more peaceful within myself. I know now what I want to study and am excited. Whereas last year I dreaded going to Uni, and had no idea what to study. I feel that I am living the life, and the life that many people dream of. It’s so funny when people say to me, that "you're an inspiration", or "you're my hero". It seems so odd, as I am being called all these encouraging and amazing titles, yet to me it seems so normal and it’s what I love doing. Which I know that I am super lucky to do something that I love and enjoy.

I laughed to myself yesterday when I went on to twitter for the first time in over 3 months, and my desciption of myself was "I love Nicki Minaj" and " I love Modern Family" and "I am traveling the world" It’s all so true, but now I have a better description of myself   Heart for Africa. Peace. Justice. Love. Mongu and inspired to save/help the world and its people.

So I dont have much more to say, but I can say that I miss Zambia every single moment of every single day. But I know I will go back soon:D And I can’t wait!

Seriously, Am I leaving?

I can't exactly comprehend that I am actually leaving. As I sit here at 7am today (Thursday) and look at my unpacked bag, I think about the fact that I am leaving Mongu tonight. It just doesn't seem real. At this very moment in time, I don't want to leave, as I have built amazing friendships and have grown so much it has been incredible. Of course there were times where all I wanted to be was at home. But that's normal. And yes it has been incredibly difficult. But if it was easy, then something is very wrong. I know that I will come back, but its just the fact that I wont see these people everyday, or weekly that is going to be so hard. Also I have this huge worry of being lonely when I am home. As I have been living with 4 other missionary's who I hang out all the time with all the time ( literally) , then all the other people on base, who are always around if you need someone. So you are literally never alone. So that will be very strange too. I may not sound that excited to go home, but of course I am, as I get to see my awesome Mom, my friends and be in civilization. But I feel like I am leaving this home and family and friends to see my other family and friends. Literally Mongu feels like home.

All I can say, which is awesome, and makes it easier leaving is that Bri, Rose and Matt will be in South Africa next week for 2 weeks. So I am so excited that I get to be with them in SA. It will defiately make the adjustment easier.

How we always pose for the camera!

Mongu has changed my life. The people have changed my life. This trip has changed my life. It has been amazing, but now its time to end this part of my Mongu journey. I know I will be back! I have learnt so much, but my brain is buzzing.I have made incredible friendships with the locals and all on base.. Honestly, this has been the time of my life! And an experience I will never forget.

Quote for the Day

"Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value." - Albert Einstein

Ladies who inspire me :)

For the first time on Tuesday, it hit me that I am really leaving. Yes, I have always known that I am leaving, but I would say it, but not really think about it, or how I feel about it. But Tuesday I was talking with some of the Teachers and the mothers and the orphan home, and it just hit me. Because when I was talking to the teachers and they were saying how much they are going to miss me, it hit me that they in a way feel like I am deserting them. And they keep saying that they will always remember, but I will forget them. How can I forget people who have been apart of my life in Zambia? Who have taught me the most incredible things in life? Who have supported me and been the best role models? And who have been the greatest of friends? They just seem to believe that I am going to abandon them. As I believe that's how they feel about other volunteers. I mean, let me tell you, its going to be hard getting on that bus and leaving all these incredible people. And I WILL NEVER FORGET THEM.

The two mothers at the orphan home have honestly and simply touched my life. Florence and Charity, wow, possibly the hardest goodbye I am going to say. They are the kindest people I have ever met. And there is just something about them, and when I visit them, we can chat for hours and have a great laugh. They have both had seriously rough times in their lives, but constantly have a smile, and they the biggest hearts for anyone and everyone. And Ruth, my word, going to miss this little girl so much, I don't have words for it. Ruth is an orphan at the orphan home, Florence is now her mother. She is one and a half years old. She is the cutest, now I say this a lot, and about many children, but Ruth has stolen my heart!

There are the three ladies at school, that make me laugh everyday, who make me smile, who make me listen for hours when they tell stories or educate me in things that I thought I would ever hear myself talking about or half the time I have never heard of such things.

Jane who is an amazing lady who has the biggest  heart for children.She is one of the amazing school chef's. She calls me her 18th daughter. As she currently looks after 17 children, and only 4 are hers. She tells me stories everyday which always educate me and simply make me smile. She has taught me to cook all types of traditional foods. She is a total inspiration. She also does the most awesome impersonation of a crocodile swimming.

Bertha, ah this young lady has me laughing every time I am in her presence. Literally. And when she laughs I laugh even more. Bertha is a widow, she is 32 years old with 6 children. She provides everything, and her children are so intelligent and beautiful, it just shows how amazing she is as a mother to them. She has welcomed me into her house, and I feel very blessed to have got to know her whole family. Her mother Irene and her cousin Bibian are both Hope Art ladies who I absolutely adore. I told them that I was leaving in a week, and they literally were in shock and they both said to me that I cannot leave. It's simply a nice feeling. Will defiantly miss Bibian shouting TARA down the corridor at church when she arrives.

Margret, who I have worked with for the last three months has simply been incredible towards me. Never met someone who simply cares beyond all measures for anyone. She always has the most interesting theories and facts, that I never thought I would here. Such as, this was the funniest ( and not true at all) she told that if you don't eat fish, you can become albino. Ah!!. And simply we always have a great laugh together.

Then the other two Hope Art Ladies, Paxina and Ireen.These two ladies I have only recently met, but have been exceptionally kind to me. Paxina is teaching me how to sew in the last few days that I am here, and Ireen simply puts a smile on my face. Love these ladies!

Just a little moment for the day. Which made me tear up. Little Ruth from the orphan house fell asleep on me in church today during worship and was leaning her head on my cheek. Then when the service started she past out on my lap. Okay, I simply just adore this child.

PURE HAPPINESS is simply being with these kids.

Mboo ( Cutie pie, also my mom sponsor's him :)

Kalissa (This girl never stops smiling)

Chinyundo ( This little boy always seems to throw up saliva on me!)

Painting Richards Nails :)

Quote of The Day

"If you want to feel good, you have to go out and do some good." - Oprah Winfrey

Amazing Sunset

I took this photo a couple of nights ago from just outside the house I am staying in. I mean, this is just incredible!!! 

Hope Art

I started to work with Hope Art in July 2011. I began selling at my school's schoolyard market, not knowing that it would be such a success. Selling Hope Art is such a joy in my life, as its something so easy and rewarding. I mean, selling necklaces and bracelets changes peoples lives. Its simple as that. I really love this project, and since moving to Zambia for 3 months, I have got to meet the Hope Art Ladies and have got to know some of them personally. And that even makes the project more special to me. This is one project that I will always support and be apart of!

This is a little background on Hope Art:
A group of impoverished, unemployed and mainly HIV positive Zambian widows are facing the orphan challenge and producing hand crafted jewelry with paper beads. People that care buy and sell this unique hand crafted jewelry and all net profits from ‘Hope Art’ are invested in the Zambia Project that provides shelter, food, education and healthcare to children and women in need. Your purchase will make a difference in the lives of many impoverished children and women.


Each bead is carefully rolled with meticulous diligence to create beautiful unique artwork. The process of rolling, dipping in varnish and drying requires patience and teamwork. The lives of these women have changed dramatically through a sense of self-worth and purpose. Many orphans are now being care for and their extended families uplifted, thereby benefiting the community as a whole.

Hope Art Ladies

The lives of these impoverished ladies are etched with hardship and tragedy. They display diligent determination to make a difference to improve the lives of vulnerable children and women in Western Zambia. Many of them are the sole bread winners in their families and are developing a sense of self worth and purpose through the project.


Stories of some of the Ladies:

My name is IRENE KAWELE and I was born in 1958. In 2005 when my husband passed away I discovered I was HIV positive. Prior to my involvement with Hope Art I had no income and I struggled daily to support the 8 orphans left in my care by family members. It was very difficult for me when they cried for food and I wasn’t able to provide. I am so grateful that now with the money I earn through Hope Art, I am able to care for and educate these children and look after my own health. Thank you for your support. (Irene recently got married to a lovely man, Richard, and she will continue to part of Hope Art.) 

My name is BIBIAN KAWELE a HIV positive widow born in 1977. As a single mother, survival has been difficult caring for my own 3 children and an orphan. I was orphaned myself as a young child and raised by my Aunt who did not have the means to send me to school. Due to Hope Art, I am so happy that my children can now attend school, are not hungry anymore and have a hope for the future! Thank you for making a difference in our lives – I am also hoping to complete my schooling.

I am CHILOMBO CHINGA, was born in 1959 and am a widow. I only discovered my HIV positive status when my twin babies died of HIV. I grew up in an extremely poor family and was unable to attend school. It is a real privilege to now be able to send my surviving children to school with the income I earn through Hope Art, not to mention the joy of providing food for them. Thank you for caring.

I have been given the opportunity to model Hope Art, and these are some of their products:

Hope Art Patched Bags and Necklaces

Necklaces

Hope Art Critters

Necklaces

Hope Art Sling Bags

Hope Art Sling Bags and Bracelets

For More information :http://www.zam.co.za/Hope_Art/Hope_Art.html 

Children at the Save A Life Centre

Kalissa 1 month ago

Kalissa now

This beautiful little girl is 6 years old. Her name is Kalissa. She is currently the size of a 2 year old. She is possibly the kindest and sweetest child I have ever met. When she came into the centre about 1 month ago, she was so malnourished that her body was so desperate for nutrients, it took her pigmentation away. Her hair was blonde and really soft, her eye lashes her blonde. Her body was a yellowish colour. Even her eye colour was light. Her face was swollen. But now, 1 month later, she is almost completely black,  her hair is black and becoming coarse.  Her face is not swollen. And her eye colour has gone darker. This is simply because of being fed properly.  It has been amazing to see her daily changes. I feel very blessed to have witnessed this amazing life changing change.

Wasa when she left.

Wasa when she arrived.

This is Wasa. She is 3 years old. She is litteraly the size of a baby.  She came into the centre about 2 weeks ago, severely malnourished. She weighed about 6kgs, when she is actually meant to weigh around 13- 14kgs.  She is so tiny, sometimes I am worried that she will break, as she seemed so fragile. She had already left the centre, looking very fat. And is a happy child.

Muhaho sitting

 Okay, I seriously love this little girl. Her name is Muhaho.
She is 1 years old. She came into the centre for developmental skills, as all she used to do was lie down. She left on Sunday, with the skill of being able to sit. She also gained a lot of weight as well from being in the centre.

Sharon has been in the Save A Life centre for a while now. She was born blind. She is 2 years now. She is mentally and physically very behind because of not being cared for and malnourishment. She cannot walk or crawl. She is extremely stiff, and battles to bend her legs. She hasn't started to form words at all or really make sounds. Her family abandoned her, but now this amazing aunt has taken up the courage to look after her. She was severely malnourished when she came into the centre. But now has improved so much.  Every week I see improvement. 

Quote of the Day

"The sky has never been the limit. We are our own limits. It’s then about breaking our personal limits and outgrowing ourselves to live our best lives."

Farewell to Florence and her family.

Left to Right: Florence and Njamba , Teacher Margaret,
 Me, Precious and Mary

This picture was taken on Friday, the day that Florence and her family left to move to where her family is staying. It was very emotional seeing her leave. But I know she will be happier and safer. I am very blessed that I got to meet this lady and was able to help her.

Thanks again to all the sponsors, and everyone else who has been apart of changing her life.

Muhaho :) I could steal this child :)

Woman's day and Malaria

Sorry for not blogging. Have been really busy, also did not have internet last week, and then was really sick for the last couple of days.

So first all there has been a few changes with Florence. She has moved to another town where she will be happier and safer. And thank you once again to all of those who have been apart of changing Florence's life

Then I have been really sick since Tuesday afternoon. I actually thought I had Malaria, and even the nurse who works at the clinic on base was concerned. But I had a malaria test, and thankfully it came back negative. I can say that it is definitely one test you do want to fail! But I can say that I had a little taste of what mild Malaria feels like. And it is HORRIBLE! Seriously the worst, and I had it for two days only. To be honest, I thought I was going to die.

Otherwise, all has been great. Last week Thursday ( 8th of March) we celebrated International woman's day, which was amazing. All the ladies from school ( Bertha, Jane , Margaret , Patrica) and then a Mom from the Orphan Home ( Charity) and myself. We took part of the march which was about 4km's long. We wore our Village of Hope, Mongu tops and either black skirts or black pants. Then we had a banner, which myself, Matt and Bri made the previous night. It took us 4 hours to make, and it came out amazing.  The march was really entertaining, as there were thousands of ladies waking in hills, ( and for those who dont know Mongu, it is a sand pitt, and the roads are full of potholes, meaning if you don't watch your step, you might disappear. ) The walk was from Zesco to the Stadium. And when we arrived at the stadium, we had to perform a professional march, sing the national anthem and be welcomed by the honored guest. Then there was some entertainment which they had many ladies performing traditional dances, then some political ladies performing songs about the leading party. And also a school performed with a drum line and all the girls performed with batons. Then they had a Mekishi, which is a traditional dancing. Then the day ended with a lovely lunch at OK Restaurant. It was an amazing experience.

Also March 2nd the school had its first Cross Country, which each grade had its own routes, and it was challenging for a few as it was in thick sand and up and down hills, also in the heat of the sun. The day was awesome, and it was great to see all the parents and grandparents who came supporting their children. Also to see children who struggle at school, succeed in sport was also great to see.

Our Woman's Day March Team.

The Amazing VOH Banner

From Left to Right: Margaret , Bertha , Patrica, Charity, Me and Jane

Marching

Ladies marching

Girls from a local school performing

Mekishi

Love this Quote

Quote of the Day

"Happiness is a journey, not a destination"- Ellen DeGeneres

Western VS Cultural

We have a lady who has come for the first time today to help us clean the house and wash our walls as last week the government came and sprayed our walls with some mosquito spray and messed up our house, and made us all feel a little sick because the stuff is so toxic.

What I found interesting was that she was happily working in a pair of shorts( just covering the knee, and not tight)  around me. And then as soon as one of our male volunteer's walked into the house, she immediately felt uncomfortable and asked me for a shetengi to cover her legs. In a way, I really love this traditional way and what they believe about keeping your thigh's, knees and mid drift covered because it all leads to our private parts. It just show respect to that area.

I had a discussion with Margaret about it, and she was saying how she likes the western culture, that we do keep our breast private, meaning we don't pull them out in public to feed, we normally do that in private. Where as the ladies here, there is no worry about showing their breasts, no privacy, which I feel is different to us. Let me say, I always feel awkward around feeding ladies, just because I am not used to it being such an open thing to do. But they keep stomach down to knee's very private, where as we, where the shortest dresses and tiniest shorts and the tightest pants.

I believe that in way I have changed. For example, I was wearing a pair of shorts in the house, and when I went to the living room, where the other mid-termers were, and I felt uncomfortable. Which normally I wouldn't, and now I do. Also if I do wear tight pants for this area, I do feel awkward and worried I will offend people, which is so strange.

But I really respect and admire their cultural ways. And its very interesting to me, to  learn about it all of this.

Our Team

Love this picture of the team :) Taken at Scott's 60th Birthday!

This was the whole team a few weeks back. Catherine, Zac, Pierce and Wesley have gone back to America. But the rest still remain, and Laura, Danial and Andrew have joined us.


Meduim Termers and where we work:
Tara- School
Rose-School
Bri - Save A Life Centre
Andrew- Construction
Graeme - Construction


Teachers:
George ( Baby Class)
Margaret ( Grade 1)
Jayson (Grade R)
Steven (Principal and Grade 3/4)
Naomi ( Grade 2)


Full Time:
Paul & Marinette - Project and Team Leaders
Seth and Nathan -Son's of Paul and Marinette

Moses -Hope Church Associate Pastor,
Emeria -Hope Church Worship Team member
Grace - Daughter of Moses and Emeria

Ruani - Agriculture Development + Short Term Outreach Coordinator

Scott - Pastoral Visitation + Teaching

Naomi ‘Village of Hope’ Administrator and Teacher

Lloyd Kaputula -Translator

Lihana - Villiage of Hope Nurse and run's the Save A Life Centre and Clinic

Daniel & Laura Barclay - Water-Well Ministry here and carry out village church discipleship.

Matthew Mackie - Village of Hope Director.

Quote of the Day

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us"-Gandalf (Lord of The Rings)

Have you ever planted 100 trees? Because I have :)

So yesterday all the youth from the church were made to work at Mutoya as we have to raise funds to buy a new projector for the church, as the last one was struck by lightening. And the deal was, that the youth had to play a soccer match against the elders. And if the youth lost we had to buy the projector, and if we won, the elders would buy it. And it ended up that the youth's lost. So Mutoya employed us to do work around base, and then that money that we earned would go towards the projector.

So I was apart of TEAM TREE! And we had to plant 100 flamboyant's. Let me say that it was pretty cool knowing that in one morning we planted 100 tree's. It was really hard work, but was so much fun. Never been so dirty in my whole life, but was so worth it. Knowing that when people come to Mutoya in 20 years, and see huge tree's, that I planted them. I got seriously burnt, but there are much worse things that could happen, so I don't care about that either. It was a great day, lots of team building and simply having fun with all the youths.

We had fun naming the tree's. My first two are called Gimmly and Elf. As this weekend our house had a Lord Of The Rings marathon. Which resulted in us giving characters to each other, and my roommates think that I am the perfect Orc. Anyway, this weekend has been amazing, and eco friendly :)

Dirty

Team Tree

Awesome group of people :)

Good News, Bad News

Hello, I am sorry that I have not been updating, but the internet has been down, and have been so busy that have been unable to Blog.

Good News! 
Firstly I would like to thank everyone for the support and all the donations. Just this morning had some donations come in and some still pending, but we have raised ALL the funds for Florence's land and house. So I would like to thank everyone once again for the overwhelming support, and generous donations. Seriously I appreciate it, and Florence has no words to describe the generosity, love and support, that people have for her, even though they have not met her, and never will.

Secondly, on Monday I had a meeting with the Nduna Paul, which I spoke about in "Update on Florence", and Jane (School Chef, In charge of land with The Florence Project) said that we have a piece of land. So hopefully tomorrow, I will go to see the land with Jane.

Thirdly, the house will be built in one day, and what we do, is build them a traditional house, but its done really well, with proper roofing. The traditional houses are rectangle in shape, and are built with a type of reed. Will post a picture, as difficult to explain. They are really nice. So I will let you know, when I know, when we are building it. And of course I will be helping to build the house.

Also, Mary ( Florence's 2nd child) has now started school at VOH School, she is so clever and has made friends and of course causing trouble like all 3 and a half year old can do. Will post some pictures of her at school.

Bad News!


I asked Florence to attend church this morning, and to come to the second service which in Lozi. The English service had started, and then I saw Florence arriving. So I walked out of the church, and said hello to Florence, which normally just say her name, and she always smiles, and I love the fact that she knows its always me. And I asked how she was, and she said she was not okay. She said that her husband had beat her last night, then following that statement, she opened her mouth and showed me her bottom teeth which are falling out because of the abuse. And she showed me all the bruises and scratches. I have never felt so angry, disgusted and upset in my life, because Florence is so dear to me, and have so much love and respect for her. And I am so involved with her family, it feels like she is apart of my family. So when this happened , its like its happened to me in a way. So she asked me to come with her to the police. So of course I would go, so we said we would go after church. So we sat through the service, and to be honest, I am not sure what the service was about, because I was so distracted about what Florence told me. When Florence came to the church, Marinette asked if this was Florence, and I told her that she had been beaten and that I will go to the police with her. After the service, Moses ( pastor at the church ) came to me, and he said that Marinette had spoken to him, and he wants Kapatula (he is a big part of our church, and an amazing person) to come with me. I then phoned Margaret to inform her what has happened and to tell her I need to go to the police. But then she informed me that the police don't work on Sundays, and that I need to go tomorrow. Also Margaret's friend is the chief inspector, so tomorrow I have a meeting with her so we can report the case, and try catch the husband . So it will be myself, Florence and Kapatula. Unfortunately Margaret has gone north of the country as her niece passed away so she cannot attend.

So I will give an update tomorrow. Also I informed Jane about the situation, and she said she was going to the Nduna after church, to get the process moving faster and to get the paperwork.

What I believe makes me so angry, is that he did it in front of the children and for no reason at all.

I am deeply hurt, but soon she will be away from him. And its a good feeling that I can do this for her. Building her house, is not just giving her somewhere to live. Its giving her safety and a chance to live. I thank you once again for the support, and giving Florence a chance to live!

Quote of the Day

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."-Dalai Lama

Quote of the Day

"I believe that one of life's greatest risks is never daring to risk."- Oprah Winfrey

Photo's of Florence's Children

Mary

Njamba

Precious

Photo of the Day

Very proud of his sand cellphone :)

Sponsorship needed for Florence's House and Land :)

If you are able to donate any contribution towards Florence and her dream. ( To own her own land and house)

Please email me, tarabeckham@live.co.za

Florence and I really appreciate it!

Update on Florence :)

Today, I had  meeting with the village and land Nduna. His name is Paul, and basically what he does is that he is the "king" of the village, and is in charge of distribution of land. So myself, Teacher Margaret, Jane ( Chef at the school, who put us in contact with Paul)  and Florence and Precious went to have a meeting with him. We told Florence not to mention anything about me buying the land, as the price will keep increasing as I am a white foreigner. And so we told her she must tell the Nduna that she is buying the land. When the Nduna assumed that I was buying the land, Florence jumped in and was so excited to say that she was buying the land.

I know there are a few concerns about the husband taking the land, or hurting Florence. But the police are involved now. They have a case against him, and they have been trying to catch him. But if he tries to hurt Florence or claim the land. He will be deported back to Angola, as he is an illegal immigrant.  Luckily the officer is Margaret's good friend. So she is on our side, and ready to help.

*The land will be in Florence's name, and the residents are Florence, Precious, Mary and Njamba. No mention of the husband

Then whats really amazing, is that the plot that we are hoping to get is a few meters away from Village of Hope School, so Margaret will keep an eye on them and notify me whats happening when I am not in Zambia. Also the village is really excited for Florence to move in as they really want to help people in bad situations. They have also said that they will protect her, and the husband in not allowed in the village.

We will find out tomorrow for sure that she will be moving into this village, as there was a meeting tonight, just to consult the village and the senior Nduna of Mongu. But I have full confidence that it will all be fine, as Jane and Margaret said that its basically a done deal.

I am very glad about the location, as its close to the school, clinic and Shoprite. So Precious can walk a few meters, as well as and 3 year old Mary. Also in case one of them gets sick, they walk 200m and they are at the clinic. Water is also situated in the village. And then the local shop is a few kilometers away.

And the people are all very welcoming and seemed to want Florence there to protect her and help her.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has sponsored and given an interest in this story.  I really appreciate it, but there are no words how much Florence appreciates it!

I will also like to mention that Florence is looking really good compared to the first time I met her, and simply the change is happiness!

Quote of the Day

"Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else's path unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that".-Ellen DeGeneres,

Quote for the Day

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams" - Oprah Winfrey,

Adorable children at VOH School :)