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 :)

Quote for the Day

"Without struggle there is no progress..."

Adjustments

Many people ask me “How is Zambia?” and I always reply, it’s amazing, but really difficult. And so many are like, why is it difficult? Then I say to myself, why would it not be difficult? First of all, I am in another country, with people I don’t know. I moved to Zambia, just after high school. I am literally in the middle of nowhere. (Literally the sticks). And then, I am on my own, I have none of my friends and family with me, and I have had to fend for myself, cook for myself and also have the biggest reality check of my life. Also adjusting to people speaking so many different languages to me, and not being able to wear shorts or show my legs or some of my stomach, is so strange. I expected it, but it’s not a two week thing, like the last time I was here. It’s much longer, and really strict. No bending the rules. For example, was wearing a top and it crept up when I bent over to pick something up. And Bertha (chef at VOH School) hit me so hard on the exposed skin, because its offensive to her and her culture.

But what I have to deal with on a daily basis, I don’t think many people my age normally do, and most people won’t ever have to deal with. For example, two weeks into my trip, I had to deal with the death of twin 5 month old babies. Then the school that I work at, has many abused children. About two weeks ago, I had to take one of my students to the clinic as his mother tried to cut of his ear because he misbehaved. Then at the moment I am dealing with a blind lady, whose husband abuses her, and doesn’t provide for his three beautiful children, and happily cheats with other women in front of his wife. And also seeing such malnourished children really is emotionally draining.

Then also, not being a part of a church and coming to Zambia, and going to church, and being a part of a cell group and being asked questions about the bible. And then attending prayer, where 30 people are all praying out aloud. And this is so foreign to me and sometimes difficult because I don’t really know much and then being asked questions and feeling like I have to answer, and then not knowing what to answer, it’s all a bit overwhelming. Also being asked to pray for people, and I have never done that, and thinking that I will do it wrong, and that person might not be healed, or what happens if what they wanted prayer for, never happens, because of me. So I definately feel a lot of pressure with the Christianity side, and feeling overwhelmed. But no one said it was going to be easy.

I can definately say, that in the beginning I wasn’t enjoying it, because I had high expectations and then also getting sick all the time and feeling like I had no purpose here, and wasn’t going to change lives, like I thought I was. I mean, I was phoning my mom in tears, and I really considered changing my plane ticket and coming home. But, I thought about it, and I changed my attitude from negative to positive. And it has been amazing since then, I have met Florence, who has changed my life, and soon I will change hers. And I feel happier, and inspired to get up in the morning to go to work.

BIG LESSON LEARNT= ATTITUDE REALLY MATTERS.

I can say that I am definately growing up, as exposed to so many things, that many don’t see. And also think that I will appreciate the amazing life that I have been granted with. Yes, it may sound corny, but it really is true

A picture of Florence :)

When I thought the situation was bad, and it just gets a whole lot worse...

So today, we had a meeting with Florence to tell her about my plan to buy her a property and build her a house. And she was ever so grateful, as she has been praying for years for her own land so she can leave her husband. And now I have arrived in Mongu and was luckily enough to meet her, and began thinking about building a house, not knowing she has been praying about it. Fate I say...

In the meeting we discussed that we want to build her a house, but we don't want her husband to be the person who signs for the land, and we don't want him to live there. Because she was telling us how he beats her, and sometimes so hard she cant walk. And that he cheats on her regularly in front of her, and has threatened to kill her. And he is verbally abusive to her as well, like he said to her over the weekend that he wishes for her to get hit by a car. He also doesn't help her get around at all, and his reason is that he gave her Precious and she is her eyes. Precious is 7, she has the right to be a child.

This man seriously disgusts me, and everyday I talk to her, the stories seem to be getting worse. I don't actually think he can be called a man in fact, because no man should treat a woman like this, and especially a blind woman.

So this makes me more inspired to get her out of the house. The police are actually trying to catch this man because there have been cases against him because of abuse. So the property will be Florence s, and he is not allowed to claim it or stay there.

I am so glad that I have been given the opportunity to get them a house and away from the husband/father. But in doing so, I need to raise the funds. PLEASE HELP!!

Land is R1600
House is R3200

So in total need to raise R4800.

If you are able to donate money then please contact me.
tarabeckham@live.co.za

Africa Cup :)

So yesterday there was great excitement about who was going to win the Africa Cup, of course I was wanting Zambia to win. But Côte d'Ivoire is seriously an amazing team, as most of their players play for Chelsea and Man City. So I went to the market and got my soccer top for the match. Was so cheap...but actually really nice.

Anyway, the energy the whole day was incredible. People were on top of taxi's blowing their vuvuzelas and flags were flying high. It really felt like we were back in the world cup when it was hosted in South Africa. Was defiantly brought back many memories.

So the match was meant to start at 20:30, and I was actually at a village helping a team set up for an outreach, and was really stressing that I was going to miss the match. All I could think about was, "How could I be in the country that is playing in the Africa Cup Finals, and miss the match?". So we drove back from the village, and one of the medium termers was also leaving and we had to say goodbye to him. But I knew that I could catch some of the game because where we were saying goodbye to our friend was at a bus station, and there are so many people there, it had to be showing. And it was showing on someones cellphone. So about 7 people were around this tiny phone watching the game. This just felt like a real African experience. Then it was time to say goodbye, and we then left to go back to Mutoya (base camp) to carry on watching the game.

All I can say it was the most amazing, enjoyable and stressful game I have ever watched. My throat was actually a little sore from screaming so much. I kept thinking that I am actually more stressed about this match, than I was for my matric exams. But when Zambia finally won, it was so amazing. And I actually cant believe that I am in the country that won the Africa Cup!!!

So this week, they have said that because the team won, we get electricity for the whole week. Because normally we only have power on Tuesdays, Thursdays. Fridays and Sundays. And apparently the Zambia Soccer Team in coming to Mongu on Thursday. Which they have made a public holiday. So that should be very exciting, and will definately be attending that :)




GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ZAMBIA!!!

Best News Ever:)

So Village of Hope builds houses every year for families that have children at the school who need houses, or live in broken down houses. I asked around to see if we could build a house for Precious's(daughter of Florence) family, as they don't have a house. They said they don't have any funds too build them a house. BUT, if I can raise the money, we will be able to build them a house. So they say it costs about R3200 to build a house! But normally the families have land, but I am not entirely sure if this family has land, which I will find out on Wednesday, when I visit again. So then I will know if I must raise funds to buy land as well. If you are interested in changing this families life, please will you contact me. Any donation is accepted :) Please, really this family needs this, and I would like to really do it for them. CHANGE A LIFE TODAY!

Seeing Florence again

So when I was working at the clinic on Thursday, I noticed them blind folding a lady to show her how her child feels being blind. So I straight away thought, that I should bring Florence into the clinic to talk to this lady. So I asked Lihana (Nurse at VOH Clinic) and she said that it was a great idea.

So Friday after school (11:30am) I went with Precious to her home again. When I got there her husband ( Please forgive me, I cannot remember his name) was making a hoe ( agricultural tool). I then asked him where Florence was, and he simply said, oh she is collecting firewood. All I could think of, why is a blind lady going to fetch wood on her own? Anyway, asked him a few questions and actually indicating out that he is from Angola, never went to school, and is illegally in Zambia. Hence this is his excuse for not working. 

Finally Florence arrived with wood on her head, I said hello to her, and she kept saying, "I didn't know you were coming" I told her that I wanted her to come to the clinic to talk to the caretaker of the blind child. She seemed excited to do it, but first she wanted to change, because she kept saying that she was dirty. 

We finally set off, and I asked her how she got blind, and she said to me her family did it. Which I am not entirely sure what that means, but that was her answer. We got to the clinic and she began discussing her life with the other lady. I am not sure what they were saying, as they were speaking in their local tongue, but they did chat for a long time. 

It was time to go home, and whilst we were walking back she told that she had no food for the weekend and she hadn't eaten today. I didn't know how to react, but I did offer to give her food. But she simply declined. It was hard for me to see her walk into the distance, and thinking that this weekend her family will go without food.

I asked another volunteer at VOH, if I could go to her on Saturday afternoon to go give them some food, and he said I wasn't allowed to because eventually they would become dependent on it. But It makes no sense to me, as I am here to help people, and I have found someone who I would do anything for, yet I am not allowed. Which questions my purpose, because are we really helping if I cannot feed a family for the weekend?

But I know that we cant come to Mongu, and give free handouts and so the people become dependent on us . But this family is so poor, the mother is blind and they are practically homeless. Sorry, but I think that this situation needs help, and we cant not help.

Anyway, going back to see Florence next week with Margaret. Which of course I am very excited about.

Ready for the Africa Cup Final :) GOOOO ZAMBIA!!!

Mosquito Bite :(

Today's Adventures

This morning I am off to church, which I have to attend both English and Losi service. They are seriously long and I often fall asleep, but actually been enjoying them and finding them very interesting.

Then this afternoon, going to the village Mwai Kulupe. I am not doing any outreaches there unfortunately but a medical team is going, and I thought I would come along for the ride and hopefully see some familiar faces :) So only will be there for a few hours and then on my way back home.

I think its going to be a great day :)

Please help with Sponsorship

So the school that I currently work for (Village of Hope School) is in desperate need for sponsors to sponsor the students so they can attend school. The school increased from 80 children to 200 children this year, which means we need lots of sponsors. These kids are amazing and come from really difficult situations and need your help.

The link I have posted will show you how much it costs per month and what the sponsorship includes.

Please help, and forward this to people who you know, that can help.

Thank you!

http://www.zam.co.za/Child_Sponsorship.html

The Zambia Project

This is the organisation that I work for in Mongu, Zambia. Seriously is an amazing organisation. Please look at the link to learn more about it :)

http://www.zam.co.za/Home.html

Sunset from my House :)

Florence

So on Thursday, I took a child who is in my class to the clinic, as she had a really bad cough. What happens normally, is that I take them to the clinic, if they need medication, then they are sent home with a note saying to the parents to come to VOH Clinic. When I took Precious, to the clinic, I realized that we couldn't give a note to this child, as her mom is blind. I didn't really know anything about this child's life, only that her mom was blind and that she was her guide.  So I explained to Precious, that she had to bring her mom, not knowing that this lady would honestly change my life. That afternoon, just before 2pm, I saw Precious with her mom. I never really had any confrontation with a blind person before, so I walked up to her and said "encha" (Hello in Losi) not knowing this lady is fluent in English. I then told Precious that I will go fetch her medicine, and the Mom, then started speaking English to me, which surprised me. When I got the medicine, I realised how difficult it was explaining to a 7 year old and her blind mother how to take the medicine and when. But then Annie (A lady from the clinic), came to my rescue, and got a simple way to take the medicine. They then left, Precious leading her mom, thinking I would probably never see the mother again. 

The next day, I was at the clinic in the morning, helping with the health checks, on all the kids at the school. It was actually my class’s turn, when I realized that Precious wasn't there. Margaret ( the teacher who I work  for) was a little annoyed, because the mom probably needed Precious to take her somewhere, and not let her go to school. About 10 minutes later, Precious arrived to the clinic with her Mom. When I saw Precious and her Mom, I suddenly got really excited that they had come, so I ran outside, and said hello, and reassured the mom that she had met me yesterday, which she knew anyway. She had come, as her baby boy (Njamba) was sick, and she believed Precious had Malaria. So I told Precious to go and join her class and I will look after her Mom, and get her a nurse. The nurses treated the son, and told the mom that Precious didn't have Malaria. The problem, was that now, Precious had to take her mom home, and probably wouldn't come back to school. I suddenly found myself offering to go home with them and walk back with Precious. 

So we began the journey, first was to concur this massive hill, which, every time I climb (I climb this hill on average 4 times a day) I think I am going to die. Precious's mom didn't realize that I was with them, but then heard my foot steps and asked her daughter who it was. When she realized that I was coming with, she was very happy and seemed to be really excited. And was thanking me for coming to visit her home. The walk was about 1km away from the clinic. And what surprised me the most, was that she would say to me " look to your right, can you see that house being built? that's....." She is blind, yet knows where everything is and knows where all the houses are. I was asking her lots of questions, learning that she has 3 children, is currently married to a man who does not work and does not help around the house, went blind at the age of 10. Went to the school for the blind until Grade 9, but then her mom had died, and became an orphan. And the whole time  I was thinking, was that I have no idea how she lives this difficult life.

We finally got to her house, which is so small, estimating around 1.5m by 2.5m. Her husband was sitting outside, I felt bad because he was so welcoming and kind, yet I already disliked him, because of what I had heard. She was so excited. She took me into the house, it was tiny. It had one bed, a blanket on the ground where the kids sleep, and a few clothes hanging from the roof and a few pots. They had a mosquito net, yet it was all torn. I just couldn't really imagine living like this. Then I learnt that this was someone else's house, but they are living in it, till the owners come back. And in fact they are actually homeless. And this just made me think about my life, I have everything in the world, and this lady in blind, homeless and has no money. How can I relate???

I then said I had to take Precious home, I said my goodbyes, kind of feeling emotional. And then she asked for my name, realizing that we both had never told each other our names. I finally learnt her name, Florence. I said goodbye, I told her I would visit again.

Right, I have a Blog :)

So many people have asked me to start a blog so I have :) I have been living in Zambia for about 1 month and a week, and its been really difficult and really amazing at the same time. So if you are interested in knowing what I am doing, and the people that I am meeting, feel free to read :) And also will be posting pictures of what I am seeing and the amazing kids that I work with. Hope you enjoy :)