Jan 22 /23 by Blair

Jan 22 2013

48 hours ago, I was really frustrated. Being held up at the airport a second time was a huge let down for me. I thought for sure we wouldn't be delayed any further, but I was wrong. I didn't see the snow conditions as poor. Our flight was again delayed until Monday January 20 at noon. (Even then we didn't get away until 13:30).

So, I'm left with the feeling of a complete wasted day. And the answers to my questions were not cutting it. Even from our own group“There's a reason God didn't allow that flight to happen” (and we may never know – this side of heaven) just didn't resolve the issue. But as I reflect, was it a lost day? I think about the people I chatted with at the airport as we waited ... the couple from Newcastle UK celebrating a 40^th birthday, the lady with a new born baby who was returning to Zambia, the Team Send people in green shirts. Even the people on our own team – I chatted with Andrew about photography for a while, and with Gerrit about life, and played cards with Elora Clarke. These are good, rich times, and not just a fleeting way to put in the hours.

Then finally the flight announcement. People cheered!

The flight was fine. Our in-flight meal was Duck, rice, and chocolate mousse (talk about suffering for the Lord) But what a long flight! 10 hours. Plus a 2 hour time change, had us arriving in Lusaka at midnight. And by the time we cleared through customs, rounded up gear and met with the Weiandt's, it was 3:00 am. We stayed in Lusaka at the ECZ facility which was close by, and allowed us a few hours of sleep.

 

Now it's Jan 22, and I'm riding in a truck, going 600 km distance to Mongu, I'm still confused. Where on earth are we going?! 

To get to Mongu, in case you ever need to get there, you travel through the Kafue National Game Reserve.  This is an enormous park, and we did see some animals.  (Kayla will likely comment.)  Its a rough road.

Its good to reunite with Rich and Laurie Weiandt. 

 

 

Jan 23

A day of construction at the SIM Youth Center.  The vision for this property is a safe place where people can connect (kids, youth, orphans) with caring leaders through various means.  They may start a connection by playing football (soccer) together, and then it will grow to a point to spend time together. 

 

We are staying at the Kids Alive facility in Mongu - a good place for our team.  Lots of rooms and a kitchen/dining room for the team eating together.  Since the ordeal in London, we started sharing with the group what's on our minds on a daily basis, during a group time.  Successes of the day, what could have gone better, etc.  Tonight, we could actually talk about some construction and some new people we've met in Zambia. 

 

 

Blair