Rolling with the punches

Sorry I’m an awful blogger! These last couple weeks have been busy and not at the same time. The car situation has not improved; in fact it continues to get more complicated and involve more vehicles! It’s pretty ridiculous actually, and I’m not going to attempt to explain it, but apparently this is just the type of thing that is typical in Africa. Jessica says you either laugh or cry. We’re all laughing, but would appreciate prayers for the cars!

Just one short story to give you an idea of how it’s been – we borrowed a friend’s truck on Tuesday to go to a market to buy material for the sewing ministry at the school. Parking is crazy there, as everything is tight and traffic is gridlocked, and as we were pulling away a man in another car signaled for us to pull over. He claimed we ran into his car as we were backing out (we definitely did not – there was a guy that helped us back out and made sure we didn’t hit anything) and was trying to get the police involved. Fortunately it was resolved without police, but it was almost a nasty situation.

Stories like this are in no shortage – apparently transportation is just the flavor of the month. You just learn to roll with the punches here! Patience and flexibility are essential every day here, you never know what will happen.

Last week we were stuck at the house quite a bit due to these car issues, but this week we have been much busier – the team of 18 people from my home church will arrive in the morning! We have borrowed another friend’s car and been preparing for the team’s arrival. In the past I have been on the opposite side of things; I’m usually the one on the plane right now. It has been very interesting to see all of the organization and preparation on this side. Food, transportation, lodging, schedule, among many other things – Jessica has been working very hard. And next week will be the busiest yet!

And now for a few pictures...

This is Dorthy (right), who established and runs Mercy Ministries, and her daughter Edna (left) who works at the school. Both very sweet ladies that I have been blessed to get to know!

A panoramic of perhaps the most beautiful view in all of Lusaka.

On Sundays we sell the products of the school's sewing ministry at a market. Here is our setup, with chitenges bowls, pillow cases, pillows, animals and headbands.

And one for my Crossfit friends - the TRX straps (thanks to Dustin!) I've been using in a tree right outside the house!