My Hen Had Chicks!

Good news! The chicken that was given to me last time I visited Zambia and that was made famous by this photo, is now a mother!

My friend,  Nicodemus, who has been caring for her, reports that she now has 7 baby chicks!

I promised Nicodemus that he could keep any of the chicks she had. The chicks and eggs will give him a new source of income and better nutrition. Way to go Chicken Natasha!

Actual chick not shown. Sample chick only :)
Martin Zuch and Chicken Natasha

A poem by Wayne Visser

I am an African

  I am an African
  Not because I was born there
  But because my heart beats with Africa's
  I am an African
  Not because my skin is black
  But because my mind is engaged by Africa
  I am an African
  Not because I live on its soil
  But because my soul is at home in Africa

  When Africa weeps for her children
  My cheeks are stained with tears
  When African honours her elders
  My head is bowed in respect
  When Africa mourns her victims
  My hands are joined in prayer
  When Africa celebrates her triumphs
  My feet are alive with dancing

  I am an African
  For her blue skies take my breath away
  And my hope for the future is bright
  I am an African
  For her people greet me as family
  And teach me the meaning of community
  I am an African
  For her wildness quenches my spirit
  And brings me closer to the source of life

  When the music of Africa beats in the wind
  My blood pulses to its rhythm
  And I become the essence of music
  When the colours of Africa dazzle in the sun
  My senses drink in its rainbow
  And I become the palette of nature
  When the stories of Africa echo round the fire
  My feet walk in its pathways
  And I become the footprints of history

A Little Helping Hand


Have you ever said: “what can I possibly do? The problem is too big…” Hope Ignited is your opportunity to answer that question and see change happen. 

Hope Ignited is powered by individuals such as yourself that help make it possible—one step at a time. You can get directly involved and personally make a real difference in the lives of individuals who need an extra helping hand.

Please consider becoming a supporter of Hope Ignited. We accept monthly or one-time donations. To do so, click the Donate tab or contact me directly. All contributions are tax deductible—perfect as the year draws to a close.

Thanks and God bless, 

The Process of Asking

So here I am, getting closer to the big push and big move to Zambia. And now it's all about the funds. So, today I was asking myself--why aren't they coming? 

I was having this little chat with God about how it's His project and therefore I know He can make all the necessary money come in--so why hasn't it? Why am going through this frustrating process?

Let me tell you what it feels like. First of all, as a Canadian, we don't tend to ask for help or money very often. I don't think we are a culture of looking to others for help. The only person I've really ever borrowed money from is my Dad (thank goodness he helped me again and again), but even with this, it made me feel like a failure, needy and unable to get it together enough to take care of myself. That's just the asking part.

Hope Ignited is launched!

The Hope Ignited website is up and running.

This project has gone through a few names. The first was Natasha's Cheesecakes. mmm...all those lovely cheesecake sales paved the way for my first visit to Zambia in 2009.