The pastor of the church is also a teacher at a local school in town. This week, 5 boys, all under the age of 9, admitted to having been initiated into witchcraft. One of the boys, admitted to having killed 5 people as part of this rite.
While we are often open to all religions and beliefs in Canada, it is important for us to start to take a look at what is good and what is not and not be so politically correct that everything is acceptable. Children like these come into bondage for life because of these acts. They will always be under control of those with power. They will be encouraged to kill friends and family as a way to increase their status. They will drink the blood of their victims. They do this because they are lost, poor and seeking a way out of circumstances. We must give them a better way, better options and a true Saviour who loves them.
Happy Thanksgiving
Ahhhh...scratching mozzie bites feels sooo good but is sooo bad. I have indulged!
Things are starting to rev up here. I've been down to the village a couple of times now including Sunday morning. It was great to see everyone again, lots of little ones who've gotten bigger. The kids recognize me too--even this one little girl who must only be two, just started laughing when she saw me. She was too shy to come up but she just giggled and giggled. It was so cute.
I've been blessed with a vehicle. This very kind couple from NZ were selling their old one. It's a little diesel tank. Will probably crawl over any type of bush I drive though--perfect! Now we can get a move on. They also work with people in an area north of here, teaching them farming. Lots of good tips to share with me.
I got the vehicle through a connection called Mechanics for Africa. They also have an expat church on Sunday. I am certainly going to pay it a visit.
New TIA moments:
Volume can be cultural. Seems like everything is louder here. I think my ears are adjusting :)
Banking can take hours--and then you get sent outside to use the machine, to withdraw a max of $400 a time, to fill your purse with cash ($400 = $2Millon Kwatcha), to a max daily limit of $2000, to pay for a car valued at $5500--this will take a few days!
Hugs--I miss Canadian bear hugs. They really are unique
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Eat some turkey for me!
Things are starting to rev up here. I've been down to the village a couple of times now including Sunday morning. It was great to see everyone again, lots of little ones who've gotten bigger. The kids recognize me too--even this one little girl who must only be two, just started laughing when she saw me. She was too shy to come up but she just giggled and giggled. It was so cute.
I've been blessed with a vehicle. This very kind couple from NZ were selling their old one. It's a little diesel tank. Will probably crawl over any type of bush I drive though--perfect! Now we can get a move on. They also work with people in an area north of here, teaching them farming. Lots of good tips to share with me.
I got the vehicle through a connection called Mechanics for Africa. They also have an expat church on Sunday. I am certainly going to pay it a visit.
New TIA moments:
Volume can be cultural. Seems like everything is louder here. I think my ears are adjusting :)
Banking can take hours--and then you get sent outside to use the machine, to withdraw a max of $400 a time, to fill your purse with cash ($400 = $2Millon Kwatcha), to a max daily limit of $2000, to pay for a car valued at $5500--this will take a few days!
Hugs--I miss Canadian bear hugs. They really are unique
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Eat some turkey for me!
News
I was up at 5am this morning. For those that know me well, I'm sure that is a shock. For some reason, it doesn't seem so bad getting up that early here.
It's been very hot. The mornings are nice, but things get pretty warm by noon and then just don't seem to cool off. At least everyone is in the same boat though--the sweaty, sleepy, move slow boat. What works for me is that because of the heat, there is no speed walking here in Zam. People walk long distances but at a slower rate. Makes sense and naturally accommodates my short legs.
So the reason for my early morning wake up was a visit to the local hospital. One of the boys that live here has a sister who was admitted into a psych ward last night. Maize is suffering from panic and anxiety break outs. The girls were each on a bed in a common ward. It smelt like urine. They gave her heavy drugs the night before and she did not wake up when we arrived. We prayed for her and just loved on her and hope that she will wake with a peaceful mind knowing that she is cared for. Her brother, Benjamin, brought her food. It was difficult.
I continue to look for transportation down to the farm. Public transport was suspended to the area because of its remoteness. Buying a car in Zam is expensive because of the import costs and the high demand. Hopefully something works itself out in soon.
Love and blessings
Natasha
It's been very hot. The mornings are nice, but things get pretty warm by noon and then just don't seem to cool off. At least everyone is in the same boat though--the sweaty, sleepy, move slow boat. What works for me is that because of the heat, there is no speed walking here in Zam. People walk long distances but at a slower rate. Makes sense and naturally accommodates my short legs.
So the reason for my early morning wake up was a visit to the local hospital. One of the boys that live here has a sister who was admitted into a psych ward last night. Maize is suffering from panic and anxiety break outs. The girls were each on a bed in a common ward. It smelt like urine. They gave her heavy drugs the night before and she did not wake up when we arrived. We prayed for her and just loved on her and hope that she will wake with a peaceful mind knowing that she is cared for. Her brother, Benjamin, brought her food. It was difficult.
I continue to look for transportation down to the farm. Public transport was suspended to the area because of its remoteness. Buying a car in Zam is expensive because of the import costs and the high demand. Hopefully something works itself out in soon.
Love and blessings
Natasha
Greetings from Zambia!
I've officially arrived! It was a pretty good flight, I managed to sleep (even on the floor of the Nairobi airport lol). But after the 30+ hours of travel, the last were the worst! I just couldn't wait to get out of the plane. I was on the verge of plane-ophobia and clawing my way out. But I didn't and am safely here.
I'm staying with a lovely family in town. They are so kind and friendly. I'm slowly settling in, trying to get connected and working on getting down to the community. My greatest need now is a vehicle so I can get myself around.
TIA (This is Africa) learning moments:
~ When you can't get a smaller SIM card for your iPhone, take it to the local shop to have the normal one cut down (literally)to size.
~ A response of "yes" does not mean the person has understood you.
~ I caught myself saying too many "sorry"'s and standing too politely in queues. If you're in any country besides Canada, put your "sorry"'s in a sac and don't be afraid to get a "little" (OMG there's my polite Canadian side still coming out lol) pushy!
Hope to see my old friends down in the village soon and provide you with new stories. The container is expected beginning to mid November.
This is a picture of my new room. Who knew that I had to come all the way to Zambia to live like Barbie! I love it. Now, if I could only get her figure. haha.
Love and Blessings
Natasha
I'm staying with a lovely family in town. They are so kind and friendly. I'm slowly settling in, trying to get connected and working on getting down to the community. My greatest need now is a vehicle so I can get myself around.
TIA (This is Africa) learning moments:
~ When you can't get a smaller SIM card for your iPhone, take it to the local shop to have the normal one cut down (literally)to size.
~ A response of "yes" does not mean the person has understood you.
~ I caught myself saying too many "sorry"'s and standing too politely in queues. If you're in any country besides Canada, put your "sorry"'s in a sac and don't be afraid to get a "little" (OMG there's my polite Canadian side still coming out lol) pushy!
Hope to see my old friends down in the village soon and provide you with new stories. The container is expected beginning to mid November.
This is a picture of my new room. Who knew that I had to come all the way to Zambia to live like Barbie! I love it. Now, if I could only get her figure. haha.
Love and Blessings
Natasha
Off it Goes...
The container was successfully packed, lifted and sent on it's way this week. It was amazing to see how everything ended up fitting in just perfectly. We packed it in right to the door with the final pieces of furniture and bicycles. We also took some time to write some blessings and good wishes to our friends in Zambia. It will take about 65 days for it to arrive if everything goes smoothly.
Now there's only me left to pack up. I leave Toronto on Sept. 24th.
Now there's only me left to pack up. I leave Toronto on Sept. 24th.
Last Call!
So I had a small panic attack yesterday. I looked at the calendar and realized it's just two weeks until the container is shipped and only six weeks until I move to Zambia...move to Zambia. Wow! Am I ready? Packed? Mentally prepared? That's a "no" on all three counts. That's ok though, because if I really believed I was ready, I would be naive. You can't ever be fully prepared and ready for an adventure as this. Just gotta go with the flow...
The container on the other hand does have to be ready. It will be shipped in the last week of August--that's only 17days away. So here is the last call folks should you have anything to add to it. If you have any goods for the container, please contact me asap. I would like to have everything in hand by the 21st of August. See the "container" page for items I am still collecting.
Finally, if you're looking to pillage and plunder my stuff that I am not taking with me, I will be hosting a garage sale on the 20th of August. Kitchen appliances, dishes, some furniture, a dishwasher, photo equipment etc... and a car. I am also looking for a loving home for my wonderful cat who's been my best buddy for 16 years (*sigh*). Please contact me if you need more information (email is below).
The container on the other hand does have to be ready. It will be shipped in the last week of August--that's only 17days away. So here is the last call folks should you have anything to add to it. If you have any goods for the container, please contact me asap. I would like to have everything in hand by the 21st of August. See the "container" page for items I am still collecting.
Finally, if you're looking to pillage and plunder my stuff that I am not taking with me, I will be hosting a garage sale on the 20th of August. Kitchen appliances, dishes, some furniture, a dishwasher, photo equipment etc... and a car. I am also looking for a loving home for my wonderful cat who's been my best buddy for 16 years (*sigh*). Please contact me if you need more information (email is below).
Off we go!
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| From left: Lawrence, me and Mishek |
Give Hope International
Give Hope is the founding organization to the Hope Ignited project. They have brought me inspiration and made it possible for me to work in Zambia. Take a moment to watch the video and learn more about the Kamafwesa village and the projects that are supported by Give Hope.
Visit the Give Hope website by clicking the logo below.
Visit the Give Hope website by clicking the logo below.
The Container
I was recently out at the container packing a few more boxes. It's like putting a puzzle together. Everything has to go in as tightly as possible because once it's on the sea, there will be lots of rockin'.
Here are some before's and after's of what the container looks like now (click on the pictures to see a larger view).
If you'd like to help me fill the rest, visit the "Container" page for items I'm still looking for.
Cheers!
Here are some before's and after's of what the container looks like now (click on the pictures to see a larger view).
If you'd like to help me fill the rest, visit the "Container" page for items I'm still looking for.
Cheers!
Check out the village via Google Maps!
Here is the satellite view of the Kamafwesa community. You can see the school, soccer field and the village to the left. These are all dirt roads.
This satellite picture is a little old, but you can see the fire line in the bottom left corner.
If you zoom out, you can also see the river and the dam. And slightly to the north, you will see an old view of the banana farm and the farm house where I used to stay.
Zoom out further and you will see Ndola to the North East.
View Larger Map
This satellite picture is a little old, but you can see the fire line in the bottom left corner.
If you zoom out, you can also see the river and the dam. And slightly to the north, you will see an old view of the banana farm and the farm house where I used to stay.
Zoom out further and you will see Ndola to the North East.
View Larger Map
The Time has Come!!
I still need your help to make it all possible. We've already begun to make a difference, but here's your opportunity to continue your support.
Would you take a moment and consider making a financial donation to support the projects we want to facilitate in Zambia? All your donations go directly to Hope Ignited. You will help:
- Start small business programs like sewing and knitting groups
- Provide a library to a rural school
- Help families with new clothes, shoes, linens and household goods
- Provide children with toys and sports equipment
- Improve self-sustaining agricultural programs with tools and equipment
- Set up to be able to support and manage these programs until they can grow their own roots
What's in that Container?
After the long, cold winter, I finally ventured back out to the container to see how we're doing with filling it and how it survived the terrible weather.
The container is in great shape. It is parked outside my dad's work reminding him daily of my impending departure--poor man! It has not been tampered with or vandalized which I believe is a true miracle considering it's not the best neighbourhood. Everything inside is dry and in good good condition. Here's a quick list of some of the highlights of what we've gathered:
~9 sewing machines
~4 bicycles
~enough books for a small library
~school supplies and furniture
~a guitar and a drum set
~soccer, baseball, badminton and other sports equipment
~lots of clothes, shoes and linens
Since we already have such a great haul and the container is pretty full, here is the short list of what I am still collecting:
~large fabric pieces or bolts of cloth
~balls of wool
~educational or "how to" books (e.g. do it yourself, carpentry, gardening, knitting patterns, sewing, easy to intermediate science or stories)
~drum sticks and guitar strings
~laptop computers (in good to excellent condition) and educational software
Thanks so much for all you've already given!
The container is in great shape. It is parked outside my dad's work reminding him daily of my impending departure--poor man! It has not been tampered with or vandalized which I believe is a true miracle considering it's not the best neighbourhood. Everything inside is dry and in good good condition. Here's a quick list of some of the highlights of what we've gathered:
~9 sewing machines
~4 bicycles
~enough books for a small library
~school supplies and furniture
~a guitar and a drum set
~soccer, baseball, badminton and other sports equipment
~lots of clothes, shoes and linens
Since we already have such a great haul and the container is pretty full, here is the short list of what I am still collecting:
~large fabric pieces or bolts of cloth
~balls of wool
~educational or "how to" books (e.g. do it yourself, carpentry, gardening, knitting patterns, sewing, easy to intermediate science or stories)
~drum sticks and guitar strings
~laptop computers (in good to excellent condition) and educational software
Thanks so much for all you've already given!
You just never know...
It's amazing how life can change directions in a matter of moments. As you might know (and if you don't, you can read my previous post), my Zambia plans were all on hold early this year. But no longer! We are back on track folks.
Over the last few weeks, it occurred to me that if I rent here in Toronto, why not rent in Zambia - accommodations being my biggest hold up in going back. I made some inquiries with my Zambia friends and now I have a wonderful house waiting for me in September. How fantastic is that?
I will be renting a guest house of a local pastor. He lives in the main house with family and a few other people. This is really the perfect set up in some ways. I will be able to learn about living in Zambia with a supportive, family near by. No need to feel secluded or lonely.
This does increase my cost of living significantly and I will also have to get a car to get to and from the village. I will be looking at approximately $500 per month for the rental. A decent used car is almost the same cost as here. But even if it's only a temporary home until I find something cheaper, I think it's the right thing to do. I feel very good that I will be staying with a family.
So, the goal is to leave mid September and send the container either just before or after I leave. (I will provide an update on the container very soon. Check back to this site often!)
The banana farm is now pretty much shut down, so the village is really in need of new sources of income. Our founding project, Give Hope, has already started some farming initiatives to help close this gap. With the material from the container, including sewing machines, bicycles and tools, I hope we can start more.
Thanks for all your love and support. Please continue to keep this project in your prayers and if you would like to make a donation, please click the donation tab.
Updates for 2011
Many of you have been asking what the latest is regarding Zambia, when I'm going and how full the container is...well, here's the 411! :)
First, I'm still in Canada. Still in my cozy apartment, fighting the February blues and looking for ways to stay warm. But I think spring is just around the corner...I'm sure. And I guess, if we were to make a connection, the trip to Zambia has also been put on a deep freeze. It awaits spring thaw and a breakthrough to move forward.
Late last year, I was trying to make decisions on whether to keep living with the mindset of "soon being gone" or living life where I live now. I waited until the end of the year to decide on what to do. You see, there have been a lot of up and downs on the farm, and legal issues that caused us to lose all the accommodations where I was going to stay.
So for right now things are on hold--not over--no way! Since the beginning of the year, there have been more "internal cleanup" of people working on the project than you can imagine. This is all good news because when the timing is right, it will be right and ripe! And all the amazing stuff in the container, and all the projects will be placed into willing and capable hands--people with the right heart who want to bless and not take.
The container still needs to go this year. It's nearly full which is great. I'm not taking too many things for it at the moment since I don't want to pile up my apartment and currently there is a pile of snow in front of the container. My goal is to send it later this year (Aug/Sept) and stay at least 2 months to help put things in place. Hopefully, by that time, things will have stabilized generally and I'll have more details about my long range plans too.
The other great news is that we've raised about $7000 of the $10,000 needed to ship it. Isn't that awesome?? So by this fall I'm sure we'll have the rest.
Thanks everyone for your encouragement, love and support through these hard ups and downs. My friends in Zambia always send their wishes and love to you and really appreciate all you've done and the care you've shown them already. They are overwhelmed that you think of them so kindly. No matter what, even though we are not at the place we expected to be, this whole journey has brought more light to Zambia and the Kamafwesa community than ever before--and that matters a lot.
Please continue to keep the community and the school in your thoughts and prayers. We will certainly get there when the time is right.
Love and Blessings,
Natasha
First, I'm still in Canada. Still in my cozy apartment, fighting the February blues and looking for ways to stay warm. But I think spring is just around the corner...I'm sure. And I guess, if we were to make a connection, the trip to Zambia has also been put on a deep freeze. It awaits spring thaw and a breakthrough to move forward.
Late last year, I was trying to make decisions on whether to keep living with the mindset of "soon being gone" or living life where I live now. I waited until the end of the year to decide on what to do. You see, there have been a lot of up and downs on the farm, and legal issues that caused us to lose all the accommodations where I was going to stay.
So for right now things are on hold--not over--no way! Since the beginning of the year, there have been more "internal cleanup" of people working on the project than you can imagine. This is all good news because when the timing is right, it will be right and ripe! And all the amazing stuff in the container, and all the projects will be placed into willing and capable hands--people with the right heart who want to bless and not take.
The container still needs to go this year. It's nearly full which is great. I'm not taking too many things for it at the moment since I don't want to pile up my apartment and currently there is a pile of snow in front of the container. My goal is to send it later this year (Aug/Sept) and stay at least 2 months to help put things in place. Hopefully, by that time, things will have stabilized generally and I'll have more details about my long range plans too.
The other great news is that we've raised about $7000 of the $10,000 needed to ship it. Isn't that awesome?? So by this fall I'm sure we'll have the rest.
Thanks everyone for your encouragement, love and support through these hard ups and downs. My friends in Zambia always send their wishes and love to you and really appreciate all you've done and the care you've shown them already. They are overwhelmed that you think of them so kindly. No matter what, even though we are not at the place we expected to be, this whole journey has brought more light to Zambia and the Kamafwesa community than ever before--and that matters a lot.
Please continue to keep the community and the school in your thoughts and prayers. We will certainly get there when the time is right.
Love and Blessings,
Natasha
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| Zambian sunrise over the banana plants. |
My Hen Had Chicks!
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!
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| Actual chick not shown. Sample chick only :) |
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| 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
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.
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