Quote of the day

It has been quite a fun weekend! I was able to see a little more of Lusaka, as well as get a better understanding of how many people live in this city (today is Zambia's Independence Day- the whole country is celebrating- out in the roads and across from the shopping centers, everywhere I was this afternoon!)
Yesterday Chipo took Miriam and I to the north side of town to Kalimba Reptile Farms. That's right, we went to see reptiles! By time we got there we were so hot and hungry that we sat down had lunch first -- Crocodile Burgers! Miriam and I thought we'd be adventurous and try them out, not too bad. I guess it's what, the "other, other, other, other, other white meat"? Something like that. But Chipo had fun showing us around the farm, showing us all the crazy poisonous snakes they have in cages- black mambas, cobras, etc. Fun (I say sarcastically. I mean, it was fun, as long as they stayed in their cages, far far far away from me). They had a photo by the cages of a snake biting a guy's nose, with the note, "do not annoy the snakes. be glad there is a glass." haha. As we kept walking around we found several different pits of different types of crocodiles. Some small ones, feisty. Some medium sized ones, all lazy and lying in the shade. And then we made our way to the back, to the BIG crocodiles! The only time I have seen something this size was the stuffed crocodile in the museum we went to in Manaus, Brazil at the end of our trip there- and we all took photos sticking our hands in it's mouth. HERE, however, there were no such photos and these crocs were oh so very alive! By the crocodile pits there were signs reading, "Please do not throw anything into the crocodile pits; you may be asked to retrieve it." Ha. That's one way to keep stuff out. I will be retrieving nothing, thank you. Well, as the afternoon went on Chipo (Zambian), Miriam (German), and I sat around sharing stories of our childhoods and likes/dislikes, etc. And here's the quote of yesterday... when talking about music we like sharing old school bands and then new rap artists we've all heard of, and then, Chipo says, "I really like that young guy. What's his name? Justin Bieber?" Awkward pause for a second while Miriam and I exchange looks, and then we both start laughing!! Oh my goodness, did she really just say that? Chipo, you make me miss my sweet 7th grade girls back in the States! hahaha. Justin Bieber!
Well, yesterday ended with us safe and sound in our beds exhausted from the trip and the sun and the laughing!! And today started with me checking out the results of last nights Giants/Phillys game only to tear up when I saw San Francisco is going to the World Series! Oh my goodness, that is so exciting! Considering in 2002, the last time they were in the World Series, I was in Brazil, and barely caught a glimpse of one game while passing through the US Embassy! Sad day. So I will again cheer them on from another country. But only let myself be distracted by it first thing in the morning when I check the results. :)
So today was also fun, church again. A lot of walking, cramming in buses, being very hot and sweaty... living the African life. Little kids were running all up and down the main road with faces painted and people wearing Zambia's colors. It was quite the celebration today. Happy Birthday Zambia. Miriam has gone for the rest of the long weekend to stay with another volunteer from her organization. So it is just me at the guest house for a day or so. Got some awesome study time in today- working on those Equipped Disciple 3 verses and practiced my bridge illustration, you know, to the bugs that have made their home in our front room. I was also invited to participate in the bible study that I witnessed the other night of parents here at the hospital. It so encourages me to see these people, many who speak English, most who only know their tribe's language (and there are several represented), all share and sing and translate for each other so that all are included. It is beautiful. And quote from the night... one guy is challenging the other parents, "the same way you would share your tomatoes with someone on a mini bus if they are hungry, you should also share your spiritual food with those riding next to you". He was trying to challenge them to be in the Word every day and share their knowledge by using every day examples. If that is truly an everyday example, I'm digging Zambia- sharing your tomatoes with the hungry. Love it. And as this is my second night joining them in Bible study, I have seen parents open up to me a little more. I love seeing moms smile or come to greet me as I walk by- working or not. I love how they now put forth more effort to converse, even though so many of them do not speak English. They are no longer shy. We laugh, we sit around, I hang out with their daughters - the 2 mothers/daughters I have been spending more time with are our spine patients. Both daughters had severe scoliosis and had rods placed the week I first arrived. So they are familiar faces, and I to them. We have all been around for a while now and are becoming comfortable with each other. I hope I get to see them discharged and on their way back to routine for them.
Oh, and some random fun: I love how most parents at the hospital have Christmas songs as their ring tones. I'll be working and then hear the tune, and of course I start singing, "deck the halls with boughs of holly..." haha. Second, I have a whole new appreciation for the phrase, "greatest thing since sliced bread." I have to slice every piece of bread that I want to eat. It is a crumbly mess! Thank you, whoever invented mass production of pre-sliced bread! I appreciate you!
Well, that's all for now. Thank you for your encouragement the past week or so as I have been here. Only one week of service left. I pray it is a very intentional and productive week!!