Transition

November 10, 2010
Nahumba, Choma

Well here we are, settling in and working to absorb all of the things and all the people info we need to know to get started. Much more will follow. So far we’re doing well. Our trip from the US was uneventful and entry into the country went smoothly although Gene was not able to obtain his working papers.

For now we are living in the Guest House next to our future residence until the current hostess, Marian Buckwalter, departs for the States, so it’s somewhat of a “suitcase” environment but it’s working fine.

Darlene spends time with Marian in the kitchen and around the house and Gene works some with Marian on the books and then does entries on his own and “looks over Marian’s shoulders” as she goes about meeting people and disbursing funds. We’ve also had splendid conversations with others who have given us critical information and perspective for our time here.

Yssterday we bid a tearful farewell to Esther Spurrier, Country Representative and the one to whom we report, who is leaving the country on a permanent basis. This will leave a big hole in our support/information system. Ron and Erma Herr, who live next door and have been in Zambia for many years are also leaving in the next week or two but will be returning in January. Marian leaves a week from today. Oh yes, today our housekeeper, Emma, learned that a relative has passed away and she will be off for the next three or four days.

On the “plus” side of the ledger, Mr. Mudenda and Mr. Mafelomale, who were with us at Sikalongo two years ago, are now here. We’ve also met a delightful SALTer (Serving and Learning Together), Stephanie who is living in our community here with one of the national families. And, through the kindness of Ron and Erma Herr, we’ve been able to connect with a Baptist couple who are running a 2000 acre farm next door.

On Sunday we participated in our first worship service in our new country. Wonderful, whole-hearted singing was followed by the message from the head teacher at the school on II Kings 6 and 7 reminding us that “lowly people have the privilege to feast on the abundance of God’s gifts and in their rejoicing to share those gifts with others, even to those who look down on them and scorn them.”

Weather-wise we are coming to the close of the dry season and rains have begun. In fact, we have had little bits of rain for the first three days we were here and saw some huge thunderstorms which missed us. Sikalongo has had roofs blown off. Sunday night there was a very strong wind, almost a gale, but very little rain fell. Monday afternoon and evening we had rain which lasted several hours and this morning people started to plow the soft earth. It’s hot but not unbearably so. However, full sun protection is needed when we’re outside for more than a few minutes. The Jacaranda trees have already lost their bloom but the Flamboyants are incredible.

The major challenge facing us right now is getting our work permit, identity card and authorization to do business and sign checks with the bank. Here’s our story. When we arrived in Lusaka we went straight to Immigration to see if our working papers were approved. They had been approved but were not yet ready for pick-up. So we left without them believing that the 30 days on our visa would give ample time to obtain them. However, when Marian and Gene went to the Bank to get his signature authorized we learned that working papers were required as well as the national ID card (which we were told was available here in Choma). So today we went to the local registration office, prepared with water and reading material to stand in line for hours, only to learn that they didn’t have any international ID cards and we would have to go to Lusaka or Livingstone to obtain them. So, now we wait for confirmation from Lusaka that our working papers are ready for pick up, then we make a trip ASAP and get our national ID card at the same time.

Please pray that these details will all come together so that our work here will not be hindered.

We are both healthy, well-fed and well-rested but we do get weary with the newness (every move is intentional), the amount of information to be absorbed and the emotional drain that goes with so many people in substantial transition, including ourselves.

Please pray that we will continue to be sustained in this transition.