On the way home...

As we drive the 10 hours that take us from Lusaka to Lukulu, we have to drive through Kafue National Park. We regularly see lots of warthogs, lechwe, baboons and monkeys. Some times, we see elephants and hippos. This is only the second time that we have seen zebras. They were very curious and stood still watching us drive by.

A Little Variety, Please?

Just a glimpse into one of the grocery stores in Lusaka. These are baked beans - a very popular breakfast item here in Zambia. This really is a common site. You will find about this much space of just one item - like apple juice or corn flakes.

I just had to snap a picture for you to see.

London Layover

We had a 7 hour layover in London. We made it safely back to Zambia but seem to have lost one bag - so sad about that but we are still trying to find it...

Fun in 3D

We got to see Yogi Bear in 3D with Grammy at the movies while in Texas. We were the only ones in the theater!

Please Pray:

For the past several months there has been increased discussion and sporadic rioting in Mongu, Zambia, revolving around the Western Province of Zambia seceding from the rest of Zambia to form their own independent country. These feelings are not new, but have been simmering for years. Pray for peace to reign in Western Province, and specifically Mongu and Limulunga. While the recent rioting has mainly involved rock throwing and destruction of property, there have been at least two and possibly 4 people killed. Pray that the violence would stop, that the police would be able to control the rioters without lethal force. The Lozi protesters are calling for all tribes, (Mbunda, Luvale, Luchazi, etc) to leave the Western Province by mid-February. Daren has called a number of the believers around the province, and they generally feel that this is just way to put pressure on the government. These tribes have been living together peacefully since the 1800's. The Baptist believers in the Western Province are a combination of all the tribes, pray for the safety of these dear brothers and sisters, that any feelings of alienation would be resolved. The Litunga (Lozi Paramount Chief) does not support any of the protesters demands. We have also been told that everything is peaceful in other locations throughout the Western Province and that as of Sat. morning the rioting in Mongu has stopped and all is quiet. Pray that the Zambian government would listen to the concerns of the Lozi people and that the problems would be addressed and resolved. Pray that we will experience the peace of God through all of this. We will contact the U.S. Embassy to see if they will allow us to return back to Lukulu on Saturday. Usually these conflicts are very localized and the possibility of problems in Lukulu are low. Thank you for lifting up the Upper Zambezi Team, the believers in the Western Province and all the residents before the Lord.

Time to Fly

Dear Friends and Family,

We have safely arrived in London with a relatively uneventful flight. We still have one more 10 hour flight that we drop us in Lusaka. We have had an incredible whirlwind vacation in Texas. Honestly, I had kind of thought that we were 'out of sight, out of mind' for most of you but I was completely mistaken. Our family has been literally swept off our feet by all of your continued love, prayers and support. I think that was exactly what we needed as we just passed our half way point of our term. You have revived and refreshed our spirits through all of your smiling faces and hugs. We praise the Father, Most High for how He used you to truly minister to us. We look forward to the ministry that lies before us in Lukulu and know that your prayers go before us.

Words cannot describe our gratitude.

So, simply - thank you.