We have been home for a couple weeks now. This video is not of us, but expresses our heart and many of those we met in Zambia. The song is sung both in Lamba and English. As you look back in time reading the posts and comments we hope you are able to immerse yourself in the trip. More importantly our prayer is that you are able to experience the Lord’s hand at work and will through our experiences trust Him for greater things in your life. Thank you to all of you that supported us prayerfully and financially, the trip never would have happened without you.
For His Glory
Jim and Elaine
Monday, September 8, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Home Sweet Home
Thank you all for your prayers. We hope you enjoyed sharing as much of the adventure as we were able to post. I will add pictures soon. It is amazing to get on the stupid side of faith and watch what the Lord will do. In our own minds we determine what walking by faith entails, go beyond that … trust God for something extraordinary and watch how He and only He can bring it to pass. Our God Is An Awesome God! And the really cool part is He wants to have a personal relationship with you. The creator of the world, the maker of sunsets and waterfalls wants to you to come to Him personally so He can forgive your sins and create in you new life. 
See you soon or in heaven. Jim and Elaine.
See you soon or in heaven. Jim and Elaine.
Flying with the angels.
This trip was entirely in the hands of God. We were broken into 3 different departure groups. One group never left Livingston, the other left the hotel at 5am and then Elaine and I left with the third group about 11:30am. When we arrived at the ticket counter in Lusaka, we found they did not have computer service…so all entries had to be done manually. After about 1 hour delay in processing, we were probable the 20th passengers to check in, checking their list they couldn’t find our names anywhere on the roster, the question we had in the back of our minds, were we even going to get out of the country? Remembering back to Unity Camp … T.I.Z … This Is Zambia, we prayed and left it to the Lord. Finally with a boarding pass in hand, we walked the 100’ tarmac towards the plane. Everyone in our group was able to board, and then it was time to wait a little longer. The plane’s paperwork required manual confirmation or something to that effect and again another hour. We were had about a 2 hour layover when we were to arrive in Johannesburg, but that was now reduced to about 45 minutes. We were still go … or so we thought. The plane flew without incident and we actually arrived in Joburg a couple minutes early. Johannesburg is an international airport like Dulles or JFK. They used busses to transport people from planes to customs etc. We were split up, but finally reunited on the plane. By the time we got to the ticket counter for our new boarding passes; after transport and customs the line had to be at least 75 people ahead of us. Then the line to go through the passport check and security was ½ again as big. Our 50 minute window was just smashed to about 20 and we knew it would have to be a God thing to board the plane to the US. Again would we be able to get home? Pastor Grace was among our group; he was such a comfort telling of his experiences sleeping in the airport, being charged hundreds of dollars to change airlines and waiting days to catch the next flight. Again an absolute God thing!!! Obstacle then miracle. I checked my watch as we received out boarding pass, 10 minutes before departure. Passport check, security clearance then about 20 gates once inside. He must have stopped the clocks because we were seated with 2 minutes to spare. The flight was fantastic. The food delicious, service was with a smile and movies were decent. We arrived at Dulles without incident and 10 minutes early. 2 hours and 10 minutes should be enough to catch the next plane home … right? NOT WHEN YOU’RE FLYING WITH ANGELS. We were transported to baggage claim only to find 1 of our bags was missing. We had our dirty clothes, souvenirs and electronic equipment, I don’t think Elaine minds too much to get a new wardrobe. Sue Anderson was with us as she too had trouble locating one of her bags. She finally did but the rest of the group continued on ahead. Well we filled out the paperwork then hustled to the ticket counter for our boarding passes. United Airlines must schedule every plane to leave between 8:30 and 9:00 because the line was about 200 people deep. I went outside to see if we could use the curb side check in but was told because it was within the 45 minute limit I had to wait in line at the ticket counter. I am so glad I am secure in my salvation because … We waited through the line only to find the self service ticket machines. The counter people were now frustrated with the hundreds of people before us and told us to move to another line where they would be able to help. It is now 7:55 and we were scheduled to leave at 8:25. Once through the second line the charming lady NOT!!! told us she had rebooked our flight for 12:05pm because we were within the 45 minute window. Now it’s becoming a joke, but I’m not laughing. Sue was put on stand-by for her original flight leaving at 8:35. Security ahead and then who know where to board. Prayers do work, but not like the genie in a bottle. God promises everything will work together for His plan and His children. I just needed to have a little heart to heart with him. While were running to the gate, we talked. Sue told Elaine that she needed to catch her breath so I went on ahead. Sue’s gate was about 1 mile after the shuttle drop off point, and there was no way we would get her there on time. We arrived about 10 minutes late only to find the crew from Kansas City waiting there as well. Their plane had mechanical problems and had been delayed now about 45 minutes and they had not yet called Sue’s Atlanta flight which was in the next gate. I spoke with the ticket agents and they said the Atlanta flight was waiting for a flight attendant … way to go God … and they should be there momentarily. SUE MADE IT TO HER FLIGHT, if she hadn’t the next one for her was 4:30 pm. The flights for Atlanta and Kansas City boarded almost simultaneously who would have guessed. Elaine and I strolled down the concourse saying goodbye to all, waiting to board our flight at noon. We knew the trip would be adventure filled, but never guessed what sort of adventures. God is good ... all the time.
From Livingstone to Lusaka
It’s hard to believe the condition of the single main ‘highway’ from the tourist center of Zambia to the capital city was in such deplorable conditions. Our driver was a little more aggressive on the return trip. What took 7½ hours, not counting the time pushing the bus, took about 3. We saw 3 different road crews along the way. Village children filling bags of dirt and pouring it into the pot hole a few hundred yards ahead of us, then holding out their hands for payment as we pass. The second road crew consisted of young men each with a brand new shovel and pickax digging a trench about 50 feet from the road. The third crew consisted of a grader and bulldozer and maybe a dozen men. The machines were widening the shoulder of the road as the men watched. Nothing was being done to fix the roads. I don’t understand… there must have been many hundreds of tandem tractor trailers using the 2 lane road alone with busses, other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians yet nothing being done to improve the infrastructure. 
We left the hotel about 11:30am and midway into the trip, after ‘the road’ area, a police man came running into the middle of the road requiring us to stop. He told the driver to be aware there were reports of 2 men dressed in black stopping busses at gunpoint. He said because of the pirates, the checkpoints would be open and we were not required to stop. What a rush! Another obstacle to lean upon the Lord. Passing through the next town, I saw 4 police officers talking with 3 men dressed in black, I never thought this would be a potential problem in Zambia. Unity Camp in reality! As we cruised along the highway, remember this is about the size of Parker Street in front of the church, we were traveling about 130 – 150 K or 80-90mph passing slower vehicles as needed a bull decided to cross the road about 50 feet in front of us. Dennis had passed the bull while it was on the shoulder and blew the horn trying to distract it, I guess that’s where the term bull-headed comes from, because it just kept on going. Our driver locked up the brakes, we prayed; rather cried out in total panic and swerved into the oncoming traffic which was light, and missed the fool thing. That I somewhat expected at some point. Continuing more than ¾ of the way back to Lusaka it became dark. This I think was the most terrifying ride I have ever been on. The lights from the oncoming vehicles just blinded me; I prayed the driver could see. We would go from 70 mph to about 30 mph as the vehicles approached. Then there were the pothole that was about every 100 feet and the pedestrians walking or riding their bikes who knows where in the dark. I was scared! At about 7:30p in the dark of the night, we came upon a tandem tractor trailer that had driven off the road. The driver didn’t appear to be hurt, but it just added to our stress. Finally about 8:30 we arrived back to the hotel in Lusaka. Dennis released the bus as we were leaving in different shifts to the airport the next morning. We had dinner in the Hotel restaurant and were the only ones there. They told us the menu, they had 2 steaks, 4 pieces of fish and plenty of chicken or pork chops. I brought me back to the reality of Zambia vs. the United States. This hotel was built I would guess in the 1940’s. It must have been beautiful in it’s day. They seem to have upgraded in the mid 60’s and not done anything since. We had no hot water, when you turned the valve, nothing came out. We had cold at the sink so long as we didn’t flush the toilet. The room was clean, the people sweet, but both Elaine and felt the depression within the walls. We all miss home, and are looking forward to seeing everyone in a few hours. Our plane leaves at 1:50p to Johannesburg and then 6p back to the States. God has done some amazing things within and through us. Life here is simple and will continue that way long after we leave; hopefully for those lives we had the privilege to touch it is a better place. As the crew from Kafulafuta disperses throughout the United States, I pray we will be bringing a little bit of Africa home to share. When you are touched by God, you are never the same. Thanks for putting us in that position. Jim and Elaine
We left the hotel about 11:30am and midway into the trip, after ‘the road’ area, a police man came running into the middle of the road requiring us to stop. He told the driver to be aware there were reports of 2 men dressed in black stopping busses at gunpoint. He said because of the pirates, the checkpoints would be open and we were not required to stop. What a rush! Another obstacle to lean upon the Lord. Passing through the next town, I saw 4 police officers talking with 3 men dressed in black, I never thought this would be a potential problem in Zambia. Unity Camp in reality! As we cruised along the highway, remember this is about the size of Parker Street in front of the church, we were traveling about 130 – 150 K or 80-90mph passing slower vehicles as needed a bull decided to cross the road about 50 feet in front of us. Dennis had passed the bull while it was on the shoulder and blew the horn trying to distract it, I guess that’s where the term bull-headed comes from, because it just kept on going. Our driver locked up the brakes, we prayed; rather cried out in total panic and swerved into the oncoming traffic which was light, and missed the fool thing. That I somewhat expected at some point. Continuing more than ¾ of the way back to Lusaka it became dark. This I think was the most terrifying ride I have ever been on. The lights from the oncoming vehicles just blinded me; I prayed the driver could see. We would go from 70 mph to about 30 mph as the vehicles approached. Then there were the pothole that was about every 100 feet and the pedestrians walking or riding their bikes who knows where in the dark. I was scared! At about 7:30p in the dark of the night, we came upon a tandem tractor trailer that had driven off the road. The driver didn’t appear to be hurt, but it just added to our stress. Finally about 8:30 we arrived back to the hotel in Lusaka. Dennis released the bus as we were leaving in different shifts to the airport the next morning. We had dinner in the Hotel restaurant and were the only ones there. They told us the menu, they had 2 steaks, 4 pieces of fish and plenty of chicken or pork chops. I brought me back to the reality of Zambia vs. the United States. This hotel was built I would guess in the 1940’s. It must have been beautiful in it’s day. They seem to have upgraded in the mid 60’s and not done anything since. We had no hot water, when you turned the valve, nothing came out. We had cold at the sink so long as we didn’t flush the toilet. The room was clean, the people sweet, but both Elaine and felt the depression within the walls. We all miss home, and are looking forward to seeing everyone in a few hours. Our plane leaves at 1:50p to Johannesburg and then 6p back to the States. God has done some amazing things within and through us. Life here is simple and will continue that way long after we leave; hopefully for those lives we had the privilege to touch it is a better place. As the crew from Kafulafuta disperses throughout the United States, I pray we will be bringing a little bit of Africa home to share. When you are touched by God, you are never the same. Thanks for putting us in that position. Jim and ElaineWednesday, August 20, 2008
Back at the ranch
John sent a text to Kevin saying the Mission has been without power for 2 days … not hours, days! God was gracious to us in many many ways.
Zambien Sun
4 stars does not describe the hotel. Coming from the Mission and Hotel in Lusaka, the shower alone was a little slice of heaven. This place is beautiful! A short walk through a wild life sanctuary and we are at the edge of Victoria falls. Monkeys, zebra, giraffe and small deer roam the hotel grounds. They are wild! The monkeys like potatoes chips and don’t bother to ask when they want some… bring back memories for those who were here????
As diverse as the group is, so were the choices of activities selected. One of the girls in the group is going to set up a sharing location for all our pictures.
I went white water rafting starting just below the falls and floated through category 5 rapids, jumped off a cliff into the river, 
swam with alligators that were 30 yards away (we saw them after getting back into the boat) and hiked what seemed to be a mile 
almost straight up to come off the river. Others went 4-wheeling, flew in a helicopter, rode and elephant on a safari, or like Elaine went into town to the market to shop.
We leave today back to Lusaka along the dusty trench filled road then to the airport on Thursday and home. We miss you and thank you all for your prayers.
As diverse as the group is, so were the choices of activities selected. One of the girls in the group is going to set up a sharing location for all our pictures.
I went white water rafting starting just below the falls and floated through category 5 rapids, jumped off a cliff into the river, 
swam with alligators that were 30 yards away (we saw them after getting back into the boat) and hiked what seemed to be a mile 
almost straight up to come off the river. Others went 4-wheeling, flew in a helicopter, rode and elephant on a safari, or like Elaine went into town to the market to shop.We leave today back to Lusaka along the dusty trench filled road then to the airport on Thursday and home. We miss you and thank you all for your prayers.
Arriving in Livingstone ... almost
About 20 minutes outside the city of Livingstone, we heard the driver say oh… we did not take that as a good sign as we coasted to the side of the road. We ran out of fuel. What comes next can only happen in Africa. 25 muzungas pushed the bus that was being steered by a national. WE HAVE PICTURES. I called Dennis and told him if he wanted to see the sight, he should come out to us as he will never believe our story. We pushed the bus up a slight hill and encouraged the ladies to jump in for the ride down. Many of us just enjoyed walking, refusing to get back in the bus. It is now 4:30 and we should have long been at our destination. The bus and its passengers began rolling down the hill that turned out to be over a mile long. When we reached the bottom, we could see what seemed to be a truck stop just ahead. To the left was a cement plant and the driver was within the gates trying to negotiate fuel for our crippled chariot. With nothing better to do, we began pushing the bus up the hill. When we got to what we thought was the truck stop, we found it to be a check point. The military police saw us coming and let us push by, maybe because it really was not a motorized vehicle at that moment. As we passed the checkpoint, I noticed a tractor trailer parked along the side with a container of diesel attached to the side. Two guys were looking in the trunk of a taxi parked behind the truck as we walked up. I asked if one was the driver, without looking from deep in the trunk of the taxi, one of the men responded. We asked about purchasing the fuel and noticed they were going through someone’s suitcase and pocketbook. I could see us getting into a situation that I really didn’t want to be involved when in drove our rescue. Dennis and Bobby pulled in and allowed us to walk away without incident. Unable to get a container, Dennis and Bobby drove off after a good laugh. Having nothing to do, we started pushing the bus again. We have all determined that in total we pushed the bus 3 miles up and down the countryside before receiving fuel.
One of the problems when running out of fuel we were told is priming the pump. All the junk from the bottom of the tank including water was sucked into the engine. We were later told a story by Pastor Grace of his adventure in the States taking 1½ hours to restart the engine. While we were pouring the fuel in from the container Dennis and Bobby were finally able to bring, God did another miracle. Up drove the ice cream cart. A man on a bicycle with the ice cream chest on the front saw an opportunity. We saw it as a gift from God. He had just enough for everyone to get their choice and he took American dollars as payment $1 each. That doesn’t just happen! I have never seen the good humor cart in Africa nor will the nationals accept dollars.
With the bus fueled, the guys began to prime the pump. 2 tries and 15 minutes and nothing. We began to load the pickup to shuttle everyone to the hotel and the bus started… another miracle!
We loaded the vehicles and headed to Livingstone. Almost into the city, we passed the bicycle that once passed us so we knew we were making up time. We arrived at the hotel at 6:30pm. About 10½ hours after leaving Lusaka … but what a story! God allowed obstacles then provided miracles, one after another.
One of the problems when running out of fuel we were told is priming the pump. All the junk from the bottom of the tank including water was sucked into the engine. We were later told a story by Pastor Grace of his adventure in the States taking 1½ hours to restart the engine. While we were pouring the fuel in from the container Dennis and Bobby were finally able to bring, God did another miracle. Up drove the ice cream cart. A man on a bicycle with the ice cream chest on the front saw an opportunity. We saw it as a gift from God. He had just enough for everyone to get their choice and he took American dollars as payment $1 each. That doesn’t just happen! I have never seen the good humor cart in Africa nor will the nationals accept dollars.
With the bus fueled, the guys began to prime the pump. 2 tries and 15 minutes and nothing. We began to load the pickup to shuttle everyone to the hotel and the bus started… another miracle!We loaded the vehicles and headed to Livingstone. Almost into the city, we passed the bicycle that once passed us so we knew we were making up time. We arrived at the hotel at 6:30pm. About 10½ hours after leaving Lusaka … but what a story! God allowed obstacles then provided miracles, one after another.
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