Back into the swing of things.

I kept thinking today that every minute Joel and Chris were getting farther and farther away from me...I guess by now they are in Lusaka, and they'll be flying out tomorrow night. 

Today I had to attempt not being so forlorn and actually get back into normal life. Since it is still term break things are a little different, and it is still easy to keep busy, only in different ways. 

For the last couple of weeks I've been in charge of several animals around station (as their owners have been gone), as well as kitchen duties such as setting out trays of food for the watchmen, putting away eggs, freezing extra milk, and once a week doing the veggie buying from some local ladies. 

So here's how today went down. I began my day feeding four dogs, four cats, one watchman, and myself. Then I went up to the kitchen again to buy veggies from a few Zambian ladies. I felt a lot more comfortable with it this week than last week, as this week I knew what I needed to buy, how much money it would cost, what the words were in Lunda for the veggies, how to use the scale, and who the ladies selling them were. I also sold some eggs to another man who, I have gathered, seems to come every Monday morning to buy a dozen eggs. 

After that I went to the boys' chalet to take the sheets off the beds, gather up towels and washcloths for washing, as well as anything else that they left behind. Actually, they did well and only left behind stuff that they were supposed to. Somewhere in that time I had to lend out some keys to a workman, and pass on a message about chicken feed, and wash my hair. 

Next I attempted to catch up on emails, and then drove Yolanda, and Anna to Ikelenge to get mail and buy a few groceries. Soon after that it was time to make dinner!

When the boys were here we kept busy with a healthy mixture of work projects, cooking, dishes, and fun activities, but today I guess was a bit more normal, and I guess I'm getting back into the swing of things. 

Time flies when you're having fun!

Wow...so much has happened in the past few weeks, and here I am nearly at the end of my time with the boys. I nearly started to cry this morning as I was telling somebody that they're leaving Sakeji on Sunday morning! I will miss them so much, but I'm very happy that they've been able to visit...I am very blessed!

Here are a few snapshots from this past week...

Visiting The Source of the Zambezi River again. Second time for Yolanda and me, but the first time for the boys. It was cool showing them the other end of the Zambezi, after visiting Victoria Falls, only a few weeks ago. 

We love Zambia!

My bro and I. (Even the Zambians keep commenting on how we look alike!)

The ritual for starting the car which apparently needs a new battery!

Not sure what is going on here, but Joel appears to be having a blast!

Our trip to the Congo. Unfortunately they didn't stamp our passports...shame.

Having a picnic at the Congo/Zambia border in the back of the car.

Yolanda and I have been learning how to look like bosses (many thanks to our coaches, Chris and Joel).

We're still alive!

The last couple of weeks have been pretty packed with different activities and work projects, around the school, around my house, and at the orphanage. 

As we all know a picture tells a thousand words, so instead of telling you all about the last couple of weeks, I thought I'd just show you some pictures. :) 

Joel, Chris, and I have "discovered" a cool campfire place. Joel is practicing his new song that Chris taught him on the guitar. 

Playing guitar by the campfire. 

One of the dogs that I had been babysitting

Joel and Chris attempted to fix some toys for the orphanage.

Joel at the orphanage

My first time driving the car (on the other side of the road!)!!!

One of the signs that means I'm not a "short-termer" anymore!

We had a picnic on the "moon rock" near a river. 

Today we helped butcher and pluck fifty plus chickens...an interesting, but fun experience. 

After butchering...note Chris' very bloody pants!

I'm bloody too....you just can't tell. 

Chris' Birthday in Zambia

We had a picnic at "the cottage"...

...the boys went swimming...

...and climbed an anthill...

...which they conquered (like bosses)...

...cooking hamburgers like men...

...Chris blew out all of his candles....one breath...two attempts...

...chocolate cake, chocolate icing, and chocolate ice cream!!!

Opening presents....like a boss!

Buenos momentos...

Joel and Chris looking "boss" in front of their chalet

The boys actually decided to make their chalet really neat and homey!

(They should try this at home!)

At the orphanage

Just like old times

Joel eating stew (made by Chris and Hannah) and actually enjoying it

I'm sad that Dad's going home tomorrow! At least we had lots of fun while he was here!

What is man?

Apparently I haven't done the best job updating my blog to let you know where we are and what we're doing so far. :)

After driving one day to Livingstone, spending two days there, and three days traveling to get back to Sakeji we are now all happy to be "home" (for me anyway).

The first day in Livingstone we went to Victoria Falls, and the second day we went on a safari in Botswana. During both days all that kept going through my mind was the verse in Psalm 8:4 "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?"

After seeing the beautiful creation that God has made, all of the unique creatures that He has designed, it does make me wonder along with the psalmist, "What is man that You are mindful of him?"

The other thing that kept coming to mind was the song "I am a Friend of God". What an amazing concept, this crazy, powerful, and unique God made this entire creation, and yet still wants to be my friend. Wow!

So far everyone seems to be having a good time and enjoying themselves in Zambia...I'm enjoying myself too!