We're back!!! Home from Zambia.

How does one describe a short period of time in a third-world nation such as Zambia? Many have asked us if we 'had fun' or a 'good time'. After struggling for just the right word that describes our time i Zambia, we have concluded that our time in Zambia was impacting. Within in that word, we had moments of enjoyment, amazement. inspiration, sadness, helplessness, humbleness, curiosity; and the list goes on.

We found out that in 300,000 households, the median age is 15. The young outnumber the old because of the AIDS virus. Poverty is the most prominent feature in what we saw and heard. Yet, the people were friendly and generous. Within the primitive church communities, especially, there was a depth of joy that Steve and I seldom experience here in the States. They did not have all the distractions and do-dahs that our American churches are necessary for conducting an appealing worship service. They simply had rough cut wood benches, dirt floors, a concrete building with only small openings for light and airflow, and corrugated aluminum roofs which were not water tight. They had no stage lights, padded seats, microphones, speakers, sound boards, clocks, pull down movie screens, power point teaching tools, or any of the modern technilogical things that we assume must be part of our church productions. They simply come and sing, dance, and preach the word...and they do this with little regard to time. It was the most awesome worship we have ever heard!!!! It came from their hearts. In their poverty, they simply used what God had given them...their voices and bodies. And, Oh My, their singing was loud and full of life! They held nothing back. All their singing was accented by clapping, bongo-type of drums, and hand and body motions which helped to show what they were singing about. Glorious!!!

There is so much to share that it will take a few days to put our experience into words. So, for the moment, I will share a few photos to give you an idea of what we saw. I hope that you will be impacted by the little you see.

If anyone feels moved to want to help these people, finacially, there is a non-profit organization called Oasis Village that you can send contributions to. You may do this by contacting me for the information. I will post it on this post in the near future.

Keep checking back to see the updates to my posts and slideshow. Thanks for wanting to see what it was that Steve and I experienced in Zambia...and England, where we stopped for a couple of days before returning to the States.

Take care!

Judy