40/40

First things first.  We now officially have water!!! Yeah!!!  Only 3 months but better than 4, right?  In short it went like this.  As usual, I went to the water office on Monday but this time I tried a new tactic.  The whole thing is really an exercise in patience and an opportunity to learn more about the culture.  I admit it had been painful but then again most higher education tends to be that way.  After our short exchange of pleasantries I said that I was new to Zambia and was not quite sure how to express my displeasure properly.  I said, “Back in the states, which I understand that Zambia and the states are very different, if I went 3 days w/o water that would be unacceptable.  Maybe 3 months w/o water was acceptable here in Zambia and if so could you please let me know.”  At that he said that 3 months was not acceptable.  He made a few calls and I was out the door with some workers to do some investigating American style.  That was at 0900 and by 1330 we had and still have water whenever we want it.  I can’t tell you what a joy it is to turn the water on whenever we want.  Thank you for your prayers concerning our water.  Prayer answered.

                Last week was my birthday and what a great week it was.  I am now 40 but sure don’t feel like it.  On Thursday night we had some of our mission family over and celebrated with dinner and presents.  Then Friday night we had some neighbors over and had dinner and played some games.  Then Saturday I woke up and found our truck and been tampered with during the night and was missing a piece on the hub.  It was operable enough to drive to Lusaka and get it fixed.  While I was there I picked up a package from South Side Baptist church, so that evening I opened up lots of birthday cards and partook of many of the goodies they packed.  Then, later that night Rusty and Amanda called me.  So I felt like I had a birthday party with my friends from South Side.  Then Sunday night my parents called.  I tell you, it was a great b-day. 

                Wednesday Lesley and I awoke at 0450, got dressed and headed to Lusaka.  We picked up some of the mission staff and caught a plane to Luangwa.  Our reason for going was to secure a possible house for us to live in while we are in Luangwa.  I will have to say, that was much better than driving the 5 or so hour journey.  We made it in an hour.  The house is not where we had hoped and until Wednesday, all we had were some photos taken via a cheap cell phone.  With very few expectations we arrived in Luangwa around 0845.  We spent about 3 ½ hours there taking measurements and looking over the place.  I am here to tell you that we so like the place.  There are no tress (not technically true, but what are there would not pass as a tree and never would with 20 more years of growth) and no grass.  The yard is a big sand box.  Tyler should love it.  It does have a big yard and that was important to us so that Tyler would have a place to play.  By the time we left, Lesley and I really liked the place.  It will be a while before we get there but it sure is nice to know that there is a place there for us.  It takes a little stress off the top. 

                Starting tomorrow, Thursday, we will be partaking in a program for all Sub Saharan African missionaries called 40/40.  It is designed to teach us about this part of the world culturally.  We will have an opportunity to do some witnessing in the city as well as in the bush.  We will have an opportunity to do a 3 day home stay with some folks from the village.  We will work with them and do what they do for 3 days.  Sounds pretty kool.  So this will be our last blog until we return on the 20^th of November.  We thank you for your prayers and covet them dearly.  Please pray for our health during this period as we will have Tyler with us the entire time as well.  We look forward to getting back so we can catch back up with everyone.  Until then, go tell someone about Jesus.