Well Christmas was certainly different his year – I spent Christmas eve helping to deliver a dead baby so we could save the mother. The baby was in breech position and the whole body was delivered but the head was stuck fast. The mother lives deep in the bush and no one knew what to do. They brought her by bicycle to our local clinic but the male nurse there didn’t know what to do either so I was the next step. She’d been like that for 12 hours!! I knew what could be done but wasn’t game to do it so it meant another trip to the hospital on a dark rainy night. However the nurses at the hospital had the baby out in 10 minutes and so were able to save the mother. The people in the bush had pulled and pulled at the baby so that its neck was 3 inches long and its jaw was broken!!! The baby was fully formed so it died needlessly. I felt very sad and couldn’t get the baby’s face out of my mind yet I was so happy that once again our car was able to save a life. I took the young leaders with me to visit Jackson, the Headman to report this health incident because our local nurse is incompetent. I have been encouraging Jackson to take action and I wanted to encourage and train the young ones too that when you see a problem don’t just gossip about it but take it to your Headman. He also encouraged them in that and said to me ,”unfortunately when we try to do good the people here try to undermine us.” Which I too have experienced.
Then on Christmas morning my dear old friend Bibiana, a stroke victim I have been visiting, died. Boxing day I drove 40 kms to buy her a coffin – cheap pinex costing about $40. I also bought mealie meal for the gathering, then back to the village where I was honoured to help tuck Bibiana into her coffin for her journey into the earth. A brand new experience for me!! The women wail very loudly here I was okay until I noticed that they put the baby feeding cup I bought for her in pride of place on the coffin, then my tears fell…. Pastor Laston reminded the family that Bibiana was at peace and with Jesus. The family have responded to our caring by coming back to Church. Amen.
I went straight from the funeral to another very sick person but because I had not enough petrol I gave his family money to put him on a truck and take him to hospital and again later that day another person came running to ask for help for her sick cousin. Sick visiting or a trained district nurse is definitely what is needed at present.
Because of the funeral we didn’t have a community Christmas party – Maybe we will celebrate in the new year. We had bought a goat to eat so now I have to work out how to keep it alive and not let it run away. The eagles have been diving down to eat my chickens so now we only have 7.
I am in Ndola city to beg immigration to let me stay another few months and to get a passport for Rebecca to go to Bosnia. I have these two delightful young women who we sponsor to school with me - Rebecca and Catherine who came to live with me a month ago. Her family of 10 sleep in a room as big as a bathroom and the roof leaks!! Her mother told her, ”I wish you hadn’t come home from school because I don’t have enough food for you.” Of course I invited her to stay with me in our guest house. She is a very bright 18 year old who has never before slept on a mattress or even owned a blanket. Her family sleep on the mud floor on an old sack with a flimsy wrap skirt over them and believe me it gets cold here at night.
I have to admit its certainly a challenge living here though I love the people dearly and I do enjoy being able to serve. The latest crisis was mine -this morning a huge hole appeared in the floor of my pit latrine. I nearly fell in … gruesome thought, so top priority is to get a new one dug.
I have to say that your prayers and encouragement – they make a huge difference and I could not stay here without that. Thank you too to those who have donated to the work – I wish you could see the face s of the people that your money blesses. Many times I’ve wanted to come home but your prayers and emails have kept me steadfast, that and my trust in God and in His plan TO BLESS ALL FAMILIES OF THE WORLD. So each one of you are partners in this work. Thank you with all my heart.
I love you
Durelle
December 28, 2010
November 25, 2010
Nurse Footsteps
I am in Ndola enjoying the luxury of staying in a very modest lodge. There is electricity and running water – hallelulia. We came because I needed a rest from village life and to bring two old ladies who speak not a word of English to visit the Dr ( the only one I trust) They have enjoyed staying at the lodge and the maids have helped with interpretation. We also brought Arnold whose young brother is in hospital here.
We had a car accident on the way – a man drove right over the white line towards us. Freddy swerved hard but the car hit the back passenger door and wheel. Thank God for such a big strong car. None of us were hurt in the least but the car needs a Dr… Within minutes of the crash we were surrounded by at least 100 people swarming all over the busy highway and car- it was a bit unnerving to say the least. We had to go to the police station to write a report etc and I had to pay the policeman some money.!!
We thought at first it was just surface damage but where the other car hit the back tyre it caused damage to the bearings and axle thingy. So we limped into Ndola for 40 kms at only 20KPH and smoke periodically coming from the wheel. As I write this there is a team of men out there banging and welding things back together. Freddy dropped me off at the lodge at about 6.30pm and went to stay with his friend so he could borrow his car the next day, so there I was with no food, no money, no coffee AND no car, just like most Zambians I meet in the rural area.
The Dr confirmed my diagnosis of the two ladies. I am amazed at how God gives me correct diagnoses for the people I see. One lady weighed in at only 37.5kgs but she is ok. She had a fall and broke a rib. The other one has a cataract and we took her to the eye hospital. Arnold’s brother Kelvin who is only 19 is in a locked ward that reeks of urine, has no lights and unwashed bodies lie on simple dark blankets rather than nice clean sheets. There were many pathetic looking men there – one was crying and I was glad to leave. I prayed for Kelvin and for another man who called out, “Mother”. I spoke to the ward doctor today because the family had little information and it seems Kelvin has been smoking dope and drinking alcohol and went haywire. He was remarkably lucid this morning and I felt it was in answer to our prayer. I now have some idea how to assist the family.
I can report that at last the sewing club women are back and willing to sew again-a great outcome to a tricky situation. I am so grateful for your prayers in this. “Gods hand has turned the tide…the hand of God is raised in victory..Psalm 118. There were actually only a few who were causing the trouble. The Headman has told them he never wants them to be so mean ever again. Strangely now that it is over is when I feel like falling apart.
Having the car enables me to do home visits to the sick and I love doing this as I get to meet the whole family. I am often surprised who is related to whom. We found a dear old lady, older than me (is that possible?) who has had a stroke and her family stopped feeding her so she can die sooner!! I found her in this tiny dark hovel no bigger than most Australian toilets crying with pain and anguish, freezing cold and lying on a hard narrow bed made of bamboo sticks. I made my new hips kneel down so I could talk to her. I chatted away even though she couldn’t understand me. I stroked her face, and just loved her and held her hand. When I prayed for her I remembered the local word for God, Nzambi, and repeated that several times and was rewarded with the most beautiful smile. I rushed home and got my pillow and some panadol and some milk for her to drink. Such luxury. The family have agreed to care for her better. In Australia or NZ she would be in a hospital.
We were an ambulance again this week – a man ran to our village to ask for help as a young woman was unconscious. It was about 8.30pm almost bed time. Freddy and I hopped in the car and raced to collect her. Four people plus her 6 week old baby piled into the back seat and we set off to the nearest clinic 40 kms away. It was a bit nerve wracking driving fast on a narrow road in the dark. The generator at the clinic was broken so they began to insert a cannula into the woman’s black hand in the dark using the light from a mobile phone!! I ran and got my torch from the car and held the light for them during the procedure. The woman turned out to be Lydian, one of my precious sewing group. The nurse said she was suffering hysteria after a domestic with her husband. He was drunk… but next morning when he came to ask for travel money to go and get his wife he got a severe talking to from me!!! Rare is the Zambian man who cares for and understands his wife.
Having the car has opened up the way to befriend more people. We serve a big God and it seems His plan is bigger than what I realised. But jealousy is rife here, that and small minded back biting and trying to bring anyone down who is the tiniest bit successful. Elizabeth’s (our teacher) aunt hung herself from a tree last week because people were unkind to her, calling called her a witch. The gossip is really cruel here. Its evil even, designed to keep people poor and sick. We attended the funeral to support Eliza and met her family. She lives alone so we invited her to share our meal when she returned home. It has been an opportunity to build a friendship with her.
We have two chickens who are clucky and sitting on about twenty eggs so when we get home we will have little chickens everywhere. I am becoming a real farmer. Owen and his friend Philan built me a fence and a hedge to keep the children and goats away. The fence gives me so much pleasure. I think it represents containment to me and safety. The exposure of village life can be too much, always on show etc. Its hard to explain but yesterday one girl giggled to her friend, "I talked to a white lady"
Freddy had two black snakes visit him in one night, one by our bathroom and one in his bedroom. My sheets are black and white so you can be sure I checked every stripe with the torch before getting into bed that night!!!
I miss friends and family so much. Thank you to those who have given to our work and to those who continue to pray for me. In the hard times I remember that I am not alone but you are all with me encouraging me.
Be blessed dear friends
Durelle
We had a car accident on the way – a man drove right over the white line towards us. Freddy swerved hard but the car hit the back passenger door and wheel. Thank God for such a big strong car. None of us were hurt in the least but the car needs a Dr… Within minutes of the crash we were surrounded by at least 100 people swarming all over the busy highway and car- it was a bit unnerving to say the least. We had to go to the police station to write a report etc and I had to pay the policeman some money.!!
We thought at first it was just surface damage but where the other car hit the back tyre it caused damage to the bearings and axle thingy. So we limped into Ndola for 40 kms at only 20KPH and smoke periodically coming from the wheel. As I write this there is a team of men out there banging and welding things back together. Freddy dropped me off at the lodge at about 6.30pm and went to stay with his friend so he could borrow his car the next day, so there I was with no food, no money, no coffee AND no car, just like most Zambians I meet in the rural area.
The Dr confirmed my diagnosis of the two ladies. I am amazed at how God gives me correct diagnoses for the people I see. One lady weighed in at only 37.5kgs but she is ok. She had a fall and broke a rib. The other one has a cataract and we took her to the eye hospital. Arnold’s brother Kelvin who is only 19 is in a locked ward that reeks of urine, has no lights and unwashed bodies lie on simple dark blankets rather than nice clean sheets. There were many pathetic looking men there – one was crying and I was glad to leave. I prayed for Kelvin and for another man who called out, “Mother”. I spoke to the ward doctor today because the family had little information and it seems Kelvin has been smoking dope and drinking alcohol and went haywire. He was remarkably lucid this morning and I felt it was in answer to our prayer. I now have some idea how to assist the family.
I can report that at last the sewing club women are back and willing to sew again-a great outcome to a tricky situation. I am so grateful for your prayers in this. “Gods hand has turned the tide…the hand of God is raised in victory..Psalm 118. There were actually only a few who were causing the trouble. The Headman has told them he never wants them to be so mean ever again. Strangely now that it is over is when I feel like falling apart.
Having the car enables me to do home visits to the sick and I love doing this as I get to meet the whole family. I am often surprised who is related to whom. We found a dear old lady, older than me (is that possible?) who has had a stroke and her family stopped feeding her so she can die sooner!! I found her in this tiny dark hovel no bigger than most Australian toilets crying with pain and anguish, freezing cold and lying on a hard narrow bed made of bamboo sticks. I made my new hips kneel down so I could talk to her. I chatted away even though she couldn’t understand me. I stroked her face, and just loved her and held her hand. When I prayed for her I remembered the local word for God, Nzambi, and repeated that several times and was rewarded with the most beautiful smile. I rushed home and got my pillow and some panadol and some milk for her to drink. Such luxury. The family have agreed to care for her better. In Australia or NZ she would be in a hospital.
We were an ambulance again this week – a man ran to our village to ask for help as a young woman was unconscious. It was about 8.30pm almost bed time. Freddy and I hopped in the car and raced to collect her. Four people plus her 6 week old baby piled into the back seat and we set off to the nearest clinic 40 kms away. It was a bit nerve wracking driving fast on a narrow road in the dark. The generator at the clinic was broken so they began to insert a cannula into the woman’s black hand in the dark using the light from a mobile phone!! I ran and got my torch from the car and held the light for them during the procedure. The woman turned out to be Lydian, one of my precious sewing group. The nurse said she was suffering hysteria after a domestic with her husband. He was drunk… but next morning when he came to ask for travel money to go and get his wife he got a severe talking to from me!!! Rare is the Zambian man who cares for and understands his wife.
Having the car has opened up the way to befriend more people. We serve a big God and it seems His plan is bigger than what I realised. But jealousy is rife here, that and small minded back biting and trying to bring anyone down who is the tiniest bit successful. Elizabeth’s (our teacher) aunt hung herself from a tree last week because people were unkind to her, calling called her a witch. The gossip is really cruel here. Its evil even, designed to keep people poor and sick. We attended the funeral to support Eliza and met her family. She lives alone so we invited her to share our meal when she returned home. It has been an opportunity to build a friendship with her.
We have two chickens who are clucky and sitting on about twenty eggs so when we get home we will have little chickens everywhere. I am becoming a real farmer. Owen and his friend Philan built me a fence and a hedge to keep the children and goats away. The fence gives me so much pleasure. I think it represents containment to me and safety. The exposure of village life can be too much, always on show etc. Its hard to explain but yesterday one girl giggled to her friend, "I talked to a white lady"
Freddy had two black snakes visit him in one night, one by our bathroom and one in his bedroom. My sheets are black and white so you can be sure I checked every stripe with the torch before getting into bed that night!!!
I miss friends and family so much. Thank you to those who have given to our work and to those who continue to pray for me. In the hard times I remember that I am not alone but you are all with me encouraging me.
Be blessed dear friends
Durelle
November 12, 2010
The Rains Have Arrived
Hi everyone
The rains have come and what a blessed relief after 8 months of dry. Rain settles the dust, clears the air and signals the planting season. Rain also fills our well which is rank and almost dry. Each day brings massive thunder and lightning storms. Frogs of all shapes and sizes jump about and often land inside. My pet frogs who live in the banana plants are pale green and as small as ants. Because my door is always open and we are close to the ground all sorts of insects come to visit.
All the houses have been re-thatched and everyone is dry except me – the person who did my house did a cheap job. Wouldn’t you know it after paying for all the thatching my house is the only one that leaks. Those who are first shall be last!
This morning my first patient arrived at 6am… then at 9am I collected 6 children from the school for treatment – mostly infected eyes and sores that won't heal. One of our very sick people that we took to hospital was diagnosed HIV positive. I phoned the Dr for his results and I cried when I heard for he has become a dear friend. Luckily Freddy advised me - I must not show any emotion or judgement as the person with HIV in Zambia has more rights than the person they may give it to. I am not even allowed to speak to his wife and advise her to get tested. If I tell anyone he can sue me. They lost a young baby this year so that was probably from Aids too. I am in a strange land. Anyway he is now on retroviral drugs and we have saved his life. He calls me his angel. This week another man has been diagnosed positive also. At the clinic we talked about having a campaign here next year with free testing. Most are terrified of being tested. Freddy has a passion for people to know their status and so he will spearhead this campaign. Here your status has to do with HIV not your social standing!!
Most people don’t have the resources to go to the Dr or hospital and just stay sick for months. My friends above have been sick for over a year. To register at the hospital for treatment costs K15,000 ($4) plus travel to Solwezi K20,000 ($5). Even these small amounts are not readily available to the families here. Even if they manage the first visit they are often they are asked to report back the following week. The Doctors only see my patients because I’m white and pay!!
A woman came last week – she has been suffering with body pain in her ribs and tiredness since the birth of her last child 6 years ago, She is also a grandmother. Intuitively I felt that her symptoms were a kind of birth control….. Although married she appears starved of affection. I loved her with all my might, held her, touched her, prayed for her, gave her simple antacids and paracetamol, placed the lovely cross I was wearing around her neck and was rewarded with the most beautiful smile, the first I’ve ever seen on her face. Not being a medic I did take her to the hospital for x-rays just to be safe. She continues to get strong and is now more active. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the poverty and lack around me and even though I am quite comfortable I long for a lovely hot shower, or to sit in a café with friends, or to eat a dinner I haven’t cooked.
We have an albino girl in our midst – school has been a constant struggle for her and her teachers because she can only see a few inches in front of her during the bright sunny days. We decided to take her to an optician and she now has prescription glasses which allow her to see the black board for the first time in her life. Her parents are overjoyed and so grateful and Thelma has a grin from ear to ear these days – she was inclined to be morose before. The headmaster at the school is also very grateful for they were struggling to meet her needs.
The vehicle has made a huge difference to the work here, visiting the sick etc . We have been visiting a different church each Sunday and been warmly welcomed. As we meet more people we have become aware of vulnerable people especially the elderly. Surprisingly there are quite a few 70yrs and over (like me) and we have been delivering mealie meal to them. I am planning to have a gathering for them closer to Christmas when Kezia and Rebecca are here to help.
The young students are coming back to the village from boarding school and we will begin a holiday coaching school to help them catch up. Many are behind in their learning. Owen is home and it was great to have him accompany us to church on Sunday. He is a member of Scripture Union at his school.
My biggest challenges have been re-connecting with the women's sewing group and coming to terms with the fact that a trusted member of the team has stolen thousands of dollars from our funds. When I confronted the man he and an elder of the church told me I wasn’t welcome here and threatened me with mob violence. There were many rumours and much gossip going around mostly from this man's family who also make up at least half of the women's group. My feelings of hurt and betrayal have overwhelmed me and made it hard to function. A few days after that confrontation he was involved in a bad car accident. His friend was killed when the car rolled about 6 times but he is safe. This issue still has to be dealt with.
I approached the headman, Jackson, and he graciously agreed to chair a meeting with the women and also to help sort out the theft issue. The women are not willing to let any new members join the club and have been quite militant in their demands. It has broken my heart because I have loved them so much and thought I was leading them to greater things… They are behaving like rebellious children and the lack of education does not help. I am waiting on God for the way forward - letting the dust settle, praying constantly. And I keep doing good deeds which balance some of the stories circulating. These challenges make other things like rats eating my food, hornets making nests in my clothes and tiredness seem very insignificant.
Asking Freddy to be my assistant was such a good move. We are slowly getting used to rural life and beginning to work as a team now. He helps in so many ways – sometimes just to have a trusted person to chat to makes a huge difference. He is a buffer between me and the people so I don’t get so wrung out. He is teaching me the Bemba language. I have so much more freedom to move among the people because he is always available to interpret.
Thank you so much for your prayers – I can feel them when its tough here. I miss friendship and people who love me. My hips are amazing and I am so grateful for the wonderful result of my op but I still can't wash my toes!!!
Much love
Durelle
The rains have come and what a blessed relief after 8 months of dry. Rain settles the dust, clears the air and signals the planting season. Rain also fills our well which is rank and almost dry. Each day brings massive thunder and lightning storms. Frogs of all shapes and sizes jump about and often land inside. My pet frogs who live in the banana plants are pale green and as small as ants. Because my door is always open and we are close to the ground all sorts of insects come to visit.
All the houses have been re-thatched and everyone is dry except me – the person who did my house did a cheap job. Wouldn’t you know it after paying for all the thatching my house is the only one that leaks. Those who are first shall be last!
This morning my first patient arrived at 6am… then at 9am I collected 6 children from the school for treatment – mostly infected eyes and sores that won't heal. One of our very sick people that we took to hospital was diagnosed HIV positive. I phoned the Dr for his results and I cried when I heard for he has become a dear friend. Luckily Freddy advised me - I must not show any emotion or judgement as the person with HIV in Zambia has more rights than the person they may give it to. I am not even allowed to speak to his wife and advise her to get tested. If I tell anyone he can sue me. They lost a young baby this year so that was probably from Aids too. I am in a strange land. Anyway he is now on retroviral drugs and we have saved his life. He calls me his angel. This week another man has been diagnosed positive also. At the clinic we talked about having a campaign here next year with free testing. Most are terrified of being tested. Freddy has a passion for people to know their status and so he will spearhead this campaign. Here your status has to do with HIV not your social standing!!
Most people don’t have the resources to go to the Dr or hospital and just stay sick for months. My friends above have been sick for over a year. To register at the hospital for treatment costs K15,000 ($4) plus travel to Solwezi K20,000 ($5). Even these small amounts are not readily available to the families here. Even if they manage the first visit they are often they are asked to report back the following week. The Doctors only see my patients because I’m white and pay!!
A woman came last week – she has been suffering with body pain in her ribs and tiredness since the birth of her last child 6 years ago, She is also a grandmother. Intuitively I felt that her symptoms were a kind of birth control….. Although married she appears starved of affection. I loved her with all my might, held her, touched her, prayed for her, gave her simple antacids and paracetamol, placed the lovely cross I was wearing around her neck and was rewarded with the most beautiful smile, the first I’ve ever seen on her face. Not being a medic I did take her to the hospital for x-rays just to be safe. She continues to get strong and is now more active. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the poverty and lack around me and even though I am quite comfortable I long for a lovely hot shower, or to sit in a café with friends, or to eat a dinner I haven’t cooked.
We have an albino girl in our midst – school has been a constant struggle for her and her teachers because she can only see a few inches in front of her during the bright sunny days. We decided to take her to an optician and she now has prescription glasses which allow her to see the black board for the first time in her life. Her parents are overjoyed and so grateful and Thelma has a grin from ear to ear these days – she was inclined to be morose before. The headmaster at the school is also very grateful for they were struggling to meet her needs.
The vehicle has made a huge difference to the work here, visiting the sick etc . We have been visiting a different church each Sunday and been warmly welcomed. As we meet more people we have become aware of vulnerable people especially the elderly. Surprisingly there are quite a few 70yrs and over (like me) and we have been delivering mealie meal to them. I am planning to have a gathering for them closer to Christmas when Kezia and Rebecca are here to help.
The young students are coming back to the village from boarding school and we will begin a holiday coaching school to help them catch up. Many are behind in their learning. Owen is home and it was great to have him accompany us to church on Sunday. He is a member of Scripture Union at his school.
My biggest challenges have been re-connecting with the women's sewing group and coming to terms with the fact that a trusted member of the team has stolen thousands of dollars from our funds. When I confronted the man he and an elder of the church told me I wasn’t welcome here and threatened me with mob violence. There were many rumours and much gossip going around mostly from this man's family who also make up at least half of the women's group. My feelings of hurt and betrayal have overwhelmed me and made it hard to function. A few days after that confrontation he was involved in a bad car accident. His friend was killed when the car rolled about 6 times but he is safe. This issue still has to be dealt with.
I approached the headman, Jackson, and he graciously agreed to chair a meeting with the women and also to help sort out the theft issue. The women are not willing to let any new members join the club and have been quite militant in their demands. It has broken my heart because I have loved them so much and thought I was leading them to greater things… They are behaving like rebellious children and the lack of education does not help. I am waiting on God for the way forward - letting the dust settle, praying constantly. And I keep doing good deeds which balance some of the stories circulating. These challenges make other things like rats eating my food, hornets making nests in my clothes and tiredness seem very insignificant.
Asking Freddy to be my assistant was such a good move. We are slowly getting used to rural life and beginning to work as a team now. He helps in so many ways – sometimes just to have a trusted person to chat to makes a huge difference. He is a buffer between me and the people so I don’t get so wrung out. He is teaching me the Bemba language. I have so much more freedom to move among the people because he is always available to interpret.
Thank you so much for your prayers – I can feel them when its tough here. I miss friendship and people who love me. My hips are amazing and I am so grateful for the wonderful result of my op but I still can't wash my toes!!!
Much love
Durelle
October 21, 2010
Help Piason
This little boy, Piason Master was born with a huge growth on his face. He urgently needs to go to Lusaka for diagnosis and treatment. Piason is 3 yrs old and the growth affects his breathing and his eye. His family is poor and cannot afford the travel or the accommodation costs involved in going to Lusaka which is 8 hrs travel away. Piason is a delightful child, very happy but the growth makes him so different. His father walked 5 kms to bring him to me for help.
If you would like to help this little boy please donate now and Footprints will supervise his treatment.
October 19, 2010
Kezia & Freddy
Here is a photo of Kezia and Freddy - Kezia Songwe and Fredrick Mwale. They are a delightful young couple, engaged to be married and have known each other since school days.
Freddy is a leader and proving a great help in assisting me with our many projects, including the guest houses being erected and next week he will be involved with our community survey. He also drives my big 4 wheel car which is a blessing as I can then rest. He is learning to keep the account books in order. I appreciate having him to consult and discuss issues with and also to pray with me especially over the sick.
Kezia is an A student, training to be a junior teacher. She has already done some practical work in our school. She is a wise and caring young woman and I hope when she has finished her training she will join Freddy here in Mupitanshi.
October 18, 2010
Back in Zambia
Dear friends and family
This first month back in Zambia I have been struggling with culture shock and the heat 31-38 degrees day and night. The rainy season begins next month but right now everything is dry and brown and dusty – even my hair is a dull beige, my skin is itchy and my feet smell!!!
The reality of Africa is harsh. Being away so long the village people felt that I had abandoned them and so are somewhat hostile. The love of God is strong but not strong enough to fill their stomachs. I am in tears at the poverty. Many are sick and I have been treating 4 patients a day - a woman who was beaten across the eye, a woman with a broken rib, a head wound, a woman in labour and a young boy with a huge growth on his face that occludes his nose and eye among others.
What a joy it is to have bought a vehicle – a ten year old, dark blue Toyota Surf. It cost K47 million exactly the amount that my dear friends at Goodlife Church gave me. The negotiations took several days and then I could only withdraw K2 million a day from the ATM. But hey I did it. I feel truly blessed not to have to hitch-hike lifts to town. I’ve been invited to speak at two functions already and could easily accept because of the car. It helps me achieve my dream of reaching more of the people. Frank and I have drawn up a survey of needs and next week a team of four will go out into the community to ask questions so I can more easily know the truth of the community. I am proud of this positive move.
I’ve visited all the sponsored students with joyous reunions. I am disappointed that their marks have dropped off all except Kezia, who is an A grade student. It seems that they have missed my encouragement and already I have arranged a coaching school for the holidays to bring them up to speed– Grandma will have to brush up on high school biology, geography etc.
The small children in our nursery school are delightful. When I move in the community I can tell which ones come to our school because they sweetly greet me in English. The school roll has doubled to 120 which is a large number to feed daily but we are doing it. We have a meeting of the PTA next weekend. The cooperative was not dead as I feared. The people are working steadily and slowly towards a chicken house which is now ready for the roof. They aim to make money from fattening chickens. They even have a ready market in place. Amazing!!
Freddy, a city boy, is slowly adjusting to rural life. We are getting used to each other and to working together. He acts as a buffer for me sometimes but he doesn’t speak Kaonde and I forgot that. But he is a great comfort to me. We pray together and eat together. He has had to manage the building contractors who want to up the price every day…. His fiancé Kezia came with us the first weekend and I so love and appreciate her and her wisdom. She even taught in the school for a whole day.
I’ve had the women come and paint the village houses with their lime mixture and the roofs have all been re-thatched so the place is looking good. We still have rats – they chewed through the iPod cord and ate Freddy’s sandals!!! I had the builders add a porch to my house so I can sit outside in the shade in the heat of the day.
Last Saturday a small whirlwind of dust travelled right up our long drive, skirted around the meeting house and came to stop at my front door….. The people were amazed I was reading my bible at the time and I believe it was a sign from God –“I am with you. I see. I know. I and my spirit are with you.” Anyway that’s my explanation.
I can physically feel your prayers and your emails cheer me even though I read through my tears. I love your encouragement. It eases the struggle and helps me see the way forward. So one foot in front of the other, slowly, slowly I step out to leave footprints of love in this land.
Blessings,
Durelle
This first month back in Zambia I have been struggling with culture shock and the heat 31-38 degrees day and night. The rainy season begins next month but right now everything is dry and brown and dusty – even my hair is a dull beige, my skin is itchy and my feet smell!!!
The reality of Africa is harsh. Being away so long the village people felt that I had abandoned them and so are somewhat hostile. The love of God is strong but not strong enough to fill their stomachs. I am in tears at the poverty. Many are sick and I have been treating 4 patients a day - a woman who was beaten across the eye, a woman with a broken rib, a head wound, a woman in labour and a young boy with a huge growth on his face that occludes his nose and eye among others.
What a joy it is to have bought a vehicle – a ten year old, dark blue Toyota Surf. It cost K47 million exactly the amount that my dear friends at Goodlife Church gave me. The negotiations took several days and then I could only withdraw K2 million a day from the ATM. But hey I did it. I feel truly blessed not to have to hitch-hike lifts to town. I’ve been invited to speak at two functions already and could easily accept because of the car. It helps me achieve my dream of reaching more of the people. Frank and I have drawn up a survey of needs and next week a team of four will go out into the community to ask questions so I can more easily know the truth of the community. I am proud of this positive move.
I’ve visited all the sponsored students with joyous reunions. I am disappointed that their marks have dropped off all except Kezia, who is an A grade student. It seems that they have missed my encouragement and already I have arranged a coaching school for the holidays to bring them up to speed– Grandma will have to brush up on high school biology, geography etc.
The small children in our nursery school are delightful. When I move in the community I can tell which ones come to our school because they sweetly greet me in English. The school roll has doubled to 120 which is a large number to feed daily but we are doing it. We have a meeting of the PTA next weekend. The cooperative was not dead as I feared. The people are working steadily and slowly towards a chicken house which is now ready for the roof. They aim to make money from fattening chickens. They even have a ready market in place. Amazing!!
Freddy, a city boy, is slowly adjusting to rural life. We are getting used to each other and to working together. He acts as a buffer for me sometimes but he doesn’t speak Kaonde and I forgot that. But he is a great comfort to me. We pray together and eat together. He has had to manage the building contractors who want to up the price every day…. His fiancé Kezia came with us the first weekend and I so love and appreciate her and her wisdom. She even taught in the school for a whole day.
I’ve had the women come and paint the village houses with their lime mixture and the roofs have all been re-thatched so the place is looking good. We still have rats – they chewed through the iPod cord and ate Freddy’s sandals!!! I had the builders add a porch to my house so I can sit outside in the shade in the heat of the day.
Last Saturday a small whirlwind of dust travelled right up our long drive, skirted around the meeting house and came to stop at my front door….. The people were amazed I was reading my bible at the time and I believe it was a sign from God –“I am with you. I see. I know. I and my spirit are with you.” Anyway that’s my explanation.
I can physically feel your prayers and your emails cheer me even though I read through my tears. I love your encouragement. It eases the struggle and helps me see the way forward. So one foot in front of the other, slowly, slowly I step out to leave footprints of love in this land.
Blessings,
Durelle
September 15, 2010
One person can make a difference
I want to publish a 'before' photo of Owen to give you an example of the difference taking an interest in someone can make. This is Owen aged 15 years. He had been going to school for only 3 years because his Grandmother couldn't afford to send him before that. His interests were going to Church, singing in the choir and football. Check out the photo on 26th August - it really is the same boy.
Owen is now in his second year of highschool, he has filled out a bit, and has good clothes to wear. His favourite subject is commerce.
September 6, 2010
Paypal
I am accepting Paypal payments now. Just click on the donate now button. How cool this new technology is. I appreciate every donation and promise that every cent is spent on raising the people from poverty to plenty. Be abundantly blessed
Durelle
Durelle
September 2, 2010
Footprints are Forever
Dear Friends
It has been such a long time since I wrote to you all. Since coming back to Australia in October last year I have had a double hip replacement and have been recuperating from that. It has meant no African stories to tell, I’m called Hippy but I am not chasing hippos! I am happy to say though that I have new lease of life since the surgery. I can walk without pain and stand straight without a walking stick. Driving the car was hairy at first – I had to use one hand to lift my leg across to the brake and friends avoided me on the road. … However, this week I know I am well enough to return to Africa and I fly out on September 25th. I am very excited about seeing my Zambian family again
AND the work in Africa continues. Footprints in Africa now has a webpage, courtesy of my son Michael (aka Jayarava) in England . Do check it out. We are also on Facebook. With generous gifts from my friends, the mission will be buying a vehicle – so no more hitchhiking in Zambia for me. I have hired an assistant to be designated driver and to help me generally with all the new plans. Freddy Mwale is a young African man who is engaged to Kezia. They long to get married but he doesn’t have enough money for the bride price - yet.
Having undertaken four study courses while recuperating I feel better equipped to work in Africa and stronger in my faith. Our aim is to encourage the villagers of Mupitanshi to lift their standard of living so that the people have enough food to eat plus money for other purchases like sending their children to school. At the moment they are living at survival level, their death rate is high, unemployment is rife, education is almost non-existent, they are living in inadequate housing, and medical services are meagre.
We are now in touch with Landcare Africa, based in Kenya , an organisation that teaches the people how to increase crop yields and to take good care of the land. We plan to facilitate forming Landcare Zambia and Joseph Tanui from Kenya has promised to help. So it will be Africans teaching Africans and its likely that we will create a model farm to teach with.
Loans for the women will soon be available. The micro-enterprise loan bank Footprint Finance has come into existence by receiving its first deposit this week. I’ve been reading of the growing number of success stories in Zambia achieved through small loans. We guarantee that you will change lives when you invest with us.
Two Footprint Guest Houses are being built ready for my return. We cordially invite you to come and stay with us. Just email me and book in advance. Mupitanshi village is fast becoming a large dot on the map - a school, a bank, small businesses, a model farm, a guest house, a taxi service and a local Councillor. God is truly blessing the work there and I am so happy to serve Him.
So bring on the mud hut and let me dance to those drums!!!
May you be truly blessed today
Durelle
It has been such a long time since I wrote to you all. Since coming back to Australia in October last year I have had a double hip replacement and have been recuperating from that. It has meant no African stories to tell, I’m called Hippy but I am not chasing hippos! I am happy to say though that I have new lease of life since the surgery. I can walk without pain and stand straight without a walking stick. Driving the car was hairy at first – I had to use one hand to lift my leg across to the brake and friends avoided me on the road. … However, this week I know I am well enough to return to Africa and I fly out on September 25th. I am very excited about seeing my Zambian family again
AND the work in Africa continues. Footprints in Africa now has a webpage, courtesy of my son Michael (aka Jayarava) in England . Do check it out. We are also on Facebook. With generous gifts from my friends, the mission will be buying a vehicle – so no more hitchhiking in Zambia for me. I have hired an assistant to be designated driver and to help me generally with all the new plans. Freddy Mwale is a young African man who is engaged to Kezia. They long to get married but he doesn’t have enough money for the bride price - yet.
Having undertaken four study courses while recuperating I feel better equipped to work in Africa and stronger in my faith. Our aim is to encourage the villagers of Mupitanshi to lift their standard of living so that the people have enough food to eat plus money for other purchases like sending their children to school. At the moment they are living at survival level, their death rate is high, unemployment is rife, education is almost non-existent, they are living in inadequate housing, and medical services are meagre.
We are now in touch with Landcare Africa, based in Kenya , an organisation that teaches the people how to increase crop yields and to take good care of the land. We plan to facilitate forming Landcare Zambia and Joseph Tanui from Kenya has promised to help. So it will be Africans teaching Africans and its likely that we will create a model farm to teach with.
Loans for the women will soon be available. The micro-enterprise loan bank Footprint Finance has come into existence by receiving its first deposit this week. I’ve been reading of the growing number of success stories in Zambia achieved through small loans. We guarantee that you will change lives when you invest with us.
Two Footprint Guest Houses are being built ready for my return. We cordially invite you to come and stay with us. Just email me and book in advance. Mupitanshi village is fast becoming a large dot on the map - a school, a bank, small businesses, a model farm, a guest house, a taxi service and a local Councillor. God is truly blessing the work there and I am so happy to serve Him.
So bring on the mud hut and let me dance to those drums!!!
May you be truly blessed today
Durelle
August 26, 2010
The Miracle of Sponsorship
I'll never forget the day I first met Owen, my sponsor child. It was 2005. He was 15 years old. I walked into his village in the copperbelt of Zambia while on a mission trip. I was wet with perspiration after an uphill walk under the relentless sun typical of Africa We were both a bit shy at this first meeting. He was wearing a very torn and dirty shirt. I handed him the Bible I'd brought as a gift and wondered if he could read English. The common language here is Kaonde. He mumbled a shy 'thank you', his only words.Owen was living in a tiny mud hut along with his grandmother. He is an orphan, tall and skinny, a bit too skinny I thought. His family struggle to buy the simple things in life such as toilet paper and washing soap. They struggle to buy salt or sugar to flavour their staple food, nshima, or maize porridge. They eat from communal bowls sitting outside.
Owen walks 6 kms to school each day wthout breakfast, the people believe it will dull their minds to eat in the morning. It becomes a long hungry day for them. When not at school Owen loves to play soccer or helps in the family garden where grow their own food.
Today five years later Owen is a man with a delightful smile and loads of confidence. Footprints in Africa have sponsored him to a baording school for boys in Ndola where he gets 3 meals a day and wears a spruce uniform. He speaks fluent English and loves to chat. He loves learning and his favourite subject is Commerce. This year he announced, "Grandmum I'm going to be a business man." To see the difference in him is truly miraculous.
August 22, 2010
Footprints Finance
Our dream of having micro-loans available to the people has come into being. Yesterday we received our first deposit into our loans-bank which we have called Footprints Finance. Borrowers will be chosen by a committee from those locals most likely to succeed. They will be required to pay back the loans within a short period at a low interest rate. They will meet weekly with a loans officer who will record their progress and teach the basic skills of business. We are very excited about this new venture of investing in humanity instead of the stockmarket. Watch this space for updates on the businesses established and see the local Africans raise themselves from poverty to plenty.
August 15, 2010
New Website
This is the new website for Footprints in Africa, Durelle's mission in Zambia. We've been adding some of Durelle's reports from her last trip. Durelle's hips have been replaced, and she is gearing up to return to Zambia on September 22nd after a year away.
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