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
November 25, 2010
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
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