Holiday Update



Red Colobus Monkey Zanzibar

I had not realized that it has been over a month since my last post! Time really flies. I think part of the delay is a desire to write something really profound, but instead I will just update our family and friends. Of course it has been quite a year of transitions for us. This time last year we were in snowy Evanston prayerfully considering a move to Zambia. Now that we are in Zambia I would love to say that all is settled and we have a clear picture of why God called us here, but that would be somewhat untrue.

After 5 months in Zambia we continue to explore how we are to get involved both medically and with church ministry. We have almost completed the ordeal of getting Zambian medical licenses, drivers licenses, car registrations, etc.  The systems seem to be set up to make sure you meet the most people and fill out as much paper as possible, and perhaps learn a little patience along the way! At one point I was a bit exasperated with one young man and expressed my dismay at the inefficiencies - he smiled and said, "We have processes, I am sure in your country you have processes..." Yes, but...oh well, pongano pongano (little by little, or slowly slowly). Who knows, maybe that elusive fruit of the spirit, patience, will blossom in me.

So far it looks something like this - Amy will serve as volunteer physician for the 260+ Peace Corps volunteers here in Zambia and is continuing to explore involvement at Justo Mwale Seminary, both to provide health care to the students and families but also to consider teaching Christian Counseling. As a couple we are working out the details of starting a Bible study/Fellowship for missionaries who could use encouragement. Jim of course continues to work at CDC with ever increasing responsibilities, will probably teach this semester at the Seminary (Preaching, of all things), and is exploring starting a Bible study with expat workers (CDC, USAID, etc.).

Making the famous
 "lazy dazy meatballs"

We had a delightful Christmas visit from Amy's parents, Alice and Norm. Our Christmas tree arrived just in time, thanks to my brother's faithful and fast mailing. It was actually a nice tree, our first artificial one as a family. Christmas is a little more low key here, not nearly the commercialism as in the US. Everyone takes several weeks off and relaxes and spends time with the family.  Presents continue to trickle in as mail can be slow, so we get a prolonged celebration!  Alice and Norm helped us present a Christmas celebration for a group of students and orphans, with Alice playing the keyboards and offering an opening prayer, Jim gave a brief message of encouragement and the benediction, while we all served as the choir for several carols. Amy and Miriam sang carols and our missionary friend Watson (SIM)shared the gospel story for an association of expats from India. Miriam looked great in her sari. 

Miriam and Amy singing carols

 In January we took a one week vacation to Zanzibar where Jim, Ruth, John, and Chris learned to scuba dive. It was relaxing, hot, poignant (touring slave markets from the 19th century), hot, interesting (Spice Island), and did I mention hot? Jim found this great bargain place to stay - no AC or hot water, but really cheap, right on the beach and walking distance to the scuba shop. The lack of hot water turned out to be a life saver! Part way through we broke down and upgraded one room to AC (lucky kids). 

Slave Trade Sculpture Zanzibar

John and Chris start school again January 17th and we are planning a quick trip to see Victoria Falls this weekend. They seem to be doing well. John has gotten in to several colleges he applied to and is waiting to hear from the last two - next the big decision, where to go. Chris is settling in more completely with each passing day.

Zanzibar beach

Ruth just got a job at the US Embassy and is quite excited about it (she will actually have higher clearance than her dad, "top secret"). It seems her job will be to fill in where needed administratively and be an escort for VIP visitors. Miriam continues volunteering and is actively looking into returning to PACE Transitions next year. Amy is off to Malawi for about three weeks to help our friends at Nkhoma Hospital, pray her temporary medical license comes through quickly. Have a blessed 2012!