Another world. Perhaps we have brought hope and help.

I have been trying for over a week to get a blog posted.  In a weeks time a LOT of things have happened, experiences and emotions have come and gone and the angst of my not being able to communicate these things is really a first world problem.  As I type I still could experience the electricity going out, the Internet deciding to give itself a rest before I post this, my photos not uploading, etc.

Outside of the doors of my hotel is a world where there is one paved road a block away that takes us to the side roads that lead into the bush!  The irony of this entire picture is that in each village of straw and mud huts cell-phones abound. The cell phone world has transcended every other form of modern life.  People live in huts.  People cook outside over fires.  People walk to get water, People may not be able to read but they can communicate via cell phone. 

As I typed this last paragraph I must share what I learned yesterday.  With in 8-10 miles of the one paved road, connecting the villages with world, villages abound where if a person was born after 1961 they have never seen a vehicle.   1961!   Britain left Zambia.  They left buildings, they left everything.  The culture was unprepared to do life on their own in a modern world very well.

Today the town of Mongu occupies the old British buildings, side walks that once connect stores and businesses are chunks of cement here and there.  Every once and while a newer cement block building has been built but the town remains as it was many years ago.

Our focus has been in the bush, it will remain there.  I will share later the awesome transformation of two villages where we work that are coming alive, because they are learning how to work, how to farm, how to read, how to do community hope is arising. 

We leave shortly to visit the clinic that was built and dedicated last August when I was here.  This past week they finally started to get supplies. We are bringing some meds, and hopefully soon the government will help supply more.  Perhaps soon help will be available to those who need it desperately.  Aids is the #1 killer, 27% of the population are affected.  Leaving orphans and widows who may also have aids.  The picture below was taken in a class room for 4th graders.  This is part of the curriculum.    Our clinic is a critical piece of the healing puzzle.   This is a broken culture that truly needs help.  Help physically and help spiritually.

Poster in a 4th grade class room.

48 hours and Counting

I am starting my Zambia blog tonight.  This is a heads up for those of you who wish to journey with me.  My desire is to be a frequent blogger but internet can be spotty at best (sometimes it works on one side of the hotel, other times the flip side).  Hmmm?

We leave Saturday about 7:00 p.m. to start our journey across the pond to London, then across the continent of Africa to settle in Zambia.  Last year it took 58+ hours until we drove into "The Dolphin Inn".  Baring unforeseen circumstances the process will be repeated.  Last year I saw this as an adventure, this year it is a journey and I hope new adventures await (the good kind).

My body is telling me that a vacation to some lush green island or scenic mountain range would be a better choice of time away.  But 'hey' I figure I will rest when eternity comes around.  In the between time my calling is to do what I can to help someone's life be just a little bit better.  So I say let the trip begin.

Why share this journey with you?  Because many of you will never have the privilege of this experience but you support Hands of Hope.  Because some of you like to have your adventures through the experiences of others.  Because it is important to let those of us who have 'so much'  be reminded of that fact.  Because these people, need to have their stories told so we can bring others along to help.  Perhaps that is you.

Tonight's post will be short and a heads up if you are interested in knowing more.  Feel free to ask questions and as I can I will respond.

And If I Die Before I Wake - The Beginning

On this early Saturday morning, I am pulled from my sleep by this strange experience called sunshine!  The light sifts through my blinds reminding me of how much I have missed waking up to this thing called sun. I love waking up to sunshine! 

Soon it will be my birthday and I will put another slash mark on the mental wall that I have completed another year here on earth.  I was born in 1950.  That sounds OLD.  OLD!  But I will share about OLD at another time perhaps on my actual birthday.   Today I do not feel OLD.  I have no desire to focus on OLD but I am going to focus on dying.   Dying is subject that most people choose to avoid.  A 'life' event that none of us will avoid but we too often pretend that it never happens.  We do not 'live' knowing that our days our numbered but they are! We just do not know what that number is.

My father was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is in his 80's.  He is scared.  He has made it this far in life trying to figure things out on his own.  He is a survivor in so many areas but like all of the human race he will not survive what we all try to avoid, dying.  His age alone would state that the number of his earthly days are drawing to a close.  This new diagnosis makes us know that the countdown to his earthly life passing is sooner than he planned. 

I live in Chicago.  He lives in Oregon.  I won't be near him often enough, to help with the day to day issues he will face.  The fear of suffering and pain is huge in his thinking. I get it!  I have lost too many people I love to death or at least earth ending death.  (He won't be alone, he has a family who will walk with him down this path.)

As I have pondered this scenario.  I know I have one constant resource that I can give to him and that is prayer.    He knows Jesus.  He knows he will be in heaven when he leaves this earth.  Like most of us, the unknown is unsettling.  My prayer blogs will be a small attempt to help direct his thoughts to the only one who can calm him, hold him and carry him into the place we call eternity.  I will mail these postings to him, for he does not use the Internet.  I share these prayers in hopes that others may be able to grasp what an awesome thing it is to know God our creator and lover of our souls.   When we leave this earth it is not the end of life, it is just the beginning of what we call eternity.

Dear Lord Jesus,

When I acknowledged that you are my God, my Lord and the savior of my soul, I was at peace.  I was thankful and delighted in this new found knowledge of being loved by the creator of the world.  You have put up with me, guided me, humored me, and waited for me as I walked life in my own strength.  You have never left me.  You are always waiting at the spot I walked away from you.  You are always there to rescue me from me. 

Today I know that my life on this earth is short.  Short for certain in the measure of eternity, the never ending place you reside.  Short, in light of grasping the fact that what I have always known is going to go away.  Short, because I still have an agenda for what I want to do or become.  Short, because I do not know anything else and dying scares me beyond words.

My humanness is all I know.  I know I must reach out to you for this next chapter in life called death.  I cling to promises you have made in your word to me, the Bible.  I am weak in my trust. But trust I must for there is no other place to land.  I claim back for me, the Psalm from David who was facing death, who was a soldier who fought each battle knowing that you were the one who allowed him to live or to die, for he trusted You.  Your word tells me death is not in vain if I call on you as my saviour.  Death is just the passage for me to come to you.  Because you promise to hear my prayers I ask that you walk with me through this valley that I fear.  I ask that you give me peace knowing you are awaiting my arrival in heaven, my forever home.  Amen


 "Precious in the sight of the Lord are the death of His saints."   Psalm 116:15 (Bible)

 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son.  And this is why: so that no one need to be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.  God didn't go to all of the trouble of sending his Son merely to to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was.  He came to help, to put the world right again.  Anyone who trusts in Him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust Him as long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to Him.  John 3:26 (Bible- The Message - translation) 

"Every man dies. Not every man really lives." w. wallace

On this Monday night in April I have come back to my blog to do some reflecting on life, family, friendships and death.  Because I am blessed with so many experiences that draw me into the lives of people, places and things I am also pulled into the sad side of life as well.  My blog title says so much,  "Every man (woman) dies.  Not every man (woman) really lives."  My musings will hopefully cause those who choose to read this to be aware of their mortality and to embrace the gifts that life brings.

One year ago I made a rushed trip to TN.  I had a dear friend who was dying and she made it known to her family that she wanted to see me.  Her condition was deteriorating quickly, as that horrible disease called cancer was winning.  I had been out of town and did not know if I could make it in time.  My prayer was answered and I did make it,  45 minutes was all that was left of her earthly life but I made it!!  The simple tear drop told me she knew I was there and then she left this earth. To have been summoned by her as she was dying is perhaps the highest compliment a friend can give. I remain humbled by this request.

That same trip one year ago, I was able to visit another dear and special friend who was also battling cancer.  She was in a better state physically. We were able to visit, share pizza together and enjoy the gift of time, family and friendship.  I knew deep down in my heart that when I left TN that it would be the last time I saw her this side of eternity.  I was right a few weeks ago she too was taken out of this life by cancer. 



Both of these fun, incredible, beautiful, strong full of life ladies changed my life in so many ways.  The dash between the dates of their births and their deaths was time well spent.  Both were awesome mothers and wives, they contributed to life in their work, their love for others and in giving.  Both had zeal and zest for life.  Both chose to include me as a friend.



I now am facing the fact that my father has cancer, sooner than later he will not be here on earth any longer.  The dash between his birth and the days left on this earth are few. He is in his 80's.   His mortality and preparing to leave this earth again makes me reflect on mine.  Life is so fleeting.

As ponder the brevity of life and the impact that we as humans have on each others lives I am praying that I end well. Is someone better because they spent time with me or  you?  Are my actions such that another person is inspired to become the 'best' they can be?   Have I cared more about others than myself?  What difference does it make that I have lived?

When the final day of my life here on earth is etched upon my grave stone , will the  dash between the dates have made an impact on this place called earth?   Will someone have been better off, encouraged, given hope, made to smile because I was alive?

What will be said of the 'dash' between the dates of your life? My two friends, Cathey Harrell Tierney and Pam Riddell made a difference, they allowed me to be their friend and have impacted me forever. I am closing with two quotes.  One from the Bible the other from a deep theologian, Erma Bombeck, both resound with a message I have chosen to embrace.  What is your resolve on life?

"For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better."  Philippians 1:20-21 Bible

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say 'I used everything you gave me.' " Erma Bombeck

It is December! Buy me a....?

   I love December!  I love the festive focus that permeates our culture.  I love giving.  I love sharing time with friends, I love the desire to create a time of celebration.  Can you imagine not having a time set aside time to focus on others or significant spiritual truths?  How sad and boring our lives would be!

Oh, do not get me wrong, the materialism, the greed, the focus on accumulating more 'stuff' is not ignored or missed or even endorsed.  I so do not enjoy that aspect of this season.   The desire to remove Jesus Christ from the mix because 'He' is found offensive or irrelevant  also hits my radar.   However, that does not deter me from celebrating, giving and delighting in what is important.   Why should I allow those who are self absorbed rob me and those around me of the true joy found in the true meaning of Christmas?

Perhaps you are asking yourself where is she going with this train of thought, given my focus in this blog has been on Zambia.  Well, since the question is raised, the answer is in giving.   How many of you are asked what you want for Christmas?   You are stumped!  You have the electronic gadgets that you 'need'.  You have clothes on your back, your closets are full to capacity.  You have food for your table.  You have 'stuff' crammed in closets, garage and perhaps a storage unit for your 'extra stuff'.  You have jewelry you have not worn in years from past Christmas' or you have ugly ties and sweaters that still have the tags on them from previous years.  You are flowing in the abundance of 'stuff'.  However we are still asked "What do I 'want' for Christmas?".

Step outside our affluent culture with me to this 3rd world place called Zambia.  Ask any one of them what they would like for Christmas and they would not have to think.  Water!   Food!  Medicine!  It does not get more simple that that!  They have no room for 'stuff'.   A grass hut gives shelter from night animals, sand blowing and rain.  But water, food and a chance to be or get well is a heart longing of every human being.




In this blog I want you to begin to think of 'not' accumulating more 'stuff' for you, your children, your grandchildren, your bosses or .... but give a gift of life to a child in their name.  Most of us can do both!

Today's blog is a focus on giving a goat!    A goat!   Yes a goat.   Goats give, milk, cheese, meat and perhaps a new business the one who receives it, a simple small goat will change lives.   My sarcastic bent would be encourage you to buy a goat card as gift, for that 'old goat' in your life who does not appreciate much of anything.  A child's life and family will be changed forever. :)    I know from experience that a child in your life would love that another child can live because you helped them give a goat! 

    


http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/giftcards.asp

HANDS OF HOPE (http://www.handsofhopeonline.org) can make this happen!!  Please check us out!  I LOVE this organization because there is no red tape and all of my money goes to the projects, ALL.   You can click on to the site and have a card sent to your loved one just like these above. They are beautiful cards that will not be forgotten, tossed aside or thrown away.  You will have blessed the one you have gifted and the receiver of the goat whose life may be forever changed.

Merry Christmas!

Acts 20:35 (Bible)  Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 

Christmas is Coming!

It is Black Friday. Why black?  Because each retail store here in the US desires to end its year in the 'black' not in debt.  I am all for being out of debt no complaints here!   I am not at all about greed and acquiring stuff.  I am about giving, for me there is no greater joy. 

Children in America will create their list(s) and parents will scramble for the hottest toy around.  These lists are created in the midst of last years toys that are piled or stored in closets forgotten in the search for new. Black Friday millions of American shoppers will stand in line to be the first into a store to get that ultimate deal of the season. Let the games begin.

I could find no toys in Mongu!  I have two grand daughters who truly are blessed beyond description in all aspects of life.  When I travel I generally bring them back a 'present'.  That is code for 'toy'.   For when you are 4 and 6 years of age, 'toys' are the best gifts of all. :)  I told them that would bring them home a 'present'.  So you can be certain I was on the look out.

I regret missing one photo.  It was a toy....a ball made of rags.  In the pictures that follow I captured pictures of the few toys I found.    The push toy is 'hand made'.  Note too, the age of the 'child' pushing his toy.  He loved that we were interested in seeing it.  I am guessing it was his creation.

The soccer game photo below is being played with a very old, deflated ball.

At each of the villages that we visited we saw lots of children, beautiful children that delighted in just being acknowledged.   I peaked when appropriate into the many huts surrounding our visits.  Minimal is an understatement to describe the material goods of a given family.  These huts were protection from the night and the elements, they housed a few cooking utensils and little else.  Toys, a luxury beyond description.

We found this push toy when visiting a family that had a 'hammer mill' business. (Another story for another blog.)  The children were shy so they allowed Susan and Eloise 'play'.  Note what this toy was made out of.  (click on photo to enlarge). 

 

As I shop this year for my family and for those I love, my desire is to also share with those outside of the US who truly are in need.  You can't ship your toys over seas but you can contribute to a better life.  Water and food are gifts that sustain, give hope and life.  For each child you buy a gift for, consider buying a gift for a Zambian child.   http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/giftcards.asp this is one gift that won't be discarded after opening, stuffed in a closet or put in a garage sale this spring.  It is life giving.   Why don't you share this opportunity with your family and friends?  Let me know if you are 'in'!!!!!

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 (Bible)

What Makes you Thankful?

What makes you Thankful?  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the United States.  It is a legal holiday set aside for us to reflect upon the things that we hold near and dear to our hearts.  It is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the traditions that we celebrate.  I love the intentional focus of this day!  I am so blessed and God has shown such favor on my life, that I am humbled beyond words.  If everything that I have were removed from me tomorrow I still remain a very fortunate human being.  I deserve nothing that I have and to say that I am grateful seems trite.

As an American the privileges and the blessings dictate that we bless others.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, He mandated that I  'Owe no one anything except to love one another,..'.  (Bible, Romans 13:8a).   Love is not just a verb, it is an adjective and a noun.  It requires action and involvement apart from feeling.  It is a duty with great rewards. Someone benefits, always, by another's love. 

What I am discovering about me, that I am not liking so much, is that there are too many things of late, I do not like or want to do. Why is this a problem?  The problem lies in the fact that my dislikes come from the abundant blessings that have been bestowed upon me.  Stop for a minute and think about your lists of discontent.  Is it a job, laundry, cleaning your home, grocery shopping, going to a doctor, doing daily chores?  Each of these things are abundant blessings most of the world cannot experience.  I have the luxury of choice!  

As I reflect upon the state of the world, the poverty, the lack of medicine and clean water,  the wars, the abuse of people, etc.  I could become discouraged.  What can just one individual do to make a difference?  However, I have learned that one person can make a huge and wonderful difference! 

One smile can give encouragement, one random act of kindness can give hope, one selfless deed can soften a hardened heart, one financial donation can open a door for a better life.   None of these suggestions require a lot of money or even effort.  It requires thinking about someone beside yourself and acting upon it.  

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.  
Albert Einstein

 I weary of those whose wish list is to obtain 'more' of something.  When John D. Rockefeller was asked “how much would be enough?” he answered “just a little bit more.”   "Just a little bit more..." means we are never satisfied.  In this entry my desire is to encourage you to stop long enough and think about what you have.  Can you be content?  Do you need more to make you happy?  Will you really be happy?  I am here to tell you 'stuff' and 'wealth' do not make a happy content person.  Giving back to others is where true happiness is found.

The happiest and most content people I know are those who give to others and do for others.  They do not focus on what they can get out of the arrangement but what they can do next to make another persons life better.    As you look at the photos below the pictures represent housing, health needs, shopping, indulgences such as toys, and jobs.  Do you still wish to pine and complain?

Are you stuck on how to give, how to help, how to change your focus?  Let me know :)  When we realize that life is not about us we then we soon become content.

These are very nice huts.  4 walls made of mud, the roof it thatched and the cooking is done outside over a fire pit.  The floor of the huts are sand. 

This young mother and her baby have AIDS.  Though smiling she will not see the end of 2013.

This is 'it' for a toy.  It was hand made, he was content and he was very proud to show us what he made.

This a mother shopping.  These clothes are our castoffs.  Castoffs from Good Will, Salvation Army and such.

 

After harvesting his crop, he must sell it to earn his wage.