Week 6 Update

I sit on the farm veranda today, staring out onto the african plains, watching the sunset in hot Zambia, writing you about this week's ongoings:

- an eagle's nest has been found down in a big tree amongst the banana fields (here's hoping for l'l babies)

-the temperature is 91F / 33C every day -- October is the hottest month of the year. Now we pray for rain, by February we'll pray for rain, rain to go away...

- Nurse Sue is away on a trip with her sister Sally and husband Paul. I'm so happy for her as she hasn't seen her family (now living in Austraila) in 9 years! They are off to South Luangwa National Park, Victoria Falls, Livingstone and then Mozambique! Mwende Bwino, Sue (Safe Travels)! I miss you...

- I collected leafs around the farm to decorate the table for Canadian Thanksgiving. We had chicken, stuffing and paupau pie (papaya) instead of pumpkin. It was very nice!

-Chicago visitors Scott & Laurie from Willow Creek Church are here and handing out loads of crafts for the orphans to play with their creative minds. What a treat to have them here with us. I certainly love the entertaining piece of my work at Lifespring Farm.

- the Mushili road was just graded, PTL! Driving at night with the red dust in the headlamps reminds me of driving through a canadian snowstorm

- little Mary from Sobia lost her mom to AIDS --she has 4 siblings who need to find a home

- one of our key volunteers Rachel, is in hospital expecting baby #5 and sadly, just lost her husband. In the meantime, her family has gone to her home taken her roof and her children away. When your husband dies here in Zambia, you are left to your brother-in-law.

- we are praying for cement to arrive so the building of the new Sobia school can be completed. Matt has been waiting for 7 weeks now, we need to get the roof up before the rains come!

- Tony and I got out for 9 holes of golf yesterday. We play about the same, so it makes for great competition and a break from our busy days. The cost is only about $10 which includes a caddy and a drink afterwards!! The course is extremely dry so you really have to land the ball miles ahead of the green in order to have it roll close to the pin. It's a great challenge!
Tony is much like my dad so there are lots of laughs and great conversation to ease the absence of my father, whom I miss dearly.

- mixing an ingredient in porridge called Hepps which gives special nutrients for our HIV+ clients. We will hand out as a gift at the Positive Living class on Monday afternoon.

- saw a cool lizard yesterday with a bright torquoise head -- I'll try to capture with my camera, ya right!!

Just a few 'bits & bobs' to keep you up on my time in this precious place...

Love, Tracey xox