Sunday, December 30, 2007

Golf is a true passion

Who would have thought that I'd be able to play golf over in this rural town of Ndola?





Golf Fee Cost
= 30,000Kwatchas

Caddy
= 15,000Kwatchas

Total = $10.00 U.S.

Experience - Priceless...




Funny thing, if you play late in the day, often you cannot see the pin placement as the flag has been replaced by a twig! The club removes the flags due to theft -- you leave a piece of metal out, it will walk...

Their are large birds here which like to steal your balls, right off the fairway!
I'm much happier now that we've had rain, the grass will actually hold your ball on the greens. Drier conditions was hurting my game -- picky golfer, eh? to think, I get to play in Africa and I'm still competitive as ever! I played in the men's competition one Sunday and now have been invited back twice, so I guess I passed the test! It's nice as the guys mostly pay for everything so I've been quite spoiled. FORE!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Christmas in Ndola


Hello my friends!

The month of December has been so exciting and busy with packing Christmas bags for our Foundation's clients, volunteers, school kids and many orphans connected. Womba and I spent many days in the cellar preparing packages for 918 Zambians.

I'd like to thank the girls at home who helped me collect the donations from Canada first - Hannah, Kristi and Heather. Thanks to Claire & Dayna for helping to pack the boxes. A special thank you to the schools and churches who allowed us to visit and present our story on Africa this year. We certainly collected many books/clothes/ shoes the last week of June when 'Lost & Found' was relocated to my basement in Oakville (thanks Rhonda for being so patient through all the mess).

I've taken so many photos of our children in your school uniforms and the lovely sweaters knitted by our church ladies. I will try my best to forward to you soon.

I can't tell you how much your donations are appreciated here in Ndola. We work with 3 small compounds in Kaloko, Mackenzie & Mushili. The widows and orphans were dancing and singing when receiving their Christmas packs. I wish you could be here to see the spirit within the communities and actually see the clothes on their backs while walking through the villages.

Being away from home on Christmas day wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. The children fill my heart and the work is so very rewarding. I hope to stay longer, as long as I can afford.

Thank you for your kind words and plenty of emails to keep me from being homesick.
The weather is rainy but warm and the sun does try to shine every day, so no complaints here. It is odd not dealing with the snow and slippery roads but we have our fill of lakes on Mushili Road to tackle and I'll take that for now...

Blessings to all of you this holiday season and all the best in 2008!
Love, Tracey xoxo



Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Hardworking Friends Making a Difference

Through knowledge comes understanding,
through understanding comes power,
and with a willing and passionate spirit comes
the determination to change the world for eternity.
- Rebecca Scales



Womba,
Sobia Ass't Co-Ordinator














Jimmy, from Isubilo




Teachers at school:
Chiluba & Thelma
Cook Gladdys















Mr. Lambacasa,
Isubilo Clinic Leader



Andy & Babs

Brother & Sister Team

Isubilo Management











Charles, Isubilo Office Mg't

Lawrence, Office Manager
Lifespring Foundation

Monday, December 10, 2007

A Hero named Lontia

Lontia lives in a small compound called Parmose

She is a Grandmother who cares for 4 children on her own

Lontia has leprosy -- so minimal use of her hand & feet

this woman always has a smile on her face and is so very happy to see you!
Just a beautiful example of how african woman rely on faith & hope to see them through...

Beauty is skin deep.

Dignity is anchored in the soul.

She has both.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Congratulations to John & Priya

I've just received exciting news from my 'musungu' (white) friends here in Ndola and proud to announce that John & Priya are expecting their first baby in June, 2008!!
John picked me up at the bus station on my first day in Africa in November 2003. He assists to run OVC for Isubilo and I've been honored to work beside him in all 3 volunteer visits.

Priya and John opened their home to Hannah and I in Southampton, England on our 2nd visit in May 2005. They now reside here in Zambia, this photo was taken at their Housewarming Party last Saturday. What a beautiful home they've made here -- equipped with a dog, 2 cats, IKEA decor, and lots of mango, papaya, guava, & lemon trees!!

Best of luck, my friends!!! xoxo

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Mary lost her mom to AIDS just a few days before this photo was taken...

It is time to speak the truth,

It is time to act only out of love.

It is time to overcome fatigue and denial.

And it is time to live in hope.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Blessings of Africa

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow,

yet we forget that she is someone today.