"Carry each other's burdens..." Galatians 6:2

Today we had a huge burden lifted, when Mr. Sharma of the Ndola Rotary donated a huge warehouse space for OMNI to use for storage! This was in answer to many, many prayers. The warehouse is on the other side of town, in the industrial area. We were able to remove everything which had filled the car port at Setanga Lodge. We backed the truck right into the warehouse (which is about 30x70), and as is customary in Zambia, several men working nearby came to help unload the truck. Many hands made the job of unloading and stacking so much easier. Even in loading the truck at Setanga, the guard, yard man, and two of the housekeepers helped. No one says a word, you just turn around to pick up another duffle, and there they are, carrying our boxes, bags and duffles. We are so grateful to all who eagerly come to our aid, without being asked. What a blessing they are. This is just one of the ways we witness Christ each and every day while we are here. Humble, strong, and compassionate people.
And we can't forget to mention that Ron's Optique is still operating! There were three satisfied customers today! While unloading the truck, one of our helpers, a dishevelled elderly man, whose shirt was torn away from the collar, noticed the eyeglasses, and asked if we might be able to help him see better. No sooner said, than done, and Ron had the eyeglass station operating in the doorway of the warehouse.
As we were driving down the bumpy, crater filled roadway we passed a group collecting water from a pump. One of the ladies asked if we could give them a lift. Soon there was about a dozen or more young and old women, and children in the back of the truck, heaving their heavy pails and buckets of water over the side rail. As the truck took off, bumping all the way, there was much laughter from the back as they were so excited to have a ride. The drive to the main road was quite some distance, and then we drove them into their compound a short distance to their doorstep. Lots of smiles (from them and us), and many thanks. The young girls couldn't wait to tell their waiting girlfriends, and there was lots of giggling. Ron helped one of the women take the water filled container from the truck, and nearly dropped it, it was so heavy. We can't imagine the daily trips they must make just to get water. As we drove away, lots of waves and smiles as always, but it really touched our hearts when an elderly man clapped his hands, bowed and thanked us for bringing the women back in the truck. We didn't realize the value of this truck when it was purchased.
Once we had the warehouse space, our original plan was to drive to the container in Garneton and bring a load back. But, as you well know, nothing progresses as planned here. We stopped for fuel, and there was none - anywhere! We would drive past the stations slowly, and they would motion us on. So, we didn't have enough fuel for a round trip, and we really didn't want to sleep in the container tonight, so we took the full load from Setanga instead. Debbie has been most gracious to allow us this convenience, and we were happy to free-up her space again. When we returned to Setanga, there was actually a car in the car port!
Today was my first day driving the Land Cruiser, solo. Help!!! Or maybe the other drivers are crying help when they see me. I'm not ashamed to say, it is a challenge to drive on the opposite side of the road, in a vehicle larger than I'm used to, and on narrow roads with people walking and riding bicycles on both sides of the road who apparently don't know they should run like the wind when they see me coming! I have a greater appreciation (and admiration) for Ron driving the stick shift truck.
Thanks for all your prayers, and comments on the blog site - keep them coming!