Tuesday, 15 July 2008
We awoke to a very, very cold and frosty morning, and as usual - no electricity. This meant grabbing the flashlight (or torch as its known here), washing in freezing cold water, and then the trip to the dreaded outdoor privy. We had a bowl of corn flakes and continued with our usual morning chores of pumping water and filling the containers we have in the house, wiping the dust from the tables and chairs (we have learned that Zambia has one more season - the dusty season, and this is it), making the beds, and getting ourselves straightened out before the children come in to prepare for school.
As I was busy inside, I looked out the window to see Ron at the pump, several of the children by his side, and all of them taking turns pumping the water. The children were there to water the school garden they care for. I looked onto the front verandah and saw two of the younger boys, Joshua and Asho, quietly playing a game with bottle caps and a piece of cardboard marked off like a checker board. When they saw me watching them, they greeted me with "Good morning madam. How are you this morning?" And then I looked out the back window and saw two of the older boys hard at work with picks and hoes, digging and turning the ground over to expand the garden. I could see children coming along side the fence, smiling and eager to come to school. I ventured out to the pump to eavesdrop on Ron and the girls. They were trying to talk to each other, some English, some Bemba - which resulted in little communication, but much laughter and giggling, and an understanding of one another that only love can bring.
John, one of the older boys, but small in stature, carried two large containers of water back to the house for us. I could see it was a bit of a struggle for him; his arms stretched long at his sides and muscles tense, but he was so proud and happy to do this for us. As I took all of this in, my heart filled to overflowing. I was so very grateful to begin my day in this way. Who could ask for more than to look out their window and see the faces of smiling children everywhere. And once again I looked on in awe and admiration of these children, who also slept in the freezing temperatures - but many without a blanket, who never have electricity in their homes, and the only toilet they have ever known is a simple hole in the ground. The Lord has blessed us abundantly. I thanked God, as I knew there could be no better way to begin this day.
2 comments:
So now we better understand why you both wanted to go back so bad! It is the little things that make life grand.
Dear Mary Sue and Ron, The children are so lovely aren't they? They bring you much joy to see their unconditional love and gratitude with not much in the way of worldly conveniences. I thank God for your gratitude in seeing their beauty. The moon was full tonight. That may explain why the day was so interesting. With love and prayers
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