September Update

September 6th was the 50th anniversary of the Zimba Mission Hospital . Boy do Zambians know how to throw a party. The party was held on the vacant land that is across from the hospital. There was a huge tent and enough chairs to seat several hundred people. With every official function in Zambia , the important people have to be invited. The bosses, the chiefs, the headmen of different villages, the administration of the hospital, some old retired missionaries, and the Church leaders were all in attendance. There was even a member of the Zambian parliament present.

My job was just helping try to get everything ready. That morning I was helping blow up balloons till I almost hyperventilated. I helped drive the lorie to pick up some benches that had been borrowed, and also helped set up a generator when the power went off. It was a busy day.

The program started around 12 pm, but really it was supposed to start at 9 am. Very typical for how important things happen around here. They had some traditional instruments as entertainment, some plays or short skits to break up the speeches and lots of speeches. Everyone who was anyone gave a speech. At the end of the time, food was served. We ate mutton, beef, and nshima. It was very tasty food. I even got a chance to help cook the nshima. For a big crowd like that; it is cooked in half a 55-gallon drum. So as it thickens it gets very heavy and the ladies ask the men for help. So my Zambian friend and I stirred. It was hard; a lot like work. It reminded me of canoeing down the Namekagon River when facing a head wind. I was very sweaty after that.

All in all the celebration was a big success. We just pray that the hospital continues, makes improvements, and is around for another 50 years helping people in this area.

We are almost finished working on the mortuary and the bore hole building. The ferrying of sand and bricks continues for the out patient building. All is in place for Zesco, the power company, to come and do some upgrades. The contractor working on the water system is coming soon to put up new water tanks at the hospital. So things are happening and are very busy.

Thank you for your continued support. Your prayers are very much appreciated and needed.