Our Great Big Huge Update...

On Tuesday we had the opportunity to stay overnight for a few days at Katonga Village and help out with the Kids Alive program that was lead by an amazing man of God, Mr. Manueli. It was the beginning of our ‘roughing it’ adventure. It was our first time staying in a hut; the staccato of dogs barking during the night and the loop of hens waking us in the morning was quite the expected surprise for the first night. Unbeknownst to us, this would be the comforting sounds of the future nights we would spend. We had the chance to play with the kids who are beyond adorable; we taught them songs and did some Bible Trvia. During the evening we were able to sing worship together in different languages; two cultures fellowshipping by a single candlelight. It was a moving experience that opened our eyes to life behind the city. [Jenelle]



MIDWEEK AT CAMP:
On Friday we arrived at the Scripture Union Camp in Sefula.
We will be working alongside the peer leaders for the week.
The campers have lots of energy and our days are filled with many different activities.
They wake up at 6:00am every morning to participate in ‘Rise and Shine’. The best way to describe it is twenty minutes of brutal torture (which actually feels like four hours)!
Whistles are used to wake everyone up, announce meals and move them from one activity to another. We can honestly say that we would be happy if we did not hear another whistle for awhile.

Once we get through rise and shine the rest of the day is busy busy busy but great! We have breakfast and then go to our first session of the day…sessions are like services. After the first session we go to workshops which are put on by the peer educators. They teach the kids to make wise lifestyles decisions, discussing everything from dating to addiction. After workshops we have bible studies in our groups of about 30 youth. In those we get to discuss issues like stigma, self-esteem and the grand ol’ Holy Spirit. At first the youth were shy but know as they are becoming more comfortable they speak up more and discussions are more interactive and profound.

Next is lunch…our fist dose of Nshima for the day…and not the last! (We have learned to appreciates the simplicity of peanut butter and granola bars…and Kristen seemed pretty excited to be eating a banana this afternoon) After lunch we have bible trivia and talent shows. The youth here love to display their talents and so those become very competitive and entertaining. After talent shows we go play sports. We play everything from fruit basket to net-ball, which we still don’t really understand, but the Zambians are pretty intense about.

Next we meet together for dinner once again and then have our evening session. This camp has been extremely busy but we have really seen God at work in the lives of the youth here. On Sunday a group of about 100 youth went up to the altar to dedicate and some to rededicate their lives to the Lord! We have also had the opportunity to pray with and counsel some youth one and one. Please continue to pray for us as we tackle some really difficult issues with these youth. They have been very receptive so far!

Camp will be done on Friday and we just pray that the youth would not turn away from the decisions they have made but that they would continue to grow in their relationships with Christ.

Laura-Ashleigh: I saw a wall spider that was the size of my hand!!
Jenelle: She is having a fun filled African time and will be home soon!
Christelle: my ankle is feeling great! And I miss ice cream. And showers that aren’t taken in buckets…but God is good!
Sarah: I have managed to injure myself twice since we got to the camp – playing football (soccer) I tripped as another player and I went for the ball at the same time. My knee is nicely scraped up now. And just recently on my way to bible study I scraped my foot against the leg of a desk and took off a few layers of skin. But none-the-less, I’m thoroughly enjoying myself, and being “home”. I don’t really miss any of you, sorry to say. But I do miss toilets that flush on a regular basis. Those are nice, hehe. Lots of love to you all.
[Laura]
Love, the Z-team Sisters




AUGUST 8, 2008
We’ve come to the end of our week at camp and what an incredible time we’ve had. This week has been one of the greatest experiences filled with both hilarious and heart-touching moments. We closed off the week Thursday night with a campfire with lots of singing and dancing…we have yet to learn how to truly dance...we got showed up real well!!!

I think personally being at camp is one of the greatest opportunities for a mission trip. There is nothing like living and breathing and sharing personal space with people that leaves nothing unknown. The girls in our dorm were consistently up early…EARLY with singing and sermon practicing and showering and clothes washing. There were some great moments of “Mukua” whisperings about why we don’t shower all the time and why we’re so crazy…but by the end, we left everyone with huge hugs and requests for remembrances and lots of photos.

Working alongside the Scripture Union team has been most wonderful! We are looking forward to spending some chill time with them tomorrow after working so hard all week and being in charge of so many youth.

I think each of us has had amazing conversations with the girls at camp that we’ve prayed with and ministered to, and we would greatly appreciate your prayers for the youth. So many of them have made huge decisions in their lives to leave the sin they are caught in and have rededicated themselves to God, and as they move into their home environments, those temptations and friends will be calling them back, so please be praying that God surrounds and keeps them strong. We talked all week about keeping ourselves pure and not having sex before marriage and dating and all, and have encouraged them to put on the amour of God and stand firm and to take today as a new and fresh start.

Thank you so much for your love and support. I know that each of us have felt tired and overwhelmed at times this week, but knowing we are being surrounded in prayer has been such an inspiration and encouragement!
[Kristen]
Love always,
The Z-Team Sisters