Its mango season and EVERYONE loves mangos! They are bright, refreshing, so sweet and plentiful, and we don't at all mind getting sticky and orange!
Mango's are another one of God's unique creations. In the midst of the driest of driest times these sweet, juicy fruits daily grow bigger and bigger!
The rainy season just "tips" them off during their final ripening.
Faith's aunty was to come about 2 days ago to discuss discharge plans. She couldn't come.....Faith is delightful. She loves to show off - squeeling and screaming and bouncing up and down and even dancing. She is walking quite well nowadays - about 10 steps and then thump down to the ground on her well padded behind!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Christmas at Kasensa
A very merry Green Christmas from all of us at Kasensa!
Sue, Shelly, Cleny, Lillian, Lucas, Richard, Kellon, Vigness and the others who weren't around for the photo: Mandelina, Theresa, Nelia, Jackson and Jackson!
Babies - Fanwell, Emma and Faith
For the next few weeks we'll have Tiffany and Layne here. While doing at least one home visit (Cornolius) and spending time with Simakakata folks, and a few other things we'll also "chill" a bit. Chilling in this context means taking a bit of down time - not cooling down!
Thanks for appreciating the work and for sponsoring the babies and the costs to get them back to family as soon as possible.
2013 UNZA graduates sponsored by ZMF-C
Carlos Muleya, Osco Moondooma and Dawyn Chendela all graduated last week from the University of Zambia. Osco and Dawyn are now Social Workers and Carlos's area of study is demographics and economics.
Thanks donors for sponsoring these guys, some since these guys were in high school.
They are grateful - and they have worked hard. Besides handling their academic loads they've they've had to do this in the very foreign culture of city and university. Not an easy task for a village kid where life for them is very basic: no running water, no electricity, polygamy family - many, many kids, very little spoken english, very little books and other "stuffs" needed to be on a level playing field with the other academics at the university.
So, good on them, good on you and thank you God for blessing donors and hard-working, focused "kids".
Thanks donors for sponsoring these guys, some since these guys were in high school.
They are grateful - and they have worked hard. Besides handling their academic loads they've they've had to do this in the very foreign culture of city and university. Not an easy task for a village kid where life for them is very basic: no running water, no electricity, polygamy family - many, many kids, very little spoken english, very little books and other "stuffs" needed to be on a level playing field with the other academics at the university.
So, good on them, good on you and thank you God for blessing donors and hard-working, focused "kids".
Monday, December 16, 2013
Lukas drawing on new sign post
We are making 3 sign posts. We give pretty clear directions, so we think, but inevitably folks end up at some other gate somewhere...and they're mostly all gated by blue gates. "I'm at the blue gate" they'll say...."where are you, I can't see your house!"
Richard, Lucas and Jackson Munyati have all been drawing, measuring, painting....and the verandah smells nicely of oil paint.
Should be finished by next week. The guys are also welding together frames and poles/stakes so the signs can be pushed into the ground.
Tiffany and Layne are bringing reflective tape to put along the outside borders.
Lucas is our new sponsored GAP student. Kellon is the other. That will be another blog!
Richard, Lucas and Jackson Munyati have all been drawing, measuring, painting....and the verandah smells nicely of oil paint.
Should be finished by next week. The guys are also welding together frames and poles/stakes so the signs can be pushed into the ground.
Tiffany and Layne are bringing reflective tape to put along the outside borders.
Lucas is our new sponsored GAP student. Kellon is the other. That will be another blog!
Conceptor and her granny
Every 3rd monday of the month is Milk Day. This granny had apparently met me while her daughter, mother of Conceptor, was dying at Kalomo Hospital. Conceptor is the 5th child, dad is caring for the other 4 children and the grandparents are caring for the wee one. She is a sweet little baby girl - now 6 1/2 months.
Conceptor uses the milk formula and has started on solid foods now with her two new teeth!
The Kalomo District is quite large so travel for granny and baby started last night at 22 hrs. And this is the rainy season!
Granny and I discovered we were age mates - a few months apart. But there are a LOT of differences - she bore 9 children, and has lost one. She has about 30 grandchildren - we have 4!
We are kindred spirits. I'll see her again in February - I won't have her travel that distance with the baby in January. I know now how rough those roads are and with a few more months of rain, they could be nasty!
Conceptor uses the milk formula and has started on solid foods now with her two new teeth!
The Kalomo District is quite large so travel for granny and baby started last night at 22 hrs. And this is the rainy season!
Granny and I discovered we were age mates - a few months apart. But there are a LOT of differences - she bore 9 children, and has lost one. She has about 30 grandchildren - we have 4!
We are kindred spirits. I'll see her again in February - I won't have her travel that distance with the baby in January. I know now how rough those roads are and with a few more months of rain, they could be nasty!
Now, this is rain!
It rained today! So far this rainy season there has been about 140
mm. Last year, at Christmas time, I'm told there was above 400 mm! So....as of today, we're at 195 mm! God is good! The cows are happy!
Today was milk day - so I gave 3 of the mom's/grannies a ride to the tarmac in the big truck - and then they huddled in at someone's house until the rain subsided.
And while we waited for some of the rain to clear, the kids played, the babies slept, some ate mangoes!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Collecting termites, measuring snake
After the first decent rain, the termites appear then the kids come with their collecting vessels! Only the bodies are eaten, not the wings.
A variety of snakes are found on this farm. This curled up dead guy was killed and then thrown into valhalla (the woodburning boiler!).
While the sponsored students were cleaning up leaves from the yard a puff adder was disturbed ....he/she got the same treatment.
A variety of snakes are found on this farm. This curled up dead guy was killed and then thrown into valhalla (the woodburning boiler!).
While the sponsored students were cleaning up leaves from the yard a puff adder was disturbed ....he/she got the same treatment.
Grab a hot coffee! Thank you donors.
Dear donors – you are all appreciated for
the work you are doing! You are part of this new transforming experience for
these babies and their families. Please take the time to read about what is
happening now at Kasensa. You are part of something that is making a big
difference – a difference that will bring long term change for the child and
for some of the government systems in this country.
Please bear with me ~ as it’s difficult
to describe transformation in a few short words! Grab a coffee, sit down….take
time…please. This is God’s work and you are part of it!
Over the past few years ZMF-C Board
members and those working “on the ground” have been soaking in information
related to best practices in orphan care for developing countries. Through
reading books such as “Walking with the Poor” by Bryant Myers our thinking on
how to work in this country of extreme poverty has been transformed. As well, a
few of us Board members have immersed ourselves in studying what best care is for
baby. Best care is not just a clean, dry nappy. Best care is …..baby with
family as soon as it is safe to do so!
As a faith based organization we
recognize the causes of poverty are very complex and so nowadays our approach
is to respond by “Helping without Hurting”. (look that one up!) We are seeking
to respond to issues with a longer term view and knowing that often answers can
be found with the people themselves.
Therefore, infant care at Kasensa has
been transformed over the past few years.
Each child that comes to us represents a family, a church and a
community.
In the past at Kasensa it was common to
have approximately 20 infants who stayed until age 2, separated from family way
too long. With a focus on “God places the lonely in families” over the past 2
years the average length of stay has been reduced to 9.8 months. And home
visits reveal that the children who have returned to be with family are doing
just fine!
Just fine in terms of love and affection,
but challenged by extreme poverty of this developing nation. They are not
returning to live in cushy homes or neighborhoods like our own children. None
of the families have running water, electricity, flush toilets, and sometimes
no toilets at all, just the bush. Some of them scour the scrubby grass picking
“delelele” – looks like a weed to me, but it becomes the vegetable of the day.
Many will be challenged this year to find fertilizer for their maize that is
being planted now and they will be very challenged to be able to pay for the
cost of education when that hurdle comes along.
Currently, at Kasensa we have 3 infants –
Emmah, Fanwell and Faith. 3 infants = 3 families!
On most Wednesdays and Fridays you’ll
find us out in the village – visiting the families of those mentioned and also
doing home visits of babies who have been released from Kasensa since 2011. Sitting
with the family in the midst of their household of home grown brick and
weathered thatch structures quickly reveals the strengths and needs of the
families and gives us opportunity to assess how the family is coping with the
child. For those babies who’ve not yet returned home, we assess readiness of
the family and what other resources the family might be able to connect with.
In every culture there are families who
do not cope well. In a country with extreme poverty, parental poor coping
translates to malnutrition, no or very little education and possible neglect
and abuse.
On other days I provide hands on guidance
to the staff here and also educate using the child care course I’ve developed that
is on power point. Last week we covered brain development and how play and
nurturing contribute to that and this week we’re on to health and safety for baby care, developmental
milestones, as well as learning about the Zambian’s government standards for child care
facilities and even some of the best practice for orphan care information.
As well, weekly Richard and I try to
connect with other NGO’s who are working in Southern Province. So far, we’ve
visited 4 orphan homes and spoken with several other community based NGO’s. The
goal is to learn what these folks are doing so that we can be known and so that
we can know the resources that are out there in order to connect “our families”
to. As well, it often gives us opportunity to share some of the good
information on best practices for orphan care.
By the time you’ve read this far you must
be wondering why social services isn’t doing this stuff. This is a developing
nation….which means under-resourced – financially, human resources and in other
ways that you can’t imagine. In this area, we also are attempting to help
without hurting.
We have made it our role to also liaison
with Social Services, to develop and keep a positive working relationship.
Strides are being made in this area – such as now we are working together along
with another orphan home in the area to comply with the Zambia Government
Minimum Standards for Child Care Facilities on some of the paramount items:
admission process, case planning and discharge planning.
The milk program continues to provide
formula for up to a dozen babies.
The number tends to flux between six and twelve each month, and most mothers
are HIV positive. The World Health Organization recommends breast feeding
even when a mother is HIV positive, however, sometimes a mother’s health
begins to be compromised from nursing her baby, and sometimes the baby’s
health is compromised. When these situations arise, formula can make a
world of difference.
The number tends to flux between six and twelve each month, and most mothers
are HIV positive. The World Health Organization recommends breast feeding
even when a mother is HIV positive, however, sometimes a mother’s health
begins to be compromised from nursing her baby, and sometimes the baby’s
health is compromised. When these situations arise, formula can make a
world of difference.
With this program as well, we don’t just
give out cans of milk. Much time is spent in counsel and we’ve just started
doing home visits to these ones! Strengthening families is our goal!
So…keep up the good work and I hope and
pray that this has inspired you perhaps to go on your own journey of
learning how to best “help” those who
are materially poor.
United Nations Convention on Children's rights
Osco, the ZMF-C sponsored Social Worker who lives with us has been guiding the grade 6 and 8 pupils at Siabalubi and Nalabumba schools. He engages with them about sex ed and also about various topics related to hopefully learning how to make good choices.
We're using the "Auntie Stella" package donated to us by Salon Foundation. (Auntie Stella can be found on the internet) The approach is all about very frank discussion on what to do when.....various subjects mostly about sexual health.
As well, we've done a few sessions on Children's rights. The right to education, the right to health, the right to live with your parents, the right not be abused.....
We use a very participative approach - with fairly decent participation.
These are kids....one day.....I was asking a pupil to find a date on what I thought was a cell phone that he had in his pocket. It turned out to be a dead bird in the pocket, instead. He'd been hunting, and it was to be eaten for his supper!
We're using the "Auntie Stella" package donated to us by Salon Foundation. (Auntie Stella can be found on the internet) The approach is all about very frank discussion on what to do when.....various subjects mostly about sexual health.
As well, we've done a few sessions on Children's rights. The right to education, the right to health, the right to live with your parents, the right not be abused.....
We use a very participative approach - with fairly decent participation.
These are kids....one day.....I was asking a pupil to find a date on what I thought was a cell phone that he had in his pocket. It turned out to be a dead bird in the pocket, instead. He'd been hunting, and it was to be eaten for his supper!
Seed and Fertilizer program for orphans and vulnerables
For the past several years our church family in Regina has enjoyed a potluck delicious "souper supper" of homemade soups while contributing to the seed and fertilizer program in Southern Province, Zambia.
Mrs. Mbumwae oversees the program. Several church leaders from around Kalomo gather to hear reports of the past year's activity and to listen to encouragements of how many congregations are helping the orphans and vulnerables with the seed and fertilizer.
Churches are to pitch in funds to add to the share of seed and fertilizer that they get and the whole congregration is to join in with the planting, weeding and harvesting.
This is an excellent way to help others!
I encouraged the attendees to study the 40+ scriptures about orphans and widows and to feel convicted about what our role is regarding the less fortunate!
Play time
This play mat came over in a container a few years ago. This is where tummy time and singing and other fun stuff occurs! Even sommersaults! \
Rose and Madelina with Faith (at the back) and Fanwell and Emmah - both now almost 6 months old.
Rose and Madelina with Faith (at the back) and Fanwell and Emmah - both now almost 6 months old.
Sister Macleena
We met Sister Macleena whilst in the Canter truck in Choma. The Canter is the only vehicle that has signage indicating Zambia Mission Fund - Canada and its projects.
"You do orphan care?" she asked. "So do we" and with that we set up a time where we could visit further.
She is a fireball. She is on a sabbatical leave from her nun position because she has two "vulnerables" that she cares for. She is a government high school teacher so is self-supporting. She has built herself a nice house and as well she co-ordinates much of the activity of OVO, a NGO jointly launched by herself and an Irish Catholic priest in Mazabuka. They have strategized a community care model of orphan care finding community volunteers "caregivers" to oversee the mostly rural projects. They pay for school fees, feed and provide counsel. Sister Macleena is involved in training, guiding and oversight of the caregivers - besides her teaching job, building the house and caring for the kids in her care!
At least about 3 - 4 times a month we meet up with another NGO and spend time inquiring about what they are doing, why they are doing it, where funding comes from and how ZMF-C might possibly be able to connct the families of our released babies to their services, if its needed.
We'll be meeting up again with Macleena to share more information and we'll arrange to see the priest as we travel through Mazabuka next week.
"You do orphan care?" she asked. "So do we" and with that we set up a time where we could visit further.
She is a fireball. She is on a sabbatical leave from her nun position because she has two "vulnerables" that she cares for. She is a government high school teacher so is self-supporting. She has built herself a nice house and as well she co-ordinates much of the activity of OVO, a NGO jointly launched by herself and an Irish Catholic priest in Mazabuka. They have strategized a community care model of orphan care finding community volunteers "caregivers" to oversee the mostly rural projects. They pay for school fees, feed and provide counsel. Sister Macleena is involved in training, guiding and oversight of the caregivers - besides her teaching job, building the house and caring for the kids in her care!
At least about 3 - 4 times a month we meet up with another NGO and spend time inquiring about what they are doing, why they are doing it, where funding comes from and how ZMF-C might possibly be able to connct the families of our released babies to their services, if its needed.
We'll be meeting up again with Macleena to share more information and we'll arrange to see the priest as we travel through Mazabuka next week.
Follow up home visit to Mikey's family in Choma
Mikey is now a big boy! He lives with his dad, Samba and siblings in Shampande compound in Choma.
Mikey is blessed! His dad is a wise man. Mikey's mom died just after delivering Mikey and his twin brother. Mikey's dad looked after the siblings while Mikey was at Kasensa for 14 months. When Mikey ret'd home dad found help to care for Mikey while Samba worked at some "piece work".
Samba is a trained driver and has decided since he no longer has a wife that he'll not take jobs that take him out of country. He needs to be at home for his children. His daughter recently finished grade 7 and she has maintained being in the top of her class for many years.
As well, she's responsible for most of the cooking nowadays and other chores!
Samba has also decided not to remarry as he knows the wife will not be loyal to his children. He wants them to grow up secure in his love.
Mikey is very bright, but his speech is poor. We consulted some special ed teachers at St. Mulumba school close by and they've advised that Samba contact UTH for Mikey to get a full investigation.
We shall follow!
Mikey is blessed! His dad is a wise man. Mikey's mom died just after delivering Mikey and his twin brother. Mikey's dad looked after the siblings while Mikey was at Kasensa for 14 months. When Mikey ret'd home dad found help to care for Mikey while Samba worked at some "piece work".
Samba is a trained driver and has decided since he no longer has a wife that he'll not take jobs that take him out of country. He needs to be at home for his children. His daughter recently finished grade 7 and she has maintained being in the top of her class for many years.
As well, she's responsible for most of the cooking nowadays and other chores!
Samba has also decided not to remarry as he knows the wife will not be loyal to his children. He wants them to grow up secure in his love.
Mikey is very bright, but his speech is poor. We consulted some special ed teachers at St. Mulumba school close by and they've advised that Samba contact UTH for Mikey to get a full investigation.
We shall follow!
Follow up home visit to Chipo and Chabota's family
On November 27 we visited twins Chipo and Chabota. They went home to be with their father and his new wife on June 17 - at age 16 months.
The twins have adjusted and bonded well with their new mom - but since she is their mother's aunty, she really wasn't new at all and because she's a blood relative she is genuinely caring.
Looking closely, you can see that neither twin is too happy. That can happen when you've been wakened from a nice afternoon nap to see two very strange makuwa faces! They were clinging closely to their parents! The other lady in the picture is the other sister to the twin's deceased mother. The little boy is Chipo and Chabota's 3 year old brother.
We found the twins sleepy, but dressed to the nines in their matching recently purchased by family, frilly dresses. The household is typical rural - grass thatched home-made brick small sleeping structure, open kitchen, skinny dogs, chickens running around, no electricity, no running water. The dad, Henry does "piece work" by laying brick sometimes and he grows maize. Many family members live nearby.
While there we were treated very graciously and hospitably. Henry's brother arrived with a small roughly made table and samp was served!
Just less than 1 km. away is Macha Hospital with a nursing school, almost the best mosquito research in southern Africa, an airstrip for emergency medical use, and one of the best computer systems around. But...for these guys - they have little work and no conveniences. Systems are just not working so well, are they?
What they have for their family is genuine love and care. And...they have better access to medical help than any of the other babies that have been recently released. They also have good family values and are closely connected to their church.
The twins have adjusted and bonded well with their new mom - but since she is their mother's aunty, she really wasn't new at all and because she's a blood relative she is genuinely caring.
Looking closely, you can see that neither twin is too happy. That can happen when you've been wakened from a nice afternoon nap to see two very strange makuwa faces! They were clinging closely to their parents! The other lady in the picture is the other sister to the twin's deceased mother. The little boy is Chipo and Chabota's 3 year old brother.
We found the twins sleepy, but dressed to the nines in their matching recently purchased by family, frilly dresses. The household is typical rural - grass thatched home-made brick small sleeping structure, open kitchen, skinny dogs, chickens running around, no electricity, no running water. The dad, Henry does "piece work" by laying brick sometimes and he grows maize. Many family members live nearby.
While there we were treated very graciously and hospitably. Henry's brother arrived with a small roughly made table and samp was served!
Just less than 1 km. away is Macha Hospital with a nursing school, almost the best mosquito research in southern Africa, an airstrip for emergency medical use, and one of the best computer systems around. But...for these guys - they have little work and no conveniences. Systems are just not working so well, are they?
What they have for their family is genuine love and care. And...they have better access to medical help than any of the other babies that have been recently released. They also have good family values and are closely connected to their church.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Mapenzi at home
She's at home in her home! There are no walls, screen doors, or windows. No colorful, fancy toys....and probably the only story book she has is the one sent with her last week.
But she's a happy gal - pigs and dogs lazing in the warm ground, chicken pecking at leftover nsima and whatever! Goats milling round the open kitchen shelter, lots of kids to play with, interesting rocks and sticks to pick up and put in the mouth, etc.
We watched closely as Mapenzi motored around the dog - almost stepping on his/her ears while it was sleeping, messing with the ground nuts the ladies were shelling and bringing a few to us every couple of seconds....
This is village life - challenges, foibles....and this is family....the blessing of God!
But she's a happy gal - pigs and dogs lazing in the warm ground, chicken pecking at leftover nsima and whatever! Goats milling round the open kitchen shelter, lots of kids to play with, interesting rocks and sticks to pick up and put in the mouth, etc.
We watched closely as Mapenzi motored around the dog - almost stepping on his/her ears while it was sleeping, messing with the ground nuts the ladies were shelling and bringing a few to us every couple of seconds....
This is village life - challenges, foibles....and this is family....the blessing of God!
Home visit to Mapenzi's one week after!
We were greeted by Mapenzi's family as well as the local church for this home visit.
It's now been just over a week since Mapenzi left. She's already adjusting just fine, as are the family.
Anith, paternal aunty, admits she's been running to keep up with Mapenzi - as Mapenzi is a busy little one. We sort of apologized for not training Mapenzi to be quieter :)
What resources does this $2.00/day family have?
Pigs, cows, goats, chickens, gineau fowl, fields, plenty of energy, strong family ties, a concerned church body....Among their challenges: Macha clinic, their closest health center, is FAR - they request a bicycle! (Bicycles by the tree belong to the other church members), government systems to support them are sparse and difficult to access, rural development is difficult and so far behind.
Continue to pray for Mapenzi and this family! They need our prayerful support!
It's now been just over a week since Mapenzi left. She's already adjusting just fine, as are the family.
Anith, paternal aunty, admits she's been running to keep up with Mapenzi - as Mapenzi is a busy little one. We sort of apologized for not training Mapenzi to be quieter :)
What resources does this $2.00/day family have?
Pigs, cows, goats, chickens, gineau fowl, fields, plenty of energy, strong family ties, a concerned church body....Among their challenges: Macha clinic, their closest health center, is FAR - they request a bicycle! (Bicycles by the tree belong to the other church members), government systems to support them are sparse and difficult to access, rural development is difficult and so far behind.
Continue to pray for Mapenzi and this family! They need our prayerful support!
First hand knowledge
The visit to Chipo and Chabota's household - about 2 hours from here, in the bush, but not far from Macha was very satisfying!
These twins, now 21 months are doing very fine. They are cared for by a loving family, which here in Zambia means also a loving extended family.
The twin's mom had died shortly after childbirth and the maternal aunty (Gertrude)'s husband had also died around the same time. So...the two of them are now married, "according to traditional" ways and these babies are well cared for. 4 year old brother, Givus is happy to have these sweet girls home! They were dressed in their finest for the visit.
And they cried most of the visit time b/c they were wakened so they could see us - sorry, wee ones!
Lydia, also in the photo, is the older sister to Gertrude. She lives nearby and is also active in the children's life.
Financially, this family has very little, being a $2.00 a day" family. But....as a team they will provide security and a strong foundaion for their children and they have some good resources nearby. Clean water, probably the best health service in southern province, nearby schools, supportive churches....They will be okay. They will have a strong foundation to build on.
Home visits give us first hand knowledge of a few things:
Families in extreme poverty can and want to care for their kids, extreme poverty is painful - but many have much resilience and fortitude. The government incapabilites are hugely evident as you travel further into the bush.......
We always end our visits in prayer - for the family and for the children.....Do they have needs? many - one is full time work for dad. He only has "piece work" as a bricklayer. Why not add this family to your prayer list?
Have you ordered "Helping without hurting" yet?
These twins, now 21 months are doing very fine. They are cared for by a loving family, which here in Zambia means also a loving extended family.
The twin's mom had died shortly after childbirth and the maternal aunty (Gertrude)'s husband had also died around the same time. So...the two of them are now married, "according to traditional" ways and these babies are well cared for. 4 year old brother, Givus is happy to have these sweet girls home! They were dressed in their finest for the visit.
And they cried most of the visit time b/c they were wakened so they could see us - sorry, wee ones!
Lydia, also in the photo, is the older sister to Gertrude. She lives nearby and is also active in the children's life.
Financially, this family has very little, being a $2.00 a day" family. But....as a team they will provide security and a strong foundaion for their children and they have some good resources nearby. Clean water, probably the best health service in southern province, nearby schools, supportive churches....They will be okay. They will have a strong foundation to build on.
Home visits give us first hand knowledge of a few things:
Families in extreme poverty can and want to care for their kids, extreme poverty is painful - but many have much resilience and fortitude. The government incapabilites are hugely evident as you travel further into the bush.......
We always end our visits in prayer - for the family and for the children.....Do they have needs? many - one is full time work for dad. He only has "piece work" as a bricklayer. Why not add this family to your prayer list?
Have you ordered "Helping without hurting" yet?
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
The race!
Its not all work, sometimes we play. We have to play!!
After several scorching weeks and the brains of most of us almost frying up, the rains have finally started - last week we rec'd about 38 mm. The temperatures have come down a few degrees, but today it looks like we're back to possibly mid-30's.
We were telling bike crashin' stories the other night and that spurred Memory to challenge her dad, Wilson Siazilo, to a bike race.
As well, the Siazilo bikes had all been repaired so she was EAGER to test it out and challenge dad!
So..the idea grew and we all joined in the 6 km. race - Holy, Sue, Memory, Osco, Wilson, Willie, Memory and at the end ...David Kashakele (visiting with his family from Kanhele for the week-end!).
Willie's bike broke down about 1/3 of the way, so he and traded and I got a gonger of a bike and so cheating, I headed back to come in first! But.....Holy was the real 1st and Memory, coming in #6, beat last place Wilson :)
Everyone cheered as Memory came panting up the driveway after the 6 km mini-marathon!
Prizes were: whatever # you came in is how many mangoes you got! Memory got 6, I got one!
Good work Memory!
After several scorching weeks and the brains of most of us almost frying up, the rains have finally started - last week we rec'd about 38 mm. The temperatures have come down a few degrees, but today it looks like we're back to possibly mid-30's.
We were telling bike crashin' stories the other night and that spurred Memory to challenge her dad, Wilson Siazilo, to a bike race.
As well, the Siazilo bikes had all been repaired so she was EAGER to test it out and challenge dad!
So..the idea grew and we all joined in the 6 km. race - Holy, Sue, Memory, Osco, Wilson, Willie, Memory and at the end ...David Kashakele (visiting with his family from Kanhele for the week-end!).
Willie's bike broke down about 1/3 of the way, so he and traded and I got a gonger of a bike and so cheating, I headed back to come in first! But.....Holy was the real 1st and Memory, coming in #6, beat last place Wilson :)
Everyone cheered as Memory came panting up the driveway after the 6 km mini-marathon!
Prizes were: whatever # you came in is how many mangoes you got! Memory got 6, I got one!
Good work Memory!
Osco is a Social Worker, recently completing at UNZA. He's been a ZMF-C sponsored student since grade 11.
UNZA graduation takes place December 20 and that day will mark his official time to start applying for "real jobs" with either the government or an NGO.
Until then he is assisting ZMF-C with home visits, counselling to school pupils at Siabalumbi, Nalabumba and to sponsored students.
He's been facilitating "Aunty Stella" at the 2 schools and also now he and I have been teaching the UN convention of child rights with the grade 8's at the 2 schools.
He's also been able to provide counsel for some staff and as well, he and I go to Kalomo Hospital to provide some support and we interview various NGO's in town to see what services they provide, who provides the funding and we ask how we can connect their resource to our discharged babies in the way far out villages.
It has been great to have Osco's professional services. And its great to see that soon he'll be able to support himself as well as assist many of his siblings with school fees. He comes from a polygamy family where there are 19 children!
So...thanks to those who've sponsored Osco and thanks for continuing to support ZMF-C projects which add up to strengthening families! You make a difference.
And thanks to our God who provides much - physically, mentally and spiritually!
For those who are interested in faith based best practice development work please add reading "When Helping Hurts" to your reading list and try to attend their workshop in Vancouver in January 2014.
We are attempting to apply many of those concepts to this work to work towards sustainable and long term change.
UNZA graduation takes place December 20 and that day will mark his official time to start applying for "real jobs" with either the government or an NGO.
Until then he is assisting ZMF-C with home visits, counselling to school pupils at Siabalumbi, Nalabumba and to sponsored students.
He's been facilitating "Aunty Stella" at the 2 schools and also now he and I have been teaching the UN convention of child rights with the grade 8's at the 2 schools.
He's also been able to provide counsel for some staff and as well, he and I go to Kalomo Hospital to provide some support and we interview various NGO's in town to see what services they provide, who provides the funding and we ask how we can connect their resource to our discharged babies in the way far out villages.
It has been great to have Osco's professional services. And its great to see that soon he'll be able to support himself as well as assist many of his siblings with school fees. He comes from a polygamy family where there are 19 children!
So...thanks to those who've sponsored Osco and thanks for continuing to support ZMF-C projects which add up to strengthening families! You make a difference.
And thanks to our God who provides much - physically, mentally and spiritually!
For those who are interested in faith based best practice development work please add reading "When Helping Hurts" to your reading list and try to attend their workshop in Vancouver in January 2014.
We are attempting to apply many of those concepts to this work to work towards sustainable and long term change.
Milk program
Our monthly milk program takes place every 3rd monday of the month. Numbers fluctuate and those who come appreciate the donation and support received from ZMF-C.
This lady is not receiving milk formula. Instead, ZMF-C is providing counsel and encouragement.
Joy...has recently had twins and almost going crazy with 2 crying wee babies and 3 others and no help. I'd have been long time ago crazy! She was asking for milk. Both babies were physically okay, but the 1st born was small and not gaining much.
Counselling was given to put that baby first to breast and then the other and and to attempt to feed both babies one after the other instead of being on demand every 2 hours, 24 hours a day.
It seems to be working baby # 1 is gaining.
As well, we spoke to neighbours and asked them why they were not helping Joy in terms of any assistance that they could render. This woman was exhausted and frustrated. Even her husband came to me twice looking for help thinking milk formula would be the answer. No, breast is best. Both husband and wife are healthy and they are surrounded by neighbours who are Christians.
Babies now come for weekly weights and both are gaining and although they are still quite demanding the support is at least boosting Joy...'s morale. Baby # 1 is now gaining as steadily as #2!
Yes, we have a milk program - but its much more than handing out cans of formula milk.
Also, each time she comes we share our chibwantu with her and the other kid's play a bit with our babies!
This lady is not receiving milk formula. Instead, ZMF-C is providing counsel and encouragement.
Joy...has recently had twins and almost going crazy with 2 crying wee babies and 3 others and no help. I'd have been long time ago crazy! She was asking for milk. Both babies were physically okay, but the 1st born was small and not gaining much.
Counselling was given to put that baby first to breast and then the other and and to attempt to feed both babies one after the other instead of being on demand every 2 hours, 24 hours a day.
It seems to be working baby # 1 is gaining.
As well, we spoke to neighbours and asked them why they were not helping Joy in terms of any assistance that they could render. This woman was exhausted and frustrated. Even her husband came to me twice looking for help thinking milk formula would be the answer. No, breast is best. Both husband and wife are healthy and they are surrounded by neighbours who are Christians.
Babies now come for weekly weights and both are gaining and although they are still quite demanding the support is at least boosting Joy...'s morale. Baby # 1 is now gaining as steadily as #2!
Yes, we have a milk program - but its much more than handing out cans of formula milk.
Also, each time she comes we share our chibwantu with her and the other kid's play a bit with our babies!
Mapenzi goes home
After a few visits to Mapanza, near Mapenzi's aunty's village, 14 month old Mapenzi returned to be with her family.
Planning for re-unification with family can certainly be complicated and takes much time and fuel.
What makes it complicated:
already crowded families, polygamy, poverty ++, sickness of key relatives, no/little support in the community as in a functional social welfare system, or other helpful resources. We find that the more rural the situation is and the less education the family has the less willing the family is to take back the child.
So, what do we do? We visit with family in the village to get to know them, to teach them about how important family and culture is to child development. We attempt to assess their strengths, their assets, their needs, the community resources, so that when baby returns they have a higher possibility of survival.
What do family want, why would they want to leave a child any longer in an orphan home - even an orphan home where they almost receive 1:1 care? Some are looking for longer term care - so that the child can get education, up to grade 12 and beyond. And there are other things that I'll let you discover that they're looking for. Look up Firelight's foundation: "From faith to action" or Better Care Networks: "Families not orphanages".
Some of what families fear is that they'll not be able to care for "one more child".
We attempt to connect village church leaders with families as there are churches in EVERY community, while ngo's and other helpful government systems are sparce and somewhat disconnected. Linkages between organizations is typically not a strong trait in developing nations.
Today, we'll visit Mapenzi at her village home and also will visit recently discharged Chipo and Chabota as well as see another orphan home in the same area.
Thanks for all your support. Our work is with families, churches, communities....so that baby can get the maximum opportunity for overall healthy development despite all the challenges that this developing nation faces.
Planning for re-unification with family can certainly be complicated and takes much time and fuel.
What makes it complicated:
already crowded families, polygamy, poverty ++, sickness of key relatives, no/little support in the community as in a functional social welfare system, or other helpful resources. We find that the more rural the situation is and the less education the family has the less willing the family is to take back the child.
So, what do we do? We visit with family in the village to get to know them, to teach them about how important family and culture is to child development. We attempt to assess their strengths, their assets, their needs, the community resources, so that when baby returns they have a higher possibility of survival.
What do family want, why would they want to leave a child any longer in an orphan home - even an orphan home where they almost receive 1:1 care? Some are looking for longer term care - so that the child can get education, up to grade 12 and beyond. And there are other things that I'll let you discover that they're looking for. Look up Firelight's foundation: "From faith to action" or Better Care Networks: "Families not orphanages".
Some of what families fear is that they'll not be able to care for "one more child".
We attempt to connect village church leaders with families as there are churches in EVERY community, while ngo's and other helpful government systems are sparce and somewhat disconnected. Linkages between organizations is typically not a strong trait in developing nations.
Today, we'll visit Mapenzi at her village home and also will visit recently discharged Chipo and Chabota as well as see another orphan home in the same area.
Thanks for all your support. Our work is with families, churches, communities....so that baby can get the maximum opportunity for overall healthy development despite all the challenges that this developing nation faces.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Kasensa crew a few weeks back!
This was taken before Abigail and Rozina went home a couple of weeks ago.
A lot of our time is spent out in the community visiting with families and communities and working at connecting baby with family while also assessing community for other resources that will help to make caring for their wee one in a safe and healthy manner.
So, while our numbers of babies is lower, the work in the community is more.
We also spend time with local ngo's trying to assess what their purposes are and now....next step will be to get the ngo's together to share our purposes and see how we can link with one another as linkages here are generally weak and a bit discombobulated!
A few days we visited OVO in Choma. They're a group who work only in community assisting orphans and vulnerables - and mainly with paying school fees, but also in feeding programs and providing psycho-social counselling as many kids struggle with grief issues.
A lot of our time is spent out in the community visiting with families and communities and working at connecting baby with family while also assessing community for other resources that will help to make caring for their wee one in a safe and healthy manner.
So, while our numbers of babies is lower, the work in the community is more.
We also spend time with local ngo's trying to assess what their purposes are and now....next step will be to get the ngo's together to share our purposes and see how we can link with one another as linkages here are generally weak and a bit discombobulated!
A few days we visited OVO in Choma. They're a group who work only in community assisting orphans and vulnerables - and mainly with paying school fees, but also in feeding programs and providing psycho-social counselling as many kids struggle with grief issues.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Dance for them!
It's celebration time when the child has finished writing the grade 7 exams, even long before the exam results are known. Just completing is an achievement.
Gifts of biscuits, money, shirts, etc. come out of the dark and as the child's name is called the grannies, aunties, community chairperson, teacher....jump out of their seats to dance and overload the child with praise!
But....not all kids have such great families....so a few of the kids receive little (but some teachers and good citizens notice and do provide something).
These great families are not rich...at all. Families in poverty can still be healthy - mentally, socially and spiritually! They are functional, we'd say in the Canadian culture and blessed we'd say in Christian terminology.
These families would likely survive the worst of situations - i.e. drought. They can problem solve.
ZMF-C assists kids at Siabalumbi and Nalabumba Basic Schools. Pre-school through to grade 9. ZMF-C also assists to pay teacher salaries at these schools as well as Good Hope School.
Thanks for making a BIG difference to these kids! You can dance for them!!
Gifts of biscuits, money, shirts, etc. come out of the dark and as the child's name is called the grannies, aunties, community chairperson, teacher....jump out of their seats to dance and overload the child with praise!
But....not all kids have such great families....so a few of the kids receive little (but some teachers and good citizens notice and do provide something).
These great families are not rich...at all. Families in poverty can still be healthy - mentally, socially and spiritually! They are functional, we'd say in the Canadian culture and blessed we'd say in Christian terminology.
These families would likely survive the worst of situations - i.e. drought. They can problem solve.
ZMF-C assists kids at Siabalumbi and Nalabumba Basic Schools. Pre-school through to grade 9. ZMF-C also assists to pay teacher salaries at these schools as well as Good Hope School.
Thanks for making a BIG difference to these kids! You can dance for them!!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Kalomo High School gr. 12 "graduation" party for sponsored students
On Friday, Ruhtt and Shepherd organized a party for the ZMF-C sponsored students. They were treated to a fantastic chicken dinner and awarded prizes for great academic and moral achievements.
The deputy head teacher and another staff member attended and expressed their gratitude of ZMF-C working with Kalomo High School.
They especially noted the great work of Mrs. Mbumwae, the coordinator, for her excellence towards academic achievements!
The deputy head teacher and another staff member attended and expressed their gratitude of ZMF-C working with Kalomo High School.
They especially noted the great work of Mrs. Mbumwae, the coordinator, for her excellence towards academic achievements!
Independence Day 2013
Lillian, Mandalena, Fanwell, Emmah, Vigness |
Monday, October 28, 2013
A gift to Kasensa for looking after Mapenzi
Mapenzi's aunty Jennifer presented ZMF-C, Kasensa with this basket made by Mapenzi's maternal granny!
The family appreciates the care that Kasensa has provided.
Granny is an artist! I've asked that the family bring many more baskets and because Kasensa is closer to the tarmac where more folks with more money live and where more non-Zambian visitors come we will sell them for her.
Anyone want a basket or a tray? Put your order in now!
The family appreciates the care that Kasensa has provided.
Granny is an artist! I've asked that the family bring many more baskets and because Kasensa is closer to the tarmac where more folks with more money live and where more non-Zambian visitors come we will sell them for her.
Anyone want a basket or a tray? Put your order in now!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
The rain contest! October 23
We've been waiting! It's been hot! Weeks of 35 - 40 celsius and we are a landlocked country, so there is no nice ocean coolness. Some of us go almost crazy! Some of us are there even in the cool weather...:)
So...to loosen up tension that can be caused from too much heat - I run a "guess when the rains will start" contest.
On the white board each of us announces our best guess.
The white board was completely filled - no one, not even Fanwell or Emmah misses out on this opportunity - even though these 4 month old wee ones will not partake of the chocolate cake!
This year Mandalena was the winner. She took the cake home and her family all danced!
And, for us here who "lost" we still ate cake as its not much fun being a loser in the chocolate cake contest.
By the way, we rec'd 5 mm and Lusaka had about 4 times that much....but all is okay - we enjoyed and rejoiced.
God is in control and as always is reliable. The rains are coming....
So...to loosen up tension that can be caused from too much heat - I run a "guess when the rains will start" contest.
On the white board each of us announces our best guess.
The white board was completely filled - no one, not even Fanwell or Emmah misses out on this opportunity - even though these 4 month old wee ones will not partake of the chocolate cake!
This year Mandalena was the winner. She took the cake home and her family all danced!
And, for us here who "lost" we still ate cake as its not much fun being a loser in the chocolate cake contest.
By the way, we rec'd 5 mm and Lusaka had about 4 times that much....but all is okay - we enjoyed and rejoiced.
God is in control and as always is reliable. The rains are coming....
Mapanza village - home visit #2 for Mapenzi
Friday saw us at Mapanza along with both sides of Mapenzi's family.
After some interesting conversation there was unity in the decision that Mapenzi should grow up at her father's household.
Dad is 32 years old, has 2 remaining wives and 6 children under the age of 7. Granny lives in the same "household" (consists of a hut for each wife and one a distance away for granny). Granny will be the main caregiver. She is 4 years older than me....
Starting with a prayer, Osco, our ZMF-C social worker, green shirt, facilitated along with Richard and I to achieve some consensus keeping in mind Mapenzi's immediate and longer term development.
Single or double orphans are at much higher risk for neglect, abuse and other deadly effects.
Family will come when aunty feels healthy enough to make the trip - maybe in a couple of weeks.
Keep praying for these village kids. The risks are high that they will not survive until their 5th birthday.
PS - we are grateful +++ to donors as fuel to make these important family visits is very expensive. But....the kids need to be with family. As well, we arrange for Osco to make follow-up visits as the social welfare system is under resourced. We - all of us - donors included - have invested much into Mapenzi's beginnings. Let's continue...
After some interesting conversation there was unity in the decision that Mapenzi should grow up at her father's household.
Dad is 32 years old, has 2 remaining wives and 6 children under the age of 7. Granny lives in the same "household" (consists of a hut for each wife and one a distance away for granny). Granny will be the main caregiver. She is 4 years older than me....
Starting with a prayer, Osco, our ZMF-C social worker, green shirt, facilitated along with Richard and I to achieve some consensus keeping in mind Mapenzi's immediate and longer term development.
Single or double orphans are at much higher risk for neglect, abuse and other deadly effects.
Family will come when aunty feels healthy enough to make the trip - maybe in a couple of weeks.
Keep praying for these village kids. The risks are high that they will not survive until their 5th birthday.
PS - we are grateful +++ to donors as fuel to make these important family visits is very expensive. But....the kids need to be with family. As well, we arrange for Osco to make follow-up visits as the social welfare system is under resourced. We - all of us - donors included - have invested much into Mapenzi's beginnings. Let's continue...
Friday, October 25, 2013
Kalomo High church
We worshipped a few sundays ago with the Kalomo High School kids. These are only the ZMF-C sponsored kids.
They do the whole service. Preach, sing, teach, communion, choir.....
We are always inspired and amazed!
Kid Power!
Its 06:50 - Walking a couple of km., Lastone, a grade 8 students, has just brought me a gift of masuku! maninge masuku! His family are showing thanks after I noticed Lastone's young brother having a serious eye infection. They've gone to the clinic, rec'd medicine and also we've taken steps to get the borehole back to working order.
The infection has been off and on for several years. If the infection persists he'll be referred to Zimba eye clinic about 50 km. down the road.
I filled Lastone's bucket with fresh avacado from his tree and he also gave me a mauwee - a very hard shelled fruit on the outside with kind of slimy, bitter fruit on the inside. All "natural". Some people call the fruit monkey brains b/c it resembles brain segments inside. Lovely! So sweet of this family.
Showing appreciation is healthy for the soul - another proverb!
They do the whole service. Preach, sing, teach, communion, choir.....
We are always inspired and amazed!
Kid Power!
Its 06:50 - Walking a couple of km., Lastone, a grade 8 students, has just brought me a gift of masuku! maninge masuku! His family are showing thanks after I noticed Lastone's young brother having a serious eye infection. They've gone to the clinic, rec'd medicine and also we've taken steps to get the borehole back to working order.
The infection has been off and on for several years. If the infection persists he'll be referred to Zimba eye clinic about 50 km. down the road.
I filled Lastone's bucket with fresh avacado from his tree and he also gave me a mauwee - a very hard shelled fruit on the outside with kind of slimy, bitter fruit on the inside. All "natural". Some people call the fruit monkey brains b/c it resembles brain segments inside. Lovely! So sweet of this family.
Showing appreciation is healthy for the soul - another proverb!
Heintz Mueller retires at age 90
Heintz and Ruth are truly inspirational - in their faith, in their marriage and in their service to God.
They came from Germany many years ago to be with their son Klause and daughter - in - law and their 3 g/children in Zambia. They live on the next farm, Twin Fountains where Klaus, for many years has run an agriculture school.
Heintz was very interested in seeing that the school nearby was functioning - in all aspects - but most importantly spiritually. He wanted the teachers and children to be able to read, write, and mostly, to know Jesus.
He has worked hard - along with several staff and people on the that farm and with the Government.
We were invited to celebrate Heintz's hard work and his retirement.
There were speeches and of course, the great lunch provided by the very able Good Hope teachers and students!
Thanks Heintz and Ruth for your great examples - we are blessed!
They came from Germany many years ago to be with their son Klause and daughter - in - law and their 3 g/children in Zambia. They live on the next farm, Twin Fountains where Klaus, for many years has run an agriculture school.
Heintz was very interested in seeing that the school nearby was functioning - in all aspects - but most importantly spiritually. He wanted the teachers and children to be able to read, write, and mostly, to know Jesus.
He has worked hard - along with several staff and people on the that farm and with the Government.
We were invited to celebrate Heintz's hard work and his retirement.
There were speeches and of course, the great lunch provided by the very able Good Hope teachers and students!
Thanks Heintz and Ruth for your great examples - we are blessed!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Alberta visitors
We were blessed to have Kelli, Jason and Leith from Edmonton stay with us last weekend!
We had taken a day off and camped at Maramba in L'stone. Richard spotted their red on white vehicle licence plate "wild rose country". Wow, that's interesting.
They'd shipped their vehicle over, purchased a camper outfit in Cape Town and Jason, the engineer, jazzed up the outfit to work in as many conveniences *using 110 Canadian electrical stuff brought from Canada.
Kelli and Jason took us up on our invite to see the "real Africa". They've taken a year off from work to see Africa and will ship their vehicle and camper back to Canada when they're finished.
They pitched in wholeheartedly playing with babies, Jason "fixing" our one washing machine, and a few other odds and ends, and visiting with our Saturday sponsored kids. We had fun and really enjoyed getting to know this adventuresome young couple. Leith played all day with Willie Siazilo - language barriers don't exist between kids!
Travel well friends!
And new friends are always welcome!
We had taken a day off and camped at Maramba in L'stone. Richard spotted their red on white vehicle licence plate "wild rose country". Wow, that's interesting.
They'd shipped their vehicle over, purchased a camper outfit in Cape Town and Jason, the engineer, jazzed up the outfit to work in as many conveniences *using 110 Canadian electrical stuff brought from Canada.
Kelli and Jason took us up on our invite to see the "real Africa". They've taken a year off from work to see Africa and will ship their vehicle and camper back to Canada when they're finished.
They pitched in wholeheartedly playing with babies, Jason "fixing" our one washing machine, and a few other odds and ends, and visiting with our Saturday sponsored kids. We had fun and really enjoyed getting to know this adventuresome young couple. Leith played all day with Willie Siazilo - language barriers don't exist between kids!
Travel well friends!
And new friends are always welcome!
Planning for Rozina
Many meetings have taken place to work out a reunification plan for Rozina. And even though she left earlier this week to be with her 75 year old granny we are not finished our work.
Osco will visit next week over a few days to see how they are managing, to identify other church and community supports and resources for them and then together we'll all work at attempting to continue to create a safe and healthy environment for Rozina, at least as safe and as healthy as our human eyes can construct. We will continue to pray for that family - and we ask that you as well join us in that.
Osco will visit next week over a few days to see how they are managing, to identify other church and community supports and resources for them and then together we'll all work at attempting to continue to create a safe and healthy environment for Rozina, at least as safe and as healthy as our human eyes can construct. We will continue to pray for that family - and we ask that you as well join us in that.
Finn Ellis
Thought since I posted our most recent grandson, that I should start posting the other guys....:)
Finn is now 9 months old and his parents say he is trying to stand up. Such a clever boy! And so handsome!
We've been reading, praying and chuckling sometimes at our journey through proverbs.
Here's one for today: Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what today will bring - 27:1
And my morning thinking and praying on these 4 wee ones is: brag instead about my grandsons, now that is acceptable!
Thank you God for these wonderful little guys, their smiles, and the joy they bring to all of us. You, God are so wise that you bless us with everyday sources of joy in these wee ones!
Finn is now 9 months old and his parents say he is trying to stand up. Such a clever boy! And so handsome!
We've been reading, praying and chuckling sometimes at our journey through proverbs.
Here's one for today: Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what today will bring - 27:1
And my morning thinking and praying on these 4 wee ones is: brag instead about my grandsons, now that is acceptable!
Thank you God for these wonderful little guys, their smiles, and the joy they bring to all of us. You, God are so wise that you bless us with everyday sources of joy in these wee ones!
Mapenzi's home situation
Re-integration of baby with family is a time consuming and complex process. But, with the help of Osco, our recent UNZA Social Work graduate maybe the outcomes will be a bit more promising.
Rural Zambia still has many problems. Mapenzi - is tonga for problems.
Just a bit of background information:
Zambia has a large child population. Approximately, 45% of the Zambian population is under 15 years old. (old stats, but for now.....its what is at my finger tips. I'll update when I'm able - this morning, while attempting to do this one blog, electricity has gone off 3 times. We were without internet for 6 days last week! If anyone can send me recent stats I'd be grateful!)
As far as I can see through the home visits and volunteering in Zambia for the past few years I see no strategic, coherent national action plan to address the many issues of the well being of Zambian children. Although, recently, I've been excited to find "Childline" on the internet, but am unable to connect with them via e-mail....the site won't allow my e-mail address.
Mapenzi is 14 months old and has been at Kasensa since shortly after her birth. Her mother collapsed and died a week after birthing Mapenzi. Mapenzi is bright, alert, is walking and now talking a few words. She really seems to love Osco!
Mapenzi comes from an all too typical rural situation. Polygamy family, 7 children under 8 years old, and one boy is 12 years old. Altogether, 3 wives have been involved in the children. One wife, Mapenzi's mom is no longer alive.
Factors that make reunification a challenge - the age of the parents (all below 35 years), lack of education for all the adults (gr. 9 or less), many young children to care for, somewhat disorganized household, apparent lack of connection with spiritual resources, ? relationship with Mapenzi's side of the family - yet to be investigated (tomorrow!) and in general this family is one of those families of below $2.00 per day - "poverty".
In Zambia approximately 70% of families are classified as poor. Poverty reduces the household's and community's capacity to care for their young. Increased poverty predisposes children to many vices, which may threaten their survival, development and protection. Some vices: neglect, malnutrition, lack of education, increased exposure to HIV and TB and other potentially fatal diseases.
As well, one out of 6 babies in Zambia will die before their 5th birthday. This is an under five mortality rate of 168 deaths per 1,000 births.
And....more than 1/2 of the deaths occur before the first birthday. Mapenzi is only 14 months old.
And....infant mortality is higher in urban than rural areas. As well, maternal education is strongly correlated with childhood mortality.
As well, in situations such as Mapenzi - if the child is not the natural child of one of the wives there is potential for reduced care (maybe even not intentionally) in the physical, mental, social, spiritual areas and the outcomes for that could be quite difficult for Mapenzi manifesting in early pregnancy, reduced school attendance...and many psycho-social challenges.
Factors favoring reunification is that the father has 8 cattle and dad wants Mapenzi to stay with them. They live about 5 km. from the nearest health clinic and not too far from the school and chief's palace. They are a welcoming and hospitable family.
Osco and I are developing risk factors for releasing the child and this one is rating at a medium risk. We have 2 children that we are rating at high risk, 2 at medium, 1 at a low risk and one, we are not really sure, but will keep doing home visits until we know what is happening.
Once the risk level is determined, then we are setting plans together with the family to attempt to strengthen the capacity of the family.
Tomorrow, we will visit the mother's side of the family for their ideas of a safe and as healthy as possible discharge plan.
As well, we hope to visit another orphan home that is close by as well as a Catholic organizations who care for vulnerables within their own communities.
You might wonder why we as ZMF-C is doing any of this reunification process at all.
ZMF-C has been licensed by the Zambian Government to operate Kasensa, a small temporary, emergency facility for orphans. We emphasize working with the families to work towards a speedy and safe reunification process with the philosophy that family is the best place for a child.
The Kalomo district has 2 social workers and this seems typical to other districts. They do not have the capacity to care for the huge numbers of orphans and vulnerables. The Minimum Standards document for care of children in facilities such as Kasensa states the facility care workers will work (along with Social Welfare) to reunify and connect child and family.
We meet regularly with Social Welfare and will have a collective meeting along with another orphan home in November sometime (date not yet officially set) to further discuss our roles and our challenges. We will continue to ask for support and direction and we will further plan on interventions that can help, but not take away the government's responsibility to their children.
Please continue to pray with us for clear direction on ways to support these children and their families and to do it in a way that glorifies our God.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Emmah's home visit
Rather a shady photo - so the images aren't as clear as could be....but maybe shade is a good thing to show! Its a good thing to feel when temps are nearly 40 degrees c.
Sitting under the 2 small mango trees are Emmah's grandfather (white shirt) and 3 of Emmah's sibs - all little girls. As well, Patrick (Siabalumbi Bible teacher) and Richard and a few other uncles (or cousins..) Patrick is from this area originally and also is the translator of culture and language for us!
Emmah's mom died shortly after childbirth. There are 5 sibs in all that stay with these grandparents. The plan for Emmah, now 3 months, is to stay with another aunty and uncle who live very nearby. She will return to them once we are able to get the BCG and OPV vaccinations. The country has not had any since just before Emmah was born.
Sitting under the 2 small mango trees are Emmah's grandfather (white shirt) and 3 of Emmah's sibs - all little girls. As well, Patrick (Siabalumbi Bible teacher) and Richard and a few other uncles (or cousins..) Patrick is from this area originally and also is the translator of culture and language for us!
Emmah's mom died shortly after childbirth. There are 5 sibs in all that stay with these grandparents. The plan for Emmah, now 3 months, is to stay with another aunty and uncle who live very nearby. She will return to them once we are able to get the BCG and OPV vaccinations. The country has not had any since just before Emmah was born.
Thankful for beautiful sunset over the Zambezi
And we're grateful for eyes to see the colors of the sky as the sunsets over the Zambezi.
****note - this is not our everyday view although our everyday view is pretty great!
After travelling many more kilometres visiting Rozina and Emmah's family we stayed overnight in L'stone as it is only about 20 km. from Senkobo.
****note - this is not our everyday view although our everyday view is pretty great!
After travelling many more kilometres visiting Rozina and Emmah's family we stayed overnight in L'stone as it is only about 20 km. from Senkobo.
Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for green and ....
Despite no rain for almost 6 months there are many green trees. It doesn't compute in my brain....but this is how it is. The mangoes are getting bigger each day - with no tree watering!
Proud of green in Saskatchewan, but very grateful of green in Zambia at this time of very hot, dry weather!
Thankful for......green - in the trees, in the brightly colored chitenges....for families who care, for a vehicle that travels well on dust and sand roads, for birds who sing not seeming to mind the heat, for Zambian hospitality in middle of almost nowhere, for clean water to drink, for the clouds that are gathering daily, for cooler mornings and evenings, for the southern skies which are so fun to watch and try to pick out the names of various stars (we're not so good at it...but we have a book!).....and for our children, their spouses and our 3 sweet grandsons in Canada (and one who is supposed to be born today!) We are blessed by their lives. Thank you God!
Enjoy your Thanksgiving together!
Notice the little boy's bright green boots - he'll be ready when those clouds finally burst!
Photo taken at Mapenzi's household.
Proud of green in Saskatchewan, but very grateful of green in Zambia at this time of very hot, dry weather!
Thankful for......green - in the trees, in the brightly colored chitenges....for families who care, for a vehicle that travels well on dust and sand roads, for birds who sing not seeming to mind the heat, for Zambian hospitality in middle of almost nowhere, for clean water to drink, for the clouds that are gathering daily, for cooler mornings and evenings, for the southern skies which are so fun to watch and try to pick out the names of various stars (we're not so good at it...but we have a book!).....and for our children, their spouses and our 3 sweet grandsons in Canada (and one who is supposed to be born today!) We are blessed by their lives. Thank you God!
Enjoy your Thanksgiving together!
Notice the little boy's bright green boots - he'll be ready when those clouds finally burst!
Photo taken at Mapenzi's household.
Home Visits
This past week we've visited the families of 3 of our Kasensa babies.
Monday we visited Mapenzi's family at a village about an hour's dust road (?!) off the tarmac near Macha. You can find Macha just off the tarmac road about 45 minutes away from Choma and Choma is a tarmac drive about 45 minutes away from Kasensa.
We travelled well, piecing our way to the household of Mapenzi's father, his 2 wives and their 7 young children. (from 1 - 12 years old). After the visit we were honored to dine on fried village chicken and nsima.
I had pictures of Mapenzi on the camera and that was a big hit! She is walking nowadays and has a great smile and has gotten into shrieking, just to get all of us looking! Which we do! And then have to smile back!
There is a clinic and school nearby as well Chief Chikanta's palace is very near. This chief is well known in Zambia for being concerned and progressive with his people.
Mapenzi's dad has a few cattle and the paternal grandmother lives very near the household, but we didn't manage to see her.
Mapenzi's mother died during childbirth leaving behind a 12 year old and 3 other children. The 3 others stay with the mom's side of the family about an hour's drive away on the dust roads, closer to the Macha turn off at Mapanza. Initially, the aunty on that side of the family said they'd look after Mapenzi, so....we shall see this week who the actual caregivers will be. If its aunty on the mom's side then we'll drive to Mapanzi to visit there. It was getting dark by the time we left Mapenzi's dad's place - so couldn't manage that visit on Monday night.
Village life is quite different than Kasensa life - in terms of availability of fresh vegetables and access to water and even toilets. At Kasensa we have electricity (most of the time), running water and flush toilets, full gardens a few steps away full of fresh vegetables, an orchard full of various fruits - lemons, oranges, avacados, mangos, guavas, peaches(!!)....
But...what we don't have for babies is their own family. Family. Villages are full of families and extended families. I look around and see dry everything. Village life appears harsh - especially this time of year. The sun is burning up the earth here - in the bush it looks like nothing is growing! The cattle are skinny.
Osco, our SW graduate staying with us who accompanies us on the home visits assures us that what we see in the village is okay. Its how he grew up. Actually his polygamy family had 2 wives and 19 children plus dependents. He had to walk MANY kilometres to school. He is 25 years old. He did fairly well b/c his dad pushed the kids to attend school and because he later found sponsorship with ZMF-C to complete secondary school and then along with the government of Zambia bursaries, ZMF-C and his own determination he was able to recently complete his SW degree from UNZA.
Families ALWAYS express appreciation for ZMF-C and the staff who have taken care of their baby and we always continue to teach that the best place for the baby is within the family - and while sometimes not always readily received, we receive fair feedback on that philosophy.
The dad rode along with us for a fair part of the dust road journey to the tarmac and while riding along we were able to dialogue about Deuteronomy chapter 6 where God speaks to all of us about our responsibility that we have as parents - to care for our children spiritually - to teach them repeatedly....day and night .....about God and to obey Him.
So...how about re-reading Deuteronomy 6 and remind yourself what our jobs are as parents and grandparents. For grandparents.....notice that its our job to help our kids who are now adults in their role of teaching their own children.
So let's listen well and do the work we've been called to do....
Monday we visited Mapenzi's family at a village about an hour's dust road (?!) off the tarmac near Macha. You can find Macha just off the tarmac road about 45 minutes away from Choma and Choma is a tarmac drive about 45 minutes away from Kasensa.
We travelled well, piecing our way to the household of Mapenzi's father, his 2 wives and their 7 young children. (from 1 - 12 years old). After the visit we were honored to dine on fried village chicken and nsima.
I had pictures of Mapenzi on the camera and that was a big hit! She is walking nowadays and has a great smile and has gotten into shrieking, just to get all of us looking! Which we do! And then have to smile back!
There is a clinic and school nearby as well Chief Chikanta's palace is very near. This chief is well known in Zambia for being concerned and progressive with his people.
Mapenzi's dad has a few cattle and the paternal grandmother lives very near the household, but we didn't manage to see her.
Mapenzi's mother died during childbirth leaving behind a 12 year old and 3 other children. The 3 others stay with the mom's side of the family about an hour's drive away on the dust roads, closer to the Macha turn off at Mapanza. Initially, the aunty on that side of the family said they'd look after Mapenzi, so....we shall see this week who the actual caregivers will be. If its aunty on the mom's side then we'll drive to Mapanzi to visit there. It was getting dark by the time we left Mapenzi's dad's place - so couldn't manage that visit on Monday night.
Village life is quite different than Kasensa life - in terms of availability of fresh vegetables and access to water and even toilets. At Kasensa we have electricity (most of the time), running water and flush toilets, full gardens a few steps away full of fresh vegetables, an orchard full of various fruits - lemons, oranges, avacados, mangos, guavas, peaches(!!)....
But...what we don't have for babies is their own family. Family. Villages are full of families and extended families. I look around and see dry everything. Village life appears harsh - especially this time of year. The sun is burning up the earth here - in the bush it looks like nothing is growing! The cattle are skinny.
Osco, our SW graduate staying with us who accompanies us on the home visits assures us that what we see in the village is okay. Its how he grew up. Actually his polygamy family had 2 wives and 19 children plus dependents. He had to walk MANY kilometres to school. He is 25 years old. He did fairly well b/c his dad pushed the kids to attend school and because he later found sponsorship with ZMF-C to complete secondary school and then along with the government of Zambia bursaries, ZMF-C and his own determination he was able to recently complete his SW degree from UNZA.
Families ALWAYS express appreciation for ZMF-C and the staff who have taken care of their baby and we always continue to teach that the best place for the baby is within the family - and while sometimes not always readily received, we receive fair feedback on that philosophy.
The dad rode along with us for a fair part of the dust road journey to the tarmac and while riding along we were able to dialogue about Deuteronomy chapter 6 where God speaks to all of us about our responsibility that we have as parents - to care for our children spiritually - to teach them repeatedly....day and night .....about God and to obey Him.
So...how about re-reading Deuteronomy 6 and remind yourself what our jobs are as parents and grandparents. For grandparents.....notice that its our job to help our kids who are now adults in their role of teaching their own children.
So let's listen well and do the work we've been called to do....
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Wendy Fink's sponsored student
Isaac is a grade 10 student at Kalomo Secondary School. Wendy and Rick Fink and their 2 children from Regina sponsor him. They've been sponsoring kids for a number of years and Wendy loves to gift her "kids". Isaac was delighted at the notebook, markers, pens, pencils and calculator! The other kids looked closely at the package he received.
Sponsorship is helping this family much. The dad of this large family (I believe 8 in all) is a shepherd for a neighbour. Isaac is a serious student and a good choice for ZMF-C for sponsorship.
Thanks Wendy and family - you are making a difference for Isaac!
And thanks to all sponsors ~ education is making a difference in this country with many changes in the past few years! Let's share what God has given to us in abundance!
Sponsorship is helping this family much. The dad of this large family (I believe 8 in all) is a shepherd for a neighbour. Isaac is a serious student and a good choice for ZMF-C for sponsorship.
Thanks Wendy and family - you are making a difference for Isaac!
And thanks to all sponsors ~ education is making a difference in this country with many changes in the past few years! Let's share what God has given to us in abundance!
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