Muli Bwanji

Muli Bwangi is a greeting in Nyanja, one of the languages spoken here in Lusaka. It basically means "hello, how are you?" I feel like it's been awhile since I've been to the Internet cafe, and although 6 days isn't that long, a lot of things have happened since I last posted.

Most notably, this past weekend we had our Special Training program for the students. I felt like it went quite well, though the turnout was not what we were hoping. Due to the boycotts last week, many of the students have to take tests this week. This week was supposed to be their break, but most of the students have to attend class and study for tests, so those who would've liked to come to the program couldn't. Still, I feel like it was a good time for those who could come, and it was a good chance for us on the summer team to connect more deeply with them. We had three days of teaching and playing. I led my first-ever workshop on scripture memory, and though I started out feeling overwhelmed, I was surprised at how much fun I had with it. It was a good stretching experience for me, and I definitely feel a renewed desire to work on my own scripture memory.

Most of the rest of my time has been spent with students or with our team. I've gotten to have more good conversations with some of the girls, and just enjoy life with them. One night, I was stuck on campus without a safe way to get home until Nate and some of the Zambian guys came to walk with me. So, I spent an hour or so with Ana and Estella, talking about the things girls talk about. As we chatted, Estella looked at me and said, "Do you ever wear makeup?" I haven't been wearing much since I've been here, so she hadn't yet seen me wear it. I answered "yes", and she immediately started pulling out some makeup. By the end of the night, my hair was done, my eyebrows combed and colored in, and my eyes covered with plenty of eyeshadow. They decided they wouldn't try any powder on me; something about a difference in skin tone... How many people do you know can say they've gotten a Zambian makeover?

One hard thing about being here is that I'm lacking in alone time. It seems that I'm with people non-stop, and so I've gotten pretty drained over the past couple of weeks. I finally took some time this weekend to hole up in my bedroom, and that refreshed me somewhat, but I think it's good I'll be coming home to an empty house in July. One cool thing is that I've been having good times with the Lord. One of my prayers for this summer for me and the girls in my Bible study in Tucson is that we would hear God's voice and know His presence. I really feel like He's been faithful to answer that for me here. I've been enjoying Him. I brought Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest with me, and that has been a great source of encouragement and challenge.

And, some parting thoughts:
Zambian women love chocolate as much as American women do. I hate negotiating prices at an open market with a fiery passion. Hungarian sausage cooked at a Braii (cookout) and eaten with Zambian tomato sauce is delicious. Movie theaters in Zambia are much like movie theaters in the States (Ocean's 13 is hilarious!). I have been on the Internet for an hour, so I should probably end this post. AND...As much as I love being right here right now, I wish I could be camping with my family.