Newsletter Feb 2018

Recently, I drove down to Livingstone, about 400km from here, to get my friend to the airport. On the way, I really struggled with the vehicle, it was like it had a will of it’s own and ran all over the road. A kind man along the road told me to have it aligned before returning home, another 400km. I handed the vehicle in, and on my return was told: “Madam, your suspension, he is sick.” Turned out the driving 400km with a ‘sick suspension’, wasn’t very clever. So, firstly I praise God for His protection over the two of us. But secondly, I could then very personally relate to a piece we read in our Bible study a few nights later.

“Repentance is like a soul alignment. It makes your soul breathe a sigh of relief. It is soul-refreshing to be in right alignment with God….You won’t get well until you are more concerned with being good than you are with looking good.”                                                    (Soulcare by Dr Rob Reimer)

Sometimes, we have to quiet our souls, and make sure we are on that route. We took a weekend out in the beginning of January, to just become quiet again. Away from constantly trying to solve problems and clean up messes. And it was good. 

We had a very special moment as we obliged Rashelle’s request to be baptised. One of those Big Moments in life, that move all the problems, challenges and messes into perspective. What is more important than the Spiritual Health of our children?

Meanwhile, the physical health in Zambia was under threat. There was an outbreak of Cholera in the capital city. More than 1000 cases diagnosed, and as far as I know, 49 people died. All schools and churches in the capital were closed down (mind you, football and night clubs were left undisturbed). Everyone got involved. The army cleaned up the streets, removing all street vendors. It is such a joy to now move there, while at the same time realising these people need their livelihood back.

Hopefully the government will keep going with these good intentions- working on the infrastructure of markets. Today, 22 January, the schools opened up again. So, I think the worse is over. It is so nice to be in a nation that sees themselves as a Christian nation. Their response to the crisis was a 3 days fast and pray. Zambia is a nation with lots of corruption, but there are also beautiful people with great hearts.

Last story will be of our growing zoo. Tim has started a rabbit breeding for meat. Though to be perfectly honest, I don’t see any of us slaughtering a rabbit soon. We’ll have to sell them live, can’t eat something with a name.  

And, at the time you receive this newsletter, Rachelle will have some chickens as a birthday-present. So, our livestock is growing slowly.

Our life is busy, and messy, and with lots of up and downs. But we are happy, blessed, and part of an eternal family. Be blessed,

Ilne