Hot Water

Okay, you've all "heard" me whining about the water heater being broken for the past several days. Doris, the manager, called a plumber she always uses. Instead of coming out himself, he sent two other men to work on it. They said they repaired the leaks and if it still didn't work, then they would replace the element.

Well none of that happened. Doris was very disappointed. Today, Jason got involved PRAISE GOD! The only reason he didn't before was because he did not want to insult anyone. But a week of cold showers has changed that. Doris was so happy as she knows that Jason is a man who can be trusted.

The water heater is a rectangle shaped box that sits in the rafters right above the shower. After the guys "fixed" it, it leaked worse than ever. So bad, in fact that water ran through the ceiling onto the light bulb causing it to explode. Jason was in the shower when that happened. He has decided to monitor the repairs from now on.

He helped the men get the water heater down from the rafters. After taking it apart, Jason pulled several pounds of white buildup from inside it. Even he was grossed out. We've been boiling our water but it still has "floaties" in it. So we bought a cloth to pour the boiled water through before putting it in our water bottles. After seeing the gunk that came from inside the tank, we now know what the floaties are.

I am down at the internet station right now but hopefully, by the time I get back to the guesthouse, the water heater will be fixed. Actually yesterday and today were warm enough that the cold showers weren't too awfully bad. Still, it will be nice to just have the chill knocked off.

Blessings and joy to you all,

Beckie

Our life in Zambia

Here is the infamous toothbrush I told you all about. If you leave yours at home, never fear! This one will be waiting for you!!

We all wash our own clothes. The kids thought it was fun at first. But of course that has changed. The boys vowed never to get dirty again so that they wouldn't have to wash clothes. That lasted until Warren came home from school.

The wash tub is cement and has ridges for scrubbing. What is absolutely amazing to me is that there is a perfectly good washer/dryer set just two feet away from this washtub but no one uses it. It's too much of a hassle! I couldn't believe it! Neither could Jason until I reminded him that he thought computers and cell phones were a waste of time as well.

All of the laundry, including sheets, towels, washcloths, table cloths, absolutely everything is washed right here by the two men who work here.

Laying sod Zambian style. This man works here at the guesthouse. He harvested these grass cuttings from other areas of the yard and now plants them here.

This was an all-day project. Power tools are not used here. In fact, even huge trees are cut down by simple axes.

We miss you all tons! Please keep us in your prayers.

Blessings and joy,

Beckie

Our Anniversary Dinner

Our sweet children told anyone who would listen that Jason and I were celebrating our 32nd anniversary. These two guys decided to prepare dinner in honor of us and our family last night. Of course the boys were a great "help" as always. They provided the entertainment. Notice Steven in this photo and Carlin in the one below. I never have to prompt them to act silly. That's just what they do naturally!

The menu was one chicken fried crispy along with a delicious vegetable stew served over spaghetti noodles. The dinner was quite yummy!

This is where are neighbors live. Warren, Amanda, Asaria, Asha, along with the rest of their family live here. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them all. In fact everyone here at this guesthouse has been wonderful to our family.

This is the view right outside our porch. The house to the left is our neighbor's. I've mentioned these gorgeous trees before. When we first arrived, there were just a few in bloom. Now they all display these purple blossoms. Some of the streets are lined with them. Truly, they are beautiful.

This is our guesthouse where we are staying until we move to a home of our own. Jason and the boys sleep in the circular building on the left while the girls and I share the one on the right. The middle sleeps six. They are connected by a common living area.

Because there are many people coming and going at all times day and night, we do not feel comfortable leaving our children in either room alone.

Here are even more photos!

This is Caylie beating Papa at another game of "Go Fish!"

Doris is the manager of the Evangelical Church Guest House where we are staying. She is a true gem.

Carlin and Steven brought out the soccer ball that Sarah McKenzie sent with them. Here is Esther trying to inflate the ball.

This is a nearby street. The tree in the background is a name I can't remember but they are everywhere in Ndola and all are in bloom right now. Their beauty is stunning.

Caylie and Amanda became friends almost immediately. They are both six years old. Caylie was happy about that!

Here are Sia and Esther. Esther soon warmed up to all of us but she was just a tad bit unsure at first. She doesn't know any English.

Our sweet Isata Katherine Rose. She was being silly for the camera and I captured several hilarious shots but she made me promise not to post the funny ones.

And this is Asaria. Oh my goodness, what a charming little boy he is! He doesn't seem to know that being two years old doesn't give him the right to rule the world. He has us in stitches much of the time. He knows we adore him which makes him even more of a little ham.


I had to send these photos in several different posts. I hope they all came through okay! We love you all so much and miss ALL of our loved ones. We look forward to getting settled!

Please continue to pray about our water situation. We still do not have hot water. It's not warm enough at night to take ice-cold showers and it's been several days since I've been able to wash my hair.

Blessings and joy to you all,
Beckie

More Photos

The boys just discovered another lizard! This time it was in the garden. Steven and Carlin are thoroughly enjoying every inch of the property here. Usually Caylie is with them. This time, she was drawing in her learning book.

This is our kitchen.

Here is Shauna with 3-yr old Esther. Esther doesn't know any English but it wasn't long before she was part of the crew. She loves to dance! And she enjoys Shauna and Sia. She was visiting our neighbors for a few days when we first arrived.

And here is Miss Caylie being her sweet little self. She loves to pose for the camera!