Reaching my destination - Mongu

Adventures continue to abound.  Not adventures for the indulged or whiners! Not adventures for the faint of heart but for those who choose to live in the moment and take in the sights, sounds, smells and textures of what is around you.

My entry into Mongu (means pumpkins) kicked the adventure into high geer.  No hotel room!  We were exhausted and hungry and dirty and just plain ready to drop into a bed.  Our rooms had been given away (sold) to someone who probably came with cash and a good story.  5 rooms gone, potentially 9 for the rest of those coming in and out this week.  

Amazingly, a calm overroad all of the other emotions and as we waited I pondered the pluses vs the obvious minuses.  The night was beautiful, the stars magnificent.  The weather, Zambian winter, perfect.  No snow, no rain, no thunder, no lightening, no wind was where I started.  Next, I knew that there are a ton of churches with in walking distance that could be opened up to us for a rest on a bench.  Not my choice of beds but better than a mat on the ground. I have no idea where I would have found a mat.  

A short two hours later we were driven to a remote (new) hotel. As we entered our new abode the power went down (normal occurance here) and we had to scramble for light, IPhone lights were used  to locate our flash lights to locate our bed, etc.  Fortunately the power was down just for a short time.  Fortunately, because when the lights came on, our roommate a very LARGE spider made himself known.  Large like bigger than a 50 cent coin!  A noble driver smashed him for me. I chose to ignore the fact as I dropped into a very nice bed that he probably had a family.  

Morning broke through and we were uncertain where we would be sleeping last evening.  We were taken to place for our breakfast. Options for breakfast are: Eggs in three forms, boiled, fried or an omlette.  Baked beans and sausage come next with white toast, no butter or spread but a jam of sorts. Macaroni salad was a new introduction this year. My guess is that they did not have the normal fill up the plate stuff so they used what they had.  Powdered/instant coffee, Tang, tea or soft drinks were/are our beverage choices. Water of course is available.    We languished over breakfast about 4 hours while we awaited our next place of rest.   The morning ended well, we are back at the Dolphin Lodge for the duration of our stay!

The adventure continued with our visit to the King.  I will describe that in my next blog for it could be a book chapter in itself.

It is Sunday a.m. and we are about to head to church. Don was asked to preach when we got here so he will do so via an interpreter.  We are eager to worship with the Zambian followers of Jesus.  Our worship styles are different and always interesting to me.  We love and serve the same Lord.

So I end this blog and want to get posted before the power shuts off again and I am beckoned to leave.

I encourage you the reader to slow down, yes slow down and observe your surroundings and your life.  You are among the blessed of the world.  

Luska Zambia

Another blog without photos.  Lusaka is the capital of Zambia.  It is a 3rd world country trying so very hard to come into being more in tune with the first world.   It is an old and tired city with hope.

A six plus hour flight from Dubai turned out to be awesome.  We were miracously upgraded to business class.  Ahhhh my favorite quote "A Luxuary once tasted becomes a necessity." , has come to be true again.

In my last blog post I mentioned 'class' distinction within the Arab world and thus within Emerits.  Remember, I was not unhappy with coach, my standard seat placement found within most of my air trips.  In fact, I was impressed with my 'back of the bus station' and service.

Overnight the world changed.  We arrive back at the airport after a nights rest.  Bonus from years past!   We check in.  All of sudden it appears that there is a mix up on my ticket.  My thoughts of what usually happens to me are, "my reservation is missing", "I am singled out to be 'searched'", etc.  Ask my family...these things do happen to me.  She then hands to me a new pass and says Mrs. Erickson you have been upgraded.  I looked at Don and thought, "Oh can I really leave him behind in coach and not feel bad?".  I did not have to wait long to decide, he too got an up grade.  This is a perk of grand proportions.

Boarding...a class distinctive for certain.  Like Heathrow you board a bus to arrive at your plane.  Coach goes first in a nice transport.  Next Business Class is called, the transport has leather seats, that rival any luxuary vehicle. There are a few of us and life is pretty cool!  I am not going to ask what the First Class transport was like, for there is no need to know.  Life had definately changed!

Ahhh...the trip to Lusaka was grand!  I will now savor this event and not complain upon my return trip home. It is all good!

Upon our arrivel into Lusaka's International Airport (modest is a good word to describe it) reality begins.  We find we have been summoned by the Vice President of the country for a meeting.  There is a long story behind this meeting but for now I will share that politics is not too different around the world.   The Presidental Offices probably were built in the early 1900's.  They are very old and dank and I know that this is their best.  Her office was quite nice by Zambian standards.

We left knowing that the answers to the questions she asked will probably not be resolved.  But I pray that is a wrong assumption.  We could not bring in medication for our clinic but they would allow us to bring a hospital bed.  Seriously, how many airlines allow for baggage of such grand proportions.  Then, if in fact we were able to fullfill that request, how do we get it to Lutendee.  We could not bring in more than $500 per person before customs slapped a heavy fee onto us.  The list goes on and the people we want to help go without.

In about one hour we embark on the longest day trip ever.  I am praying for a quick day.  There are no places to stop and eat.  Bathrooms now become squatty potties and as we enter the national park, we will pay a Kwacha to pee. We will use a cement hole vs a dirt hole.  I am also praying that I get to see elephants, a zebra and other wild life that is supposed to live along our road.  4 round trips back and forth from Lusaka to Mongue have not been too successful for these sightings in the past.  Hope is good and like a child it will give me something to focus upon.

I do not know when I will be blessed with internet access again.  The Dolphin Inn where we stay is supposed to have it...hmmmmm we will see if it works this time around.

I am blessed and humbled to be part of this trip.   Hands of Hope does bring Hope to these people.  The magnificent garden fair in our surreal world raises money for those who have no hope.  We can only put a small bandaid on the gaping wound of poverty but perhaps in time those villages we serve will grasp that they can care for their own.

Dubai

This entry will be void of photos as I recount our few hours in Dubai.  I usually do not use my IPad for anything other than reading....I know 'over kill'.  When I travel (and I had to travel very light with personl items this trip) I have to IPad it.  This long trip is going to force me into using more of tools that this was designed for.

Dubai...the last place I ever wanted to visit.  However, I rarely turn down an offer for a new experience.  One never knows the 'why of an invitation' or the 'why God might direct you to a place or activity' or the 'what might I miss out on if I decline'.  In this case the air fare to Zambia required that we choose Emerits via Dubai.  The journey to this place was decided for me.

One very important  thing I often forget is that ones perception is not always reality.  At this ripe old age of 65 I still am in awe of how much I must learn and process to be honest in my dealings of life.

Some observations of this adventure so far:
1. Dubai has become the center of the world.
2. Dubai is a very long, long way from the United States of America. 13 + hours from Chicago.
3. Emerits airlines is amazing!  Even coach (back of the bus, for class is noted in this world, even for us Americans who think otherwise) was incredible.  The flight attendants are all beautiful and groomed to their standards.  The male attendants (few) are equally well groomed.
    a. Sub point, the restrooms are maintained through out the flight!!!!!  Bonus!
    b. Jet Blue partner...lots of goodies and satellite viewing of just about everything!
4. If you have been in Texas you know 'Big' is the by-word.  If you have been in Los Vegas, you know over the top is the norm.  If you have been on any Disney property you know amazing is the norm.  This pretty much sums up Dubai for me.   Our taxi driver who shuttled Don and I from the hotel to the heart of the city commented to our amazement, "it is all fake".  It was built from the desert and with out money it will go back to being just that.
5.  As far as airports go and that I have experienced, Dubai's is massive, opulent and down right jaw dropping. It is a city within the city.
6. The Dubai Mall is a shoppers, entertainment seekers and foodies dream.  From an American perspective, there is not an upscale store missing.  Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, Sushi, Texas Roadhouse, 5 Guys, Gino's Pizza to name a few restaurants you might know abound.  Of course Starbucks (no free wifi :( ), etc.  Ice Rink (in the desert), theaters, waterfalls, fountains abound.
Stores that I need to move the decimal point 6 places to the left before I could consider purchasing anything also abound.
7. For the moment all religion is tolerated but Islam is dominant

So, to sum up a million of my thoughts: From a worlds perspective and observing mans efforts Dubai is impressive.  To sum up God's thoughts on mans work:

"What does it profit a man/women if he/she should gain the whole world but lose his/her soul" Mathew 16:26 Bible  Mark  8:36 Bible    Luke 9:25 Bible

Do not lay up for yourselves treasure here on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Mathew 6:19-21 Bible

Where in the world is Mongu?

Once upon a time I was a little girl who wanted to travel.  I am many years past that time and The Lord has granted to me desires beyond anything my little mind could have fathomed. 

In a few short hours I leave the beautiful, luxurious creature comforts of my home.  I went to lunch with my granddaughters.  The menu was filled with wonderful food selections, too many to make my decision easy.  I had a long refreshing shower as I changed into my traveling clothes.  I had too many clothes packed to make the airlines weight load requirement.  My creature comforts like shampoo, lotions, tooth paste, etc. are neatly tucked into my baggage.   Nibble food for the journey is in my back pack. 

Off I go across the world.  7,242 miles from O'Hare, Chicago to Dubai, United Arab Emirates a 10 hour flight.  A nights stay and then another flight to Lusaka, Zambia , 3,348 miles.  7 hours and 10 minutes.  Then...the longest part of the journey for me is the 10 hour drive from Lusaka to Mongu, 383 miles.  Mongu almost the end of the world from here and the drive is pretty boring. Those luxuries I experienced this morning do not exist in the world I am going into.  Each mile pulls me further from this mornings luxuries.

Mongu, a place where the Lozi people group live.  Mongu, a place that time and people have forgotten.  Mongu, the last place you would choose for a destination vacation. 

I look forward with anticipation to see those faces we have met before.  To have the ladies show us their gardens, to see the students who are now able to go to a school in their village.  To see our 'chief' and the wells we placed.  I love that we have not abandoned these people like so many before.  Their lives are hard.  The women in the remote villages are just above animal status, their food is scarce but their gratitude and fight to live is amazing.


As you go to bed to night, touch and feel your clean sheets, your fluffy pillow and nice mattress.  When you drink your water notice how clean it is and how easy it is to get it!  When you go to your refrigerator and decide what you might want to eat, know that Nishima (corn - grits) will be the menu of the villagers in Mongu and it might just be the only meal for the day.   Be grateful your daughters and grand daughters do not walk to get their dirty water each day.  Just be grateful!

I am humbled by my blessings.  I know that what God has blessed me with is not mine to hoard but to share.  I am in awe that I get to see how those who have blessed these villages are making little changes in the lives of those who have nothing.

As I squish into my airplane seat (coach) I will not complain!! How amazing is it that one can be propelled around the world in such a quick span of time. This always amazes me.

I hope that I have Internet connections enough to share my adventure with you while on the ground. Internet is spotty at best.  I am hoping for the best. :)    If not...I will just have to reminisce upon my return.

I leave you with my favorite quote.  A luxury once tasted becomes a necessity.  

Do you have a bucket list?

June 21 in our hemisphere is the longest day of the year.  I love it!  My least favorite day comes six months from now.  I love the warmth, the day light, I love summer and all is good.  This summer is over the top with travel. I love to travel.  I am tired.  I am stiff!  I am almost packed and ready for my next adventure.

When life looks busy on a calendar, it is crazier in real life.  My life is crazy, but I am delighting in the opportunities this year.   Some were on my bucket list, the others happened without making it on to the list!

A  bucket list  is the things one desires to do or see before they 'kick the bucket' or in simpler terms die. I hope I have a long list of things yet to do, when God takes me on my best trip ever, eternity.  No day should be boring.  Here is my schedule for spring and summer. 



Israel Trip -
May 26- June 7, 2015 - Check - Fabulous! Go! It is safe!
Hands of Hope Garden Faire -Annual event! Fabulous, exhausting and worth while.
A major fundraiser for a marvelous life changing work in Zambia. June 19-20, 2015 - Check
Zambia Trip - Mongu, Western Provence
June 23 - July 6, 2015 - Leave Tuesday.
Honduras Medical Missions Trip -
 July 25- August 1, 2015
A wedding in between Zambia and Honduras just for kicks.

Why?  Well, I say why not?  When life gives you an opportunity for an adventure I say go for it.  No one gets younger, tomorrow never arrives  and each day is a gift from The Lord!  I ache, I need the adrenaline that used to allow me to put in supernatural hours, just to make it through a normal day.  I will be honest and say there is no ideal anything in my world.  Just do "it".  No excuses!

I desire to embrace the opportunities.  Adventures, travel, just changing your routine offer you so many growing experiences.  Do not be a slave to a routine, a tradition, or a fear.  If you are, you are shortchanging your self!

When we engage with others who are of a different culture, race, religion, economic background we are forced to own and to think about our personal beliefs.  Oh, I will own that  it can be uncomfortable at times but it is also freeing and humbling. Do not be trapped by the mindset of:

"My mind is made up, do not confuse me with the facts."    

Adventures give your life color and beauty.  They help one become a better person.

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mildness "

Mark Twain 

What is on your bucket list? 

 

 

I am free!

Last Saturday, June 6, I was entering through the Lions Gate into the Muslim quarter of the old city of Jerusalem.  I was walking with those in our group, laughing, enjoying the adventure.  As we were about to enter the gate my eye caught a woman in a black burka, sitting alone  in the back seat of the car.

I  glanced and then glanced back.  I could see only her eyes and I noticed they were blue.  I nodded and she waived at me. I looked her in the eye and waived back. We truly connected for just a brief moment in time.

That moment has not left my thought process. Her religion has relegated her to being known only by her eyes.  She had watched us walk up the hill to the Lions Gate entrance.  That brief interchange of our eyes connecting and our waves told me that she was longing to be known, to be free, to be unfettered.  I do not know her story.  I do know that I won't forget her.  Her eyes spoke volumes to me.

My freedom to enjoy the world unfettered by a covering, a set of rules that hopefully would get me into heaven if I do enough of them accurately, never knowing for certain if I truly made the cut brings me to tears and is a gift beyond value.

I live in a country where I am valued as a woman. I am free to be who God made me to be.  I am married to an awesome man who values my opinion and honors me as a human and his wife.  I was free to choose who I married and not assigned a mate at the age of 13. 

My brief encounter with this woman last week has changed me.  I wish I could have talked to her.  I now pray for her. I pray for so many who are trapped not just in burkas but in journeys that take them from knowing freedom and The Lord, who alone can give us hope and true freedom.

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln

Why Me?

Have you ever wondered why you were born into this time of the worlds history, your country of origin, your ethnicity or your gender?    I often ponder this as I travel to different places in the world.  I am humbled to realize how truly blessed I am, why me?

Why was I born in America and not in a low cast system of India, Pakistan, or in the remote area of Mongu, Zambia?  As a female in the US I have been educated, been given freedom to become whatever I desire or have the ability to achieve.  What would I be like if my situation was that of so many women who are basically a step above an animal, married off as a child bride, sold into slavery?

 I ponder this often and know that I am here today because I am to make a difference in the lives of those who need help.  My luxuries, my blessings, my knowledge of what exists in other places of the world require I do something to help others.  I do not need another hand bag, pair of shoes, trinket for my home.  I do not need a bigger home, a new car or for that matter just about anything else.

I am a Christ follower.  This statement is not about a religion, it is about knowing who my creator and savior is!  It is about knowing that this path here on earth is temporary and heaven is forever.  I am to bless those who come into my life who need someone to love them, to show compassion to them, to pass on to others the blessings that have been given to me as I can. 

I know I cannot change the world.  I know that often the kindnesses I show are but a bandage on a gaping wound that needs radical surgery.  I also know that the giving and the kindnesses shown are a reflection of what Jesus Christ did for me/us.  He gave to me salvation from eternal death and He continually provides for me here on earth.  I want others to know this too.

I am happiest when I give.  I am blessed by the gratitude of those I can gift.   I have no clue as to how long I will remain on this earth for each of our days are numbered.  I do know that hording our things, our  time and our  abilities strangles the joy that God intended us to experience by giving back to others.      The most miserable people I know are those who do not give to others and think only of themselves.  Want to be happy, give and stop thinking about yourself.  It works!

Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So spread your love wherever you go.  

Mother Theresa

Reentry

I have have been unplugged and off line for almost two weeks.  It was not my choice but as I traveled to Israel, I could not log in.  Others traveling with me had better success than did I.  After a few frustrating  attempts I just let it go.  It was a great choice and one I recommend.

How many of us in this high tech world do that any more? We are taking pictures of food, fashion, friends, friends events, family (everything). As we stand behind our Smart Phones, Cameras, Texting devices documenting life are we truly engaged in it?

I found that in this forced 'tech' exile,  I reentered a world of sight, sound, senses I ignored as I was behind the lens trying to capture, 'something'.  I reentered a world of genuine conversation with the intent to listen not document.  How much have I missed because I allowed 'photo's' tell a story rather than words?  How do those I engage with know I care more about them than our surroundings?  Is it really okay to not photograph 'something' awesome? 

I love the photos, the quips and the ability to capture life through a lens.  However,  I personally grow and I am blessed when these devices are not the #1 priority in my adventures.  A picture may be worth a thousand words but the sound of the voice of a friend, a spouse, a child, a loved one can never be recovered in a photo.

Treasure your relationships, not your possessions. Anthony D'Angelo