It seemed obvious that God had organized the trip to Zambia and we were privileged to go. It began this spring when Sandra Levinson, of Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE), came to speak at the Sunday morning services to kick off the Change4Children Program.  She invited those interested to come to Africa. Things then began to happen rapidly. St. Andrew's mission committee members were encouraging. Their prayer and support were very definitely needed, felt, and appreciated.

 Seven of us left in July for Lusaka, Zambia: two mothers with daughters (Pam, Courtni, & Heidi Ellis and Sandy, Amy & Meg Seymour) and one very talented artist (Paige Williamson). While there we were able to visit the Crisis Nurseries and Faith Works Schools sponsored by ACE.

Visiting the schools was a very exciting and yet humbling experience. The children would cheer when we drove up in the van and were so happy we were there.  Courtni had put together a hygiene program and handed out bags containing soap, a washcloth, and a jar of Vaseline.   Meg and Heidi had designed a small Bible story coloring book, which was given to the school children with either crayons or colored pencils.  Amy shared with the students about Tucson and the amazing VBS offering which would enable them to have paper to use in school.  The students and teachers were both excited and appreciative.

 While Paige visited some of the schools with us, her main goal was to paint a mural on the gate of the House of Moses. This is where we stayed and houses the administrative offices and the crisis nursery for the youngest babies. The mural was completed and is an amazing work of art!

We were able to visit the other two crisis nursery centers for the older toddlers and children. We were all blessed, since we were staying on site, to be able to see and play with the babies in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We all fell in love with these smart and beautiful babies and definitely left a part of our hearts behind when we came home.  Pam, who is an occupational therapist, was able to share some tricks of the trade with the caregivers to help stimulate the babies.  One exciting thing for us to hear is that three adoptions are currently being processed.

 The Zambian people we met are not blessed with many material goods and by our standards have very little, but they were consistently thankful for what God has given them.  Getting to know some of them was a huge blessing to us.

 None of us returned unchanged by our experiences. We had to rely on God every day. We saw firsthand the very positive work being done by ACE and that the donations the St. Andrew’s family sends from Change4Children are being well spent. For example, many, if not most, of the precious babies we fell in love with would not be alive today if not for the love and care provided at the House of Moses. Children who could not afford to go to school get an education and a nourishing meal every weekday. God's hand is very evident in the loving work being done. Although we were busy every day, it seems that what we received from our trip is far greater than anything we were able to do there.

The children enjoy Courtni's handwash training.