Team One update

Mulishawni to our Idaho friends and from Mapalo Vineyard to Boise Vineyard,

It's another beautiful (but smoky) day in Ndola. They're been burning off the fields here so the skys are like home...ok...that's an "Idaho in the summer of 07 knock". Tim & Ken say it looks different from when they were here 10 weeks ago because the tall African grasses have been burned. Apparently they do that to run out the animals to kill for food, and also because the rainy season will start soon and the grasses start to grow again.

Well....on to people. Our team is great. We're happy, healthy and yes, we all love each other :) God has hand picked each team member and it's so great to see the team dynamics...reminds me of the scripture where "2 are better than 1". We help each other, cover each other and are getting to know each other more. Each morning we have devotions with our Zambian friends out by the bio-sand filter mixing "factory", and each evening our team meets together to replay the day, encourage each other and hear a team member share devotions or whatever God has put on their heart to share. It's been a sweet time. We've had our share of minor roadblocks, but thru prayer, God has has showed us grace, mercy and His amazing power. We're reminded of the scripture where Paul talks about adversity and trials and how they are for the purpose of building character, perseverance and reliance on God. We have really seen God answer prayers since we've been here. Our team is so encouraged.

Well, the on-going joke is whether or not Tim & I will ever get our luggage. It's seems to have missed the plane from Jose' (that's Johannesburg to those over 30), and never made it to Zimbabwe with the team. Imagine that, 24 bags that we all brought, many full of fabric, and the 2 missing are 1 fabric and the one belonging to Tim & I with many personal items, but more critically my cd player and our worship music. You wouldn't think that to be such a big deal, but you haven't heard us sing either. JUST KIDDING :) We're great. :) But, the joke is the ongoing dilema of trying to find it. We were in 3 countries in 3 days, and crossing borders is not always easy, so being a piece of luggage looking for an American home is even more difficult. Phone #'s don't always make sense and people are sometimes tell you something positive like "oh yes, it will be in soon", but they make not mean it, so as not to dissapoint you. Oh......the differences in culture. So, we're getting to know the Ndola-airport road well :)

Some of the team is heading out this morning to meet up w/some of the trainers in hygeine and sanitation. Others will work with the Zambian construction team to support where they need us.

Frances Feluka, the precious pastor here is not well. Please keep him in prayer. He is a man of amazing wisdom. We've had many great conversations and have a learned a great deal from each other.

Well, that's it for now. We've tried to send pictures for the blog, but they don't seem to come across. The e-mail is a bit sketchy here...sometimes works and sometimes not. We've taken some great pics and video to share when we get home, but in the mean time, text will have to draw it's own picture for you.

We love you guys. We're really excited for Team 2 to arrive. Please share this with your friends and family and could the "blog team" post this to our site.

You're in our prayers daily,

Tempe & Team 1 Zambia :)