Patience...

Hello everyone,

It has been a while since I posted a blog! I have had a busy time both in Zambia and Ireland. I was due to return to Zambia yesterday but due to a medical appointment I have been delayed and hope to return soon.

So...August - such a long time ago now but an extremely busy month for me. I had a week of teacher training with some new teachers joining us from Lundazi and Chipata which was good but exhausting!

Then I headed to Malawi where I went to Mvuu camp for 2 days with Fidelis - we saw lots of animals, great to see lion in the park now - it has changed since I lived in Zomba over 20 years ago!!

Some amazing birdlife in Malawi too. I must say I miss the country! It was great for me to be a passenger in the vehicle as I could take some pictures along the road from Liwonde to Lilongwe too!

On the way back to Lilongwe we got a flat tyre due to the potholes which are terrible (the tyre was literally cut), and when we arrived in Lilongwe another flat tyre! Of course there were people along the roadside to help!

I was in Malawi to celebrate 100 years of CCAP. Celebrations were held over the 23-25th August weekend. Friday evening started with a dinner and a book launch which I missed because of the flat tyre!! Saturday there was a march from the CCAP General Assembly offices, after the laying of a foundation stone for new office, to the Civo stadium in Lilongwe where delegates were welcomed and brought greetings from partner churches across the globe. I set up a stand for Early Childhood Development to represent Zambia Synod.

On Sunday I was at the stadium at 6.30am to set up the stand again as this was the day of the main celebration with the President of Malawi in attendance. It was a long day but a wonderful service of recognition of what the CCAP has done in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia over 100 years. The verse from Psalm 126:3 was the theme for the celebration: 'The Lord has done great things for us'. There was a lot of singing and dancing which included some cultural dances too!

The next afternoon I flew back to Zambia to get ready for another flight to Livingstone the following day for our Synod meeting of CCAP Synod of Zambia. Elections for the position of General Secretary voted for Rev Lazarus Chilenje who will lead us for the next 4 years together with Rev Friday Kapakasa as the Moderator and Rev Lloyd Mithi as the Deputy General Secretary! I look forward to working with this team!

Rev Friday Kapakasa, Synod Moderator

Rev Lazarus Chilenje, General secretary

Rev Lloyd Mithi, Deputy General Secretary

I attended the Synod meeting only for a day as I had to return to Lusaka to fly out to Belfast the following day. So, it was all a bit hectic.

Part of my work involves helping Ndola Luanshya Presbytery in their dream of having an Early Childhood centre. I am amazed at the amount of work that has been done so far and look forward to the day when children can attend this centre - the first one for CCAP Synod of Zambia in the Copperbelt province! Now we need to get a roof on before heavy rains come!!

Flying out of Lusaka I could see the brown landscape showing the effects of the drought currently being experienced. Due to low water in Kariba dam, electricity has been rationed and when I left Zambia we were fortunate if we got 3 hours daily. Thankfully I have a solar power backup where I live. Zambia really needs rain for crops, for water and for power.

Returning to Belfast, I had a medical check up and the consultant was pleased with my progress! Then I started deputation and visited many churches and PW groups. I had many cups of coffee and various tray bakes and scones along the way too. I am grateful to have so many friends and connections across the Island. Autumn is a nice time to be here and the amazing colours of the trees have been so lovely! Of course, I had my camera to hand whenever I could!