Serenje Volunteers

I planned to write so many blogs last week to tell you lots of stories and introduce you to all the different people we met in Serenje Zambia...but I was just to very tired! Seemed like I only had enough energy and head space for family / meals / laundry and work...everything else had to be left (tricky for someone who doesn't like to let people down / likes to think she's perfect!)

However, another week and I'm much more myself and have some space (half term break I love and embrace you!)

So here goes..

VOLUNTEERS

There are 65 Volunteers - both men and women. Most of the volunteers are peasant farmers. They do an absolutely incredible job. It's these men and women who daily or weekly visit their clients. They support them - perhaps also collect their ARV medicines. They check up on the school children we're supporting - monitor their grades and attendance for instance. They work in the 4 communities (Kankoso, Kashitu, Chilisha and Mwasakano) plus the Boma (the Serenje town). This year they have been trained in home-based care. The reports back are that through this training they have grown spiritually and have gained much informaton.

Pastor Ngosa (Chairman of the Project) put it like this:

"We owe it all to the volunteers - you are our hands, feet, eyes and ears"

Leah presented all the Volunteers with green t-shirts - greeted with spontaneous cheering, celebration and singing! It was so helpful for us to be able to identify this incredible team when we were out and about in the communities and schools; and they seemed to love wearing their shirts and thus being easily identified as volunteers.

Mrs Charity Nyangwe (middle of picture) is a local teacher and she is the Chairperson of the Volunteers. George (blue shirt) is her Deputy. together they lead the team of volunteers. They all meet together every 4th Friday of the month for prayer, encouragement, support, training and teaching. this monthly meeting is also an opportunity for volunteers to report back about the progress of their clients.

Please pray for the leadership and team of Volunteers - tomorrow I'll introduce you to a wonderful volunteer called Catherine.

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