Return

The reunions didn't end with my little road trip to Nevada earlier this month. Last week, Dr. Liz returned to Zambia, and she and Christian Aid Ministries got busy in the community. Two years ago, I remember Liz wondering if she was ready to contribute in Africa. It was her first year out of med school, she had just taken her boards, and she was trying to figure out how to adequately pour out her love and her knowledge in a new part of the world.

That trip in '08 yielded bountiful fruit and long-lasting memories that have forever changed a lot of lives. In the rolling months since then, communication with CAM grew consistent with emails and phone calls. Our love for the people of Kitwe has grown strong bonds, and our support to Stan has found an appropriate level that allows him the flexibility to create models which are compatible with his people and his culture in Zambia. And now, nearly two years after this beautiful story began, Liz found the opportunity to break from her residency for a week to visit Zambia, and witness the "garden" in which she planted seeds so long ago. Now a third year resident, willfully on track for her infectious disease studies, and a heart bigger than the grand canyon, she blasted off to see Stan.

Stan and his family picked Liz up at the Ndola airport on Sunday, and the next day they were driving among some of the communities, orienting her with ministry efforts and all the volunteers in each respective community.



On Tuesday they visited Kapoto community with Chama, the CAM clinical officer, and they met 60 TB and HIV/AIDS patients. Chama sensitized the patients on HIV/AIDS and Liz eagerly educated them thoroughly on TB infection, spread, treatment and prevention. Stan and Chama learned a lot from her and from her vast experiences with other organizations with whom she has volunteered, helping treat some of these HIV/AIDS related infections.













The next day they were invited to attend World TB day by one of the officers from Kitwe District Health Office under the Ministry of Health, and they had a marvelous time! Liz helped with the printing of Christian Aid Ministries T-shirts for the event. She felt truly privileged to witness how CAM celebrates at this important function in style. Immediately upon arriving the World TB Day fairgrounds, the ministry was recognized by the District Commissioner, Mr. McDonald Mtini. Afterward Stan and Liz were invited to dine with the DC at the District Health Office, and they were very humbled to converse with him, the Director of Health, Dr. Banda, and other leaders of civil society organizations in Kitwe. Liz was exhilarated by the new found contact in Mr. Mtini and his openness to future support for CAM.











Thursday found Liz meeting patients in Buchi, St. Anthony, and Mugala communities, and she was amazed at the huge work that Christian Aid Ministries is doing in meeting the numerous needs of the patients suffering from TB and HIV/AIDS. That night she met up with Carol, a Heart of the Bride missionary, as well as Ruth and Gina, some good local friends from the '08 trip, and they spent the night at the Walker's home. The Walkers are due to return in May, after their cross-country U.S. tour (during which I was able to reunite with them) comes to a close.















On Friday Liz went with Ruth to see the little ones at the Heart of the Bride supported orphanage and also reunited with the young men at the Boys Ranch. It was incredible witnessing these responsible boys practicing the first aid, hygiene, and lifestyle responsibilities which Liz had begun to teach them years ago. Seeing them pass those tenets along to the younger kids is what it's all about. Her heart melted at all these successes now flourishing in the "garden." She spent the night reminiscing on the long, invigorating, and heartwarming week with Stan's family.





























Stan recalls to me in an email, "Liz was very very good to me and my family and we love her so much. I can tell you, that lady has a HUGE heart for the people and we stayed so happily together throughout her stay with us! My wife Bernadette and Cliff my young brother, my father, Stanley and my daughter Christine are still remembering and talking so beautifully well about her. We were all dazzled with her humble character and act of goodwill towards others. Liz is a very very charming hardworking lady so fitting for her profession!"



On Saturday, Stan and Liz set out to the airport. On the way, they passed through the Christian Aid Ministries Care Center plot. Liz was extremely motivated by the work in progress there. She found both the Care and Training Centers' foundations dug. The progress Stan has been making with his proceeds is remarkable! There is so much potential for more income generating projects for CAM to sponsor, both to fund the growth they need for these patients and to facilitate employment and skills training for the patients themselves!













These unions, road crossings, and influences between people work well when trust, faith, and gratitude permeate the relationships. The knowledge we can teach folks and resources we share in places like Kitwe are paid forward throughout their communities, and paid back through the boundless love and happiness they share with us. I am absolutely on fire because Liz has found a place to form these unions and make an impact, and together along with our friend Keisha the missionary and Stan the lion, we hope we can guide strategic investments for Christian Aid Ministries for their evolving journey in Zambia!