Let me set the scene....
Kasper family all dressed up driving home from church Sunday afternoon in the blue mini-van... we decided to stop by the US Embassy residence so I could take that picture of the US Flag in the midst of the Flambouyant trees that I promised on the last blog. I get my camera ready as we turn down the street...Erik stops, I aim...we are surrounded by 3 armed guards immediately. The 2 guards at my window ask what I am doing, "I am from America and wanted to send pictures of the flag back to my friends in America." Why did that sound so corny come from my mouth??
Erik's guard said, "I want to know you" translated "Give me your passport or driver's license".
I had to prove that I had no pictures on my camera of the flag and we made a little small talk. I explained to my children that it was against the rules to take pictures of the residence. I went on to tell them that if someone wanted to cause harm to the residence they may take pictures to discuss their plans. I assume we, the Kaspers, fit the profile:)
That evening at Bible study we met a newer couple from Wisconsin that work for the Embassy. Erik asked the husband, Cory, what he did for the Embassy. Cory is head of Security. Erik told him our story and Cory said he had received a call that afternoon about us and they had filed paperwork reporting the incident. Cory said he will sleep much better at night knowing it was us taking pictures of the residence.
The Kaspers once again breaking all the rules in Zambia- when will we learn???
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Red, White and Blue
We drove the kids past the US Embassy residence the other day, it is 4 streets down from our home, and we all stopped to admire the beautiful flag that was flowing so brightly in the midst of the flambouyant trees. What a picture- oh, I didn't have my camera- I will go back!!
As I looked at that flag- I thought of all it stood for, I thought of our founding fathers who created a government to take care of the people of the United States then I thought of our one true Father- who created humans to have a relationship with Him.
What must He think when he looks at our country???
He died so we could live freely and we "choose" to push him out of every decision we make.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"Genesis 1:1- how can we look at a tree, a lily, a star, the sun, newborn life and doubt Him?
"Share with God's people who are in need"Romans 12:13- Why do we need our government doing this for us?? God says to share- all that you have is His anyway- do with His as He wishes.
"And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again"2 Corinthians 5:15 Pro-choice??? I don't think so.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" Psalm 139:13
Pro-life!! 50 million abortions in the US alone since it was legalized in 1973, what are we telling our children??
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found...the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of man and he brought her to the man." Genesis 2:20-22 No explanation needed.
For God's creation to function as He created it, we must return to Him. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Don't we want what He has planned for us?? I do!!
Living in Africa has given me a different perspective of the Country that I love so much- the freedoms that we have, the provisions that are in abundance, the protection of law enforcement officers at the touch of 3 buttons, numerous places of worship, free education promised by our Constitution, a home for every child, excellent medical care at reasonable costs. We are so blessed!
PLEASE- before you vote on Tuesday- Look at what your candidate and his party stand for.... Is he bettering the earth that God created???
As I looked at that flag- I thought of all it stood for, I thought of our founding fathers who created a government to take care of the people of the United States then I thought of our one true Father- who created humans to have a relationship with Him.
What must He think when he looks at our country???
He died so we could live freely and we "choose" to push him out of every decision we make.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"Genesis 1:1- how can we look at a tree, a lily, a star, the sun, newborn life and doubt Him?
"Share with God's people who are in need"Romans 12:13- Why do we need our government doing this for us?? God says to share- all that you have is His anyway- do with His as He wishes.
"And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again"2 Corinthians 5:15 Pro-choice??? I don't think so.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" Psalm 139:13
Pro-life!! 50 million abortions in the US alone since it was legalized in 1973, what are we telling our children??
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found...the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of man and he brought her to the man." Genesis 2:20-22 No explanation needed.
For God's creation to function as He created it, we must return to Him. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Don't we want what He has planned for us?? I do!!
Living in Africa has given me a different perspective of the Country that I love so much- the freedoms that we have, the provisions that are in abundance, the protection of law enforcement officers at the touch of 3 buttons, numerous places of worship, free education promised by our Constitution, a home for every child, excellent medical care at reasonable costs. We are so blessed!
PLEASE- before you vote on Tuesday- Look at what your candidate and his party stand for.... Is he bettering the earth that God created???
Monday, October 27, 2008
Jesus Walks on the Water
Our Bible study was rich last night. I felt the Lord speaking to me through his Words in Mark. Mark 6:45-51- Jesus has just fed the five thousand people from 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish with plenty left over and sent the disciples away. Jesus went up the mountain to pray to His Father.
The disciples were traveling by boat on the sea when the winds picked up and the disciples began to struggle with the oars, Jesus saw them in the midst of their struggles. Jesus walked to them on the water but they did not recognize him and called him a ghost- they were terrified. Jesus says" Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid". How stubborn are these disciples to witness God's miracles time after time and yet still question?? Jesus is walking beside them, teaching them and they still struggle with His Power but He is a wonderful Teacher- and will continue to teach until we get it. Jesus watches the disciples pattern(it looks alot like mine)
Situtation in life- panic- God handles- I thank God.
Next: Situation in life-panic-God handles- I thank God- when will I learn to leave out the panic?? It serves no purpose except to show God I still lack complete trust and faith in Him alone. I'm glad to know that He will not give up on me!!
The disciples were traveling by boat on the sea when the winds picked up and the disciples began to struggle with the oars, Jesus saw them in the midst of their struggles. Jesus walked to them on the water but they did not recognize him and called him a ghost- they were terrified. Jesus says" Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid". How stubborn are these disciples to witness God's miracles time after time and yet still question?? Jesus is walking beside them, teaching them and they still struggle with His Power but He is a wonderful Teacher- and will continue to teach until we get it. Jesus watches the disciples pattern(it looks alot like mine)
Situtation in life- panic- God handles- I thank God.
Next: Situation in life-panic-God handles- I thank God- when will I learn to leave out the panic?? It serves no purpose except to show God I still lack complete trust and faith in Him alone. I'm glad to know that He will not give up on me!!
Kalimba Reptile Park
After a week of doing nothing but resting, watching movies and playing cards...we had the Shaw's over for dinner Friday night then went to Kalimba Reptile Park on Saturday.
As we went into the reception area we ran into Niki and Kelsey Cook- they were there with the new 40/40 group- Baptist Missionary training in Lusaka, 30 something new missionaries coming to Zambia- How awesome is that!! We saw the rest of the Cook family by the snake cages then ran into Suzie and Hannah Rodgers by the pool. Small world!
The Revillas met us at the park so my kids were happy to run around with 3 more kids. We had a tour guide that showed us all the different snakes that loom around our area. There was one bad boy that I would never want to meet, The Black Mamba. He will stand up and look at you and then chase you down. My friend, Caroline, found one of these in her garden(that is what they call a yard) a couple of weeks ago. Scary!!
We also met some Puff Adders, a huge Python and brown house snake. The kids got to hold this snake. Chelsea asked for the snake skin from one of the big daddies so we now have that hanging in Bradley's room. Jane told me that it scared her when she walked in.
As we went into the reception area we ran into Niki and Kelsey Cook- they were there with the new 40/40 group- Baptist Missionary training in Lusaka, 30 something new missionaries coming to Zambia- How awesome is that!! We saw the rest of the Cook family by the snake cages then ran into Suzie and Hannah Rodgers by the pool. Small world!
The Revillas met us at the park so my kids were happy to run around with 3 more kids. We had a tour guide that showed us all the different snakes that loom around our area. There was one bad boy that I would never want to meet, The Black Mamba. He will stand up and look at you and then chase you down. My friend, Caroline, found one of these in her garden(that is what they call a yard) a couple of weeks ago. Scary!!
We also met some Puff Adders, a huge Python and brown house snake. The kids got to hold this snake. Chelsea asked for the snake skin from one of the big daddies so we now have that hanging in Bradley's room. Jane told me that it scared her when she walked in.
We got to see baby crocs, teenage crocs and Daddy crocs. The smaller crocs were all enclosed in a "pin" with a four foot cement wall around it. The Daddy crocs were in a man-made lake that was surrounded by a two foot cement wall and chain-link fence above it- the big hole chain-link fence. The crocs would lay right beside the wall and the kids would stick their fingers in to point at it- Never happen in the U.S.!! I asked our guide if any visitors had been eaten- he said what I wanted to hear, "no".
The kids swam in one of the two pools they had while we grilled hamburgers and sausages. The weather was great- the flies were everywhere- but for less than $15 per family, it was a very nice afternoon. My children were very happy on the way home as they planned to decorate our office as a snake skin museum- Great!!
The kids swam in one of the two pools they had while we grilled hamburgers and sausages. The weather was great- the flies were everywhere- but for less than $15 per family, it was a very nice afternoon. My children were very happy on the way home as they planned to decorate our office as a snake skin museum- Great!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Flamboyant Trees
With the rains- 3 days now- have come the most, okay 2nd most, beautiful trees. Since we arrived in August, the streets have been lined with Jacaranda trees- purple flowers.
Now the Jacaranda flowers have fallen and the red Flamboyant trees are blooming-
Have I told you what a beautiful country Africa is? I tell Moses all the time. 
Our avocado, mango, papaya and lemon trees are all starting to bear fruit. It is so exciting!The kids check them out everyday to see if they are ready yet. In our impatience we have taken many fruits that are not quite ripe- just to taste.
Moses and I went to the Rose Garden to pick out some new flowers for summer and buy some fertilizer. I am going to have him plant some yellow daylilies- that will remind me of the Bradley girls and Florida. We also bought a Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow plant. We have a lot of purple, red, white flowers in the yard- the yellow lilies will be a nice contrast!!
Who's right??
Maybe that is not a fair question...
I'm reading a book right now comparing the African culture to that of the Western Culture(European/American). The book is written to help the Westerner better understand his environment when in Africa.
Help me to understand this... In Lusaka- there is a 70% unemployment rate...which means 3 out of 10 people work.
In the US, there is a 6.1% unemployment rate(Sept 2008)...which means 9.3 people out of 10 work.
Just grasp that for one moment...In the Great Depression, the US had an 11% unemployment rate.
The majority of Africans work to survive where "the accumulation of capital and wealth is the goal of the Western culture". This is the jest of what I was reading...Africans live for today and the needs they have "today". They, as a society, take care of each other. For example, I asked Jane today- if your neighbor needed money and you had money saved for Elizabeth's school- what would you do??? I would give her half and keep half for school then ask someone else to help pay for school. She said, "I believe that if I share what God has given to me, He will continue to bless me." How could I argue with that??
I tried to explain to her that we, Americans, take care of our own immediate family but rarily do we share the financial burdens with our friends, neighbors, etc. It sounded weird coming out of my mouth, especially when she repeated it back to me- "You mean you don't give money to other family members or friends who need your help." I tried to explain that all my family members had jobs and were self-supportive- that it was easier to get a job in the US than in Africa.
It is interesting to think about...I guess in the US we also have bank loans at our disposal or we have saved for a rainy day or we have too much pride to ask a friend for money. We would just go out and get another job to get us where we needed to be. Not an option here.
I'm reading a book right now comparing the African culture to that of the Western Culture(European/American). The book is written to help the Westerner better understand his environment when in Africa.
Help me to understand this... In Lusaka- there is a 70% unemployment rate...which means 3 out of 10 people work.
In the US, there is a 6.1% unemployment rate(Sept 2008)...which means 9.3 people out of 10 work.
Just grasp that for one moment...In the Great Depression, the US had an 11% unemployment rate.
The majority of Africans work to survive where "the accumulation of capital and wealth is the goal of the Western culture". This is the jest of what I was reading...Africans live for today and the needs they have "today". They, as a society, take care of each other. For example, I asked Jane today- if your neighbor needed money and you had money saved for Elizabeth's school- what would you do??? I would give her half and keep half for school then ask someone else to help pay for school. She said, "I believe that if I share what God has given to me, He will continue to bless me." How could I argue with that??
I tried to explain to her that we, Americans, take care of our own immediate family but rarily do we share the financial burdens with our friends, neighbors, etc. It sounded weird coming out of my mouth, especially when she repeated it back to me- "You mean you don't give money to other family members or friends who need your help." I tried to explain that all my family members had jobs and were self-supportive- that it was easier to get a job in the US than in Africa.
It is interesting to think about...I guess in the US we also have bank loans at our disposal or we have saved for a rainy day or we have too much pride to ask a friend for money. We would just go out and get another job to get us where we needed to be. Not an option here.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
We Voted!!!
To all of our concerned friends, yes, we have done our part!!! We faxed- isn't that amazing- our absentee ballot on Wednesday to the Supervisor of Elections then followed up by mailing the originals. We are able to read bits and pieces of the news regarding the election and I must say I am glad that we are missing this battle. God will prevail- He always does!!
We are about to go through the Zambian election process on October 30th. There are 3 candidates running but 2 really stick out. One is the current VP and the other ran for President in the election 2 years ago and barely lost to the late President Manawasa. Jane told me that the last time she voted, she got to the precinct at 4:00am and was finished at 1:00pm. Wow, am I glad we have many voting stations in Florida. Both Moses and Jane are very discouraged and don't want to vote as they say all these promises are made now to obtain the vote and then nothing changes for them, only the people at the top. I explained what a privilege it is to have the "right to vote".
On a side note- we had our first rain since April last Friday- it even hailed. Wow- I love the rain. You don't realize that until you miss it. The sound, the smell!! It rained again on Thursday as the kids and I were pulling in the driveway so we ran to the backyard to get all the clothes off the line. Chelsea said, "This is kind of fun!" Peterson didn't know what to do so he ran along with us acting very excited!! He has become quite the hunter- he hunts lizards- big lizards, and toads and only the Lord knows what else!!
We are about to go through the Zambian election process on October 30th. There are 3 candidates running but 2 really stick out. One is the current VP and the other ran for President in the election 2 years ago and barely lost to the late President Manawasa. Jane told me that the last time she voted, she got to the precinct at 4:00am and was finished at 1:00pm. Wow, am I glad we have many voting stations in Florida. Both Moses and Jane are very discouraged and don't want to vote as they say all these promises are made now to obtain the vote and then nothing changes for them, only the people at the top. I explained what a privilege it is to have the "right to vote".
On a side note- we had our first rain since April last Friday- it even hailed. Wow- I love the rain. You don't realize that until you miss it. The sound, the smell!! It rained again on Thursday as the kids and I were pulling in the driveway so we ran to the backyard to get all the clothes off the line. Chelsea said, "This is kind of fun!" Peterson didn't know what to do so he ran along with us acting very excited!! He has become quite the hunter- he hunts lizards- big lizards, and toads and only the Lord knows what else!!
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