It has been said that, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. In the case of a school mission trip to Zambia, Africa…the journey begins with a vision, a lot of planning and a lot of help from everybody you know.

While the eyes of the world turned toward Vancouver and the 2010 Olympic games, 9 students and their chaperones headed off on a life changing journey to N’dola, Africa. Many went with anxious hearts, not knowing how they would relate to the people they would meet.  All of them went, not knowing what to expect.  After months of planning and prayer; after collecting donated supplies and fundraising support, the journey finally began.

It was a 3-day journey to our final destination, just enough time to get North America out of us and to let a bit of Africa in.

We quickly took up our roles leading a VBS program for local children. Our headquarters for our ministry was Grace Academy. This school run by Seeds of Hope Ministries reaches out to children infected or affected by HIV. Now these children are healthy and growing in the knowledge of Christ, and they were a great help to us as we ran our VBS outreach. About 80 children from the neighborhood joined us for five days. We spent time playing soccer, telling stories and doing crafts, just like we would here, but with one difference.  These children were born into extreme poverty. Many had not eaten in days, wore the only clothes they owned and had no mother or father. We did our best to bring hope and light and the message of God’s love to them. The smiles we saw in return, suggested that we succeeded, even if only in a small way.            

One day we went on a walk through one of the several compounds in the area. Imagine the entire population of Chilliwack crammed into a slum without running water, electricity or sewer; living in dirt huts and children everywhere often with younger children on their backs.  We were there to hand out vouchers for blankets that we would give away later that afternoon. And despite torrential rains, the women and children came, walking several kilometers to our home. They were so grateful for this small gift.  I thought of how North Americans might respond to a similar small gesture.

We performed random acts of kindness by handing out groceries and household supplies. When the gifts were received some women danced for joy, a family burst into song and an older man walked with a new spring in his step.  We all thought about how easy it was to make a gesture like this on the other side of the world. Why are similar gestures so much more difficult back home? One family in particular captured our hearts.  The children had attended our VBS program. We visited their home bringing with us some food and blankets. On the wall of their home was one colorful item—the picture frame made at our VBS.  We joined them in singing praises to God, thankful that we were able to be part of that good day.

There was a lot more to fill our days: teaching a lesson about Canada at a bush school; playing with the young children of Buseko home; and visiting the malnutrition ward at the hospital. Our emotions swung from joy to sorrow as we laughed and cried for the nation of Zambia.

It was too soon and our journey was coming to an end. Still we had lots of memories. There are memories of eating caterpillars and pumpkin leaves and memories of wild animal safaris and chasing giraffes through the forest. But also memories of the people we met, those we were able to reach with the love and hope of God. There are memories of new friendships with the students of Grace Academy.  When we left Chilliwack, there was concern about cultural differences. When we left Africa, we left many new friends who have a place in our hearts. Where before we saw only differences, now we know we are all the same children of God.

It is impossible to express all that we saw and felt during our journey but we are all richer for the experience…and a bit of our hearts are still there.

Written by John Munro

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