“God makes us miserable through conviction,to make us joyful through confession.” Anon
Well December has come and gone and so has the year 2010. Towards the second half of this past year I was anticipating a very restful December. Well it did not quite work out the way that I anticipated.
Earlier in the year I was invited to speak at the Graduation of Fiwale Bible College, which is located about 20 Km outside of Ndola. Seeing that I was going to have to travel 9/10ths of the way to Lusaka I looked into the prospect of attending a Conference in South Africa. Praise the Lord it worked out just the way that I desired it. I rode my bike down taking two days to get to Ndola. 
What a great time to blow out all the cobwebs and have some real quality time to think. I spent a beautiful evening at a campsite that borders on the great Luwangwa Valley. Great sights!!
The graduation was again amazing and a sheer joy to participate in. It was their largest graduation in a number of years so it took quite a bit longer than the last time I was there. But what is the rush in Africa, right! Wrong as I had to still ride to Lusaka to catch a plane the next morning to Johannesburg.
To my absolute horror my old faithful bike let me down just 70Km from Lusaka. Later I discovered that the brushes on the alternator have worn down way beyond recommendations. Why we always push the envelope out here beats me! Well after a couple hours delay I made it safely.
The next day was a joy to appreciate the technology of the modern world and cover so much distance in just a short time,
Yes I flew to Johannesburg! A great evening was spent with Peter and Di Louwrens and some of the folks from Bethany Baptist Church. Then onto the REAP Conference for a mountain top experience with our Lord. Such great preaching!!! Such great men of God preaching the oracles of God. There is nothing like spending time sitting under preaching, where the message comes from the Word of God by a man that has been fashioned by God!
While I was in the BIG CITY I thought I would 
purchase some tyres for my bike. Unfortunately the only tyres we are able to get in Zambia are those made in, yes you guessed it, CHINA! I get the sum total of 1000Km on a pair. Well arriving at the airport to return to Zambia, proudly holding my tyres in hand, I am informed that this precious commodity cannot accompany me on the plane. I would have to freight them up through a freight company, by air of course. Well the informant knew somebody who knew somebody, you know how it works in Africa, who would come and collect them for me. So out we go to the bonnet (hood) of a well not so in shape vehicle and do the transaction. I am thinking that this is the last I see of these precious tyres! Before we part I am assured that they will be in Lusaka the day after I fly in.
Well, one thing I have discovered, nothing works quite like it should. Four days later my precious tyres land on the soil of Zambia. Then its a great day at customs trying to clear them! Finally it is back on the open road home. Just the open skies and 1000Km of road. When I finally arrived home two days later my body informed me that , yes, I was another year more mature in age.
It was then Christmas and back to Lusaka the day thereafter, this time not on the motorbike. Oh but before this I spent 2 days in Kasama at the High Court, no not for anything I had done, trying to clear up Chris’ estate. Finally something halfway completed. But it was very enlightening to spend a day at the Court. One begins to understand the enormous challenges we as a country face.
Lynne felt very strongly that she needed to go down with Luke to see her Mom. These times are so important! Being the brave man that I am, I stayed in Lusaka with Joel, Hope, Charley and Olivia. First stop drop mom and Luke off at the airport.Oops! Oh my I booked Lynne’s ticket in her maiden name. What was I thinking! Well the folks at SAA saw me and the children and thought lets get this situation sorted out as soon as possible. Thanks SAA you were great! Lesson learnt pass ticket by wife to check before finally booking and paying. Lesson learnt!
It was then off to the Reptile Park to see the wrigglies (snakes) and the crocs. My these crocs make you feel small and I guess like a meal for them. A day later we were off to Adventure City. Was I stiff the next day! Fun in the sun, water slides and pools and it all worked!!
And so tomorrow Lynne and Luke fly back and we begin our journey home. Home to move!
May this coming year be one where each one of us grows closer to the Lord Jesus and become more and more like Him. God bless and enjoy!!
