Charlie Chikankata

2008-10-12T23:12:00.002+02:00

Graduation Day 2008

What a great day! Despite all the hassles and pressures building up to this special day, it is always one of the best days at Chik. This year was no excpetion. Here are a few highlights...

In the morning there is a dedication service in the hospital chapel. Then after the service, the current students meet the graduants. It's a very touching moment.

The Lecturers from the College of Nursing and the College of Biomedical Sciences, includign Heidie, prepare to enter the High School Hall behind the flag of Zambia and the flag of the Salvation Army.

As is the African way, the nurses don't just march in, they dance in!

Then great fellowship in the evening as all the Nursing School staff and Managers gather for a braii (BBQ). The entertainment was led by MC Chiyota. And was very entertaining.

Apart from one thing. Zambia humour. I just don't get it. Here's joke from Issac Mweetwa that had everyone apart from me and Heidie in stitches;

IM:"A woman has 5 children. Two and half of them are boys, How many are girls?"

RB and others after a few suggestions (like two and a half): "I don't know how many are girls?"

IM: "It's not possible"

Cue: Loud laughter.

Can anyone explain to me how that is funny!

2008-10-07T22:08:00.003+02:00

Because I can!

I am writing this post not because I have anything really interesting to say but because this is the first time in almost two weeks that we have had electricity in the evening. I wanted to post this photo, which is one of my favourites. It epitomises what Chikankata stands for and recognises that people who visit our hospital have a range of needs that require our care. We are not a one-dimensional institution. One of my favourite books at the moment is Authentic Christianity, which is excerps from the writings of John Stott;

"In the ministry of Jesus words and works, gospel preaching and compassionate service went hand in hand. His works expressed his words and his words explained his works. It should be the same for us. Words are abstract they need to be embodied in deeds of love. Work are ambiguous, they need to be interpreted by the proclamation of the gospel. Keep words and works together in the service of the church."

Getting back to where I started, I do not know what is going on with the Zambian Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO) but quite frankly I would like to.... anyway best stop there in case my mum reads this! Needless to say having only a few hours of electricity has put a huge strain on the hospital. Last month we had to pay out almost $10,000 on generator fuel alone. We had not budgeted for this and are struggling to keep on top of things. However, my experience continues to be that God is faithful and that this hospital survives and thrives by His grace. It's a miracle really and I for one am persuaded.

2008-09-28T20:41:00.002+02:00

HARVEST FESTIVAL

In this period in the UK and the western world, many of the churches are focusing on Harvest Festival. I have been reading and listening to various excerpts on Leviticus 19 (and in particular v9&10). It seems that the Old T. Law made it clear in this passage that we are to give a portion of the harvest, (whether good or bad) to the poor. The margins of our fields as supposed to be left for the poor to harvest each year. I have thought about the times in my life where I have not left any room in my fields or my finances for giving a portion to the poor. This is not because I can’t, it is because I chose other options instead. I do not leave any room in my finances to leave money to the poor

From my experiences, the poor are some of the hardest working people in the world –they have to be in order to eat or send their children to school. I am working less and earning more but not showing how blessed I am by giving a portion back to those in need. I choose an extra CD or a book or a meal out, when often they are things I don’t really need. The marginal things; things that make the margins of my field smaller for the poor to harvest. I am rethinking this as a result.

I also think about the times I just give money or things to people. Without sounding self-righteous, I have always believed that giving money means nothing, if the poor people in our area, in our community, in our church don’t even know who we are. A sacrificial offering, which as a Christian I am supposed to give is something I have to invest time and effort in, a donation I just give without thinking or getting involved. Paul Scanlon wrote that “Christian are God’s compensation for the poor in the world we live in”. What kind of compensation I am?

All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above
So thank the Lord, thank the Lord
For all his love.

2008-09-20T22:07:00.002+02:00

Today was Luke's birthday. He is the greatest gift I have ever been given and I love him to bits.

2008-09-18T17:21:00.005+02:00

One of my favourite days of the year!!

Each year the hospital holds a camp for Orphans and Vulnerable Children high in the hills of Mabetubwa. It's such an fantastic experience. I wish I could take all my friends there to see this beautiful place. The setting is beautiful, the staff are beautiful, the children are beautiful and the purpose is beautiful.It's a place when children are valued. It's a place where children get 3 hot meals a day. It's place where children are shown a bit of love and attention. It's a place where children can share their grief and problems. It's a place where children can have fun. It's a place where children can be, well children.

The general pattern is that in the morning there is some sort of exercise, which is the aimed at getting the children to open up about their experiences and processing some of their thoughts and feelings. This is followed by a fun activity in the afternoon. Heidie had a go at the Trust game that the children were doing the day we were there.

"I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did for me" Jesus

2008-08-09T20:36:00.007+02:00

What a place!

We have been back in Chik for one week and I have been reminded of the unpredictability and variety of life in Zambia. Here are some highlights from the week.....

Saturday - arrived back and felt very cold and very very homesick.

Sunday - we went to the morning meeting at Chikankata. It lasted 4 hours and 40 mins!

Monday - kind of went to a wedding. The wedding started it 9.30, according to the programme. We arrived at 10.40 and nothing had started. We sat until 12.15 waiting for the service to begin, by which time Luke was beginning to get a bit hungry (not to mention his dad!) so we decided to call it quits. I'm led to believe it all kicked off around 1pm.

Tuesday - back in the office properly. One of the first callers was one of our nurses, who wanted to tell me that she had tested positive for HIV. We prayed together in my office for a while and I felt truly humbled and priviledged to be in such a place where prayer in an option for dealing with a problem.

Wednesday - Had to make arrangements for the tractor to be lifted out the Chifwankala Stream after in came off the bridge and over turned. Also, by this time I was also feeling overwhelmed by people's warmth towards us and it was great to see everyone again.

Thursday - went to Lusaka for a meeting with the contractor who supposed to be working on our water treatment plant but basically ran away from the job with equipment and some money. However, things could reach some sort of resolution. Still have no water in the house and missing showering every day and flushing the toilet every time

Friday - I attended the funeral of Dr. Simon Mphuka, the Executive Director of the Churches Health Association of Zambia. A really good decent bloke, a true Chirstina, who loved to laugh. I was deeply moved at his funeral and considered my own faith for quite some time. It was particularly beautiful to hear the harmonious Zambians singing these beautiful words:

There's a land that is fairer than day

And by faith we can see it afar

For the the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there.

To our bountiful Father above

We will offer the tribute of praise

For the glorious gift of his love

And the blessings that hallow our days.

In the sweet by-and-by

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

I want to live my life with that hope and promise!

2008-07-08T21:39:00.001+02:00

RANDOM THOUGHTS

I have been back in the UK for a month and so much has happened. We have had a great time so far and have been flying all over the place. It has been great to spend time with family and friends and spend time reflecting on our experience and what the future holds. Here are a few random thoughts.

1. Two worlds – that’s what I am living in. At the moment there is just no point in trying to compare or get my head round things, so I haven’t even bothered. Not sure if this is right or not but it’s the only way for me at the moment.

2. Back in the UK, the words ‘broken society’ are now used with worrying regularity in the media and politics. Knifes, crime and immigration seem to be being offered as the catalyst. However it must be that all the people involved in these activities are looking for something and it worries me that some places and things will give people more love and excitement than a church or Army corps will. The problem is theirs but the problem is also ours.

3. I recently listened to a study on Exodus on the iPod and couldn’t help compare Egypt to modern Western Society. It highlighted that sin on a personal and relationship level had become so embedded in society that it had become systemic. It also seems that when people only care about their own situation, injustice becomes systemic too. Has sin, discrimination and injustice in our society become systemic? I don’t really think so but the alert signs are there.

4. I am working in Chikankata Hospital not because I want to save the world but because I want to save myself. Saving myself from indifference, from complacency and from being part of the injustices in the world. I am doing this because I don’t want my attitudes and my soul to become hard and selfish. I am doing this because I want to help. I am doing this because I can! A defining moment in my life happened at Chikankata, when I was at my lowest, a Christian doctor and his wife, who had worked in Africa for many years took me and Heidie away as they were worried about. At one point, I said to Eunice why I am I doing this. Without hesitating she said to me – “Because you love Jesus!”. That’s why I am doing this.

5. It is extremely paradoxical to me that many of the people in Zambia aspire to live in a country based on western society and values when they got it right in terms of living in true community. Admist all their suffering, there is a sense of joy and contentment that is sadly missing in modern UK society.

6. I love The Salvation Army. At its best, I have seen in Chikankata the kind of church that Jesus had in mind – living, suffering and celebrating together. We have seen the damage that division and hatred cause within church and a small community. Whatever, community has been at the heart of all that takes place in Chikankata. Much comes down to a sense of responsibility, hearing the cry of those in need and answering the call.

7. God continues to be faithful - I guess he always has been and always will be. It’s up to us to continue to trust.

TO BE CONTINUED.

2008-07-06T15:32:00.005+02:00

Saturday night at the Wheel House in Falkirk

We have been having a great time in the UK visiting friends and family. So far we have been to Southampton, Aalborg (Denmark) Chelmsford, Exeter, Dorchester, London and Dennyloanhead (Scotland). It's been so great to catch up with friends and family. Luke is loving his travels and doing really well with all the adjustments (and teething at the same time too!)

Thanks to babysitter Emma, last night the Johnstons and the Bradburys were able to enjoy a lovely meal near the Falkirk Wheel. Here are some of the photos.

Starter was the best ever Black Pudding I have ever tasted. It was served with poached egg, sauteed mushrooms and balsamic vinegar. Beautiful! Apparently it was from Stornoway.

This was followed by Aberdeen Angus Burger and Chunky Chips and Onion Rings. It was beautiful. The girls had some chicken dish (far too healthy for Scotland!).

Here'a picture of me and the love of my life. Heidie is in the picture too.

And finally a picture of the four of us at the end of a great evening

Finally Finally Congratulations to Emma (Luke's Godmother) who graduated with a Law Degree (with Honours) from Glasgow. Here she is with her wee brother Mark. We are proud of you!

2008-06-16T17:48:00.005+02:00

So we are now on Homeland Furlough or Holiday as normal people call it. Having completed our 3 year contract we have two months at home before going back for one more year. We are having a great time and have been all over the place already. Here's some of the highlights so far......

On the plane and ready to go. Still at least Luke had a little cot to himself so he'd be able to sleep......

Maybe not!!! Then we went to Southampton and saw Grandma and Grandad and Uncle Adrian and Auntie Clare. Luke also saw the sea for the first time at Portsmouth

We went to IHQ and did some sightseeing around London.

Then came the dedication of Luke at Chelmsford on the 8th June 2008. Lots of people came from all over the place. It was a great day and we were so grateful that people took the time to share with us and gave Luke so many gifts. We spent the day before the dedication with the Johnston family in Cambridge. They had travelled all the way down from Scotland. We also met up with some other people who had given birth at Chikankata and their children. These included the Hachitapikas, the du Plessis and of course the Bradburys.

Then it was off to Denmark with the two families for a great weeks holiday. Here we are all at Skagen, the most northerly point of mainland Denmark after our fish and chips, eaten in Gale Force Nine winds.Luke has grown so much in the last few weeks and now has his first tooth. He has also grown at lot more hair as the photo below shows. We are, though enjoying a restful and happy time together. Fnally for anyone who is missed it or is vaguely interested. Here are a couple of photographs of the crocodile that lived in the Chikankata dam. The rumours that she lived there were around but I have to admit I didn't really believe them until this 2.75 big thing surfaced. The Zambian Widlife Authority came and dealt with the matter at hand. I will resist any jokes about making it snappy because from my experience nothing in Zambia is particularly snappy!

2008-05-11T11:54:00.002+02:00

POVERTY, LOSS AND GRIEF = COMMUNITY

I am in reflective, thoughtful mood, something I have not done for a number of weeks due to general busyness.

My office is situated in a real paradoxical place. It has two windows. Through one window you regularly hear the first cries of a newborn baby and the joys of the family. Through the other window you view the body of those who have just passed away been wheeled down to the mortuary, followed by a procession of grieving and wailing women.

As we near the end of a three year contract (it seems we are coming back for another year) I have been reflecting on some of the moments that have shaped our stay here and many of them revolve around the loss of friends and their relatives;

1) I will never ever forget one of our midwives who lives just behind me, walking to the hospital, screaming. She was followed by her garden boy who was struggling to carry her only daughter. She was lifeless, flopping aound as she had just passed away. She supposedly died of chicken pox.
2) Attending the Chief’s funeral. The “old man” was very supportive to us when he arrived. Heidie and I were given special seats at the funeral / burial, as the only white people in a crowd that must have numbered thousands. Shots being fired into the air, goats being killed and the burial of the Chief in a seated position facing East. It was a remarkable occasion in many ways and a real celebration of life.
3) The death of Colonel Bo Brekke and one of our nearby friends, a commercial farmer, made me realize how vulnerable people our in the developing world to attack from disgruntled staff and how the justice system lets everyone down.
4) Speaking at Nathan’s funeral. A man who had mental health problems but the community came together to ensure they managed him the best they could with the resources they had. At his funeral there were over 700 people and I was so proud to belong to and represent the Chikankata community that day. The family fed every single person that attend Nathan's funeral, even though they were living in extreme poverty.
5) Sitting in outside many funeral houses with the men, particularly in the first year here. I learnt alot about the ministry of just sitting around. When someone dies friends and family go to the funeral house and just take time to support the person by sitting and singing. For me this has been a revelation and shows the difference between a rich and poor culture. In these precious moments I was able simply to enter into the reality of people by releasing myself from the compulsion to do or to fix things in order to take time just to be. These have been very special and profound moments.
6) This week I dropped Liz off at a funeral house. I asked Liz if the person who had died was old. She said “Yes but not really”. I knew what she meant. When we arrived here, I attended a meeting for the newly arrived nursing students. The Major who was addressing this group, most of whom would have been aged between 18-22 started a sentence with the assertion that “during the next 20 years or so of their time on this earth…”. Old by Zambian standards is young by Western standards.

I could mention numerous other occasions and incidents such as these. I guess what I am trying to say is that when you truly give yourself emotionally to a community marked by poverty and ridden with disease you will have to constantly deal with loss and grief in one form or another. However I wholeheartedly concur with Scott Bessenecker who wrote recently that many of those who are victims of poverty share a hope that they have gone to a place “where they will no longer be searching for love and justice, but where they will find all those things in all their fullness.” The times of grief and loss have illustrated for me that most people in Chikankata have reached beyond a “my” mentality and have discovered an “our” philosophy that embraces hardship, celebration, possessions and living space.

Sharing in poverty, suffering and friendship has been my privilege and has deeply enriched my life and my faith and has given me a new perspective on Christian community.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still if thou abide with me.

2008-05-07T22:53:00.004+02:00

Quick update

It has been so busy here at Chikankata, I have hardly had time to think. Since the last time....

The electricity has got worse but now have a portable camping gas cooker thanks to some friends from IHQ.

We had an informal but high security visit from the US Ambassador to Zambia, which I had to plan with military precision. We even had low flying airforce jets flying over the Hospital. God bless America.

Nick and Lisa left to retun to the UK after three weeks. There being here reminded of us of how much we miss them and all our other friends

We Had a four day visit from representatives from IHQ (Major Dean Pallant) and SAWSO (Bram Bailey) to help them deisgn a tool to look at the Hospital Redevelopment Strategy across the world. We discovered the following things for Chik. Including all the government contribution, the whole operation for the hospital, nursing schools, college, community outreach programmes, outreach and training and the conference centre cost almost $4m last year. The team even reckoned that was even a wee bit understated. We had a good time together but man, did they make us work. On the final day we spent the day at Liliya Lodge and as a result I spent my first night away from my boy, who is now coming in at a towering 77cm after 7 months.

He is just the best and I love him to bits.

2008-04-27T19:00:00.007+02:00

GENERAL UPDATE

Friday we thought about Malaria as it was World Malaria Day. This is a disease that kills in 1 in 5 children under the age of 5 in Zambia. It is completely preventable if the right resources were available.

Due to a number of projects we have going in this area like the Child Survival Project and the Zambian Integrated Malaria and Pheumonia Study, Chikankata Hospital is making major inroads into reducing the incidence of this disease in the area.

Heidie and I knew very little about Malaria until we arrive in Zambia. We have both fallen to the female pregnant mosquitoes fangs on a few occassions and have first hand experience of this illness.

I have not mentioned the SW Division Team who visited Zambia, largely because the electricity situation was awful when they were here and its obviously difficult to blog when there is no power. They were great and the blessings were ours from their ministry. The gave a substantial financial donation to the Hospital and also brought some band instruments for the florushing YP Band at Chikankata Corps. The YP Band were on duty at the world malaria day.

We are also enjoying the company of our great friends Lisa and Nick, along with their boys Joshua and Daniel. Last week we all accompanied our visitors from the SW Division to Livingstone. I did a microlight flight over the magnificant Victoria Falls.

Heidie, who had nagged me all day about whether it was safe to do, then decided she couldn't resist it herself!

Richard and Joshua had their Danagerous Day Out - see Facebook for more pictures.

This weekend we are at Chisamba Lodge for Daniel's Birthday. On his very first birthday he rode an elephant to celebrate

It's been a good few weeks and we are so grateful to all who continue to support and encourage us in so many ways. We will try and keep you posted over our future as things seem still uncertain. However of this we remain very certain - GOD IS FAITHFUL!!

2008-04-10T14:20:00.004+02:00

Easter Sunday

It's a bit late I know but I am taking advantage of the longest spell of electricity for quite some time. Here are a few pics from the Sunrise Service on Easter Hill at Chikankata.

Ulapona, Ulapona, Ndilazyiba ulapona.

I know that my redeemer lives but I am definitely not sure what I think about this picture of the Headmaster's son...

2008-04-09T13:11:00.004+02:00

Zambian Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO)

I have not blogged for quite some time. This is because I am working on my new campaign; to rename the above company ZECO. Basically to claim you are supplying electricity would centainly be contrary to the trade descriptions act back home. So since last Monday we have been off power from 5.30 - 9am every morning and then again from 6-9pm every evening. Minimum! These are my blogging times. On one occassion we have been without power for almost 48 hours.

Now, I realise that Zambia is a developing country, the infastructure is not good and there is not enough electricity to go round at peak times. However most people could cope with 'loadshedding' if it was done in a systematic way. It seems if you live in a rural area you are far more likely to be taken off supply so that those in the the urban areas can have electricity. Even amongst the poor there is a hierarchy it seems.

Last week I met with 2 directors from ZECO with some of the local commercial farmers. Since that meeting things have become 20 times worse. Even more depressing is that the generator we have here is old and very expensive to run. So far this year we have spent near 6000 pounds in generator diesel alone. That's a lot of money for us.

That said, I am constantly reminded that for most of the people around us, electricity is indeed a luxury. My feeling is that the failure to invest in the electricity infastructure on the part of Zambia mirrors the general attitudes in developing countries. Long term thinking, investment and planning runs against the grain of a lifestyle so rooted in the present. Why worry about tomorrow, when there is enought to worry about today? Proverbs 15v15 says this about the poor, "Their future is so uncertain and the need in the present is so pressing." It seems the idea of investment or saving has until now been so far away and obscure for the poor that it probably feels like a complete waste of a precious resource.

Maybe I shouldn't be too hard on ZESCO!

2008-03-13T10:26:00.004+02:00

NEW TERRITORIAL COMMANDERS

This weekend past, we traveled to Lusaka again, this time for the welcome to our new TC’s Colonel John and Dorita Wainwright from the UK Territory. It is the third territorial meeting I have sat through in 4 weeks and the 3 meetings have last a cumulative time of 15 hours and 45 mins. It's good though that there is not the same rush to get away from church to get on with other things.

However, once again it was a great occasion and once again the Junior Soldiers stole the show with some great singing.

In Zambia you see some of the worth of The Salvation Army uniform. Back home it is considered outdated. However here you see why it is so important. In a land that has such a high level of poverty, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the rich and poor. It’s a great leveler and really adds to the sense of unity within the church. Also, there is a pride attached to wearing the uniform. Proud to belong to the Army, proud to be considered a soldier of the Lord. In fact many of the other churches have opted to invent their own uniform in Zambia.

At the same time, people don’t get so worked up about the style as long as the uniform identifies you as a soldier. This raised a chuckle for me on Sunday.

I think the gangster shoes should be made uniform regulation across the world - they are much more interesting!

2008-03-13T10:24:00.000+02:00

On Friday, Luke went to Maternal and Child Health Centre within the Hospital to get weighed. He is now 73cm and weighs 8.5kg. Luke is five months.

On Friday, a child was brought to the Hospital. He was 4 years old. He weighed the same as Luke (8.5kg). Unfortunately he passed away on Friday night.

HIV/AIDS is a horrible disease, which destroys the lives of innocent victims.

2008-03-05T14:21:00.008+02:00

THERE IS POWER...... (Not here)

I really hope Scotland and Denmark qualify for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 because right now it’s getting some of the blame from the Zambia government for the ongoing electricity problems. Currently we have about one or two hours of electricity per day. As you can imagine trying to run a hospital without electricity (and as a result, water) is pretty interesting. Fortunately we do have a generator. Unfortunately, it’s very old and very expensive. However we are doing the best we can, having been reminded that there are people in the world worse off than us. We have become pretty good at cooking on charcoals too. My specialty is bacon and eggs, Heidie can somehow manage to cook the sauce and the pasta in the same pan at the same time.

On the plus side, I am reading more than ever before and this week I have read a biography on Mugabe. I have very mixed feelings about that whole situation. This weekend Zimbabwe becomes the largest SA territory in the world as a result of the move to split Kenya from one to two territories. Last week we said farewell to our TC here who will take up the reigns there. I sat through two farewell meetings in Mazabuka and Lusaka, which lasted for a combined time of ten and a half hours!

Luke is now eating solid foods and loves prunes and bannanas. It is making life very interesting!

I have spent the weekend in Livingstone. I had a meeting at the Provincial Health Office on Friday and decided to stay until Sunday, mainly so we can get a flaming shower with some decent water. Once again we had a great time. The Victoria Falls never cease to amaze me. The great thing about the Falls it is quite unspoilt. It would be possible to drive past the entrance if you didn’t know where you were going, as it is really under commercialized. People from the West would have an absolute fit about the health and safety issues. But it’s rawness appeals to me and I am always reminded that Zambian country is rich in the beauty of it’s people, landscape and wildlife. Luke enjoyed morning coffee at the 5 star Royal Livingstone - I am bit worried he is getting a taste for the high living, which will of course please his Uncle Kevin!

Finally Happy Mother’s Day to my mum and my wife (I am actually typing it is Mother’s Day – although I am typing by candlelight but probably won’t be able to post for sometime given the issues mentioned above). Heidie is just doing brilliant. I am really proud of her. It is not easy to bring up a child with a number of obstacles including no water and frequent interruptions of electricity (this morning she got up at 4.30am just to prepare food and wash bottles etc), but she is just the best.

2008-02-18T22:14:00.005+02:00

We had a great weekend at Chisamba Safari Lodge with Elsa and Lars and their children. Luke tried swimming for the first time and Richard held a snake for the first time. It was good to get aware and good to spend time outside of the Mission with our friends.

Lars is a teacher at the High School and is a great guy. Elsa is the children's doctor at the hospital and is a remarkable lady. Chikankata are very blessed to have them here I wrote an article about 3 women as part of a series of article of Women of Faith involved in women's ministries within the Salvation Army. It has now been published in 3 different SA periodicals now. Here is the extract on Elsa....

When Dr. Elsa is on call at The Salvation Army’s Chikankata Hospital—where Catherine works on the administrative staff—she often races to the rambling white building at 3 AM to deal with an emergency.

It may be a mother from a nearby village with serious complications who requires an immediate Caesarian section to deliver her baby. Dr. Elsa, trained and ready, focuses on the problem in the operating room and sees it solved before returning home for a couple of hours of sleep before she begins her first ward rounds at 7:30 AM. Being a doctor at a Salvation Army hospital is no ordinary job, but then Dr. Elsa is no ordinary doctor.

Elsa Bjorkqvist left her home in Sweden to work at the Chikankata Mission Hospital in July 2006. Deep in rural Zambia, Chikankata is virtually a million miles from the practice and lifestyle she left behind in northern Scandinavia. Her journey took her from one of the best healthcare systems in the world to one of the worst, if World Health Organization statistics are accurate. According to Dr. Elsa, however, this is what she wanted to do since she was a teenager. “I’ve always had a calling to work with those in poverty and the marginalized, especially women and children,” she says.

With a 200-bed general hospital, six rural health centers and daily mobile clinics for children and HIV/AIDS patients, Chikankata Hospital has provided both facility and community-based healthcare to people of all ages for over 60 years. As one of only three doctors serving a catchment area population of over 80,000 people, Dr. Elsa shoulders responsibility for care of women and children in the hospital and surrounding communities. This means balancing the demands of mothering her own three children with serving as hospital doctor in a land where almost 20% of the people are HIV positive, and one in five children die before age five.

Dr. Elsa is called upon to do anything and everything. She can be found in the operating room, the outpatient department or the HIV/AIDS Center. She travels out with the mobile clinics and accompanies the League of Mercy members on home-based care visits each month.

Dr. Elsa daily sees mothers of young children who need health education, plus emotional and spiritual support. Add this to the pediatric and maternity wards plus with malaria patients and malnourished children. Clearly her ministry represents a holistic approach that most of us talk about but never see. The women in the region know Dr. Elsa and are well aware of her care, commitment and compassion for them.

For Dr. Elsa, working at Chikankata is much more than a medical practitioner’s job; it’s a ministry. She says she feels free and liberated to be working in an Army hospital, for she can minister to each patient every day during her rounds. “I always try to spend some time with the women, to pray with them and just be a presence,” she says. “I want them to see that I love them, but more important, that God loves them.”

Zambian rural culture means that polygamy, plus other demeaning and risky sexual rituals are widely practiced. The role of women is usually subordinate to men; they are often treated as second class citizens. Dr. Elsa says, “One of the most important aspects of my ministry is to encourage women and point out the positive things they do as mothers.”

While the medical side of her job is important, Dr Elsa believes it is only one part of her holistic approach to working with women. “I want the women in our area,” she declares, “to know they are valued and special to God.”

Walking away from the hospital, Dr. Elsa is stopped by a woman, a widow whose six-year-old son is ill with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. He’s a patient in the hospital. The woman thanks the smiling doctor for all she has done for her child; then she places a bag of groundnuts from her own garden into Dr. Elsa’s hands.Then stepping close so she can hug the doctor, the woman says she is a Christian and her faith has grown stronger because of Dr. Elsa’s work and ministry at the hospital.

It seems Jesus always has time for the women of our world, thereby demonstrating their value to Him, and in Zambia Catherine and Elsa obviously have time, profitable, well-spent time, for them, too.

2008-02-12T19:31:00.001+02:00

YOU WHAT?!

What I actually said to the newspaper reporter:

"I can confirm that a meeting took place between myself, a doctor and the HRH Chieftainess Mwenda regarding the matter you are referring to. All other questions will need to be directed to the District Director of Health."

What appear in two national newspapers this weekend:

"Chikankata Hospital Authorities worried over increased cases of defilement

Mazabuka, 09 February,2008 ZANIS......Authorities at Chikankata Mission Hospital in Mazabuka have expressed worry at the increased cases of defilement being attended too by medical staff at the health institution.

Hospital Administrator, Mr Richard Bradbury told ZANIS in Mazabuka today that most children admitted to the Children's ward where victims of sexual assault.

Mr Bradbury said the hospital management has since sought the intervention of Chieftainess Mwenda to help sensitise communities on the dangers of defiling under aged children.

He said the rate at which girls are defiled in the area is worrying and called for the protection of under aged girls from sexual abuse.

And Chieftainess Mwenda has confirmed receiving a team of senior hospital staff led by administrator, Richard Bradbury.

She said the team complained that girls as young as 10 years were frequently being defiled and receive treatment at the hospital while suspected defilers are left scot free because of the absence of Police in the area.

Chieftainess said she will not allow the scourge to continue because it is ruining the lives of children."

Three points;

1. Amazing what you can get from one sentence.

2. Most children are admitted to the children's ward with Malaria, Pheumonia or Malnutrition

3. The increase is due to increased awareness amongst community members and now at least they are actually bringing the children to the hospital for treatment.

2008-02-08T13:54:00.000+02:00

"My Friend, Bwana, Mr. Richard"

Today I was woken at 5.45am with someone at the door telling me that my friend Nathan had died. It made me very sad. Nathan used to always address me in a very loud voice, the same way every time he saw me; "My friend, Bwana, Mr. Richard" befor proceding to talk to me. Bwana means boss in Tonga. It will be one of those things we remember about Chikankata.

Nathan was a psychiatric patient but a man of great intelligence. Heidie and I 'look after' a number of waifs and strays one way or another, usually with food or soap or clothes. The services for patients with mental health problems in Zambia is poor so most are managed by local hospitals and community members as best they can. But Zambians are not so politically correct when it comes to such issues and he often got a hard time.

Nathan would come and sit outside our house and we would give him some food and he was always so grateful. Always dirty, always carrying bags, more oftent than not shouting, Nathan would make us laugh alot. One time I gave him a big bag of clothes including a pair of boxer shorts. The next day I see him wearing every single item of clothing I had given him and the boxers were over his trousers. He also talked alot about Major Young who had obviously had a great influence on him.

I have been so touched by how so many people have approached me this morning and have referred to Nathan as my friend. Nathan was my friend and I was proud to have known him. I went this morning in my car to pick his body and bring it to the hospital and I had a deep sense of sadness but a real feeling of joy that at least for this man he is now at peace and will be shouting and making the people upstairs laugh.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

2008-02-03T21:58:00.000+02:00

FAMILY UPDATE....

Highlight of the week for me was on Saturday. Each month we have a shopping trip to Lusaka. Here we basically have to buy our groceries for the month (my worst nightmare). As we were driving home we drove over the bridge spanning the Kafue River. We saw huge herd of hippos. I thought to myself that I don't reckon that's going to happen as we drive home from Tescos or Sainsbury's when we are back in the UK in a few months.

Luke (now generally known as Luka, as is the Tonga pronounciation) is getting longer by the day and is now beginning to sleep through the night till about 5am. Hallelujah, Praise the Lord. I have had two long sleeps this weekend

And then there's Ronaldo. I've noticed that it is a trend among some bloggers to list the books they've read during the previous year so I have decided to do something similar

Books Ronaldo has eaten during 2007

Imitations of Christ - Thomas a Kempis

Revelations - New King James Version

Never Admit to Biege - Jonathan Drape

Last 2 chapters of Revelation - New International Version

Others - Chick Yuill

Quite an impressive list, I'm sure you'll agree.

This week Ronaldo has also attended prayers twice, a talk on Home Based Care, a meeting about the future of our ART (HIV/AIDS) clinic and attended the Holiness meeting today. It's like she knows she belongs to me and feels like she can do whatever she likes and go wherever she wants. And everyone encourages her! She is such a great dog and Heidie is already thinking of ways to bring her back to UK in May.

2008-02-01T10:34:00.000+02:00

.....BUT MOST OF ALL YOU'VE LET YERSELF DOWN

2008 has not been so good on the blogging front. 1 post in one month is the worst ever yet. Sorry about that - Here are my excuses;

1) Electricity has been particularly bad this year. We have also had some rolling blackout across the country – a knock on from problems in South Africa. One evening it seems the whole of sub-Saharan Africa was blacked out. It does not bode well for the future.
2) Our e-mail servers have been hit by thunder and power surges. It is also raining a lot – too much! The e-mail system is severely interrupted during the rains and storms. We are so grateful for Kennedy “Mr. IT” Nakaanga. He does a brilliant job in very difficult circumstances.
3) We have had loads of visitors already this year. Always a great pleasure and blessing. So far they have been here from the UK, Norway, USA (x3), Denmark, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia.
4) A wee bout of malaria or man flu or something like that!
5) I have been a little bit distracted. We have spent a lot of time thinking and praying over our future (still!) This is tricky! We feel its right to come but as things stand we are worried about what will happen here when we go. I have spent a lot of time trying to sort out the finance for the year. It’s not looking good for 2008 but to be fair, it never does in January. This year will are going to have to raise about $300,000 outside current funding. It’s a big deal but God has been faithful in the past, it’s up to us to trust, pray and figure out a plan!
6) Just plain tired. My main ally and friend, Martin, has left for a new job in Lusaka. I am having to cover some of his tasks as well my own and others. Luke is teething so sleep is disrupted – bless him. Not a great time for resting. I am falling asleep earlier and therefore not writing or working late into the night as I used to.

So there’s my reasons – I will try to do better in February. However I have been inspired by friends John and Rochelle in Zimbabwe. Things there are not good there and the people need our prayers. Rochelle writes in a much more insightful way than me (see http://johnandrochelle.blogspot.com/ ) and gives some really great experiences of Christian living in a community and missional way. I have gone with their theme Bible verse for the year from Romans 12: 12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” It’s a kind of solidarity. I too hope than I can love this out.

Finally, HIV for Children in Zambia is awful, even more so when the treatment is there but the child is not able to access it due to the fears of the parents. Two weekends ago we lost so many children, among them many of the children we visited on Christmas Day and in the early days of 2008. I was so sad but felt so priviliedged so share with them on this special day. Please also pray for Dr. Elsa, who is in charge of the children’s ward. She is such a lovely Christian lady, who bring hope just by her presence. But it is an emotional and physical struggle for her. Below is a couple of pictures. One is with a child that was treated and discharged, one of the children who sadly passed away. It’s not right that the innocent die of this awful disease!

Finally, well done to the staff of Maternity, who for the first time for many years, maybe even ever, recorded a ZERO maternal mortality rate in their ward. That’s right a big fat O! So many reasons to be thankful.

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM

P.P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - ALAN MacD

2008-01-09T17:31:00.000+02:00

First post of 2008

First things first – A very Happy New Year to all. May it be a year of many blessings.

The last two weeks has been such a great time and a mixture of travelling and relaxing. A lot has happened, here are a few highlights

1. Great time in Livingstone with Clare and Adrian. One of the highlights was the trip to Livingstone Island where you are right at the edge of the Victoria Falls. It is only possible two months a year and this was our first time;

2. Christmas afternoon in the hospital singing carols and giving out gifts. Thanks to my Uncle Graham and his Rotary Club for their help.

3. Meeting Grandma and Grandad at the airport for the first time;

4. Christmas day (on the 27th December) with all the family. Thanks to everyone who sent cards and presents for Luke. We have been truly overwhelmed and very encouraged by people’s kindness. A dodgy Santa Claus visited us too;

5. New Year’s Eve at Chisamba Lodge. A mini safari on the game farm and lots of great conversations, walks and laughs.

6. A night in Lusaka so that we could to have some nice for and were able to have a proper shower. The water at Chikankata is not good just now

It’s been extra special this year to have Luke and the Bradbury clan around. We realise how blessed we are to have such a great family.

In more recent days many of our conversations have drifted towards the future and what 2008 holds for us. Heidie and I need to make serious decisions about our future. Man, it’s difficult! The head and the heart are positioned differently and getting them to talk to each other is difficult. We are also hoping that we will hear God’s voice a little stronger in all our of our consideration (or more likely we just need to be better listeners!)

I also feel that we as a Hospital need to get back to basics. It seems that the ‘professionalisation’ of the Health services in Zambia has meant that across the board the standard of health care across Zambia is improving. However for places like Chikankata, the ethos of serving has become diluted. I was reminded this week that our main purpose is to introduce people to Jesus and all other things stem for this. This is something that needs consideration so that we can truly call ourselves a Mission Hospital.

General Gowan's prayer for the excluded in 2002 is my prayer for Chikankata 2008

"Christ of compassion grant the people called Salvationists a fresh baptism of compassion. Make us genuine carers for the impoverished. Help Your Salvation Army everywhere to recapture a passion for the poor and the determination to integrate the excluded in Your Name."

P.S. And what I pray for Your Army, Lord, I pray for myself!

2007-12-25T10:28:00.000+02:00

Happy Christmas from The Bradburys

2007-12-24T10:29:00.000+02:00

Christmas Newsletter

2007 was another eventful year in the lives of the Bradbury’s at Chikankata. The first two weeks of the year were spent finishing our holiday back in the UK, where it was great to meet up with friends and family. In April we met up with Richard’s parents and sister in Cape Town and enjoyed a few days in this stunning place, before the whole party returned to Zambia where we were joined by Susanna. Richard is extremely proud of his parents who have supported the Hospital so well and amongst other things took the trip to Chaanga to see The Salvation Army’s Clinic there. This is a 30 miles trip which took three and half hours just to get there, driving on extremely treacherous conditions. We also managed a quick jaunt down to Livingstone and were very fortunate to see a lunar rainbow or moonbow at the Victoria Falls, which is apparently very rare. We spent another beautiful weekend in Livingstone later in the year staying at the 5-star Royal Livingstone with our good friends Kevin FH and Paul, during which we treated to the life of luxury. We were even able to shower everyday and flush the toilet whenever we liked!
This year has been another challenging but fairly positive one for the hospital. Running a hospital in Zambia these days seems near impossible but we have tried as best we can. On the plus side the College for Biomedical Science was reopened in February at the request of the Government, the Hospital started to operate at General Hospital status, having been downgraded a few years before, we enjoyed Mission Team visits from Northern Ireland, England and Canada and we were visited by many Chikankata “old-timers” including the du Plessis’, the Campbells, the Pallants, Major Schoch and Col. Rader. We also managed to purchase a brand new ambulance and many thanks go to all our friends who helped us in the venture. It’s got flashing lights and a siren and even a loud speaker to tell people to move out the way!

Perhaps the most positive development for us was a successful external audit and a straightforward International Headquarters audit. It is difficult to describe how much of a mess we found the accounts books in but take it from me (and IHQ), this was a great achievement. The report shows that in 2006 the Hospital had an annual turnover of over £1m, that we went from a deficit of almost £100,000 in 2005 to just £8,000 in 2006 and that as an institution we had to raise over £400,000 outside grants and project income just for day to day running costs. Thank you again to so many of our family and friends who continue to support the hospital so faithfully. It could not function without you. I can personally assure you that we are doing the best we can to serve God and the people here in difficult circumstances

Of course for us the most exciting and life changing development during this year was the new addition to our family. No, not our dog Ronaldo – although she (yes, that’s right, she!) is very special to us – but the birth of our son, Luke Jonathan Bradbury. On the 20th September 2007 Heidie was taken for an emergency C- Section after doctors detected the baby’s heart beat had deteriorated significantly. During the surgery, it was discovered that the umbilical cord had been wrapped round Luke’s neck and the placenta had become detached. It was a very tense night, as Luke had to be resuscitated. We cannot speak highly enough of the care we received at Chikankata and are proud that we follow a long list of special people (both locals and expatriates) whose children have been born at this great hospital. Most of all we are thankful to God for keeping Heidie and Luke safe.

A special well done to Heidie who recovered from major surgery under general anaesthestic with nothing but equivalent of paracetamol for painkillers, as these were the only drugs available. Luke, as you might expect given the height of his parents, was rather long (56cm) and continues to grow at an alarming pace. However he is a very happy young man and seems to be coping with having us as parents so far. One of the amazing things was that Heidie’s parents arrived on the morning of Luke’s delivery and having them around was just great. We are not sure what we would have done without them. We also enjoyed a few days with them in Siavonga, home of the largest man-made lake in the world and the Kariba Dam.

Another special event for us was the engagement of Richard’s sister, Clare to Adrian. While we are not quite sure how Adrian is going to cope, we are extremely pleased for them both. We are looking forward to the wedding in July 2008 and we are excited that they are visiting us for Christmas. Luke is particularly looking forward to meeting the Bradbury side of his family for the first time, as we will also be joined by Grandma and Grandad Bradbury. We were also pleased to learn that Heidie’s brother Carl and his wife Anne-Mie are expecting their second child in 2008.

As we look forward to next year, we are not sure what it holds for us. Our contract expires in May 2008 and we will soon need to make a decision as to whether we should stay or whether the time is right for us to move on. However we have the same assurance that was outlined by Jeremiah; “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, they are plans to prosper you, plans to give you a hope and future.” This is our hope for both our little family and our big family at Chikankata.

Wishing you a very peaceful Christmas
and a Happy New Year

With Love and Best Wishes

Richard,Heidie &Luke

2007-12-09T13:34:00.000+02:00

PRAYERS

I have not done a lot of blogging recently but I have been doing a lot of thinking.

Over the next couple of weeks we need to make a decision about our future. It's really hard. There are lots of possibilities and options but we want to do what is right. (We were even offered a job managing a lodge last week in Zambia!). Heart and head are at different places for us at the moment so we are praying that God will make the way clear for us. We are confused about the future so we ask you to pray for us. Our contract here finishes in May so we are nearing the time where a firm decision needs to be made.

In all honesty I would stay without hesitation at Chikankata if it weren't for the burden of the finances. It is just almost impossible. We are doing the best we can with what we have. It even seems like getting funding is like a lottery. It's all upside down. Big organisations (most of whom are just funders not implementers) raise money on the basis they are helping the poor, then make those that are actually helping the poor jump through hoops to get the money. Anyway before I get on a rant, it's important to concentrate on those who do give and their kindness. But it is a heavy burden and I am not sure I can carry it for much longer. Please pray for the finances at Chikankata.

December 1st was World AIDS Day. I hate HIV/AIDS. It's a horrible disease. We have seen first hand the devastion this disease causes amongst families and the consequences for people in this area. I have seen first hand the havoc and distress this diseases causes, even amongst our own staff. Even in the last week I have seen at first hand the utter despair brought when someone is told they are HIV positive. So in the same way as the UK has rememberence day for the victims of the war, it seems that Zambia has rememberence services for victims of this disease.

I am convinced more than ever that the church has leading role to play in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Without taking the moral high ground by teaching people in the way of holiness. You can have all the fancy programmes in the world but I still believe good Christian teaching and love is best way forward. Please pray for those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. Please pray for those left behind and please pray for the church and the hospital as they treat the causes and the symptoms.

2007-11-19T21:19:00.000+02:00

Catch-up Time

It's been a while since I posted properly. Lots of things have happened during the week or so. Firstly four of our staff went to the UK to represent the Hospital at a number of events, including the SW Division Congress. Heidie and I were extremely humbled by a number of things about our trip to the airport. None of them had ever flown before so just getting them through to the Departure Lounge was a big undertaking. Chrispine had never even been in a lift before. Reports reaching us are telling us how well they are representing the Hospital and The Salvation Army in Zambia.

The pram has become almost unemployed already as Heidie has discovered the benefits of the simple Chitenge. Here is Heidie getting ready to go to the meeting in Lusaka on Sunday. It's like Luke just falls asleep everytime he goes in it. We pay all this money for all these fancy contraptions, when a piece of cloth does the trick. Have we overcomplicated things in the West I wonder?!

Great day at the Commissioning Ceremony of the God's Fellow Workers Session in Mulungushi Centre, Lusaka. Highlight of the day was when a newly commissioned officer jumped up and down so much and danced and whooped when his fellow cadet and the lady he is marrying next Saturday was appointed to the same corps as him in Choma. It was like he thought she was going to be appointed somewhere else or indeed, maybe he was just happy. It was a great sight whatever the reason.

Luke obviously enjoyed his first SA meeting, as he was all smiles at lunchtime

Finally, not often I say this but what a great day for the Administration of Chikankata Hospital. Today we collected the audited accounts for 2006. Nothing unusual you may say. However for us it was special. when we arrived in 2005 we had to close off the books for 2000-2004 just to get the opening balance. In other words the books were a complete and utter disaster. The last Auditors who came in 2002, just simply walked away saying our books were completely unauditable. Today I am happy for this is the first proper audit for 7 years. This has been such hard work but today when we signed and received the document, with no qualifications I hasten to add, it was such a releif and a good feeling. To most people this will mean nothing but to Heidie and me it's about trying to do things right. Well done to my Accounts Team.

2007-11-08T21:39:00.000+02:00

ABC News Report Transcript : April 9, 2007

'Key to the World' Learns What a Simple Piece of Plastic, Soap and Gloves Can Do to Help Pregnant Women

Long before Bono, more than a century before Angelina Jolie, there was David Livingstone -- the first celebrity determined to save Africa. The Scottish missionary doctor became a 19th-century megastar by exploring "the dark continent" and bringing to Europe tales of fantastic beasts and natural wonders like the majestic Victoria Falls.

But what really drove Livingstone was his compassion for the people of Africa and a zealous belief that their lives could improve if only modern commerce could take hold. One hundred and fifty years later, ABC News set out from the town of Livingstone, Zambia -- named after this famed explorer -- for the second part of the "World News" series, "Key to the World." The only sure sign of 21st-century progress we saw was a cell phone tower disguised as a tree.

Today Zambia should be better off economically. It is a country rich in natural resources and unburdened by war. In the late 1960s this country was the third-largest producer of copper in the world, but when copper prices crashed in 1975, the Zambian economy crashed as well. The 7 million people in Zambia now grow what they can to survive. In addition to a struggling economy, the population of Zambia has also been hit hard by AIDS. Village girls sell themselves to truckers who spread HIV along their routes while officials battle the myth that sex with a virgin cures AIDS.

The virus is a big reason the life expectancy for people born in this country is 37 years. Inadequate health care is another. In vast areas of Zambia, with no doctors and few roads, even minor health problems can turn dire. In Chikankata, we witnessed patients walk from as far as 45 miles away to the nearest hospital. The lucky ones get a ride in an ox cart.
Simple Idea Saves Lives at Birth

The average woman in Zambia delivers six children. Sadly, the infant morality rate in Zambia is so high that only three of those children are likely to survive. Many parents in Zambia wait a week before naming their baby so they don't grow too attached.

ABC News met one 9-day-old baby named Woosico. Her mom delivered her by C-section at a Salvation Army clinic -- putting her in the very fortunate minority. Three out of four women never make it to the hospital, giving birth on the dusty ground or on the road, many using saw grass to cut their baby's umbilical cord. Adding to the difficulty of childbirth in this poor country is a severe shortage of trained doctors.

"We know what causes a woman to die -- bleeding, infection, obstructed labor," local doctor Ruben Mbewe explained. "So if those women who have those complications have access to a health facility -- with a skilled attendant -- it would help us a lot."

So the Zambian government relies on midwives -- who have the most basic training. They receive no payment aside from the occasional chicken, or a girl named after them in gratitude.
Out of this extraordinary need, came a simple idea known as clean birth kits -- or CBKs -- sealed plastic bags with contents that could mean life for mother and child.

The CBKs include candles and matches, half a bar of soap, surgical gloves, a razor blade and clamp for the umbilical cord, and a sheet of plastic to go between the mother and the earth. Some even include a cartoon manual on how the kits should be used. It seems so simple, but a woman who uses this kit is 13 times more likely to survive her labor.

ABC News met one woman named Aonnet, who used a sterile blade and gloves in her delivery. She couldn't afford the 60 cents to purchase a full kit and officials found that giving away the kits for free made the program less effective.

Women are more likely to use a kit they've purchased and a small markup allows the midwife to earn a small profit which makes it possible for her to buy more kits.

At the hospital in Chikankata, there was a sign that laid plain the dire state of health care in Zambia: "The community is directed to bury bodies of their relatives within three days of death. This measure is meant to reduce congestion in our mortuary."

This message stands in stunning contrast to the women who purchase the CBKs, which provide them with a clean piece of plastic, a bit of knowledge and a fighting chance.

(Source: http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Travel/Story?id=3024238&page=1)

2007-10-28T12:34:00.000+02:00

This week has been interesting, as indeed most weeks are at Chikankata. Firstly I have spent a large portion of the last two weeks at British High Commission trying to get visas for the four people from the Hospital who are visiting the UK next month. We finally managed to get them on Thursday. Now I know where the Zambian authorities get their love of paperwork and bureaucracy.

Sadly we had a very disturbing incident in the hospital this week. Without dragging out all the details, a man murdered his child on the ICU ward. This is a very sad development and the police were called (although it took them seven hours to get here – nothing like preserving the crime scene!). There are all kinds of reasons being put forward for his behaviour; psychiatric, demonic, or jealously (the baby may have been another mans). There are many sad and even dramatic incidents that come to Chikankata Hospital (like any other Hospital) but this seems particularly shocking.

Wednesday was Independence Day so as is the custom I took to the school pitch representing the Hospital against the High School in the Annual football match (I first of all checked that there was oxygen in the wards and the Ambulance was on standby!). I have enjoyed the times I have played football, whether it be with the guys on a Friday after work or with the kids at various activities. I am not sure who it was and I am not sure of the exact words but one prominent Army officer once noted that some of his best sermons were preached with his feet. I am not sure if this kind of thing (especially my style of play!) is what he was referring to but it has been my experience. Playing football has undoubtedly brought me a special connection with some of the younger members of staff and the guys from the villages. Overall it was a good afternoon of football and fellowship and for the record, the Hospital won for the third year running.

One footnote from the afternoon - Usually I am the oldest guy playing on the Hospital side. For those of you that know Chikankata Hospital, step forward one Wilner Chiyota who played for three quarters of the game. He showed potential, that’s all I can say!

We have also enjoyed sharing with the new International Health Services Co-ordinators for The Salvation Army, Majors Dean and Eirwen Pallant. Dean used to be in the same position as me at the Hospital so it was good to chat with him. I will post later about one or two discussion as we had a good time of sharing but, when picking them up and approaching the car at airport, here’s something I’ve never said before; “You get in the front, your legs are longer than mine”

Finally I found a quote this week, again I am not sure who it is by – the reference section for this post is not looking impressive!- which reminded me that our biggest enemy is not the challenges we face but complacency, negativity, self imposed limitation and self pity (see previous post.) Deuteronomy 11 v 2;

“Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with him”

God is faithful!

2007-10-20T08:55:00.000+02:00

Oh the Grand old Duke of York!

I seem to be living in a parallel world at the moment. On the one hand I am loving being a father and spending time with my wee boy. He's a lively fella and keeps us entertained and occupied already. It is 9am in the morning and I am already on my 3rd t-shirt (one poo, one vom!) Loving it! I am also very proud of Heidie who has basically recovered from a C-Section by General Anaethestic with only Paracetomel, as some of the other painkilling drugs are not available. We are very happy as a family. She's a star. She's my star!

On the other hand, I'm tired in my work. I'm tired of struggling. Tired of having no money and having to balance things around. Tired of bills and debt. Tired that things don't work smoothly. Tired that things are ten times as much effort here than back home. Tired of being 'on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tired that people blame me when things are not right when their departments are not exactly perfect. Tired and frustrated because people are just too relaxed. Tired of inefficiency. Tired of corruption. Tired of not having running water in my house. Tired of feeling unsupported. Tired of electricity cuts. Tired of the politics within Chikankata and The Salvation Army. Tired of inequality and injustice across the world and the church. Tired that most people only show their true capabilities when its important and not on the everyday matters. Tired of robbing Peter to pay Paul. Just tired and lacking in a bit of motivation at the minute.

Yet I am acutely aware that the things I am tired of are the day in day realities for many of the people we serve and some. Yet for the most part the people here seem so content with their circumstances. (Although I also finding from some people who visit that it is often used as a rationalistion or excuse. A person's contentment with a situation of poverty does not make it ok - a debate for another time)

Trying to figure all this out and where I am going wrong I was reminded of three things I have previously written in my journal;

1) Intimacy with Christ must be first. Without it mission is empty and self-serving. It becomes a chore and grinds you down. I have learnt that you can love mission more than you can love Jesus. Without intimacy with Jesus we have nothing to give away to others.

2) Relationships, relationships, relationships. Listening to others. One of the fundamental principles of TSAs Integrate Mission concept is listening and transfer. By building relationships, by sharing, by just listening we release ourselves from the compulsion to do in order to take time to be.

3) When Jesus sent out the disciples (Luke ch 9) although the commission was about others, you could argue that the disciples themselves were the mission field when he sent them out. Maybe this experiences is not just about others, it's also about me, my journey and my faith. Tolstoy once wrote; "Everyone wants to change the world, nobody wants to change themselves.

I don't want to survive the last 6 or 7 month here, I want to live them. I want to make a difference but I also want to be different.

2007-10-14T21:24:00.001+02:00

Some Cheeky Photos of the Wee Man

Luke thoroughly enjoying his first trip on a boat, a sunset cruise on Lake Kariba (the biggest man-made lake in the world!) as you can see from the first picture!

2007-10-14T21:04:00.000+02:00

BOBBY DAZZLERS

So on Friday we gave out some assistance to the the care givers in our Home Based Care programmes. See if you can guess what they got.......

2007-10-09T19:18:00.000+02:00

The Official Opening of the College of Biomedical Sciences

Another busy weekend and Friday saw the official Opening of Chikankata College of Biomedical College. The college has been operating since February and we have 20 students on campus, with another 20 due to commence in 2008. The Guest of Honour for the day was the Minister of Health and a number of important dignitaries made their way to Chikankata for this special event. We all met in the Boardroom for a briefing beforehand before touring the Hospital and the School.

There had been a Lab School at Chikankata for a many years but for a number of reason this was closed in 2000. However, at the request of the Ministry of Health and with the support of The Salvation Army, Churches Health Association of Zambia and the Ministry things have really been moving. It's been a long standing problem across Zambia, especially in the fight against HIV/AIDS that the backup personnel have been in demand. In response to this request, Chikankata made the necessary arrangements and joins two other similar programmes for the whole country.

In order to get this project up and running we have had to renovate the old Lab Hostels, build a new classroom and renovate one of our rooms into a new Demonstration Lab for students. We had a lot of different supporters and it has been a huge undertaking. In the short-term the College will benefit the Hospital because the students will learn and support our own Laboratory Services. However it will also help a number of institutions across the country, especially the Mission Hospital as part of the funding agreement with CHAZ is that we reserve a certain number of places for Church health institutions.

The day went well and everyone was suitably impressed by the new facilities. Thank you to all those that helped in a special way, many from afar. The Lab School is officially back-up and running but there is still a lot of work to be done.

2007-10-03T21:36:00.000+02:00

FINALLY!

Well look at this big baby!!! After months of waiting, the new ambulance finally arrived at Chikankata today. I can’t tell you how happy I am.

We have waited for nearly 9 months for this machine, the reasons for the delay being twofold; firstly the money to pay for this new vehicle took quite a long time to arrive through The Salvation Army system. Then when it did arrive we have major delays when ordering through Toyota Zambia. Of all the companies I have dealt with Toyota Zambia have, in my opinion, given possibly the worst customer service and that is saying something in Africa (note to self : file away under “don’t get me started……”) Anyway back to the point; its been a long time coming!

So a big thank you to all who helped raised the ₤25,000 for this special vehicle. It’s beautiful. It’s got an electric winch and everything. So, no more getting stuck in the mud or the streams. No more putting people in the back of pick ups on plastic mattresses. No more having to pay to use Project vehicles to answer emergency calls. It has flashing lights, an oxygen cylinder and a proper emergency trolley. This vehicle will undoubtedly save lives and will definitely make a difference to the community we serve

So a special thank to all who contributed, especially my mates - Nick Hanover, Garry Smith, Kevin Fenton Herring and Clark Baim. Thanks also to a number of corps such a.s Chelmsford, Carlisle and Aberdeen as well as the young people who attended the Scotland Youth Councils. Also thanks to our friends at the UKT International Development Department.

This morning we held a dedication service, where we gave thanks to God for his continued provision and thanks to all those who contributed in anyway. This ambulance is testament to what can be achieved when alot of people are prepared to give big and small amounts in the spirit of helping others.

Twalumba Kapati!

2007-09-30T08:50:00.000+02:00

Back to Normal – Not really!

“You don’t know what you’re doing!’ is a chant that I may have joined in with a couple of times when berating a referee at a St. Mirren or Southend game. Anyone spectating on our first week of parenthood would be equally within their rights to direct the same sentiments at Heidie and me. However so far, Luke doesn’t seem to have been too adversely affected by having us as parents. However it has been a great week, if one without too much sleep.

Heidie’s parents arrived in the nick of time and drove through the gates at Chikankata just hours before Heidie was taken to the operating theatre. Their story is also quite a nice one as they had originally planned to come on the 21st September but changed their flight not long before their departure date, having just a ‘feeling’ that they should come a wee bit earlier. They have been a great help and William’s cooking in particular has helped sustain us this week and keep us strong.

Although I had the best intentions of taking a week or two paternity leave, the busyness of the Hospital and Health Services has not afforded me this opportunity. This week I have spent the mornings at home directing operations from the armchair and worked in the office in the afternoons, with the exception of Thursday when a full day was required.

Perhaps one of the biggest blessings we’ve experienced at Chikankata during our time here is the visitors we've receive and the people we've meet. My life is undoubtedly richer and my Christian experience deeper because of some of these encounters. So on Thursday I spent the day with Lt-Col Dan Starrett, the Executive Director of the Salvation Army World Service Organisation and Lt. Col. Bell, the Chief Secretary of USA Western Territory. Both ‘offices’ have assisted Chikankata in different ways, SAWSO funding our Child Survival Programme and USA Westerm helping the hospital studio to convert to a community radio station. I am a better person for talking and sharing with them and we are continually grateful to God for all the help we receive both practical, spiritual, and financial.

In a similar vein a big thank you to one Capt Jonny Smith, who ran the marathon in April and raised money for the Hospital at the same time. What a trooper! (I will now overlook how he adandoned me to struggle to the finish line with knee ligament damage in our first marathon together!) Many people when they give donations to Chikankata specified what it should go towards and rightly so. But to receive ₤5000 simply towards the running cost of the hospital is special. This will pay 5 months electricity bill or pay most of the staff wages or drugs purchases for one month. Outside of the regular funding Chikankata Hospital receives from government, we have to raise around ₤10,000 or $20,000 each moth just to function. It's a huge undertaking and without doubt the biggest stress of my job!

We are so thankful for the many people like Jonny and SAWSO, who work tirelessly so that the people of Chikankata can at least have access to a decent standard of healthcare. The old adage about “Where there’s a need, there’s The Salvation Army” is certainly true of this part of Zambia. We thank God for internationalism of The Salvation Army and the generosity of our many friends around the world.

2007-09-22T10:41:00.000+02:00

Luke Jonathan Bradbury

Luke Jonathan Bradbury was born at Chikankata Hospital on 20th September 2007. He is so cute and so long – 54cm to be precise. He is already being lined up as a centre half. Weighing in a healthy 4.2kg (9lbs), I feel he has the upper body strength for that role. For some reason there is interested in his hair colour, which originally was dark brown but it is now a little bit lighter! We shall see what becomes. I think its going to land somewhere between my African sunset colour and Heidie's brown hard. Father and mother are feeling very proud and very sore respectively.

We are so grateful to so many people. On Thursday afternoon, Heidie had quite a bit of pain in her stomach and we were beginning to think that this was the start of labour. We called our Midwife, Clare Ntinda, and she decided it would be good just to check on the baby’s heartbeat. Unfortunately during the check-up the heartrate had dropped significantly and was a cause for concern. And so the decision was made to go for Caesarian Section.

Given the circumstances, we were asked about going to a private clinic in Lusaka on our insurance. However, we felt strongly that it was not right that we should go elsewhere when all the people we serve were expected to come to Chikankata. It would send out the wrong message. Anyway, every day, women have C-sections at Chikankata Hospital and we had every, (actually more) faith in the staff here. Heidie had a real sense that God was in control and a real sense of peace about the whole operation. By this time, I was a complete and utter nervous and emotional wreck and no help whatsoever to anyone.

The medical staff were brilliant. In the operating theatre we had 3 doctors, 2 anesthetists, 2 midwives, 1 theatre nurse and a theatre attendant. We wouldn't get that service back home! It was one of the most moving scenes I have ever experienced in my life as the medical team came to the waiting room of theatre, complete with gowns. They formed a circle around Heidie on the trolley and prayed with us just before she was taken into the operating theatre. It reminded me again of why Salvation Army hospital's exist – there is something deeply soothing and healing about the presence of Jesus. Health, Healing and Wholeness. Heidie and I both felt that God was in control. We just knew that people back home were praying for us and Heidie said she really felt uplifted and supported during the early stages of the operation. In my mind the words “We are standing on Holy Ground, and I know that there are angels all around” were singing through.

It turns out that the baby’s chord was wrapped tightly around the neck and the placenta had become stuck and was bleeding. If we would have waited for natural delivery it would have been very dangerous for the wee man and for Heidie. Even if we had gone to Lusaka, the delay would have caused trouble When Luke came out he was not breathing and had to be resuscitated. The decision to go for a C-section was a good one, Chikankata is a great Hospital, we have brilliant friends and family and God is a mighty God.

Immediately, Heidie came out of the operating theatre, in her dazed state she said his name is Luke Jonathan. We had agreed on Luke because of the medical / healing / ministry connection and all that but I was still holding out for “The Fonz” as a middle name. To be overruled with any consultation just like that ….. Well, it's a disgrace! Apparently Jonathan means God has given and indeed he has!

2007-09-19T12:37:00.000+02:00

Still waiting!

So yesterday I was reading that only 3% of women give birth on their Estimated Delivery Date. Well in my book a 3% success rate on any estimate is pretty poor. In fact, it stinks! So we are still waiting. As usual, I have already lost my money. I had a competition (not a bet!) with my mate Keith that the baby would come on 10th, he went for the 22nd. So just like when I play golf with Keith, I've lost all my money by the tenth. Patience or golf are not really my strong points.

However what did lighten my mood yesterday (I know I know - think about the wife!) was that there is a little baby in Ngangula whose first name is Bradbury. How cool is that - Bradbury Mwiinga. Apparently I had done something to help the family - which I don't even remember - and they called their son Bradbury. Both Heidie and I know have babies named after us and it feels quite special.

So here we are still waiting. I'll keep you posted....

2007-09-16T15:26:00.000+02:00

Good times

After the heat of the last two weeks, the final auditors left on Friday. In a 10 day period we have had the Inauguration of Chieftainess Mweenda, Graduation Day, the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, 3 sets of visitors, Performance Assessment (Ministry of Health), Action Plan and Budget Preparation for 2008 and an external audit. All have gone well but this weekend we have been pleased to relax and rest.

Yesterday we spent the whole day in Elsa and Lars' backgarden. It was beautiful. Fine food and great company. We played football, frisbee and Kube(?) I really enjoyed the day alot! Looking through the photos there were lots of smiling faces including Joshua Nakaanga so I reckon everyone enjoyed else enjoyed it too!

About 9 of us, including the Bjorkqvist boys stayed right into the night. We had two powercuts through the day, one of which was at 8pm so for a while we were in complete darkness.

Ronaldo joined us and played with her best mate Samson (Lars and Elsa's Boerbull) all afternoon.

And then this morning, Heidie (whose EDD is tomorrow) me and Ronaldo got up early and climbed Easter Hill for a wee breakfast picnic. It was nice to sit and be quiet and just look around at the beautiful sights around Chikankata.

Finally, I must have missed the class at school about the anatomy and physiology of dogs but nobody ever told me that dogs get periods. I'm shocked! Anyway, I've booked Ronaldo (who is in fact a girl by the way) in at the vets so that it does not happen again!

2007-09-09T15:19:00.000+02:00

Chikankata Mission Hospital - Sixty Years of Service

This weekend Chikankata Hospital celebrated its 60th birthday. The hospital was officially opened on 3rd May 1947. So we decided to have a celebration to give thanks to the Big Man for his faithfulness. During the weekend there were three main services (all lasted over four hours - one lasted for six!). The Hospital, High School and two local Corps came together for a weekend of looking at the past and thinking about the future. Unfortunately the special guests, General and Commissioner Rader were unable to come, but this did not detract from the gathering. Maybe around 600 of us got together to celebrate and worship the Big Man.

Particpating were the Territorial Youth Songsters and the the Nameembo Worship Band. They have made just formed in the last six weeks after making their own instruments. They were fantastic! I wish you could see and hear them.

On the Sunday morning we had a special open air at 8.00am. The open-air may be considered out dated and no longer relevant back home to some but here we saw great results. Four new Christians came forward and knelt on the ground in the middle of gathering. Maybe the Zambian folk are just more open to the Big Man. Whatever, it was a very moving moment.

Meanwhile, many Hospital staff were praying with the people who were watching and listening round about. Dr. Elsa spent some time praying with the mother of one of her patients in the Children's Ward who was sitting by watching on.

The open-air finished with a March of Witness up to the Primary School, back through Chipanga, down through the Mission and to the pitch. The whole line must have been about half a mile long. It was great to see. The corps, the scouts,Hospital Staff, the High School pupils and the Student Nurses were all part of the procession.

The final gathering took place on Sunday morning at 10.00am. The seating arrangements were somewhat odd. We all sat at each end of the School football pitch under various tents and man-made shelters. It was, after all, over 35 degrees in the open. (The boys I play football with on a Friday evening were saying that they had a proper stadium to play in now)

At one point we all danced to the centre of the pitch to greet each other and have brief chat together. It felt a bit like the Pipes of Peace scene during the Christmas Day truce of 1914! However it was a lot of fun and epitomised the sense of unity and Christian spirit that had been evident during the whole weekend.

There was a real special atmosphere and we celebrated those missionaries who have passed through Chikankata in the past. We gave thanks to all those who have worked and supported Chikankata in recent and distant days. Above all, we were reminded that we are a Mission Hospital and mission is all about putting love where love is not. I say Amen to that!

2007-09-09T08:23:00.001+02:00

Graduation Day 2007 - the best yet!

I cannot tell you how happy I am to post this next picture - the completed Male Hostel Student Block for the School of Nursing. When Heidie and I arrived, this building was at slab level and the contractor had basically ran off with most of the money. Once we managed to get the contract formally cancelled, we went and got a few of the local boys and built it ourselves. We have had a lot of help along the way. The ZIM Team put the roof on, the Lurgan youth group painted the inside. It has taken two long years of wheeling and dealing, scrimping and saving but on Friday - it was officially opened. Halle - flippin - lujah! A big thank you to all who assisted during the way - we got there in the end!

The Graduation Day 2007 was very special for us. Heidie had taught the students through their course and we had lot of personal interests in some of the students. It was a cracking day and by far and way the most exciting Graduation Day we had experienced since we have come here. The School recorded a 98% pass rate, one of the best again. The School Hall was packed and extra seating had to be brought in. The students were so happy! When the students enter - in typical Zambian style they dance in and then struggle to pass through their relatives who are trying to greet them. It is so noisy and just a great celebration day.

The guests included The Deputy Minister of Health, the District Commissioner, HRH Chieftainess Mwenda, The Registrar for the General Nursing Council, The Territorial Commander, the Executive Director for CHAZ, the area MP, the area Councillor, the Chief Policy Analyst for Nursing and District Director of Health amongst others.

As is the Chikankata tradition, the Nurses gave their candle light pledge following the footsteps of Florence Nightingale

And the scrum and chaos of the photographs after the ceremony......

Finally, well done to our adopted son for the day, Benson. Sadly, his father passed away after term 1 and our good friend, Barbara Howe sponsored him. So, we became his parents for the day. When his name was called out we had to run to the front of the hall, making as much noise as we could, Heidie waving her chitenge and give him his gifts. We were very proud of him. He even won the prize for Best Clinical Care. That's my boy!

A great day with some special memories!

2007-09-04T20:16:00.000+02:00

Some Celebrations!

Mrs Ellie Kalichi, who works in our Child Survival Office and has been around Chikankata more or less all her life, was finally installed as Chieftainess Mweenda. It was a great day and maybe close to one thousand people gathered at the High School pitch to see the Inauguration. It was a very traditional and cultural day - I even wore my kilt!- which we thoroughly enjoyed, even if the ceremony did last over six hours.

Mrs Kalichi or Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Mweenda is a Salvationist and committed Christian. She stated in her speech that she wanted the communities to turn away from witch craft, diviners and witch doctors and turn to better things like Christianity and the Hospital. We have felt so uplifted knowing that so many people have been praying for us and we are really feeling the tide is beginning to turn our way a little bit. Thanks so much for those who were with us.

We are nearing the end. Less than two weeks to go and Heidie is ready to deliver at any time. She finished her last leacture at the Nurses Training School on Thursday and officially started Maternity Leave on Monday. It is so hot here and roads are very rough so its been a little tough going for her but she has done well. Today I had to give blood so that we had some blood for back-up in the Hospital. I hope she appreciates the pain I had to go through for her!

Congratulations to my little Sister who got engaged this week. All I can say is "Good Luck Adrian!" We are looking forward to spending Christmas with them both.

Finally Heidie took two pictures at the Inauguration of the Chief, I thought you might like to see them. Here they are.....

I guess she can get away with it because she is pregnant!

2007-08-26T13:41:00.000+02:00

There are too many events to highlight from this week, here is a selection;

1. I knocked over a donkey! Seriously. Fortunately both the donkey and me escaped injury as I had whacked on the breaks and managed to swerve thus just brushing its backside. The animal just kind of got up, looked at me as if to say "Idiot!" and ran off.

2. On Wednesday it was our wedding aniversary, so Heidie and I went for a slap-up meal at the local Chinese before taking in a show and finishing the night off at Starbucks in Chipanga. I WISH! Just as our meal was prepared the power went off so we had a candlelight dinner (candles are now functional rather than romantic) Then Heidie thrashed me at Backgammon. I returned the favour by beating her 3-0 at the far more intellectually challenging game of Guess Who! What exciting lives we lead but we did have time to refelct on our exciting and developing journey together and thank God for the many blessing and experiences he has given us together.

3. Yesterday, we went on a staff fellowship outing. Sixty people from Chikankata ventured to the banks of the Kafue River, where we enjoyed spending time with each other, games, meals, fishing and devotions. It was a blessed time. I was reliably informed that this was the first time in 9 years there has been any sort of fellowship outing. For those who have served at Chikankata, the event was organised by Mr. Chiyota, Clare Ntinda, Florence Muleya and Heidie and I believe it was a real beneficial experience to staff members and to the hospital. I am hoping to raise some money for a trip to Siavonga, as used to happen in the days of yore.

4. Now a tribute to Barbara, one of the many unsung but gracious supporters of Chikankata. 18 months ago a young student male nurse was doing extremely well at the Nursing Training School - he finished Term 1 with top marks. Unfortunately, immediately after Term 1 his father died and he had very little means to support himself. Barbara stepped in and sponsored him through all of his training. This week he found out he passed his exams and did extremely well too. He is now working at the Hospital, where he will stay for at least the next two years. This is sort of care and encouragement is one of the things that seperates a Salvation Army / Mission Hospital from a government hospital. This relatively small investment will mean this young man will now have a job for the rest of his life and he will also have an impact on the life of many others. Thanks Barbara and Well done Benson.

5. Finally, tomorrow (Monday 27th August 2007) sees a day of fasting and prayer across the Mission and the Division. Recently there have been a number of unfortunate and testing incidents that has caused some distress to the people in the communities and within the Mission. All these incidents are related to witchcraft. It seems people are extremely fearful of witchcraft and cause real dilemmas and anxities for people. It also brings out extreme behaviours that have placed a number of us in very dangerous situations. If you have a spare moment in your busy week, please pray for Chikankata and our ongoing spiritual war.

2007-08-20T08:21:00.000+02:00

On Friday, we had yet another meeting about finance. These are always a bit heated and I am usually the bad guy. I am constantly under pressure and in a continual sense of internal dilemma. You see, I have been very strict with allowances, one of the main issues Africa will need to address if it’s move away from its state of dependency and become self sustaining and supporting. Yet I can see that people are struggling because of the many commitments, especially those related to the living costs and school fees for children and additional dependents. There is not one Zambian person living within the Mission who does not have at least one of their family members children living them – some have up to 8 dependent / orphaned children, largely due to the death of their parents through HIV/AIDS. It’s a hard one to deal with and one which makes me feel bad but I know if this Hospital is to survive then these are the tough decisions that need to be made.

Anyway, the figures speak for themselves. Once you calculate the grants we receive from the Government (if they actually come) and the income we generate from other sources, it seems that between now and the end of year, Chikankata Health Services has to find or raise another 222 million kwacha (approximately ₤25,000 or $50,000). This is without the debt servicing that is still a continual burden for the hospital. I really have no clue how we are going to do it!

Then, this morning I read the bible passage from Luke 9 v 1-6 where Jesus sends out the 12 disciples to preach the gospel and heal the sick. He told to go with “no staff, no bag, no bread, no money”. They were weaned off their dependency on Jesus and the protection and comfort this offered and they learned to live trusting a God who could multiply loaves. I am learning so much but I also need to learn to trust more in the same God and pray that although he we have little he will continue to provide and multiply the little we have.

2007-08-11T17:35:00.000+02:00

100 Not out!

This is my 100 post and as I write I am waiting for the police to arrive as we have a man running round the Mission with a gun. Witchcraft is a terrible thing and really scares people and now it seems that a relative to one of our patients has been doing some of the funny stuff with charms and powder within the Hospital. Understandably other family members are not too happy (putting it midly!) and so are searching for the budding Harry Potter with their weapons. The staff are very tense but we can only wait. The funny thing is that if you want the police to come you have to go and pick them up. With the nearest town over an hour away, we generally have to deal with such emergencies ourselves. I'll let you know how things work out!

Chikankata is never a dull place that's for sure. With the recent riots at the High School again linked with a rumour related to witchcraft, I am more convinced than ever that if the Salvation Army were not in this place, this would be a very dangerous, voilent and fearful part of Zambia. At least with a Christian Hospital there is a chance for proper healing without having to resort to witchcraft and traditional healers.

Yesterday, we were saddened to learn of the death of Major Milambo. The Major was in the Mission when we arrived and was a very strong man. He helped and protected us tremendously during those first few difficult months. We will be attending the burial on Monday in Central Province.

On a brighter note, Mrs. Ellie Kalichi (see picture below - Mrs Kalichi, me and Heidie, Dr. Kaile and some kid!) has been officially 'gazzetted' as Cheif Mweenda and will be installed into her position on 31st August. It has taken her a while to shake off the legal challenges to her ascension to the royal throne but everything is now clear for her to take up this role. I wonder if there is any other place in the world where the Salvation Army someone working for them who is officially to be addressed as Her Royal Highness.

2007-08-08T08:41:00.000+02:00

I have beena big laid back with the blog for the last week or so. A combination of no electricity, no internet connection, a bout of malaria and just being really busy.

A nice surprise came through our weekly postal delivery yesterday; a book entitled More than the Eyes Can See. (To order copy click here). It is the story of The Salvation Army's response to HIV/AIDS crisis. We were visited by a journalist Rhidian Brook and his family last year and had a great time with them. There is a chapter on Chikankata in the book, largely an account of our history and work related to HIV/AIDS through the eyes of Capt Angela Hachitapika.

"An extraordinary account of a nine-month journey made by the author and his family into some of the World’s HIV/AIDS epicentres. Sent by the Salvation Army to bear witness to the work they were doing in response to the pandemic, Rhidian Brook, his wife and two children, follow a trail of devastation through communities still shattered and being broken by this disease: truck stop sex workers in Kenya, victims of rape in Rwanda, child-headed families in Soweto, children of prostitutes in India, farmers who sold blood for money in China. It is a remarkable journey among the infected and the affected through a world that, despite seeming on the brink of collapse, is being held together, not by power, politics, guns and money; but by small acts of kindness performed by unsung people choosing to live in hope."

'"HIV/ Aids has enough experts," the Salvation Army told BBC journalist Brook as it sent him on this task. "We just want someone to go and see and find the stories." . . . and tell them he does, with a light, deft touch. Without a trace of mawkishness or sentimentality, Brook sets it out straight with heartbreaking simplicity.' – Independent

Have just started to read but I think its going to be a good one.

2007-07-25T14:32:00.000+02:00

Sacrifice - Not Really!

This week I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself. On Sunday we will miss the dedication of our godson, Joshua. Knowing that many of our friends will be joined together and we should really be there, I feel I am missing out again. Just as I have missed out on my sisters 30th birthday, my dad's 60th birthday, Cindy and Martin's wedding, birth's of friends children, St. Mirren's promotion to the SPL and we could go and on and on. I was also sad that our family have missed out on so much of this special time with Heidie's pregnancy. I was upset. I admit I started thinking about some of the sacrifies I have made and asking whether it was worth it and then I read the words of David Livingstone;

"People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply acknowledging a great debt we owe to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny? It is emphatically no sacrifice. Rather it is a privilege.

Anxiety, sickness, suffering, danger, foregoing the common conveniences of this life--these may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver, and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing compared with the glory which shall later be revealed in and through us. I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father's throne on high to give Himself for us."

So that was me put in my place and reminded that the debt we owe is far greater than the sacrifices we make. And besides, me mate Dave (Livingstone) was able to speak these words after enduring and living through great hardships that we can't even begin to imagine. I was reminded that our calling to seek justice and mercy with those in poverty and in greatest need, while at the same time tell them about Christ is a real privilige that has been afforded to us. And indeed it is!

2007-07-20T16:59:00.000+02:00

ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Our Orphan and Vulnerable Children's (OVC) programme goes from strength to strength here at Chikankata. It's a great project and yesterday we received the good news that funding will be forthcoming for the next year from UNICEF. I have been so touched at some of the places I have visited with regard these activities. It really forward thinking and majors on the idea of community. All the community members are taking responsibility for the most vulnerable of children and I wish some of the spirit of community could be captured in the West. What a difference place the world would be.

Last week with the group from Lurgan we visited our second OVC camp. Deep in the hills of Mabetubwa, there were 90 children camping under the stars (literally). In the morning they undergo some intensive counselling (both individual and group) with our expert team here and then in the afternoon they play games together. The idea is that orphans rarely get time to greive and rarely get time to be children and just play. When their parents die the children usually go and stay with family members, often grandparents. The family are often unable to send them to school so they are quickly sent out into the fields to work. Note this -Every single person that is Zambian and living in the Mission has at least one orphan living with them. In some cases it is as many as 6-8. It's a huge issue in Zambia and a whole parenting generation are being wiped out by HIV/AIDS leaving behind innocent young children.

The day I was at the camp, I played football barefooted - which I regretted the next day when I could hardly walk. Not one of the young football players had shoes and I felt it was a bit much playing in my Timberland boots. Besides it would have been a bit sore on the kids if my big size 11 came thumping on their toes (as if they didn't have enough to worry about!) We played for nearly an hour and no one scored. The centre back trio of The Big Man, Big Ian and wee Chipo kept a very tight ship.

Yesterday, we were asked to do a comprehensive write up of our activites (monograph) which will be published. We are grateful to the many people who sponsor this programme both directly and through corps. It really does make a difference to children's lives. Hopefully we have a good document which will send out the details of this programme so you can read for yourselves the full extent of the programme.

God is good!

2007-07-18T12:06:00.001+02:00

Well it's been quite a couple of weeks.

Firstly we had a group of young people here from Lurgan in the UK. We enjoyed their company immensely and hopefully they benefitted from their experiences here at Chikankata. We have a hard job over the last two years convincing people that Mission Team visits are not always about doing stuff. Some groups have got it, others haven't. This one did. Sometimes its ok just being with people. Like playing football with people, like visiting them, like sharing with them and like praying with them. I had a few conversations about how its important that when people visit we don't just come with the intention of just 'doing unto' but it is far more valuable to be with people. The old Salvation Army and colonial spirit is sometimes hard to break down. The craic with the Irish was also great and we had some real enjoyable and moving moments.

Sadly, I missed their departure as I spent one night sampling the services and medical care we provide in Chikankata Hospital before being transferred to Lusaka to another hospital for two nights. I had a problem with muscle spasms in my esophogus and this meant I wasn't able to swallow anything, not even the pills and was rushed (in a Zambian way) to Hospital. I got a huge lecture from a scary Bulgarian doctor in Lusaka about stress and making sure I ate my food properly. I sat with my head bowed as the whole ward could hear. I was cannulated for the first time, receiving 5 days worth of IV anti-biotics and some night time sedation which meant great nights sleep.

This was my first experience of staying overnight in hospital in my life. Most people around the village thought I had been either bewitched or poisoned and I had a few offers of witchdoctors, which I politely declined. Safe to say, that if I was bewitched - which I have come to the conclusion is a serious psychological condition which people do not pay enough attention to (file under "don't get me started on that" - then the power of medication and prayer is stronger as I feel great now. We were really touched by people's concern and on Saturday we received some very special visits from the Chieftainess, the Headman from Chikankata and Kooma village and The Widows Club, who came and sang to us in our living room. It was a very special day for us.

Back to work now and I have been sent an e-mail which had this quote on it -

"I can please only one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn't looking good either!"

It's how I feel alot of the time but we feel that that light at end of tunnel is getting nearer and just a few more obstacles to over come, including an external audit on all our account next month. The first full audit in nearly 10 years. That will be interesting!

2007-07-07T07:43:00.000+02:00

CHAANGA

So not last week but the week before I took another trip to Chaanga. It's not a journey I like doing particularly but I always enjoy when I get there. The Clinic there is run by the Hospital. Situated deep in the Gwembe Valley the 30 mile journey and takes about 3 hours to get there. There is something about Chaanga that epitomises the Salvation Army and the Chikankata spirit.

Originally opened by the Army as a Dispensary in July 1954, the Clinic now has a small in patients unit and a maternity wing. It is staffed by a nurse, a three health care assistants and a HIV Medic. It is apparently one of the most rural clinics in Zambia due to the poor access and it is a very busy place.

It was recently renovated and painted thanks to a donation from the good folks of Exeter Temple. Above is my mum presenting one of the staff with a mini Exeter the Lion (the daddy is in the Hospital), when we visited in April. While we were there we also visited the school, which was originally built by The Salvation Army but as with all Primary Schools in Zambia it is now run by the Government. Sadly the school buildings are now in need of much repair. However we were intrigued by the rules in one of the classrooms.

Over the rain seasons the road becomes impassable and during the dry season it is also quite dangerous. Alot of the time you are just driving on rocks but there are some stunning views to be had.

However not quite as dangerous as during the Rhodesian struggles, when this part of the country was embroiled in some of the difficultues and became heavily landmined. As we still do today, if one of the mobile clinic vehicles does not return in time from the Gwembe Valley, we send out another vehicle to look for it. In October 1979, a mobile clinic did not return and so a vehicle was dispatched to look for them (this is the abridged version of the story!). On finding the mobile clinic still at Channga, they returned home but unfortunately on the way home, one of the vehicles drove over a landmine and the consequences for the vehicle were disastrous. Fortunately the occupants of the vehicle escaped unscathed apart from blown eardrums. The story goes that on their safe return the staff gather together for a prayer meeting in the chapel where they sang together "I know he cares for me".

This week we have finally ordered the new Ambulance. Despite raising all the money earlier this year, the Salvation Army administrative system is a little cumbersome sometimes. One of the people who logged on to the justgiving website and gave generously was none other than Alan Slator from Worthing Corps in the UK, the driver of the vehicle above (pictured) and great supporter of Chikankata!

We have been become increasingly aware of the fine heritage and service Chikankata has given over the years. I struggled for a long time with the whole idea of The Salvation Army being involved in institutional health care due to the financial implications and pressures it puts on people. However this week I read a passage of the bible where Jesus is sending out 72 evangelists. He tells them to heal the sick and then tell them that their God is near. It's taking a while but it does make sense.

Chikankata Hospital - To serve God and the people

2007-07-04T22:00:00.000+02:00

LIVINGSTONE (one of only two African places to have kept its colonial name)

So I have spent two highly contrasting weekends in Livingstone in the last month. The first was a flying visit from Kev F-H, where we were so privileged to spend a weekend at the 5 star Royal Livingstone Hotel. What a fantastic hotel. We were spoilt and lived in a different world for just a couple of days. No having to pour buckets of water over your head to wash, you could flush the toilet every time and stay in the shower for as long as you like. We ate like kings and queens (I ate like the kings before Shrimper Gazza writes any rude comments!) and Heidie enjoyed a very colonial type afternoon tea in particular.

This weekend we took a youth group from Lurgan (will blog about them later) down to Livingstone and stayed in a backpackers. Well I know you can't expect much for $8 a night but it was not the best and I was blooming freezing the whole time. Here's a sentence I never thought I see myself write: In the end I was looking forward to getting back to the home comforts of Chikankata - at least its warm there and I can control the volume of the flaming music.

It doesn't matter how many times you see the Victoria Falls or what season you see it in, it is truly magnificant and lives us to its billing as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. All those who accompanied us on both occassions wholeheartedly agreed.

"Scenes so lovely they must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight"

David Livingstone (who "discovered" the Falls on 16 November 1855)

ps. Blantyre is the other

pps Blantyre is the birth place of David Livingstone

(It's just one big history lesson)

2007-06-29T08:01:00.000+02:00

The Great Provider

This is a little story that warmed the cockles of my heart.

On Wednesday we received a visit from our electricity company. Despite that fact that we have managed to reduce our electricity bill substantially from the huge (and I mean mammoth) bill we found - they were still pressuring us to pay something. The local guys have been really good with us but they were also being hassled by their bosses in Lusaka. They were talking about cutting us off, which is something we have managed to avoid the whole time we have been here (although I hear it was a fairly common occurance previously).

Anyway, I spent the night on Wednesday thinking about what to do. I prayed about it on Thursday morning and then took the decision to "borrow" some money from another pot (ie Robbing Peter to pay Paul) on my knowledge that I could get in back from another source in future. This is something I have not done the whole time I have been here but drastic situations require drastic measures! We are not talking small amounts here - we are talking 5000 pounds.

So at 15.30 with a heavy heart I signed the cheque authorising the payment. At 17.30 I was handed a cheque by a visitor for the exact and I mean the exact same amount of money I had just borrowed.

Make of that what you will but I know what I am making of it! I thank God everyday for His continued provision to this hospital and I thank God for the kindness of so many people around the world. Without God' Hand and with these people this hospital would not survive.

I once talked to a lady in a village outside Chikankata. I asked her what her hopes were for the future. She replied that she hoped that there would be a cure found for HIV/AIDS but most of all her hope was in Jesus Christ and the Hospital represented a big part of that hope. So to all who have helped us through prayers, gifts, donations, sponsorship, supplies - thank you for bringing hope to our people!

2007-06-14T16:12:00.000+02:00

It was like something off the 6 o’clock news. On Monday I was called along with a couple of the Heads of Departments at Chikankata to appear before the Parliamentary Committee on Health. I cannot tell you how nervous I was – Yes I can – VERY VERY VERY nervous. On a scale of Likert Scale of 1 – 7 (1 being not very nervous and 7 being very nervous) I was about 843. That’s right!

Anyway, not really knowing what we were there for and having waited for most of the day, we eventually sat in front of eight MP’s and were asked questions on anything and everything including our service delivery, human resource policies, staffing levels, our community work, our finances and infrastructure. It appears that Chikankata Hospital was one of two hospitals specifically chosen to appear before the committee for mainly positive reasons. On the whole it was good experience, definitely a learning experience and another experience to add to a very list of experiences I will never forget from Zambia (oo oo - 4 ' experiences' in the one sentence).

Most of all I was so impressed by my colleagues and realized that Chikankata is developing a strong management team which will really work well in years to come. I am the longest serving member of the current Hospital Management Board, indicating a real shuffle in the last two years. The guys who accompanied me dealt well with all the questions and have great expertise in their fields. It was great to watch them in action and if they all stick together and get good direction, it will bode well for the future of the Hospital.

2007-06-09T10:38:00.000+02:00

OO OO Quick ... it's working.

It appears that for our system is now allowing me to upload photos for a short while. So I am striking while the iron is hot (ouch!) and posting a few pictures from recent days.

Here is Ronaldo, our dog. She is fantastic and a real puppy. Fortunately house trained after about one month. Unfortunately she has taken a liking to shoes and so Heidie's new shoes that she had been waiting for for about 6 months, were ruined just about 3 weeks. However she just looks at you and she is quickly forgiven. Ronaldo is probably the most popular dog in the whole mission. People have stopped coming to see us and started coming to see Ronaldo.

Then there's Heidie. The man who comes and sorts out our garden (and kills the snakes!) had a baby and he named it Heidie. There's two of them - here's hoping junior is not quite so crazy. My Heidie was obviously delighted and here are the two Heidie's together (you can just about make out the baby's hat) along with proud mother and grandmother outside their house in Nanzele.

Incidentally when we visited their house we couldn't help but noticing that the house is completely wallpapered with magazines namely Salvationist, When Saturday Comes and some Danish women's magazine, all of which are delivered us on a regular basis. We had thrown them out and they have been recycled. We were sitting eating our maize looking at a picture of Commissioner Matear. It was all a bit bizarre.

So below are two of my favourite picture on our visit to Cape Town with my family. What a great time and a great place. I really hope that I will be able to go back one day. We loved the place and of course it was made all the better by meeting up with my mum and dad and my little sister. These two pictures are taken on the way to Cape of Good Hope at Boulders Bay. Clare with the Penguin (she's the one at the back....)

And the biggest rock head of them all............

That's my dad's big boulder blending in beautifully.

We have had some hard times at Chikankata but we have some great times too and have been so blessed in so many ways. We have met people we have been so fortunate to meet both around Chikankata and visitors. We have visited places we never dreamed we would see. We have had experiences with people where have felt so privileged and humble. We wouldn't have missed this experience for the world! And whatever happens from here, it's still been worth it!

2007-06-02T09:52:00.000+02:00

Make Poverty History – 2nd June 2007

Ten Lessons I have learnt about poverty in the last two years:

1) Poverty is a long term issue – we should not stand up or march for it if we are not in it for the long run;

For you have the poor with you always (Mark 14 v 7)
For the poor will never cease from the land (Deut 15 v 11)

2) Making Poverty History is not just about lobbying leaders about change and passing responsibility on to the state. It is about an individual lifestyle change and is an integral part of our faith;

LT Johnson in his book Sharing Possessions. Mandate and Symbol of Faith writes:

“The way we use, own, acquire, and disperse material things symbolizes and expresses our attitudes and responses to ourselves, the world around us, other people, and, most of all, God.”

Some of the choices I have made in the past with regard my lifestyle meant I have given myself not much space to help the poor and those in need. I have walked past those in need because I am too busy to help just like the first two guys in the Good Samaritan. I have stretched myself financially with things I don’t really need so that I can’t afford give to the poor. Brian Houston, Hillsong Church advises we should live generously and make a difference.

3) I am increasingly realizing that poverty is not just about poor people. My experience is that those people who are suffering most and have almost nothing have the most joy in their hearts and the strongest faith. Rich people are poor too – just in different ways. Having money, whilst it helps to have material things, is not the be all and end all;

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.” Proverbs 22 v1&2

The poverty of rich!

4) There are over 10,000 Orphans in Chikankata Hospital’s direct catchment area of 82,000. Most don’t go to school. $19 billion is spent on pet food in the US. The average life expectancy in Zambia is 36. $50 billion is spent on cigarettes in the Europe. Robbie Williams won three Platinum Awards in 2006 for albums that sold more than 1 million copies. The cost of one CD could pay for the fees of a child to go to school in Zambia for one whole year.

5) Most of the world lives in poverty. If you are living in a rich country with a comfortable lifestyle – you are in a minority and blessed.

6) There is little teaching against actually being rich, Jesus and NT writers usually spoke about the attitudes, heart and pursuits of the wealthy.

7) The church will be judged on how its responds to the needy and the poor (Luke 4v18). Our mission is to preach the gospel and our responsibility is to help the poor. Those who consider themselves religious, holy and righteous will be judged on their treatment of the poor. Therefore, the church is the hope of the world. The Salvation Army is part of the church. Bo Brekke, a Salvation Army officer, writes extensively about poverty;

“The greatest thing we bring to mission in an economically poor country is the liberating news that Jesus has come to give people back their true identity as Children of God. By transforming individuals, Jesus wants to transform their relationships and indeed the social structures of whole societies.”

8) Many institutions like Chikankata around Zambia and the world live on a hand to mouth basis, have no money, have huge debts, and lack so much. However, the personal pressures of this situation have led me into much higher levels of commitment and trust. Chikankata Hospital does amazing work in difficult circumstances. Jesus still does miracles today through ordinary people. I have seen that at first hand with the staff at this hospital.

Bill Hybels, writing in his book Courageous Leadership about setting up the Willowcreek church testifies;

“Nothing deepens trust in the goodness, grace and miracle working power of God like financial pressures that we have faced every week”

This is my experience too.

9) I have really kind friends. People around the world really do care about the poor and poverty. The media warps the view of the world. For every war, there are churches and aid agencies helping people who are displaced. Where there is hunger, there are people who handing out food. Where there are sick, there are hospitals and clinics. Where there is Orphans, there are OVC care programmes. People give a lot of money and do a lot of stuff to help the poor. Tony Blair serves as UK PM in for ten years, Major Ruth Schoch works as a Nurse in Chikankata for over twenty five years. What do you hear about most?

10) The fundamental aspect of Making Poverty History is love!

If I give all I possess to the poor…..but have not love I gain nothing (Paul)

2007-05-31T17:58:00.000+02:00

Congratulations to my great friends Nick and Lisa who clock up five years of marriage today. They are great couple and have helped and loved me alot in times of need, shared much of my journey and encouraged us so much. Big it up for the Hanovers!

However what I remember most is the opening remarks by Ian Davis (capt.) at their wedding ceremony, which incidently coincided with the commencement of the 2002 World Cup. Here is a roughly paraphrase;

This is a great day, a day we have waited for with anticipation, a day which has brought us happiness, a day we though would never come...... and wasn't it a surprise to see Senegal beat France in the opening game.

I guess you had to be there but I still chuckle at that to this day.

2007-05-27T12:23:00.000+02:00

It’s been an interesting two weeks. We have been fortunate and blessed to have a group of Nursing students from a Trinity Western University in Canada and this has been an extremely uplifting experience for me. They have been overwhelmingly positive in there view of the work of the hospital and this has been a timely remainder for us that, despite struggles, the Big Man’s work is work for the good. TWU is a Christian institution and the students really epitomized why nursing is a vocation and not a career. (In Zambia because of the abysmal lack of employment, nursing has become a sought after profession). They integrated so well with our own students and staff and it was so nice to see the care and compassion they showed on the wards.

Most of all what has been encouraging is that they have really grasped they idea of mission. Of course our mission is to serve the poor and they have financially supported the hospital and nursing school and for that we are so grateful. But they’ve realized that mission extends beyond that. Mother Theresa observed once that you would never alleviate poverty just by giving money to the poor. She had a point. In the vehicle coming back from Mukwela, these young students were talking about how they could help Chikankata. They were talking about praying constantly and mobilizing their churches to do the same. They talked about restrictive trade laws, about generic and brand name drugs which hike up prices and lobbying their politicians about these issues. They talked about lots of things and I sat there thinking – they’ve grasped what it’s all about. I’ve realized over the last year that Making Poverty History is not just about marching or campaigning once a year – Making Poverty History is a lifestyle choice. It’s a big commitment that will make you unpopular and political.

I’m reading Intelligent Church by Steve Chalke at the moment. He encourages churches to be political. Not in a party political way but in fighting for things that matter; “A political church is a church that understands its mission must move beyond social action to the quest for social justice”. I believe the Christian Church is beginning to re-awaken to this but I was encouraged by these young ladies.

Chalke writes also: "A political church is a church with a mission to help people find answers to the problems and challenges they face, but also help them deal with the reasons those problems and challenges exist in the first place." The reasons many of these problems exist is because we don’t do anything but fight the symptoms rather than the cause.

Thank you Trinity Western University for inspiring us and making me think.

2007-05-13T08:00:00.000+02:00

Good day yesterday for three reasons!

1. I met with our local Member of Parliament. I was very impressed by him. He's a local man and I really sensed his heart was for the people of the Chikankata Constituency. I got into a little bit of trouble at the start from the local Councillor who accompanied him (apparently you're not supposed to phone the MP at home in the evening - there are protocols to be followed - oops!). However, we had a very constructive meeting together and I felt he really listened to me

2. Spent the evening in the village in Nanzele with the Canadian Nursing students and some of our own Nursing Students. I felt very old. We watched the sun go down and then waited as the sky began to light up with millions of stars. Chikankata in the night is a beautiful site. At the end of a great time of fellowship, it was very poignant and fitting that we were able to sing these words;

O Lord my God, when I in aweson wonder, Consider all the worlds thy hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee: How Great Thou art! How Great Thou art!

3. My first true love, the mighty St. Mirren from Paisley managed to avoid relegation from the Scottish Premier League. A magnificant acheivement given the resources available to them. Normally a yo-yo team, (ie they come up and go straight back down) this is the first time in nearly 20 years (now I am feeling very old!) they have managed to survive a season in the Premier League. Along with Partick Thistle, Saints are usually the butt of Scottish football jokes ( yes we know everyone thinks we are called St. Mirren Nil!) so it was a nice feeling. C'mon thi Buddies!

2007-05-12T10:14:00.000+02:00

It’s simply impossible! After two years I have finally worked it out. You cannot run a hospital in a developing country without getting grey hairs and losing sleep. You just have to roll with what you have and stay cool. For some reason when I came back after Christmas I thought this year would be easier. It hasn’t been. It’s been harder. Anyway many are the things I cannot understand (cue song!) but I am just going to keep plodding away do the best we can with what we have.

So this week Chikankata Hospital has been in the National news on two occasions. I am not completely sure why but it seems that after the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Chikankata Hospital attracts much interest than any other hospital around Zambia. Incidentally in the last two weeks Chikankata has also had special reports on ABC in the US and TV1 Nord in Denmark.

Anyway, firstly on Monday there was an article in one of the leading newspapers in hailing the management at Chikankata Hospital for their efforts and results in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB/Leprosy. Cheers!

Then on Tuesday, national radio reports that Chikankata Hospital was facing a critical shortage of drugs. The source was apparently our local MP. Well, we all rushed to our pharmacy to find that every drug on the Essential Drugs List, which is prescribed (get it!) by the Ministry of Health was in stock because of some recent donations. In fact we were handing out drugs to other neighbouring hospitals who were really struggling. So I am meeting with the MP today to see exactly where he is getting his information from. Not cheers!

Also on Tuesday, a group of student nurses arrived for a couple of weeks from Trinity Western University in Canada. It’s been great to have them around and they seem to be enjoying themselves. As you can imaging 12 young white nurses in the hospital has created much interest.

Finally just to report that just before my parents went we had the 20 week scan. It was a great occasion as my parents and sister were also able to view the moving pictures. Everything seems fine and we managed to see the baby’s heart pumping away. We are having some difficulty choosing the names – for some reason Heidie doesn’t like my sole suggestion of The Fonz. I had even offered a compromise of having Fonzerreli as middle name but to no avail. I am holding out for a first name of “The” like in The Hoff or The Hulk but we’ll just have to keep debating. Happy Days!

2007-05-05T09:08:00.000+02:00

On Thursday, my parents, my sister and Susanna flew back to the UK. We had a great time with them but it was extremely sad to say goodbye to them, knowing that this is likely to be the last time we see them for at least a year. That’s the worst thing about being at Chikankata – being so far away from family and friends – especially during important times. Still, we did enjoy a few days in beautiful Cape Town, a weekend safari to the South Luangwa National Park and a very brief jaunt to Victoria Falls. This is not to mention the trip to Chaanga which, if not in distance, was probably the longest trip we made.

During our time in the Vic Falls we were fortunate to witness a Lunar Rainbow. It was a great sight to see these bright beams shining through in the darkness and to hear the roar of the falls at the same time. When we got back to the B&B we ‘googled’ Lunar Rainbow or Moonbow to give it its New Age name, and it turns out that the Vic Falls is only one of a few places in the world where you can see a Lunar Rainbow. It’s a magnificent sight and I feel privileged to have seen one. I wish I was able to post a picture to show you this magnificent spectacle but unfortunately my camera was not good enough to capture it and even it was, the computer system is not good enough to upload photos.

Another topic that we ‘googled’ was the origin of “Piff Paff Poof!” I was adamant it was Tommy Cooper who used the phrase, Susanna was equally adamant that these were the magic words of the The Great Suprendo. It turns out it was The Great Flippin Suprendo! Anyway the reason we had this discussion was because there is a lot of magic and witchcraft taking place around the mission at the moment. I don’t know what is going on. In the last week we have seen someone break into our mortuary during the night and tattoo a dead body, a man set his entirely family’s huts on fire for seemingly no reason and another dead body brought in extremely suspicious circumstances. The police are investigating all these matters but believe it's related to witchcraft and black magic. It is really a spiritual war! I am a glad that I know that I am on the winning side but there is still a battle to be fought. It’s like that verse in the bible (I am not clever enough to know the exact the verse) where there is reference to the devil, who is prowling round like lion. I am really feeling that the devil is prowling around the outskirts of the Mission trying to find a way into our fortress. I may have to call in my friends in the Council of War for spiritual reinforcements. Please pray for us! It may not be what we are usually used to back home as a spritual war but this one is important for the people of Chikankata.

On a lighter note, we had another little visitor to our garden this week. My sister, who is a drama queen at the best of times, discovered a snake. I was in one of the local villages when Heidie phoned me to tell me it was right in front of the house and wouldn’t move. I told her not to worry I would be home in five minutes and I would sort it. Well, as usual, both her and my sister totally ignored my instructions and called a couple of the guys for our Technical Services department. It turn out it was a Cobra and that even the guys were scared of it. Anyway they disposed of it. So I got that one wrong too, although this was maybe a little bit more serious than my Great Suprendo gaff. Must read up on your common garden snakes for next time.

2007-04-28T17:00:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, I took my parents to Chaanga Clinic. Oh my word! This Clinic was built by The Salvation Army in the later 1930's in an extremely rural area. In fact it has been deemed one of the most 'hard to reach' clinics in Zambia. It is run by Chikankata Hospital.

This was my third visit to Chaanga Clinic during the time I have been here. We went because the corps (church) in the UK where my mum and dad has given money to paint the building inside and out and do some repairs to the structure. The deal was I would find the money for the paint and the community members would do the work. I went to meet with the staff and inspect the work. The end result is that the building looks very fine and the people of the area were so happy. I was also very proud of the parents, who despite being on holiday took the time to visit with me.

The Clinic has no electricity and no running water. It has barely enough staff. Yet the people cheerfully do whatever they can. The Clinic is largely staffed by Salvationists and is a real credit to the organisation. It is a real place of hope and sacrificial service.

The road on the other hand has to experienced to be believed. A 35 mile journey took us over 3 hours and on some areas you just drive on rocks. It was on the same road that one of our ambulances was blown up when it drove over a land mine during the Rhodesian conflicts of the early 80s. Last night I had the mother of all headaches as a result of six and a half hours on simply bumping down the road.

It's a very special place and everytime I go there, I feel immensely proud of The Salvation Army and Chikankata for being loyal to Chaanga Clinic and really trying to develop it.

William Booth once wrote;

"The Salvation Army stands for hope that when every other light is extinguished and every other star has gone down, this one gleams steadily and clearly out in the darkened sky "If only I could get to the Salvation Army - they will do something for me"".

He could have been talking about The Salvation Army's Chaanga Clinic

2007-04-26T14:12:00.000+02:00

I haven’t blogged for a while. That has been for two reasons;

1) My parents have been here and we have been to beautiful Cape Town for a few days. What a great place and I can highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been there before

2) We have been having a few struggles at the Hospital and I didn’t want these pages to turn into a "whinge fest".

We arrived back from Cape Town on Monday, which if I haven’t said already is beautiful, and Tuesday morning at 6.30 am there was a knock on the door. The situation that transpired was reported in all the newspapers the following day and I am now quoting excerpts from the front page of The Times of Zambia;

“A thirty year old man of Mabwetuba village alledgedy axed his wife to death and Monday night, Chikankata MP, Munji Habeenzu has confirmed…….

Mr Hanbeenzu said the man was on the run from Monday until Tuesday night when Security Guards from the Mwenda Royal Establishment apprehended him and took him to Chikankata Hospital.

Early yesterday, scores of villagers gathered outside the hospital wanting to mete out instant justice but the Hospital Administrator later whisked the man to the safety of Mazabuka Police Station, where he was detained.”

All in a days work!

2007-04-10T20:43:00.000+02:00

JONNY SMITH - TOP BLOKE

I think Jonny is trying to make amends for the first time we both ran our first marathon. Jonny and I ran the first thirteen miles together and then I hurt my knee. He left me to hobble on and then kept reminding me for the next 3 years that he beat me. However, no hard feelings or at least not many, it's all in a good cause.

If you are interested in sponsoring Jonny and helping the Hospital, please click here . (Please remember 26.2 miles is a long way).

20 March 2007: Run the marathon with Captain Jonny (ARTICLE FROM SALVATIONIST)

The leader of The Salvation Army in Southwark is in training to run the London Marathon and is looking for at least 500 sponsors to accompany him - in spirit, if not in person!

This will be Captain Jonny Smith's third marathon and on 22 April he hopes to complete the 26-mile course in four and a half hours, to raise at least £5,000 for a Salvation Army hospital in rural Africa.

Jonny is now training hard. He knows he has set himself not only a tough time target but also a huge fundraising target and he's come up with an unusual way of raising funds.
He has negotiated a corporate sponsor and the company Healthy Investments have donated £1,000. But Jonny is now looking for at least 500 individual sponsors who will become part of his marathon run!

'Anybody who sponsors me for £10 or more, I will place their name on the back of my shirt. Effectively, everybody who has sponsored me will run the marathon with me on the day and more importantly will raise funds to help with the mission of a fantastic cause.'
Jonny, who runs The Salvation Army church and community centre in Southwark with his wife Captain Catherine Smith, is raising money for The Salvation Army's Chikankata hospital in Zambia.

'In our church here at Southwark we do have people from Zambia and as a congregation we decided that there was a need to do our own appeal to support mission that was going on in one of the countries that are represented here. Because of this and also with my friendship with a couple who are working at the hospital, Richard and Heidi Bradbury, The Salvation Army's Chikankata hospital was the focus for the appeal this year.'

The Chikankata hospital is part of The Salvation Army's Chikankata Mission situated more than 130 kilometres south of the capital Lusaka. The Mission, which includes the Chikankata Health Services and Hospital, a secondary school for about 750 pupils and a church, serves a rural population of almost 75,000 people.

The Chikankata Hospital is a 150-bed general hospital with training schools for nurses, midwives and laboratory assistants. A mobile community health team operates in the surrounding districts with five associated rural health centres. In addition, Chikankata Hospital also runs a leprosy control programme and rehabilitation centre, an AIDS care, prevention and control programme and a four phase nutrition programme.

2007-04-05T16:12:00.000+02:00

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NIV)

Please pray for us at Chikankata Hospital and that the Big Man will provide a way through our ongoing financial struggles. This next month will be a vital month for us in our financial recovery process. Please pray big prayers - we need some miracles.

Keeping the faith!

2007-04-04T12:20:00.000+02:00

After church on Sunday we had a BBQ in our garden in the afternoon. This was no ordinary BBQ. It was special. I don't think I have every felt so priviliged to be in the company of a group of people as I did on Sunday afternoon.

At our BBQ we had 2 Commissioners, 1 Colonel, 3 Majors, 2 Orders of the Founder (not sure about the plural of the that!), a retired headmaster, and all their friends and family. All of whom had served at Chikankata for some time in their lives.

Firstly Major Ruth Schoch (OF) gave almost 30 years of her lives working as a nurse at Chikankata. What a gracious, humble and inspirational lady. The people at Chikankata were so pleased to see her back for the first time since she returned to Switzerland. She was accompanied by her friend Esther, who also served at the Hospital.

Commissioner (Dr.) Paul du Plessis was the Chief Medical Officer for 16 years at the Hospital. His wife seemed to be like Heidie and just get involved in whatever needed to be done. 16 YEARS - that man deserves a Knighthood (although his nationality may rule that out) but again humble, clever and encouraging. The du Plessis are also fluent in the local language - they've shamed us on that one. The S. Army has some fine people in its ranks and this couple are up with the best of them in my book. They are joined by their children and their grandchildren, who were just such nice people.

Colonel Radar from Lexington USA. Another OF. A man with a mission and passion for that mission. Lived and worked a Chikankata for many years across two seperate stints and frequent visitor to Chikankata to upgrade our Studio. In September people across Southern and Central Province will be hearing Chikankata Community Radio Station.

Majors Chisapi is an old retired Zambian Officer who lives in Chikankata village. It doesn't matter who returns to visit Chikankata Mission, they always want to visit the Chisapis. What a tremendous influence these officers must have had on the ex-pats.

Mr Kalichi is Mr. Kalichi. 22 years as Headmaster at Chikankata High School is a mammoth achievement. Today Mr. Kalichi moves from his Mission House into a house he has built in the nearby village. He deserves to rest and relax and put his feet up.

It was a great afternoon and a lesson for me and Heidie in commitment, humility and servanthood. Chikankata has such a rich heritage and the Big Man has remained faithful through all the ups and down. We were blessed.

2007-03-29T18:49:00.000+02:00

In the words of my sister - I'm so excited I can hardly breathe.

Today I am posting from my house! How amazing is that! VERY! This week we have had the wireless internet installed and 4 of us can use the internet and e-mail system from our homes. Less than a year ago we had no phone, no mobile connection, no e-mail and no internet and now we have all of them. It's so amazing! OK it's a little bit slow (about the same speed as dial-up), but what do I care - the main thing is its working. Big it up for my IT man - Kennedy Nakaanga. As you can see me and some my friends - we're happy.

Also this week I am installing an old hot water tank into the house. That's right, I can get wireless internet in my house but I can't get any water. I seemed to have given up showering for Lent, albeit not through choice! Anyway we shall see how it goes

2007-03-26T09:50:00.000+02:00

Oh my word – there’s two of them!

So this weekend, Bright (who works in our garden) and his wife had a baby girl and they called her Heidie. It would be fair to say that my Heidie was so chuffed and proud. Yesterday we ventured up to Nanzele, one of the nearby villages, to see little Heidie for ourselves and see she’s absolutely beautiful. We are really pleased for Bright. He's a fine young man. Who is really working hard to make something of his life and provide for his family.

Then in the afternoon we went to see the new addition to our family, Ronaldo. Named after Manchester Utd’s Christiano Ronaldo (Ron, for short) is our new puppy and was born two weeks ago so she (yes, Ronaldo is a female) is staying with her mother for another week or so and then she’ll be moving into the Bradbury madhouse.

Unfortunately at present, it seems I am not able to upload photos but I will try again later.

2007-03-23T17:17:00.000+02:00

Chikankata is some place!!!

It's like one big see-saw. It's like depths of depression one minute and heights of elation the next. It's like the best place to work one day and absolutely the worst place the next. It's just too difficult to explain.

This week has been a hard week. The more you scratch, the more you find. It's nearly two years since we came here and we are still finding outstanding (in all senses of the word!) problems. So this week another $10,000 bill. Apparently we took legal action over something or were defending legal action in 2002 and the case was settled in Court early 2005. So when you go to get some legal advice from our lawyers, the state they can't help us because we still have an outstanding bill. What's more they are giving us limited time to pay. An all too familiar story.

There are so many issues to try and sort out and the majority of them are none of my doing and I don't mind admitting, I'm getting fed up with it! You put a vehicle in Toyota Zambia (don't get me started on them!) and it takes them 5 months to fix it. You have to spend $4,000 to pay for a new pump, caused by dirty fuel from somewhere AND THE VERY NEXT DAY IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM IT WENT IN WITH! How does that work?!

My accountant and I did the cash flow forecast for the next three months and basically we are going to have to 'find' about $20,000, (10,000 pounds) just to break even. Not sure were that's going to come from but I believe we'll get by. Not wishing to revel in others misfortune I found a paper from 1991 entitled " Hospital's Financial Survival Plan" which cheered me up a bit. I know from people like Commissioner du Plessis and Colonel Gauntlett, men who are fair more qualified and esteemed than me, that Chikankata has seen it all before when they've been in charge. So I'm trusting the Big Man on this one.

HOWEVER and it's a big however that's why it is in capital letters - this week I have felt really uplifted in prayer. What's more I have been given tangible evidence that the Big Man answers prayer.

Yesterday, we found out we had managed to raise nearly all the money for the ambulance and we will now be able to order a standard vehicle. This has been a mammoth effort and we have managed to raise 25,000 pounds in 5 months for this venture. We have recieved donations from SA Corps from all four countries in the UK. TSA is an amazing organisation, with some really kind-hearted, committed and caring people. Special mention to some individuals Garry, Nick, Clark and Kevin who really pulled out the stops. Special mention to the people in communities around Chikankata who raised over 3000 pounds by donating maize, which we were able to pool together and sell. Special mention to the Big Man for his continued provisions. God is good!

Secondly, after months of persistent nagging and 'persuasion', Zambia Sugar ( a large South African firm based in Mazabuka) brought the plans and the contractors to the Hospital and seem ready to renovate our Maternity Ward. It's a big refurbishment and if all goes well, it'll look fantastic.

Finally, we received a couple of packages that really encouraged us and made us feel that people care and are really rooting for us. We will enjoy listening to the CD's and eating the fruit pastilles and I am sure they will keep us going. We are so grateful fore-mails, cards and care package and thank the Big Man that he has given us friends who care about us.

Please pray for the ex-pat staff here from UK, Sweden and Australia. All of us have our different struggles, both personal and professional and we need people to uplift us and rely on those prayers as we try to the serve at the Hospital and serve the Big Man.

Like I said - It's some place!

2007-03-22T08:21:00.000+02:00

WORLD WATER DAY - 22nd March 2007

Today is World Water Day - I am reminded of an earlier post I made on the issue of water. I have ammended slightly...........

Water is on my mind! Maybe it’s because we had one big rainstorm last week (which incidentally knocked the electricity out for four days – another long story) and nothing since. Maybe because people are beginning to panic that this will be another drought year. Maybe it’s because Colonel Sewell, an SA officer and water engineer, has arrived to start the upgrade of the water system. Maybe it’s because I haven’t had a proper shower or wash for close to five months. Most likely, it’s because last week I visited a small community of around 1000 people to examine the problems of their water.

This isolated community 10km from Nadezwe was one of the worst affected areas last year by waterborne diseases. It’s estimated that in Chikankata Hospital’s catchment area only a small percentage of the total population has access to clean, safe water. In the blazing heat, I sat silently and heard first hand that the only access to water for this particular community was dirty water from a nearby stream; the same water used to bath, drink and wash their clothes. This community had no means of sanitation whatsoever other than a few ad hoc pit latrines they had built themselves. We saw for ourselves the shallow well the men had dug, with water so dirty that in the UK we wouldn’t even allow our pets to touch it. We listened to their pleas for help; their stories about loved ones lost and saw their worry in their words that next year it might be them.

Unsurprisingly this community was one of the areas most affected by cholera last year; the Headman estimated that close to 100 people died for waterborne diseases. This equates to 10% of their population. Many of the people at the gathering complained that they suffered from constant diaherroa and vomiting – they were frightened. I heard from Gift, our highly skilled and dedicated Environmental Health Technician, who told us that children are particularly vulnerable. When they are thirsty - they drink. They don’t have the knowledge and they don’t have the luxury of being able to run home and draw a glass of water from the tap to clench their thirst. And that’s when it struck. For many people, clean water is a luxury.

The Salvation Army’s Chikankata Mission has problems too. The hospital’s infection prevention committee is finding it difficult to control and prevent infections due to the erratic supply of water in the wards and other critical areas of the hospital. The Maternity wards needs constant and safe water and we are continually concerned about the dangers to mother and babies of cross infection. The Theatre is one of areas where sterility has to be maintained and without a consistent supply of water, post operation infections have increased. This year the High School has had a dysentery outbreak for the second consecutive year, as there is not enough water to go round.

But it’s not just in Zambia. The WHO and other groups are predicting that severe water shortages affecting at least 400 million people today will affect four billion people – half the world- by 2050. This a frightening thought. So what can we possibly do? In the words of one missionary, Debbie Meroff; “We can either shrug off such realities because they don’t intrude in our own lives, or we can choose to follow the directions of Christ”Matthew writes “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward”

Whilst I accept that I might be taking this verse a bit too literally, it is certainly a clear direction on the part of the Big Man. That’s why I am so impressed with the initiative of the Watershed Project which will help the communities around the developing world, including our internal water supplies here within the Hospital. This is just one of the many projects run by the International Development Department at The Salvation Army’s UK Headquarters who have been good to Chikankata and epitmise The Salvation Army's brotherly love and concern for those in need. That's why I am so impressed with Cross International, who are a truly Christian organisation and have agreed to sink some boreholes in some of our most remote communities (including the one mentioned above). That’s why I’m writing a first hand testament that these projects will make a difference; the different between life and death, between joy and misery, between defeat and hope for so many people. That's why I'm impressed with the Big Man for his continue provision. Psalm 41 v1!

2007-03-17T10:47:00.000+02:00

The Joys and Sorrows of Life

Thursday was a happy day for the Bradbury's as Heidie had her first scan. That's right - she's Keith Cheggers (Preggers - Pregnant!). Joseph the Radiographer (scan man) did really well and was able to get a good picture. Incidentally Joseph went to Uganda for a 6 month diploma course in Ultra Sound last year sponsored by the Hospital. He found out on the same day (Thursday) that he passed with distinction and was top of the class and I think we can see why.

On Friday the Bradbury family was saddened by the death of Kathleen. A quiet and gracious lady, Kathleen was my mum's best friend and it felt like she was part of her family. So we all feel sad firstly because of Kathleen's death but also because we know our mum will be really upset at this time.

So we thank the Big Man for new life and we thank him too for the life of Kathleen and especially for the influence, encouragement and support Kathleen gave to our family and for her humilty, kindness and Christian love.

2007-03-10T10:40:00.000+02:00

It's difficult to know where to start!

This week has first of all been a sad week for our hospital. Unfortunately one of our young nurses committed suicide. Fales had been troubled for a while due to a number of things going on in her life. After taking Fales to Lusaka to be with her family and also where she could receive specialist care, we were called on Monday afternoon to say she had died at her Uncle's home. This is a terrible time for the family and staff at the hospital have been upset. Fales' parents had both died in the recent past and she was responsible for looking after 6 younger brothers and sisters. She was only 24 herself. Heidie and I had a very special place for this nurse and four of classmates as they graduated from our Nurses Training School the first year we were here. We persuaded them to stay and she was a lovely young lady and fine nurse. Please pray for the family.

On Tuesday night, we had the mother of all storms. Apparently it was the tail end of a cyclone from Mozambique. Whatever, it was scary! Of course the power went within about two seconds of the storm brewing and stayed off for the whole day. Then a branch fell on my car and gave it a little bit of a dunt. Then I got completely beached driving to Mazabuka and had to use the 4x4 drive to get out of the mud after a few struggles. However my heart goes out to the villagers, many of who lost the roof to their houses or suffered damaged to their property.

Tommorrow sees the dedication of little Joshua, the son of our good friends and next door neighbours (we are seperated by the aptly named Mamba Gate !) Rachel and Kennedy Nakaanga. He is a special wee boy. We are looking forward to that and Rachel's parents Colonel David and Jean Burrows are in town to conduct the service. We are hosting some accompanying visitors from the UK.

Speaking of special wee boys called Joshua - here's a picture of our godson Joshua Hanover who is growing up very fast. We don't feel like we can be very good Godparents due to distance. Anyway we would ask you just to say a wee prayer to the Big Man for both Joshuas this week and for their futures.

Finally, Beverley and Emma who are two very special women in my life are running a 10k soon for Cancer Research. The Johnston family have had a tough time recently and Beverley's dad has not been well with cancer. This is a special cause for Beverley and Emma and if you are able to please sponsor them by donating at this page. Please also pray for the Johnstons.

2007-03-06T11:04:00.000+02:00

So today three things have brightened my day so far.

1. I received a letter addressed to

Mr. R Bradbury

President of The Salvation Army

ZAMBIA

My two observations are

a) the letter actually reached me

b) you can just call me "Mr. President"

2. Two really encouraging e-mails - it's so good to know that somebody is praying for me (cue song!) and guys like Stuart Hunter, although a big girls blouse have been a real inspiration to us.

3. This picture was sent to me today. It's a long story but basically I was showing a couple of the 'more senior members' of the ZIM Team around when I opened the door to a changing room and found one of our 'more larger staff members' in the buff, naked, nakety noo! It was rather embarrasing. So here's a picture of me doing an impression of dear old Dorothy with two big Berthas (one wood glof clubs) on the Royal Livingstone Golf Club

2007-03-05T14:06:00.000+02:00

I am a worrier – at Chikankata I have a lot to worry about! Whilst things are generally going well, there are a lot of things bubbling under the surface that are worrying. A lot of things I am trying to fix before they blow. When I worry, I don’t sleep. I have not slept well this week.

There are only one or two books that have had profound impact on me. Usually they are not complex books but ones that are honest and straightforward. Maybe it’s because of the timing rather than the book, but maybe it’s just about the quality of the book. Anyway, Rob Parson’s What they didn’t teach me in Sunday School is one such book. It helped me understand the concept of grace and salvation much better, as I was struggling with them both on an intellectual and personal level.

Right now I am reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell (maybe I should read more books by men called Rob), a Christmas present from my sister. I am learning a lot about myself as I read it and just how I am.

I am the Manager / Hospital Administrator and this is shaping the way I live my life. I am living a certain role and I am behaving in a particular way seemingly befitting of this role. I am responsible for the day to day running of a Hospital, Nursing School, Community and Research Programme, various Projects and a training centre. I am supervising around 250 staff working for Chikankata. There are positives of course - I am living in the biggest house at the Mission and I am driving a reliable pick-up car as a result.

I am also realistic enough to see that there are a lot of people with a lot more responsibilities and struggles that me and I am fortunate to have strong people such as the Visiting Chief Medical Officer and Territorial Commander (who are my direct line managers) to supervise me and who have overall responsibility for Chikankata.

I am though hanging on! I am tired! I am worrying a lot!

Now some honest thoughts – I feel like I am living more as “Manager” and less like RB and the person I want to be. Chikankata is moving in the right direction and the results are encouraging – yet I am not coping so well at the moment. So I work harder to sort things out. Despite my promises, I am once again working evenings, late at night and weekends. I am more for other people and I am not for me, my family and the Big Man. I honestly feel like I am not a good manager, friend, husband or Christian at the moment because I am trying to do too much and please too many people.

Here’s a paragraph that jumped out the page to me;

But I am not defined by what I am not. And understanding this truth is a huge part of becoming whole. I had to stop living reaction and start letting a vision for what lies ahead pull me forward.

I have kind of picked up this image of how I am supposed to be and act and work and play. It causes me to struggle and to worry a lot. And so now I am committing to try and take myself back out of this unhealthy existence and back to who I really am.

As my wife pointedly asked me this week – How come you are in this big role, held up as a leader in a strong and influential Christian institution (this week I did an interview for the Los Angeles Times and the Aberdeen Evening Express you know) and you can’t hand over your worries to God?

So at the moment I don’t feel like I am “smoking what I selling” but I am going to try and sort that, starting from now. Most of all I am going to start having a laugh again, I am going to start playing football again and I am going to take more time off. And I am going to really try to stop worrying (although I still haven’t quite figured out how or maybe I just have!).

P.S. It’s times like this where I really miss my friends (2 or 3 are fellow bloggers) and my family to talk to about these things – which is probably why I am writing about this.

2007-02-25T08:37:00.000+02:00

Here's a funny thing....

Since coming back from my holiday, I've realised how attached I've become to this place and how much I love Chikankata. There is absolutely no place in the world I have ever visited that can compare to Chikankata. I try to describe all about life and stuff in this blog and various other articles but I've come to the realisation that unless you have lived here or visited for some time it's impossible to fully understand what it's all about - it's just indescribable. WHAT A PLACE!

Anyway, I am typing from the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka and listening to Radio 2 (really miss the radio) on my laptop using wireless internet. This weekend break is a Christmas present from one of my best friends, Kevin FH. It's all been VERY exciting. I have taken the advice of many people and decided to get away from Chikankata once in a while, where possible. And good advice it was too! It's even better when someone else is paying!

This week has been an extremely busy week but a good week. We have been inspected by TEVETA and Ministry of Health for the Lab School (or College of Biomedical Sciences to be precise). This was an extrmely extensive process but we survived. We have managed to completely renovate the old Lab Hostel, decorate and kit out a new classroom and start construction of a teaching Lab, all within four weeks. Good effort! My main builder Grant Nanzele is a great guy and did a very good job. We were all running around like mad men on Tuesday and Wednesday trying to get everything finished and organised. It was like one of these tv DIY shows with all the deadlines. Big it up for Grant! On the whole the inspection went really well, permission was granted to open (subject to one or two documents being written), a commitment to funding was tentativelty given by MoH and we should be on course to open next month.

We also had a Performance Assessment for the Provincial Health Office, which went extremely well too. There were points for improvement but they were happy with what they found. Our Level 2 status was confirmed and a real unexpected bonus of this was an improved grant for the running of the Hospital. Also received good news that money has been given to build two new houses. Accommodation has become a real programme.

Yesterday whilst in Lusaka we went to the cinema and saw The Last King of Scotland, which has just opened in Lusaka. I am still mulling this film over in my mind but it was great to get to see the film and the cinema was surprisingly ok.

Finally a big pat on the back for my little sis Clare who officially became a Candidate this week. She is due to enter The Salvation Army Training College in September and we are all very proud of her. Well done Cando Bradbury!

2007-02-18T15:06:00.000+02:00

SIX PEOPLE WHO HAVE INSPIRED AND ENCOURAGED ME THIS WEEK………

1. Clark Baim was one of my bosses from the Home Office (NPD) and most of all he is my friend. This week past marked Clark’s birthday. He is one of the most generous, kind and caring men I know. We used to travel all over the country together, along with Mary (who is also very special to me). Man, we used to laugh a lot but I am realising how much I learnt from Clark and Mary. This week I had a lengthy conversation with Chabota in English. This time last year Chabota could only sing the alphabet in English. Clark pays for Chabota to go to school, amongst other things. By giving Chabota a chance with education, he has given her a chance to escape a life in poverty. Clark has no affiliation whatsoever with The Salvation Army or the church but gives so much to Chikankata, through his words, his attitude and his money. Why? Because he can and because he cares! He is great man.

2. Mike and Sue are commercial farmers who live about 30 minutes from Chikankata. They have encouraged me and Heidie so much just by their hospitality and care towards us. They have listened to us, offered advice and given us a place to escape to. Mike and Sue are like our Zambian parents and they will really never know just how much they have helped us, especially during the most difficult times. They are such a lovely couple who enjoy each others company. Sue is always smiling and a fantastic cook. Mike is a very funny man, who loves his whisky. They are kind hearted and generous people who make a great couple.

3. Gretchen is a doctor / professor from Michigan State University. She has achieved so much with her life and yet has a lovely down to earth personality. I love the way she has a real heart for Chikankata and really cares for the people. She comes here for about 4 months each year. Gretchen has brought a lot of development, help and profile to Chikankata Hospital. She has been a real source of help and encouragement to us by including the Hospital and also Heidie and me in many different things when she really didn’t really need too. She is extremely clever, extremely humble and an extremely thoughtful person.

4. Brian Houston I have never met. He is the pastor of the Hillsong Church in Australia. Every Sunday we are able to listen to his message on Zambian TV. Apparently his parents were Salvation Army officers. Pastor Houston’s words are always an encouragement to us. He’s humble, interesting and inspiring and he always uplifts our spirit. He often reminds us of our mission and our responsibilities. Brian Houston has a heart for the poor and is able to put that in the context of a Christian life. I like that and, though he does not know and probably never will, he has helped change (and improve) my perspective, attitudes and behaviour on many things. He is an inspiration and a pastor.

5. Lt-Colonel Rader regularly visits Chikankata. He is a retired officer in the Salvation Army. He always has a kind word to say to us and continually reassures us. What I like about the Colonel is his passion for his mission. He has had a real lifelong ambition for a particular kind of Kingdom work and now, in his retirement, he is helping this take shape and become a reality through the creation of Chikankata Community Radio. I also like that he is so open; he has told us about his life, the things he has done well, the times when he has made mistakes, what his beliefs and feelings are and so on. He is an open and committed man.

6. Heidie is my wife. On Monday she hits the big 3.0. She is my blessing and I am so grateful I met her and married her. It’s great to share your life with someone who wants the same things as you and who cares about the same things. She is compassionate and has a real way of connecting with people. I love the way she is so positive, I love the way she smiles and I love the way she encourages and just cares for the people here. In fact, I love her to absolute bits!

2007-02-14T12:15:00.000+02:00

Last week I was a real life Mr. Topsy Turvy. On Monday and Tuesday I attended a conference for Directors of Christian Healthcare Institutions in Zambia. Whilst it was a very interesting and worthwhile experience in terms of increasing my knowledge, I came away with a bit of a dent in my own confidence and severely questioning my abilities in my job. The main problem is that I find it hard to think on my feet and I am not very organised – two things that are essential qualities of a manager / administrator of a hospital. I need time, man!

Wednesday, I finished the Annual Review for 2006, which was an achievement in itself. It was a good document and made me realise that despite all the difficulties, Chikankata Hospital has achieved so much in one year. I honestly believe that somehow the Big Man’s hand is on this place, as given our financial woes and lack of income - the management and staff has managed to do so much. It’s difficult to explain how.

Then on Thursday and Friday we had a whirlwind trip to Livingstone with Bengt and Goran (I’ll tell you about them in a minute). No matter how many times I go to Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, I am always amazed at its beauty. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls are truly magnificent and surrounding wildlife is impressive too. We stayed in the place for less that 24 hours and we managed to see hippos, crocs, elephants, warthogs, buffalo, wilderbeest, giraffes, impala, and rhinos. Not bad really.

Bengt and Goran are two engineers who have been staying with us for a week. They are Swedish and came to install some second hand autoclaves sent to us courtesy of Arne Norberg and the Swedish Salvation Army. Bengt and Goran are engineers in Swedish army (military not Salvation). They are very kind, down-to-earth and funny guys. They basically use some of their holidays to come and sort out stuff for us here at Chikankata. This is their second visit to Chik and a bonus for us because they fix everything that’s faulty in our house. They are an example of the great help that Chikankata gets from all kinds of places and the many fantastic people we get to meet. We are always grateful! Big it up for Bengt and Goran!

2007-02-01T15:41:00.000+02:00

BON ACCORD!

Over the last few weeks we have been distributing clothes, blankets, soap and many other things through our Orphans and Vulnerable Children's Programme and the Social Work Office at the Hospital. It's been a lovely experience for us. One of the things I struggle with most at Chikankata is to see children walking around with no shoes and such old clothes. Poverty seems such an injustice which people are powerless to prevent. However, although it will not allieviate poverty, making gestures such as this indicates that people do care

The Hospital has also benefitted with a whole host of medical equipment. What would be thrown out in the UK is state of the art equipment here. For instance, for the first time in years we have 3 working incubators. It's been a great time, with much rejoicing!

As an ex- Aberdeen Grammar School former pupil, I am very proud and touched with how the Aberdonians has really responded to Chikankata. They have been our encouragement and inspiration and have really made a difference. Led by Stuart and Pam (who used to be my prefect at AGS!) their Youth Group really got it the whole idea of a mission trip. They should be rightly very proud of themselves. Thanks also to all who helped in anyway - the local oil companies, the shops, the hospitals. Thank you - you have done a good thing.

Below is Gerald. As you can see from the picture, Gerald was / is severely malnourished. He has been on our Children' ward for two weeks this time but has been in and out over the last few months. We handed him a Winnie Pooh to play with today and a bright beaming smile came across his face. The nurses said that has been the first time he has sat up and the first time he has smiled the whole time he has been here. His mum started to cry and said that it was the first time she had seen him smile for over 6 months. It was a magic moment. That's what it means!

2007-01-22T11:02:00.000+02:00

First things first - Oh my word - how slow is the internet here !!! Give me the wireless broadband internet any day of the week over the satelitte - doesn’t work in the rain - system we have here. Still, I should be grateful we have it at all as this time last year we had no phones, no e-mail, no internet, in fact no communication with the outside world from Chikankata. My mini project for this year is to upgrade the IT systems as it makes a big difference on a professional and personal level for the hospital and staff to have this sort of contact.

We arrived back on Tuesday and we were overwhelmed by the warm welcome we received from the people here. We are already missing our family and friends very much and feel a little homesick. On the other side, we have also missed Chikankata too and in some ways it’s great to be back. Heidie was trying desperately not to be offended by everyone saying that she had “grown fat” or “got big”. Of course, it’s a very big compliment in Zambia but I am not so sure Heidie saw it that way. (Note to self - when someone says your wife has “grown fat”, do not, under any circumstance whatsoever, laugh, snigger or smirk - it does not go down well!)

We left Zambia when it was very dry, barron and roasting and when we returned it’s raining each day, lush but often roasting. Last night it rained so much that we were called over because the Hospital had flooded. Welcome Home Richard. At least I am now able to shower, although often the water is so brown you actually wonder if you are dirtier getting out of the shower. The Hospital has been fine and if I am honest, I found it in a much better way than I expected.

On the down side we were saddened to hear of the death of two young men while we were away. Both were members of staff and have young families. It saddens me that so many people are being lost to preventable diseases and illnesses, many in the prime of their lives. Just under 10% of our catchment population are orphans – that’s a terrible statistic!

Finally on a brighter note, let’s be havin’ you! My wife has managed to bag her self a regular spot on Zambian Radio this year giving one minute recipes. What!? So today she recorded the first ten, each one which will be broadcast twice a week. I did offer a suggestion for inclusion in the recipe slot but it was not accepted…

Take £3
Go to MacDonalds and say “Can I have a Big Mac Meal please”
Don’t forget to add “Go Large” after the first request
And there you have it
Lovely Burger and Chips

So if you regularly tune into Zambian radio listen out for “Heidie’s One Minute Recipes”. It’s Egg-Flan-Tastic!

2007-01-08T20:20:00.000+02:00

CHARLIE CHIKANTA IS BACK!

I am typing this on our new laptop using wireless internet, (there's something that has really developed since we have been away). What a great few weeks we have and we are now refreshed (and heavier!) ready to face the challenges ahead.

It goes without saying that we enjoyed meeting all our friends and family during the time we were in the UK. We met someone different for coffee or a meal every single day we were home - it was really great and we feel blessed and encouraged! It was also good to meet with many of the ex-Chikankata clan, share stories and be reminded about what a great place it really is.

So here is the lists of my "top five" or "top ten" to keep the blog concise, written with the rider that friends and family would top most of the lists (except thing we didn't miss in the UK of course).

This is the first of many blogs about the holiday I expect.

Here goes.....

My Top 10 - things done while on holiday (chronological order!)

1. Being met right off the plane by the Airport SA Chaplain, breezing through passport control and baggage reclaim and then meeting a small brass band made up of friends (and of course our family!) Nick H in a Festival Tunic and cap - we felt very priviliged

2. Seeing our godson Joshua for the first time

3.
A 5 day trip to Copenhagen with our parents, Clare and Auntie Anne, including popping over to Sweden for the day. This included meeting up with Heidie's mum and dad and all 3 of her brothers and their families.

4.
Seeing James Bond in Leicester Square with Kevin and Heidie

5. Watching Southend vs Spurs with Garry and Graeme from the Executive Box of Graeme's company

6. Christmas day, roast dinner and playing with my new iPod - it's fantastic (I didn't even know what an iPod was until I got to the UK)

7. Hogmany fireworks display and New Years Day walk along Dawlish Seafront

8. Super Saturday ay Keith and Bev's - Soccer AM, 3 rolls and sliced sausage, watching Gillette Soccer Saturday in the afternoon with Stuart and Pam (Heidie can't understand me watching someone else watching the games) and then a Chinese meal at night.

9. Seeing Guys and Dolls at Picadilly Theatre (got upgraded to the C6 in the Royal Circle)

10. Sunday morning worship at Chelmsford

Top 10 things I realised I missed from the UK

1. The chippie

2. Soccer AM

3. Ribena

4. Going to the football

5. The Sunday papers (it's the Monday papers I don't buy)

6. The Salvation Army brass band

7. Frosties

8. BBC Radio

9. Getting a proper haircut

10. Speeding and reliable internet connection

Top 5 things I realised I don't miss from the UK

1. The public transport system (£4 for single underground journey - you're 'avin' a laugh, £60 from London to Southampton - what?!)

2. The weather

3. The traffic
4. The Dentist (I had to get a tooth out while I was back)
5. Political Correctness (the world's gone mad)

Finally!

I have been getting into trouble for not putting enough information or pictures of Heidie on the blog from her family, (although my argument is that she is perfectly capable of writing her own blog entries).

Anyway, here's one specially for the Bjarkam clan.

MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING OUR BRIEF SPELL AT HOME SPECIAL

2006-12-03T17:27:00.000+02:00

One Tuesday we fly home for a 5 week holiday after an amazing year and a half. It’s been a great experience. Whilst we have encountered some of the toughest months of our lives, we have also found tremendous fulfillment in what we have done.

Chikankata has become our home and we will miss it alot - I never thought I hear myself say that 12 months ago! It's a great place, with great people and difficult to explain unless you visited for yourself - it's just special and now very dear to our hearts!

To our family and friends at home, please forgive us if we…..

Bore you with hundreds of stories and pictures
Tell you how cold it is in the UK and Denmark(it’s been 37 degrees today)
Forget to flush the toilet – we do this twice a day (except No.2’s of course)
Ask you to pray for rain in Zambia – it’s a seriously worrying time
Are late – we’ve got used to “Zambian time”
Keep going on about the poverty here and how poor the hospital is
Tell you how hard the first nine months here was
Shower a lot and use all the hot water
Leave your front door open – ours is open all day, everyday
Question how so many children under 5 die of preventable diseases
Talk about all our friends in Zambia – they are great people
Keep asking you to visit Chikankata – it’s a great place
Want to eat fish and chips or Chinese food for every meal
Ask if you’ve got any Chocolate digestives if you offer us a cup of tea
Stress what a horrible disease HIV/AIDS is
Tell you how low your car is and how good your roads are
Don’t drink any Coca-Cola (the national drink of Zambia)
Read your newspaper or magazines
Ask to borrow some of your CD’s for a short period of time
Discuss with you your idea of ‘community’
Tell you about the past of Chikankata
List all the great people / visitors we have met in 18 months
Ask for a favour of some kind or another for Chikankata
Remind you how fortunate you are to have such a great health service
Tell you how much we have missed our friends and family over the last eighteen months

Thanks to all who have supported us in so many ways over the last 18 months. You have really inspired and encouraged us and we hope our presence here has made a difference in some small way.

We'll see you soon and blog again in January!

2006-11-27T10:50:00.000+02:00

Water is on my mind! Maybe it’s because we had one big storm last week (which incidentally knocked the electricity out for four days – another long story) and nothing since. Maybe because people are beginning to panic that this will be another drought year. Maybe it’s because Colonel Sewell, an SA officer and water engineer, has arrived to start the upgrade of the water system. Maybe it’s because I haven’t had a proper shower or wash for close to five months. Most likely, it’s because last week I visited a small community of around 1000 people to examine the problems of their water.

This isolated community 10km from Nadezwe was one of the worst affected areas last year by waterborne diseases. It’s estimated that in Chikankata Hospital’s catchment area only a small percentage of the total population has access to clean, safe water. In the blazing heat, I sat silently and heard first hand that the only access to water for this particular community was dirty water from a nearby stream; the same water used to bath, drink and wash their clothes. This community had no means of sanitation whatsoever other than a few ad hoc pit latrines they had built themselves. We saw for ourselves the shallow well the men had dug, with water so dirty that in the UK we wouldn’t even allow our pets to touch it. We listened to their pleas for help; their stories about loved ones lost and saw their worry in their words that next year it might be them.

Unsurprisingly this community was one of the areas most affected by cholera last year; the Headman estimated that close to 100 people died for waterborne diseases. This equates to 10% of their population. Many of the people at the gathering complained that they suffered from constant diaherroa and vomiting – they were frightened. I heard from Gift, our highly skilled and dedicated Environmental Health Technician, who told us that children are particularly vulnerable. When they are thirsty, they drink – they don’t have the knowledge and they don’t have the luxury of being able to run home and draw a glass of water from the tap to clench their thirst. And that’s when it struck. For many people, clean water is a luxury!

The Salvation Army’s Chikankata Mission has problems too. The hospital’s infection prevention committee is finding it difficult to control and prevent infections due to the erratic supply of water in the wards and other critical areas of the hospital. The Maternity wards needs constant and safe water and we are continually concerned about the dangers to mother and babies of cross infection. The Theatre is one of areas where sterility has to be maintained and without a consistent supply of water, post operation infections have increased. This year the High School has had a dysentery outbreak for the second consecutive year, as there is not enough water to go round.

But it’s not just in Zambia. The WHO and other groups are predicting that severe water shortages affecting at least 400 million people today will affect four billion people – half the world- by 2050. This a frightening thought. So what can we possibly do? In the words of one missionary, Debbie Meroff; “We can either shrug off such realities because they don’t intrude in our own lives, or we can choose to follow the directions of Christ”

Matthew writes “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” Whilst I accept that I might be taking this verse a bit too literally, it is certainly a clear direction on the part of Christ. That’s why I am so impressed with the initiative of the Watershed Project which will help the communities around Chikankata, just one of the many projects run by the International Development Department at The Salvation Army’s UK Headquarters. That’s why I’m writing a first hand testament that these projects will make a difference; the different between life and death, between joy and misery, between defeat and hope for so many people. My understanding is that Christmas is about life, joy and hope and that’s why I am asking you to support their important work this Christmas if you can.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/id

2006-11-16T21:41:00.000+02:00

The rains come down and the power went whooooop!

So the rains came on Tuesday, albeit two passing storms. Since then its rain farily consistently. Since then the electricity has gone, fairly consistently. For the last two days we've had no power at the hospital, save two hours. Speaking to my good friend, Mr. Henry, the relatively new manager at Zambian Electricity Supply (ha!) Company (ZESCO), he advised me that in the first two hours of the rains coming, 3 electricity poles had fallen. He reckons that about 80% of the poles in our district need to be replaced because they are so old and unstable. It's not looking good for the rain season.

Still, it was the same manager who called me in August to congratulate me that we had reached the point that for the first time in four years, we were paying the electricity bills from the same year we were actually in (ie in August we were paying January's bill). I took this as a kind of compliment, although I'm sure it was a back-handed reminder on his part.

The same Tuesday the rains came, my accountant and I went to a District Health Management Board meeting, of which we are Chikankata's members. We had notice that the meeting started at 10.30. Knowing 10.30 Zambian time could mean anything, we left for Kafue Gorge Hospital just after 10 and arrived at a few minutes past eleven. We were the first ones there. Everyone else arrived at five to one, 12.55, fifty five minutes past 12 !!! So the meeting eventually starts at 1pm, only 2 hours and 30 mins late. No one even said sorry - it seems it's acceptable to come when ever you fancy and keep everyone else waiting and wasting their time. No wonder I don't wear a watch and my hair is going grey!

2006-11-08T08:10:00.000+02:00

UNBELIEVABLE!

The electricity stayed, the game was beamed all across Africa, I settled down to watch the game at Simonga Farm, secure in the knowledge that my good luck message had made it in the Southend Evening Echo. And who would have believed it?! In the words of the BBC Website:

Southend pulled off a massive shock by dumping holders

Manchester United out of the Carling Cup at Roots Hall.

Southend's first appearance live on African tv and they go and beat the mighty Man U. I am going to enjoy today, as there are many Man Utd fans around this place. It surely proves once and for all that St. Mirren were right to sack Alex Ferguson.

Most of all I am pleased for my real mate Garry (who phoned me right after the match), because we fans of 'lesser' (ie rubbish) teams live for games and days like these. He's a season ticket holder, one of the Roots Hall faithful for many years and a founder member of the Southend / St Mirren Supporters Club and the Zambian Shrimpers, whose flag was proudly on display last night at the game. He's also a top guy!

The Zambian Shrimpers are in heaven and we are all so pleased, as we were excited (see picture below)Bring on the Arsenal in the next round!

One final football note, yesterday I saw a woman, carrying firewood on head, a baby on her back...................... wearing a Partick Thistle top! Let's hope Saints draw the Jags in the cup and we'll be able to have a bit of good old Glaswegian banter. Haw Hen........

2006-11-07T08:36:00.000+02:00

COME ON THE BLUES!

Today is a big day for Southend United FC. Southend are my favourite English team, St Mirren are my Scottish team and favourite team overall (by Richard aged 7). Tonight the Southend entertain the mighty Manchester United, managed by former Saints manager, Sir Alex Ferguson (we sacked him!). You can rest assured the Zambian Shrimpers (see picture) will be supporting from afar especially as the game is being shown live on Zambian TV. How excited am I?! Garry has the 'official' Zambian Shrimpers flag, which will be displayed on the top deck of the stand housing the home fans, behind the goal, near the corner flag, next to Basildon Shrimpers flag, not far from the pie stand, where we used to sit.

Incidentally, I once went to the same pie stand at Southend 10 minutes before kick off the get my usual pie and bovril, only to be told they had already sold out of pies. I asked them how many pies they had brought in for the game. The answer : SIX! Six pies! Anyway Southend have come along way since those Division 2 days are now in the Championship, albeit bottom of the league.

One of the things I absolutely missed most about being away from home is going to the football. Miss it, miss it miss it! My tickets for the Southend Birmingham game and Rangers St. Mirren game during our holiday are booked. In the meantime, I'll certainly make do with cheering Southend on from afar tonight. Here's hoping there's electricity.

COME ON THE BLUES!

2006-11-01T10:32:00.000+02:00

Health Care Rationing

It's been a while. The reason I haven't posted for all two weeks is...(get the violins out again)....we couldn't afford to pay our internet bill this month.

Faced with paying salaries, buying drugs, medical supplies and a temporary cash flow cisis, it was hard for me to argue to pay the internet bill last week. So we only go reconnected yesterday. I don't know what happens in the UK or US now but one of the first questions we get asked when people visit is whether we have internet connection. It seems to be something people can't do without these days. It was funny to watch people here get edgy and I had to remind them that this time last year we had no phones, no mobiles and no internet. Funny how people forget!

Anyway a few highlights and lowlights from last week;

I visited Chikombola (one of our Health Clinics) with the Mission Director to meet with the Headmen to tell them to stop the piff paff poof witchcraft nonsense that has resulted in two staff leaving there. We have managed to recruit two new staff but they are straight from College and very vulnerable.

Won Man of the Match in the Independence Day Hospital vs High School football match. It was a thrilling 1-1 draw in which I hit the post with a 25 yard free kick, won a penalty, missed a penalty, hit the bar from outside the area and score a bullet header to open the scoring. I was not however appreciating everyone singing Peter Crouch Peter Crouch Peter Crouch to the tune of Here we go when I was substituted with 5 mins to go. I felt I was more of a Michael Ballack, Kevin Maher or Hugh Murray kind of play, surging forward from midfield.(The latter two may not be so well known - they play for Southend and St. Mirren respectfively)

I met with the Nursing Students to tell them off a two of them had been caught drinking and two had been caught cheating in an exam. I have since written to the Town Clerk and Licencing Board to complain about the noise and the way people are selling beer at the nearby Chipanga (I am turning into mu mother!)

The container from our good friends in Aberdeen has arrived. We are currently clearing it through customs (this could take a while).

Watched a great DVD sent by Garry of my friends Nick and Lisa leading the service at Chelmsford. We were very emotional watching it but we really appreciated seeing everyone, especially our godson, Joshua. (Nick, please wear the regulation neck tie when conducting formal SA ceremonies!)

The new Clinical Officer Anaethetist, a Salvationist from Malala but working in Western Province, has been formally posted here. He arrived on Saturday. This will be the final peice in our hospital staffing jigsaw for the time being - all accomodation is full now.

We had our quarterly Finance Reveiw last week - our debt is down by 60% which is good news. We must be the only organisation in Zambia that looks at debts of K468 million - 65,ooo pounds and reports that its good. The irony was not lost on me. We are still working well outside our budget and will need to make further cuts - not quite sure where they are going to come from.

Nice day in Lusaka on Saturday, with Pete and Emma. A geckp ran up my trousers while we were at the craft market.

Pete and I have joined Mazabuka Golf Club and now there's is just the small matter of getting our hands on some golf clubs. It's all in the name of networking you understand.

Southend drawn against Man Utd in the next round of the Milk / Rumbelows / Carling Cup - whatever its called these days. Gutted at missing it but will be able to watch it live on tv at one of the farms next week. I am expecting Garry to have a banner near our usual spot at Roots Hall beside the Basildon Shrimpers. Unfortunately Southend are bottom of the league at the moment.

Heidie has gone to Livingstone today to deliver some training in Prevention of Mother to Child transmission of HIV/AIDS. She has gone on the bus so I will be interested to see how she gets on.

Finally, we can now say we are coming home next month. Less than 5 weeks - not that we're counting or anything.

2006-10-20T21:06:00.000+02:00

Today, I started the planning process with a 20 strong Working Group for the Hospital Self Assessment, which will be conducted by a team from IHQ (London). First exercise what small group discussion on what we do well and what we need to improve. Here's a flavour....

WHAT WE DO WELL.....

Work well under difficult conditions
Spread little money and use staff wisely
Support each other
Maternal and Child Health Services
Resource mobilisation - not entirely dependent on govt.
Community response and capacity building
Community ownership of hospital
Financially disciplined
Move with the issues e.g. Leprosy, HIV/AIDS
Try to listen
Transport - Reach far / remote place
Really care for people in the Hospital
Recognise the whole person
Host people
Staff motivation
Committed in what we do
Manage outbreaks e.g. cholera and dyssentry
Innovative - we try
Provision of Anti Retroviral Treatment (HIV/AIDS)
Good medical care

WHAT WE NEED TO IMPROVE ON....

Personal relationships
Inter denominational boundaries
integrating our community programmes
life saving equipment
mental health services
strengthening community based structures - Care and Prevention Teams
Power and Water supply
Inter-departmental communication
Finances
Home based care
Maintenance (need the Joint Board)
Diet for patients
communication facilities
OPD Toilet facilities
more nurses
staff accomodation
ambulance service
handling emergencies - code blue
Integrated Mission
Buildings and Equipment
Drug supplies

It was a very interesting process and three hours we looked at the "brutal facts" (Jim Collins speak). We also looked at our mission statement and whether it reflected what we do, what we believe and what we stand for. It was the start of a long process but I am encouraged. It was a good start.

2006-10-15T16:37:00.000+02:00

This week we have started the process of giving out 10,000 mosqito nets in our catchment area as part of our Child Survival Project, funded by The Salvation Army World Service Office in Washington. The case fatality rate for under 5's in Chikankata is truly appalling. Along with other diseases it is estimated that 1 in 5 children in this area does not make it to their 5th birthday. Most die of preventable diseases. The mosquito nets mark a year long programme educating and teaching people about malaria. The nets are being given out to under 5's and pregnant mothers - those who are most vulnerable to malaria. Now we have moved on to tackling malnutrition.

Today is the Healthcare Sunday in the Salvation Army. Highlight of the day at Chikankata was some of the Songsters from the Corps (church) singing to the patients in the wards. It was the first time this had happened since we were here and was appreciated by the patients and enjoyed by the singers. It was agreed by all that it should be repeated on a regular basis. It was lovely to watch and listen. I have often wondered why the Salvation Army involved itself in health care, I guess there are thesis (what is the plural of thesis- thesis's or thesi) anyway I have had to figure it out as I try to really catch what our mission here is all about. Anyway, today was special for us and special to the patients. The sight of every single mothers kneeling down at the beds of their children in the pediatric ward when the time came to pray was very moving and a picture I will not forget in a while. The picture is of the Songster in our ICU, recently decorated by our good friends from Aberdeen Citadel.

On a altogther more mumpy note, I am getting really narked off with the water situation. No running water for about 6 weeks in our house. I have had to have what Heidie refers to as "flippin' buckets baths", ie getting a bucket load of cold water and chucking it over yerself (You'll be pleased to know there's no picture attached to this paragraph). Man, it cannot be good for you!

Finally, the ambulance appeal is coming on well. So far, I reckon we are almost half way there - which is a significant achievement. Thanks to all who have contributed so far, one way or another. We really need it here and appreciate the hard work and kindness we know is being afforded us.

2006-10-10T16:50:00.000+02:00

I should have been there before now, but as they say better late than never; today I have visited Chaanga. What a place! Chaanga Clinic, School and Church was founded by the Salvation Army in the 1940's. The Clinic is now run by Chikankata Hospital so I went there today to meet with the Headmen, visit the Clinic and open a refurbished part of the building. The School is now run by the Government of Zambia. Unfortunately all the buildings have not been kept well so we are making some effort just to do our part by renovating one part and now we will paint the main clinic.

Chaanga is one of the most remote rural Health Centres in Zambia. It's basically in the middle of nowhere. From Chikankata it is about 32 km. It took us two and a half hours to get there and three hours to get back. The road is bad and on some occassion you just drive on rocks! We past the spot where one of the ambulances was blown up by a landmine, a spillover from the Zimbabwean coflicts in the 1980's. Regular reader of this blog, Alan Slator was one of the passengers on that vehicle. Mr Hachintu from Hampande was the driver. Both are still around to tell the tale!

Two things struck me. One is that the Salvation Army has a really rich heritage and in Zambia is going where other people won't go to serve the people. I thought this would be a good motto for the Salvation Army - maybe a bit too in yer face. But the people in Chaanga really trust the Salvation Army and are very loyal to Chikankata. The second thing that struck me is the resolve and effort of the people. Chaanga is a very poor place. Many of the malnourished cases at the Hospital are from such areas. But they really have hope and are really trying to help themselves and build each other up - we from the developed world could really learn alot from Chaanga.

2006-10-04T07:29:00.000+02:00

The one that did not get away!

There are so many different adventures and issues at the hospital and Zambia in general that I am finding hard to be selective in what I write. So forget about being caught in a full scale riot in Lusaka on Sunday, forget about Chikankata being reclassified and upgraded to a Level 2 Hospital once again due to the progress, forget about all the financial hassles, forget the building work that is going well, forget the elections in Zambia, forget that the rain storms have come early and everyone is in a state of panic because they haven't planted their maize, forget that we have had to live and work without electricity and water from Saturday afternoon until Tuesday afernoon - look at the snake that we killed in our garden yesterday.

Now I know the Bradbury's can be prone to a little exaggeration from time to time - but this was a truly huge snake! It must have been 4 foot long. We've have recently switched houses (long story!) and we have been clearing out the debris round the bannana tress in our new garden. It seems that this snake enjoyed the warmth of the setting of being hidden in the mound of leaves and other things. Whilst I would love to write I slaughtered this spitting adder myself, I have to confess that Bright, the man who looks after our garden was the hero.

ps. This is a very very rare occurance - this is only the 2nd snake I've seen in Zambia - for anyone who is planning to visit

pps I haven't told Heidie about this little incident yet - she'd totally freak out. This is strictly between me and you!

2006-09-29T18:06:00.000+02:00

It's a right old rollercoster here. What a topsy turvy week.

Monday and Tuesday we did well to divert a strike as the Government were paying some backdated Allowances (from 2002). Allowances are a very thorny issue in Zambia, as those who have served at Chikankata will tell. The Civil Servants were not happy with the Central Health Office over the whole issue and were clearly very agitated. The problem was not with us here at Chikankata, they were satisfied we had done everything properly and correctly on a local level (which was a relief!) but with the process, which was handled centrally. However, I did realise for the first time that my strategy in meeting the Union Executive Committee once a month, often when there were only a few or small problems, to discuss matters was a worthwhile investment. At 20.00 hours on Tuesday a very amicable agreement was reached, with the Union praising the way the matter had been handled here at Chikankata.

Thursday was not a good day! Now I am going to be perfectly frank, more so than I expect I should be. I had to authorise the payment of salaries, amounting to a considerable amount of money (300 workers across the whole Health Services). In our bank account we had eight (8) pounds! 15 dollars! eight quid! 15 bucks! Best not to tell you how we paid them, but we did. It's a cash flow problem more than anything after people didn't pay us on time and one cheque for 10,000 pounds from a reputable NGO for a months residential training course we had run for them flaming bounced! I mean to say - how can you get it that wrong. Then 2 of our vehicles broke down, which is such a pain and really limits our outreach work. It will be a struggle to have them fixed, based on the eight quid scenario

Friday was an all together better. We joined with our friends from around the Salvation Army world in praying for the victims of human trafficking or sexual slavery as it is referred to in Africa. Pete did a great job of that and the event was well attended. I was reminded that The Salvation Army is in the process of opening a refuge centre at the Zambian Malawian Border for victims of this horrible trade. Then this afternoon, we found out the good news that one of the largest companies in Zambia, who are based in Mazabuka, have tentatively agreed to pay for the complete renovation of our maternity ward. This has been the culmination of lengthy discussions and today they came to measure up, which I took as a positive sign!. Then the Salvation Army in USA West agreed to pay for a new Childrens Playground for our Childrens Ward. It's an exciting place to be.

It's funny but even though we have absolutely hee-haw money, we are still able to move forward. At present we have just completed a new Ultra Sound room, the doctors room is almost finished, we are renovating the dental room, we are building two new Counselling Rooms in the HIV/AIDS Clinics, we are building a new hostel for the Nurses School for 22 men, we have just completed 3 new self contained rooms for nurses and the first phase of the Seminar Centre renovations are almost complete. We have raised almost half the money for the Ambulance we so desperately require. Our figures also show we have reduced Chikankata's debt by over 120,000 pounds in one year. All with eight pounds in our bank account! Who says miracles don't happen.

The Big Man upstairs (aka God) is really doing his stuff right now. In Bill Hybels book on Courageous Leadership he talks about some of the struggles he had went through when setting up Willow Creek Church. I was particularly struck by his chapter on resources. I am writing off the top of my head but he says something like this;

It's very important to remember The Big Man is the ULTIMATE resource provider
Nothing strengthens your trust, reliance and faith in The Big Man like having no money
People love to give under the right circumstances and when they believe in something.

This has been my experience! Big it up for The Big Man

2006-09-27T09:38:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow sees the residents of my village, Chikankata go to the polls for national and local elections. Zambia normally conducts its elections in a relatively peaceful manner although there is a real tension in the air. Last Thursday Heidie was in Lusaka and got saw the final stages of a widespread riot, which involved burnt buildings and much looting, but she managed to pass through unscathed. This is just one of the more tangible events that I have not been impressed about about the whole election thing. There are a few other things but best not to mention them.

What I am impressed about is how serious the Zambia people view the right to vote. The government has made the day a public holiday and people are travelling long distances and expecting to queue for hours in order to place the X on the ballot paper. I have been well and truly shamed over my poor attitude to voting in the past (although I still maintain that there's nobody much worth voting for in the UK - would I queue for four hours to vote for some numptyheid? I think not).

As well as my bovine friends, I have been having a running battle with the election campaigners. As the risk of sounding like Victor Meldrew, I don't think it is acceptable to be running through the hospital grounds with a loud speaker. I have been warned by my colleagues on many occassions about approaching these groups but I am still here to tell the tale.

I will let you know how it all goes!

2006-09-22T15:15:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I saw something that will trouble me for a very long time. I saw a young mother, one of our own midwives from the Hospital, screaming as she walked up the street. She was absolutely ditraught. Behind her was a young man carrying her daughter. The 13 year old girl had just died. Her head was covered with a small peice of cloth but the rest of her body her limply hung down as the young man struggled to carry her. We felt so helpless as she brought the body the few metres from her house to the hospital. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for our dear midwife to lose her only child.

Last evening we gathered at the funeral house. Heidie sat on the floor, inside the house with the women, I sat round the fire with the men outside, as is the local tradition. I was very touched as first the High School choir and then later the Student Nurses came. They said nothing. They just sang. Then they left. It was very moving. I realised one of the real benefits of a Salvation Army running a Hospital in Rural Zambia.

Tommorrow we gather for the funeral and the burial. Please pray for the midwife and please pray for the staff at Hospital.

2006-09-20T11:44:00.000+02:00

SNIPPETS

We've had no running water in our house for 5 days. This is when you remember how fortunate you are to come from a country where water really isn't a problem (although those with big gardens in the South of England may argue otherwise). I am though getting a bit fed up of chucking cold bore-hole water over my head every morning - that can't be good for you. I think I maybe a bit manky and smelly.

Book reveiws and meaningful quotations are often published on blogs by some of my more esteemed blogging friends. At the moment I am reading a book that Vibeke Krommenhoek gave to me just before we moved here. The Siren Call of A Dangerous God is good. I have tried to read it before and got nowhere. Now I can't put it down. It struck me as a bloggers book because it's just a guy (Geoff Ryan) giving his views on anything and everything that is important to him. It's a bit more than that but well worth a wee read.

Action Plan and Budget 2007-2009 completed this morning, in immeasurably less stressful circumstances and pressures than last year. It's a 84 page document that I don't really think anybody actually reads. Anyway, some good achievements: malaria fatality rate down last year and people started to actually come to the hospital when they are sick. Concerns: the case fatality rate of diarrhoea in the children under five years old from 58 per 1000 to 89. This is a real worry and something we will need to look at. Maybe have been related to the cholera outbreak earlier this year.

Finally, today we enrolled our 1000 HIV+ patient for ARV medication. Not sure if that is good news or bad news!

2006-09-18T20:18:00.000+02:00

On Saturday and Sunday, we had no water whatsoever in our house. Last night when I sorted out all the water containers for refilling from the borehole, I realised that in 2 days Heidie and I had used 110 litres of water. Makes you think!

2006-09-15T09:44:00.000+02:00

So mummy's brave little soldier put aside his severe malaria to venture into Lusaka yesterday. I was attending a meeting at the US Embassy where I was Chikankata's "Chief of Party" on the "SO7 team". God bless America! I was nearly transferred to the SO9 team but managed to stay put with SO7! I felt like I was in some sort of Hollywood movie, like SWAT ot something, and I was very excited. Unfortunately whilst the meeting was informative and important, being a Chief of Party on the SO7 it didn't quite mactch my expectations. Talking about Family Planning and Child Survival is unlikely to ever make it the big screen.

Then I had the most excrutiating afternoon. It took me the best part of two and a half hours to buy a new fridge freezer for the newly arrived ex-pats. It was not good for my malaria. TWO AND A HALF HOURS! FOR A FRIDGE! Sometimes (most times) doing business in Zambia is slow and this is a major area that needs to improve if Zambia is to improve. However it was nice to bump into Mike and Sue, owners of a nearby farm, in the same shop. They have been good to Heidie and I over the last year and have helped and supported up tremendously (as well as cooking fantastic meals!)

In the evening we had rehearsals for the Graduation Day for the School of Nursing and Midwifery, which is today 15th September. 30 nurses and 15 midwives will graduation - it really is a great day! Last evening everyone was so excited, and although my knee joints were very sore (I have malaria you know!) Chikankata's Chief of Party was able to march in behind the Zambian flag. I will post some pictures of the ceremony in the next couple days!

Over and out!

2006-09-13T15:50:00.000+02:00

I've got flaming malaria again! Heidie and I went the whole rain (high) season without getting it and now we've both had it in the low season. Not happy. I guess we are lucky we can access the hospital easily and afford the best medication unlike the many people who needlessly die of malaria in our catchment area each year.

On the bright side I signed a cheque yesterday for 150 million (kwacha) to purchase 10,000 Mosquito nets to be distributed around Chikankata, courtesy of our Child Survival Project.

2006-09-10T16:27:00.000+02:00

CHIKANKATA ON THE MARCH

Today is congress. Whilst I have not been able to attend (I will write a seperate account of the building deadline when I have clamed down - which will probably be in about two weeks time - there are some people who are going to get a right rocketing tommorrow!), anyhow, it was great to see The Salvation Army marching through the Mission. Apparently, its been quite a few years since there was a TSA march through this place.

What a fantastic sight! There must have been a line of about 1/2 mile of marchers. I have tried not to mention much about what has happened in the past few years but it seems the Territorial leadership and the Salvation Army members at Chikankata had not been entirely pleased about some of the developments at the Hospital in recent years.

This was a day where everyone was saying The Salvation Army had well and truly reclaimed the Mission.

2006-09-08T17:46:00.001+02:00

We are on a real tight schedule as far the building work is concerned. Today I was panicking a little so I transferred all the men off the Nurses Training School site on to the Seminar Centre and Sweden House projects. All the employed local builders were in at 6.30am to start and finished at 17.oo. The main problem has been the plumbing. It has been action stations to get the two projects finished by Sunday morning latest, which is when the new nurses (Sweden House) and the participants (Seminar Centre) arrive.

So as much as I think its important men learn about Breastfeeding, today when I took my place as Guest of Honour at the final ceremony of Breastfeeding Week, I looked out into the gathered crowd of around 200 people on saw only a handful of men - AMONG THEM THE HOSPITAL's TWO PLUMBERS!!!! What part of "we're on a really tight schedule"; "all hand to the pumps"; "we need to get a real move on"; work hard for the next two days and I'll give you a little bonus at the end of week"; It's really important it's finished by Sunday morning absolute latest"" do you not understand. So my introductory remarks went something like this;

"It's a great joy to see everyone gathered here this morning, except my two plumbers who should report back to work at the Seminar Centre immediately!"

Having said that breastfeeding is a serious issue here, given the malnutrition of children and the HIV/AIDS status of many of the women. It was estimated that malnourished children in our catchment area total up to 15% and this worsens from Nov-March depending on the rains. But Chikankata has distributed tins of milk and protein supplements to the community on regular basis.

Another outdoor ceremony - another red nose! So I have a big Harry Redknapper today from sitting in the gathering.

2006-08-31T17:32:00.000+02:00

THE COWS REVENGE

Today the cattle have hit back. Obviously annoyed with their temporary imprisonment yesterday, they completely wrecked my grass fence. I don't know if it was the same cows but there were five cows in the garden. Eye witness say there were brown with big horns, which matches the description of yesterday's offenders. As I was in Kafue with David Wicks (heading home we saw a herd of hippos on the banks of the Kafue River), then Kennedy my next door neighbour came over and tried to chase them out. Apparently they went a bit hatstand and ran straight through my fence demolishing it on the way by. Now since that time I have had about 500 cows (slight exaggeration!) in the garden as they have created a opening for their cow mates. It's becoming a real battle on wills.

David Wicks is the father of Annette, who is the Asst Nursing Officer. He is here on holiday but as he is an electrical engineer, I have had him working on our electrical system. He reckons he has only found about three years work so far, which is actually better than the five years I expected. His baseline assessment is that it was a fine installation but it is nowhere near big enough for the amount of people using the system at present. Having just received word that we have been given funds to completely upgrade and renovation the ageing and rather unhealthy water system (cheers Duncan P), the electrical system seems a bit more problematic. We shall see!

On the building front, things are progressing well. We are working hard to have the three self-contained units for single nurses in Sweden house ready for entry on Sunday. The roof is definitely on the NTS building (see picture) and the walls inside and out will be fully plastered by Saturday (binge drinking is even a problem for buildings now!). The Seminar Centre we are hoping to complete in two weeks. Supplies and finances have been a continuous problem but we are nearing completion. The way the local guys use their resource in such a creative way has been quite inspirational. It's been a very interesting time but now we are getting excited.

Yesterday I met the local headmen with Colonel Radar. The USA Territories have given the money to renovate our hospital radio studio and turn it into a fully fledged community radio station. This is a great development and one which will mean we will be able to communicate with people in our catchment area in a much more direct manner.

Incidentally, when I was in Kafue I met an Indian shop owner who used to run a shop in Mazabuka. He told me he remembers being taken to the Hospital where he was treated by Captain Gauntlett. I only told him I was from Chikankata as I was trying to get discount on 80 bags of cement and ended up staying for about 15 minutes AND he still wouldn't give me anything off the cement. Anyway we had a good chat about the Hospital and his experiences. I was also able to tell him that Colonel Gauntlett's grandson will is undertaking his medical elective here at present and doing fine. Then I went to Mazabuka to meet the Bank Manager, where I met somebody else who asked about Capt. Du Plessis (now Commissioner). In the last few days, I have had e-mails from both the Gauntletts and the Du Plessis'. I still marvel at the history and the rich heritage of Chikankata, which is difficult to describe unless you know the place. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to serve here and hopefully I will be able to play a small part in its development. (It's highly unlikely I will ever be a Colonel or Commissioner but you never know!) What a joy it was to officially present all the ex-pats who have arrived in the last 3 months to the new Cheif Mweenda, Mrs Kalichi ( I definitely won't be Chief Mweenda). She was presented with a goat, which Pete and Lars carried in, as is the tradition. There were 10 of us there plus 5 children from England, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark and Australia. Rachel and Heidie were the only absentees as they have not arrived recently.

Oh and by the way, I was interviewed today by a reporter from the Los Angeles Times about the Hospital and in particular, its work in the community. We made a quick visit to Ngangula to meet the Headman there too. All in a day's work!

2006-08-28T21:35:00.000+02:00

RANSOMED!!

So today, I took three cows hostage, locking them up in the block yard and only releasing them when a small ransom has been paid. Fed up of having cows roaming around the hospital grounds and my garden, I took drastic action.

On Saturday, I came home and found 5 cows in my garden. As I was chasing them out with the broom, 4 of the 5 did whoopsies, number twos, plop plops, jobbies (whatever you want to call them!) in my garden. So today I locked up 3 cows. Of course, the owner was not best pleased but I don't care. Lessopn 1: Poop in my garden and that's what happens. Be warned!

However the Headmen for Chikankata and Kooma village, who incidentally congratulated me on my cow-kidnapping, were telling about a previous Administrator from the 1990's, Major Young, who used to keep a spear in his house and if he found any stray cattle in the hospital grounds, he used to spear them. He would then hand them into the hospital kitchen and the patients would enjoy a nice beef stew! So when the guy came to pick his cattle up in the afternoon, I was telling him he was lucky to be paying on K10,000 (about 1.50 pounds) for there release!

You'll be pleased to know all cows were released without harm.

2006-08-24T20:58:00.000+02:00

After last weekends traumas - which included a snake dropping off a roof on to my head (no joke and no laughing matter I can tell you!) - this has been a good week.

Best news of the week - I have been asked to be the Godfather (watch out for the horses heads!) of my friends baby boy. How chuffed am I? - Rhetorical question, Answer (so not really a rhetorical question then) = VERY! Then I find out that all 3 will visit in April. How cool is that?

Secondly, the roof has finally been completed on the NTS building. This is a major achievement and work has now started on plastering the outside (tried to post picture but it is not happening tonight). Hector the Director Bradbury is well and truly enjoying this new challenge.

Thirdly, we found out for sure that Capts James and Heather Elliot will be joining the ever growing band of ex-pats at Chikankata on Saturday. They come highly recommended and both have nursing backgrounds. From Stornoway to Chikankata, hmmmm

Fourthly, our newly implemented Medical Insurance Scheme goes from strength to strength. Basically if you bring a 50kg bag of maize to the hospital - a family of five will can be treated for free at the hospital for the whole year. This week we passed the 2000 bag mark (tried to post picture but...)

Fifthly, we have receive a substantial donation from TSA/USA to upgrade the hospital radio studio into a fully fledged community radio station, that will reach all our catchment area. Colonel Radar has instigated this and is here working on this project at present. I've bagsied the breakfast show but I don't think the Colonel is too impressed.

Sixthly, we have managed to secure a new motorbike for tracking HIV/AIDS patients in the community to make sure they are taking their daily medication

Seventhly, the issues regarding the transportation of a container from Aberdeen to Zambia (AtoZproject) seemed to have been resolved - the shipment leaves next week.

Eighthly, sorted out satisfactorily a very delicate and sensitive issue with a very important person

Finally, new Anaesthetist (man, that's a hard word to spell) has agreed to come to Chikankata - this will be the final piece in the hospital jigsaw for now - there are no more vacant houses on the Hospital side of the mission.

The range of experiences I have been getting is truly fantastic; whilst we have had some really tough times, we've had some great times too. Things are definitely moving in the right direction.

Go the Big Man upstairs!

ps Tomorrow is the Hospital's annual performance assessment from the Ministry of Health. Will let you know how it goes!