THE HUMANITARIAN: ZAMBIA 2008 Reflection- The Life Changer

It was a little over 10 years ago that I decided to go to Zambia as my second international and humanitarian trip. The reason wasn't to help the poor, but rather to visit family friends - Warren and Vicky. About 9 months prior, they felt called to help street kids of Lusaka as missionaries and moved with their 4 little ones (ages 3-6).

About 1/3 of Zambia's population at the time were orphaned kids because their parents died of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Many are given over to relatives who some became abusive or sold them to child trafficking. And so, many kids ran away to foster homes or into the streets. As a team of 5 people, my NYC team, joined a team from Cork Ireland, and we would serve in the Kakabalika (a new dawn is coming) Child Foundation - a permanent housing for 31 boys. 

After an 18-hr. flight, we pulled up at the foundation and were surrounded by a mass of boys ranging from 5 to 17 years old. We shook hands and the older kids were facinated by the digi camera that we carried. Instantly, we got photographers. I was planning my surprise appearance, when at the door Vicky's eyes widened at my sight and yelled out, "Warren!!!". She pointed out as I try to dodge and surprised them from behind. Smiles and happiness came after. Warren and I grew up in the choir for 15 years, and he became my brother's best friend. Vicky and I graduated from the same college. I watched them marry each other and have 3 girls and a boy before their plight to Africa.

The boys prepared a cultural song & dance for us, followed by a bbq dinner at Warren and Vicky's. The BBQ was the start of my ordeal for the next 2 weeks...