A Cheerful Christmas Greeting to Our Friends and Supporters
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As Christmas approaches, we invite you to pause from the hustle and bustle, perhaps with a warm cup of tea or apple cider, and settle into a comfortable chair as you enjoy a little smile today with us!
A Few Smiles from Zambia: Debra’s Travel Tales from the Field
After over ten years of traveling back and forth from Aurora to Zambia, I’ve collected more than a few humorous mix-ups, cultural surprises, and travel adventures. Life in Kabwe has its challenges, but it also brings moments of laughter that remind us how beautifully human we all are.
The following are a few of the lighthearted stories from my recent trips. I’m excited to be able to share with you these glimpses into the everyday life and cultural quirks that make Zambia and the people that live there so unforgettable. We hope they bring you a bit of joy today!
Story #1:
The Coleslaw Confusion
One warm evening, I was preparing a simple coleslaw with cabbage, onion, and carrot. One of the young ladies who lived where I was staying stopped by and asked what I was making.
“I’m looking forward to some coleslaw tonight,” I told her. “Would you like some too?”
She looked completely horrified.
Only later did I learn that in Bemba, the word “coleslaw” sounds very similar to their word for “rats.” She thought I was preparing a big bowl of fresh rat salad for dinner, and that I was proudly inviting her to join me!
Once we figured out the misunderstanding, we laughed until our sides hurt. Sometimes in Zambia, dinner requires a dictionary.
Story #2:
The Great Pants Miscommunication
On another trip, I had given one of the young men we were ministering to some money to buy clothes for his upcoming college semester. He then returned with new shirts and shoes.
“And where are your pants?” I asked.
“I bought some,” he said shyly.
“Well let’s see them!” I insisted, thinking he was just being modest.
He became terribly embarrassed, and I couldn’t understand why until someone kindly explained that in Zambia, “pants” means “underwear.”
So yes, I had been repeatedly asking this poor young man to model his brand-new underwear for me. Once the moment passed, we all laughed, and I will use the word “trousers” from now on.
Story #3:
The Bus Ride That Tested Me
Transportation in Zambia is always an adventure. The “buses” are really vans, usually with a young man hanging out the side shouting the route information.
I needed to get into town with two friends. The first van in the village was already full. The second looked too unsafe to board. Like Goldilocks herself, the third van was the closest to ‘just right’ we could choose so we decided to board.
The trip should have taken twenty minutes, but the driver kept stopping at every intersection to pick up more passengers. Soon the van was jam-packed, but he continued stopping anyway.
After an hour of heat, bumps, and elbows, I finally asked, “How many more people can you fit in here?”
He replied calmly, “Three or four.”
Which meant… seated on our laps.
I finally announced, “I will pay their fares. Please stop stopping and just drive straight into town!”
The entire van roared with laughter and my companions could hardly believe I said it… but it worked. We drove directly into town without picking up a single extra person. Sometimes bold Canadian negotiation does wonders.
A Word of Thanks
Laughter has a beautiful way of reminding us that even during challenges, joy is present and alive at Brook of Hope Home.
Your support makes these everyday moments of human connection and support possible. The children and youth are able to find spaces to feel joy and connection through enriched education and the dignity of receiving a good meal and opportunities for a hopeful future. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, your prayers, and your love for our children. This season reminds us that generosity is not measured by size, but by love.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
Because of you, children in Kabwe, Zambia are fed, taught, encouraged, and reminded daily that they are seen, loved, and valued. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
May these little stories brighten your day as much as your generosity brightens theirs!
Ways to Donate
CanadaHelps: All donations are securely processed and tax receipts are sent immediately by email. All you need is a credit card.
Or
E-Transfer Sent to brookofhopehome@gmail.com : tax receipts will be sent before the end of the year by email from a team member.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Debra DiPaola
President, Brook of Hope Home
On behalf of the BHH team
