SoMacha.com

Our time in the US was wonderful. Although it went by quickly, we were able to spend quality time with family and friends. Our first stop, on our return to Africa was Botswana, our home for the past 8 years. Ronda helped with some teacher training for the new school year and Gil got the computer lab set up for the students to continue their classes. We then packed up some of our remaining things and headed out on the journey to Zambia. We reached Macha, Zambia on Sunday Jan 15th. We arrived to wonderful news! The mission hospital has generously offered to let us stay in one of the vacant houses that is reserved for visiting doctors and their families. It is an answer to prayer, as we were unsure of what our housing situation would be. We now have a 4 bedroom home, with running water and electricity...Macha Room!
Our house is already getting plenty of use (it is the Macha Bed and Breakfast!) We already have several guests. Gertjan's father and uncle are here for the month. They are helping with the architectural design and fundraising for the school (MICS) and many of the other projects happening in Macha. Our other guest is Richard, he is with Flying Mission (based in Botswana) he is here to help with the computer network and some new projects that will provide the internet to the surrounding villages (LinkNet). We were hoping to have a visit from a team of short term missionaries. Greg and Kathy Smith (friends of ours from when we lived in Menomonie, WI) have brought a group of people from Wisconsin to Zambia. Unfortunately the heavy rains made travel difficult and they were not able to make the trip to Macha.
Progress on the school (MICS) is moving along. The class room is being set up and we are getting very excited. We are currently working with the government to get the school registered. We are planning to meet with the parents next week about registration and other details.
Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement. The Lord has truly blessed us and is doing wonderful things here in Macha. We want to take this opportunity to invite you all to come for a visit, since we now have Macha Room in our wonderful new home.