Faith

We’ve been back from Africa a few weeks now. I have finished the anti malaria meds, but Africa continues -in my head. I think of the experiences we had in Zambia during the short two weeks time that we were in country. Getting there (and Back) is half the story. Two 18 plus hour plane rides, with connecting flights between. When you finally get to Zambia you are ready for the slower pace of living in “the bush” at Mapampi (aka Silembe).

House of Faith Orphanage (HOFO) occupies land given by the local chief. This allows GO! the opportunity to give hope to some of the neediest persons on the planet, orphaned children in rural Zambia. We were honored to spend the time we could with these special children. I was there about 3 years before. Many of the kids were there, and I remembered them, (I have the advantage of looking at video) and I think a couple may have remembered me. (we all look alike, white, etc….) but one girl, Faith, stands out.

Faith Saimbokoma, March 2012

Faith was the first person I photographed on that previous trip. She is now about fourteen, and a motivated student. This is kinda obvious as she gets on her bike every school day about 5:30 AM, rides 7K to school, then returns in the late afternoon, to help where needed, as well as do homework. I think of this sometimes when I am stuck in the morass of SUVs and minivans up the street at the middle school here. Faith is just one of the children.

Almost 50 kids have been given the opportunity, and not to be overly dramatic, but the reality is, they are alive because of this place. A number of these orphaned children have HIV. With meds and dietary help, they do well here. Who knows where they would be otherwise.

During the my last trip we traced back where two of these kids were staying before arriving at HOFO, both were staying with relatives, and both of these children are HIV positive. Now they are both going to school regularly, and the young man is looking toward a career in Agriculture. His health was so poor 3 years ago, his chance to merely survive uncertain. Now he can look at having a productive future.

So, if I can bring back these, and other stories, to encourage all of you that supported my trip and this work, it seems worth the bandwidth. About 4 hours southeast from HOFO, the new site is taking form. The Lake Kariba area is a bit more remote than Mapampi, the people perhaps less advantaged, as in NO medical facilities for example. The lake borders Zimbabwe, is tremendous, with crocs, hippos, tiger fish, and itʼs hot. The first structure is nearly complete. Soon children will fill this first house, with room for more building, when possible.

1st Home, House of Hope Orphanage, Sinazongwe, Zambia

Thanks for your help with this trip and giving me the opportunity to serve these children. I hope in some small way I can bless you as much as you have blessed me by being a part.

Tom Herrick, Heart of the King Mission Team Member