 Click below to see some videos of real life in the wild!
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 Click below and check out the elephants and zebras!
 Our blog post editor (Matthew) was under the weather last night but feeling better today!!! Today started with the collection of a large shipment of medications and mosquito nets, essential supplies for ongoing community health. From there, we visited the Patricia Gilardi Orphanage and School, a warm, nurturing home for girls aged four to 15. In this home, each girl mentors a younger sister, fostering bonds and instilling a sense of responsibility. The girls also take charge of their own cooking, with two mothers present full-time to provide guidance and create a supportive, familial environment. Connected to a Catholic primary school open to the community, the orphanage offers these girls access to a quality education. The school, well-staffed and thoughtfully maintained, is filled with a sense of readiness and care. An “uncle” of the school, David, devotes time and energy, embodying the dedication we witnessed among everyone here. So encouraging to see his energy and positive influence at these impressionable ages. The day continued with the long-awaited unloading of our supplies. We concluded by delivering essential items to Thompson Hospital, Roan Antelope, and Arthur Davidson, further supporting the “train the trainer” initiative. Supplies like surgical shoes, scrubs, and NICU/ICU equipment will aid in building sustainable healthcare practices. It was a day filled with heartwarming moments, underscored by a sense of completeness in our shared work and the graceful commitment from all. Click the file below to hear the little children singing! 
And in case you were wondering......   A Journey of Purpose and Progress in Zambia Today our focus centered around the needs of the community, especially the kids, and making connections that will guide future visits. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from our day: We started the day at the pharmacy, executing a large purchase of medication‘s and a large shipment of mosquito nets. We made a list of what we thought was needed, and it was gratifying to see that the list that was sent to us from local clinicians matched nearly exactly what we had written down and purchased. In Village 2, home to the Kafubu-Block Community School, we saw a beautiful example of local initiative and collaboration. The villagers took ownership of their future, making their own blocks and contributing materials and labor to construct the building where their children are educated. They guard it “jealously,” showing the pride they take in their hard work and commitment to progress. this project was made possible by the community, organizing and hard work of the encounter team, Leonard and the team deserve a lot of credit. This is one project that we saw, there are many more unseen. After a tour of the school, we conducted an eyeglass clinic, a blood pressure screening, and an acute care clinic. We provided services to the littlest members of the community and the elders, addressing their needs in small, meaningful ways. We were also joined by a nurse who attended our Helping Babies Breathe class at Thompson Hospital, bringing an all-encompassing approach to our care. In Chibolya, home to the Encounter Farm, we toured various farming projects designed to foster self-sustainability. This encounter farm is bustling with energy, showcasing the strides they are making toward a sustainable future. One of the day’s highlights was distributing dresses to little girls from the villages near the Encounter farm, each one sewn with love by a sewing group from communities in Florida. These dresses, a gift from afar, brought smiles and joy, connecting people across continents in a beautiful way. Soccer balls, frisbees, and jump ropes added even more fun, filling the air with laughter. Snacks of bread and mango juice provided a welcome break, though we couldn’t resist adding lollipops for a bit of sweetness, even if it did bend their good nutrition for a moment. In this journey, each smile, each touchpoint, each step of progress serves a larger purpose. We left knowing that the work done today is only a part of a bigger, ongoing story. We are already looking forward to returning, ready to build on these connections and continue to walk alongside these communities.  Today was one of those days immersed in the beauty and rhythm of Zambia. Sunday started with a service at Leonard’s home church, the Baptist Bible Church. We loved the Encounter Team leading again a series of songs, blending sign language and rhythmic movements - moments where language barriers melted away, and we connected through music of faith and joy. After the service, we found ourselves under a grand mango tree, setting up for an eyeglass and blood pressure clinic. There’s something profound about offering care in such a natural, open space, shaded by the broad leaves of the mango tree. It’s refreshing to serve this way, away from walls and equipment, just us and the community, brought together. One unexpected joy today was reuniting with Shine, our bus driver from 2015. Seeing him again felt like turning back time to familiar memories from years past. Shine’s presence brought a reminder that the connections we make here often extend far beyond our trips. Lunch was another memorable gathering at Rose and Leonard’s house, where we were joined by David, a theologian with an impressive academic journey that took him to the UK, attending University of Wales and completing graduate work at Manchester University. His brother is a dedicated physician and the district Health Minister for Mpongwe whom we met with on Friday. We felt a collective sense of gratitude for the chance to connect over food, culture, future work, and shared purpose. And speaking of food, the entire team has now tried Shima! It’s more than just a Zambian staple; it’s an experience. When in Zambia, you have to try it! We finished with a simple yet perfectly western dessert—two double chocolate muffins from Roast coffee shop in Kitwe, we carefully split eight ways. It was just a taste, but it hit the spot and brought smiles all around. Tomorrow, we’re headed to do mobile clinics where we’ll work with kids in three different areas. There’s a sense of anticipation as we look forward to a full day of work and connections waiting for us. Each day here reminds us of the powerful rhythm that is larger than us and guides our work in Zambia. Thank you for being part of this journey with us; your prayers and support mean the world as we continue shining our lights here, one day at a time. Click the file below to see the church service!
 Our latest adventure with took us to Kitwe, where each moment seemed to unfold with new surprises, challenges, and beautiful, sometimes bizarre, experiences. Kitwe is one of the largest cities in Zambia, also located in the Copperbelt Province and a bit of a drive from Ndola, but generally on good roads. Known for its significant mining industry, Kitwe is a major center for copper mining and is an important hub in Zambia’s economy. The city is home to several mining companies, as the Copperbelt region contains one of the richest copper deposits in the world. Apart from mining, Kitwe has a growing commercial and industrial sector. It has various facilities like shopping centers, schools, hospitals, and recreational areas. The city’s population is diverse, with people from different parts of Zambia and neighboring countries coming to work in the mines or other industries. Kitwe is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with scenic areas like the Kafue River, nearby forests, and the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, which is home to rescued chimpanzees. Our day began with a visit to the bustling Kitwe market—a vibrant maze filled with colors, smells, and sounds that could only be described as intense. Stalls overflowed with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and every imaginable good, with local vendors calling out and chatting among themselves, each adding to the heartbeat of this place. There was an air of adventure as we wandered through the tightly packed lanes, with a constant buzz of life all around. Leonard led the way, skillfully weaving through the crowd and pointing out unique sights as we followed behind, sometimes in awe, sometimes slightly overwhelmed. After buying gifts for home and soaking up the energy of the market, we headed to a small haven in Kitwe—the Lifesong coffee shop called “Roast.” Proceeds support the associated school and work of Lifesong and this place provided a much-needed breather in our day. The coffee was excellent, and the cozy atmosphere gave us all a chance to reset. Matt and Kevin decided to indulge in a chocolate milkshake, sharing sips between laughs, and enjoying the calm before more adventures called us onward.  The highlight of the afternoon was a football match featuring the Red Arrows Soccer Club, who just happened to be lodging with us at Ngele Country Park in Ndola. They were the away team today, and it was clear that the Kitwe crowd was ready for a lively game. Unfortunately our Red Arrows were dressed in blue (away) and the Kitwe team dressed in all red - so you can imagine the dismay when a few of us learned we had celebrated goals scored by the opposition (mistakenly cheering the red team instead of our boys in blue). Excitement buzzed through the stadium, and when a double rainbow appeared just before a sudden downpour, we thought it was a sign of the good fortune and possibly a comeback to come. Unfortunately, the ultimate result was a loss 3-1, but we cheered them heartily later when they came to dinner at Njele, and did our best to encourage them. At the stadium when the rain began to fall hard just after half time, we all scrambled for cover, finding ourselves huddled under a shelter. It didn’t take long before the crowd around us started to surge forward, joining us under cover until the space became packed in an almost insane way—people squeezing shoulder-to-shoulder in a blur of bodies. Corrie described it as a “whole new adventure in closeness!” While Melissa and Kevin kept an eye on our group, ensuring everyone stayed safe, Linda looked at the chaotic scene and just said, “Yikes!” Because of this chaos and near stampede, we decided it was time to leave the stadium and head back to the van. But, of course, our Kitwe adventure wasn’t over yet. We arrived to find our van boxed in by another vehicle! What could have been a frustrating setback turned into a unique bonding moment. Kevin and Leonard quickly organized a small team, who, in a move that seemed like a miracle, literally moved the car blocking our way. Matt called it one of the “tiny miracles” of the day—simple but powerful teamwork in the face of an unexpected challenge. From the buzz of the market to the rain-soaked stadium, Kitwe gave us a day full of memories, each one intense, insane, and unforgettable. Each step of the journey reminded us why we’re here and why each person and experience matters in ways big and small. Today was yet another chapter in the incredible story unfolding for Tiny People Matter Zambia 2024. Click the files below to see some soccer action!
 Today, the Tiny People Matter group had the privilege of visiting Mpongwe Mission Hospital, a cornerstone of care for the Mpongwe District in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. This was a longer journey today to the remote, rural district in the Copperbelt, but we were strongly encouraged on Monday by the Public Health Director and many others to set aside this time and make the journey - to see the needs what opportunities and impact a team like ours may provide. Before we set out on the journey this morning, we were surprised by a visit from the district Director of Nursing for Maternal Child Health. You may recognize her from pictures from our political visits on Monday. To our amazement and joy, she was wearing a Tiny People Matter T-shirt today! We were so thankful that she took time from her busy schedule to see us off and encourage us again! Since its humble beginnings in the 1940s, the Mpongwe mission hospital has grown through the resilience and commitment of mission workers, local staff, and international partnerships, standing as a symbol of hope and fortitude for the community it serves. For perspective, we were told there are approximately 5000 live births in the district. Nearly 4000 of those occur at the Mission Hospital – it is a very, very busy place!  Walking through the hospital’s departments, we witnessed moments that opened our eyes to both the challenges and triumphs of healthcare in this rural setting. We encountered a remarkable resilience in the staff, who manage to care for each patient with unwavering commitment, despite limited resources and grossly inadequate staffing. We were introduced to an OB/GYN from Sweden who was on her last day of a six week visit to provide additional help and expertise. She came with her midwife who stayed for four weeks. We learned that some of the local midwives are not paid, they volunteer their time. Their fortitude was evident in every interaction and every step taken to ensure that no patient is left behind. One of the most impactful stops on our tour was a space that the hospital is transforming into a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This NICU will offer a new level of care to the community’s smallest and most vulnerable patients, reducing the need for risky transfers of fragile newborns to facilities in distant areas. Experiencing the bumpy roads ourselves today, we could fully appreciate the importance of this initiative. This addition will provide life-saving care locally, sparing families the difficult journey and enabling infants to receive critical treatment right in their community. The staff’s perseverance and stamina resonated deeply with our team. We saw how they tackle some of the toughest health issues in the region. We again left some medical supplies to support them as able, but we know that it is not enough. we made list of things that we need to bring next year. Many patients also face significant obstacles even reaching the hospital, including the need for transportation on a pontoon boat. Housing for women at the hospital who manage to make the journey is also a significant challenge - they desperately desire to be providing safe and sanitary living conditions while women wait to have their babies, but significant barriers remain and need to be overcome. Resourcefulness is at the heart of Mpongwe Mission Hospital. In every department, from outpatient care and the maternity ward to the children’s ward, the staff stretch resources to meet growing demands, often having to innovate to provide the best possible care with what little they have. Their commitment to making a difference, despite these limitations, reshapes our perspective on what it truly means to serve. It was not a smooth journey, as we faced “bumpy” roads—literal and figurative—that reminded us of the hurdles both staff and patients endure daily. But these challenges only emphasized the need for sustained support and partnership to ensure that the hospital can continue its vital work. Our day at Mpongwe Mission Hospital left us with a renewed determination to support communities like Mpongwe. Today was more than a visit; it was a call to action, a reminder that hope, fortitude, perseverance, and resourcefulness can create profound change in the world.
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