All I can really say is good times are being had here in Zambia. Today was a double holiday for us Americans here. Not only was it our Memorial Day but it was African Freedom day. So to celebrate this momentous occasion we had a braai at the mission this afternoon. A braai is a South African thing that is basically a BBQ cookout. After we ate, many of us played Mexican train with dominoes….I didn’t win.
Then tonight we went to some friends (James and LeeAnn) house for another South African treat. We had a potgie, which is like a stew that is served over rice. James and LeeAnn had me and Stephanie and another family, the Howard’s, over for supper as a thank you. LeeAnn just had their second child this past Thursday. On the Wednesday before, LeeAnn called me and Stephanie and said she was going into labor and asked if Daniel, their 3 yr old son, could stay with us for a few hours and maybe even spend the night while she and her husband went to the hospital. We were more than happy to have a slumber party with Daniel. That little guy is such a cutie (and a wee bit naughty) he has this South African accent that sounds British and big blue eyes that could melt your heart.

Here is Daniel, as cute as can be. Notice Chikulu in the background. Daniel covered him up with his blankets and teddy bears.

It sure is a hard life having to hold babies!
Me, Jason Luke, Tabitha Howard, Daniel

Daniel had a fantastic time at our house. When his dad came to pick him up Daniel refused to go with him and insisted on staying with us. So his dad left and came back a couple of hours later. Even the second time around he refused to leave. But dad won out that time and finally got Daniel to leave, but only after promising that Daniel could go to “aunt” Lindy’s (Lindy Howard) later that day. Tonight before we ate supper James sincerely thanked us all for our help last week and LeeAnn got a little teary-eyed while telling us how we (me, steph, and the Howard’s) have become like family to them, especially to Daniel. It was really sweet. Anyway….after many hours of labor last week, she finally gave birth to an 8 pound baby boy named Jason Luke.

Steph and Jason Luke

Daniel and his mom, LeeAnn. Me and Daniel.