2015 in review part 2

Behold, the second installment of my year 2015 in review.  This has proven to be a difficult task!  This year I have tried to tell our journey through pictures more and more and MAN do they accumulate!  So, I have done my level best to pick a few of my favorites.  I am attempting to show you what I see on a daily basis in my life here in Zambia and how I view the folks in it. ENJOY!  I would love your feedback!  

Groovy Store Fronts

People I see on the Streets

In front of Bank Buildings in Lusaka this is a common sight.  

I just thought she was super fierce in her red dress

We were at a Zumba class that held a community class to raise money for Streetwise.  These girls showed up and had the time of their lives. 

Many kids can be found at the stop lights around the city begging at cars that are waiting.   I am guessing this guy is around 10 years old

Saw her at an art function and thought she was fierce in her face paint.

Some of the littler guys we work with at the Streetwise feeding program.

One of the guys on the streets we work with.  You can see the pain of life in his eyes. 

I thought this guy had the coolest beard.

Luis and I were having debates about whether the black and white or color version of this photo rocked it best. 

Simba is shown here sniffing glue or "sticka" as the kids call it. 

THE SHOP.......We work out of an outreach center called THE SHOP.  There we create reclaimed wood art to sell and that helps to fund the work we do with the Street children of Lusaka.  Here  you will see a small sample of who we see daily in The Shop. 

Matthews sells oranges to help feed his family and pay for school fees.

Ocassionally he brings friends  

This is Sophia, Matthews little sister.  She is a fire cracker 

Christopher is one of the building managers where The Shop is located.  He is a strong Christian and loves life as you can see depicted.  

One thing we have done is open up time to folks to bring their kids for craft time.  PLUS, this little guy is so friggin adorable I just thought he deserved a spot. 

More of Matthews crew

Joe works with us full time.  He helps to run and coordinate our outreaches to feed the kids on the streets and as time permits he helps in the shop.  

This is Matthews big brother, his name has slipped my mind

We had a fourth grade class come for a field trip.  They got to learn about our work with the kids and got to make crafts in the shop to take home. 

Joe tries his level best to ignore me when I am in "camera fever"

My husband has named this "Don Cheedles Long Lost Offspring"

2015 in review part 1

I have decided that instead of writing something flowery to describe our 2015, photos will tell the story.  This isn't even a fraction of what I wanted to send. Maybe installments?  Enjoy!!!

Amira discovered the wonderful world of selfies 

Amira is a Coney Island Warrior at heart!

I agreed to jaw reconstruction surgery for a dog so that my kids hearts wouldn't break.  

Hannah began to turn into a real beauty

Brooklyn discovered the joys of taking a shower in the rain

Hannah was not so sure about the idea of taking showers in the rain

I am thankful that God has blessed me with a husband who loves our girls like they deserve to be

Feeding programs began.   Christopher had me rub his belly because he was so happy to feel full

We saw more construction coming to Zambia, furthering the divide between the rich and poor

Jesus rescued Joe off the streets 4 years ago, now he can be seen all over Lusaka praying with kids, feeding them, taking them to hospital....basically doing what needs to be done, however it should be done.   

The first day we began the feeding programs.  She is holding nshima paddles.  They are used to make nshima, the staple food here in zambia,  It is served with a heavy stew.  

Selfies with the Nshima paddle lady  

Hannah had a long day at school

Brooklyn's punk rock side began to show more this year.  

Brooklyn and I went to an art exibit that featured art done by students all over Zambia depicting various aspects of Zambian life and issues.  

Streetwise moved from our living room to AN ACTUAL SPACE!!   Thanks to the generous donations of folks from Times Square Church

Amira told me that I am like a creepy stalker with a camera!  Can you believe that!!

Brooklyn is showing how big the pot is that we use to make the nshima for the feeding programs. 

Our dining room BEFORE we move into the space!   

I was holding this baby back in the neighborhoods.  Took this right before she decided to pee on me.  

Amira was into the idea of taking showers in the rain!

Sister love

At the Dutch Reformed Market where we sell the Streetwise Craft Co products that support the Streetwise Outreaches.  We get colorful visitors. 

We expanded the Streetwise Craft Co line to furniture! 

At an outreach.  The boys were appalled that I showed up with paint on  my hands so they used Sticka (the glue / alchohol solution they sniff to get high) to clean the paint off my hands. 

I am adding a photo of titus because I am believing God for him this year.  He has many obstacles to over come.  Who will commit to help pray for him this year?  I am believing for a good report on Titus' behalf.   

We hosted our first TSC missions team!  

We hosted a team from the World Race for a night.  That was fun!