Mission Trip December 2009
On the 19.12.2009 a group of three men (George, Jean-Christophe Dalka and Bonga Khumalo) left Johannesburg early in the morning heading towards MCOP in Choma. This journey was filled with excitement, dangers and fulfillment. Already knowing what to expect we were thrilled and overwhelmed by what God as achieved.
This article will walk you through the awesome days we had in Zambia.
19th December
- Overnight stay at Tati River Lodge in Francistown, Botswana
20th December
- Chobe Game Reserve where we saw 2 elephants on the way up, and over a dozen on the way down.
- To cross the Zambezi we had to take a ferry.
- The once over the river the boarder post of Kazungula we were in Zambia. Now this is deep Africa!
21st & 22nd December
- Livingstone: we stayed 2 nights at Jollyboys backpackers. This was a wonderful time to relax and gather strength for the time in Choma.
- On Monday we did an outing to the stunning Victoria Falls.
- Late afternoon, my father and Bonga went on an elephant ride through the bush. This is an all African experience that all must try out!
23rd December
- Patrick and Nosiku welcomed us as we arrived in Choma. Before we found them we asked around for Mmabana and the 3rd person knew all about it.
- This morning we were welcomed by the Mmabana Youth as they sang and danced for us. Other Mmabana members were also present.
- George held a seminar on "family values and ethics" & "God a foundation for families and communities", then we celebrated the graduation of the computer course students. We had church leaders, government representatives and a total of 70 attendants.
24th December
- The Outreach went to 2 vulnerable people of the community. This old man lives alone with his epileptic son. He has no one to care for him.
- This old lady can no longer walk and thus needs to crawl. We brought her water and cooked Nshima (Maize) for her as she continued her story telling.
- In the afternoon we visited the Accompaniment Program where the children welcomed us with song and dance. Please view our Christmas Greeting.
25th December
- With the whole board members of MCOP we had very productive strategic planing sessions on this Christmas day.
- The youth came by to celebrate the afternoon with us with a theological reflection done by George.
- The evening ended with the outcome of these tables and mind-maps to guide MCOP into 2010.
26th December
- The morning was filled with youth and members of the community listening to the Socio-economic Justice Training.
- In the afternoon the Mmabana Youth continued with their activities. Drama, dancing, telling jokes and singing.
- After lunch Jean-Christophe offered a workshop on leadership to which all volunteers were invited. Thereafter 4 groups were formed to work on a case study.
27th December
- The last strategic session outlined the house structure of the MCOP. With this house and its foundation we wish to journey into 2010.
- Saving the best for last! The HEART of MCOP is truly the Kids Club. Even though many of the children were gone working on the field or out of town,
- we could still celebrate with about 200 children and 30 volunteers. A traditional maize drink (health and nutritious) was given to all.
We thank God for protecting us during this journey. So far none of us has been affected by malaria. The potholes on the roads did not leave us stranded.
What we can truly say out of this experience is, that God is transforming the community of Choma through the MCOP. What has been achieved over this past year is simply incredible. The partnerships that have been formed, the commitment of the young and old of the community and the acknowledgement of the local government departments.
I had some expectations before I arrived in Choma since I knew what the MCOP does. But to my surprise none of my expectations could have met the findings and emotions I experienced.
Thank you all for your support and I hope to hear form your trip up to Zambia!
Kind regards,
Jean-Christophe Dalka
Planning your own trip?
If you have been touched and excited to journey to MCOP in Choma, then please contact Monique Dalka under info(at)mmabana.org. We invite everyone to visit our projects at all time, since this is a community-to-community support partnership and we need your participation.
Christmas Greeting
The children of the Accompaniment Program sang a Christmas Song for all to view. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family and loved ones.
Song by the Homless
Choronology of 2009
This document outlines the major events and happenings of the MCOP in Choma during 2009 |