A Presidential Candidate, The Nalls Family, and Smoothies

We have been having so much fun here in Nyimba the past few days! So here is a random blog post to catch you all up on our lives!

On Sunday, Lauren had her first no-sugar added smoothie...she loved it and her face was priceless after every bite!

(Sorry it is so blurry, but this is her facial expression after she would take a sip!)

On Monday morning, Zeria and I were on the way to visit Amai Zimbiri at her home when all of the sudden we see these NICE helicopters and a massive group of people in NYIMBA!!! Then Zeria says.."OH YES! Rupiah Banda is coming today...today in NYIMBA!" So, we immediately turned around and went home to get Kendall and the kiddos to take them back to see the helicopters and hopefully the MMD Presidential Candidate. This was an interesting time for us because we have not been in another country for an election. Pray for Zambia on October 31 as the Zambians will elect a new president to serve Zambia for 2 years to complete the late President Mwanawasa's term. Pray that it will be a peaceful election.

The presidential helicopter of Zambia ( Rupiah Banda was President Mwanawasa's VP). Here in Zambia, the VP is appointed not elected so a new president must be elected the VP does not become the next president.

The Zambian Air Force escorted the presidential candidate.

Easton and Lily watch all of the people gather to hear Banda speak.

MMD and Banda supporters dance before the candidate arrives. Their chitenges (skirts) have Rupiah Banda's picture on them and the political party, MMD.

The sunset on Monday...when this picture was taken it was only 104 outside.

Today, Tuesday was a day of a HUGE surprise!

As I drove back into our gate from the market, Kendall met me and said that Chris and Katie Nalls, Kym and Johanna were coming to visit us on their way to Lusaka for 40/40 Safari Orientation! I was so happy! So as I began to walk into the house I hear a "beep beep" at the gate and they were THERE!!! We had a great time together, eating lunch, changing a flat tire, and watching Abigail (9 months) and Lauren Callaway (8 months) play together!

As a Mama, I was so happy for this day because Lauren hasn't been able to play with anyone her size or age yet, so this was so exciting! Lauren LOVED Abigail and I hope they can play again really soon! Chris and Katie are missionaries in Mozambique and we were so happy to meet them so that hopefully one day we can meet up with them in their area of service, Tete, Mozambique. To learn more about their family and ministry click on Chris and Katie Nalls in the "Partners in Ministry" column of our blog! Lauren Callaway was SO happy to meet Abigail!

Praise the Lord for good friends and FUN surprises! It's the little things in life that bring the most joy to our hearts!