The Impact: Building friendships

It really is a beautiful world in which we live! Long walks on a beautiful day, the sunsets in late spring, the breeze coming off the water, or children's laughter. All hold the treasures found on earth, but the most beautiful part are the people. While we all come from different parts of the world and unique backgrounds, we all share the many of the same desires and struggles in this life. To quote 90's country music, "Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride."

Steve Clarke, Brittian Ball, Mark with Jilumbo (white Shirt) and his family

Steward Jilumbo was one of the first Zambian workers to join our team. When we first started the project at Mukinge Mission Hospital we had to build a team of workers, some skilled labors, but most general day laborers. Jilumbo quickly became one of the workers I bonded with. He hard work and genuine curiosity became contagious with the team. He would ask question about almost everything we did, from staking gout the building extents, to him trying to figure out if he could use the digital level. He is the oldest of his family with 3 younger sisters. His father ran off while they were young, so his mother raised the children and when old enough he became the provider for the family. Before the MMH project he had been doing day work at the hospital or what is commonly referred to as "piece work" to locals. All during the project Jilumbo proved to be a man of integrity, we even attended church together at Mukinge Local Church.

As time when on we became friends and helped Jilumbo with additional work as well items for him and his family. His time with us was delightful as he always had a smile on his face. Each day going about his work with zeal. His joy was contagious and from the heart. Then one day I told him that was going to "fire" him but that later he would thank me. He was reluctant at first but I assured him it would all work out for good. What he didnt know was that I had reccomended him to be the house worked for a new family arrivng to serve at the hosptial. At frist he split time between the project and his new found job as a house worker. As work onthe project dwindled he was doing more and more around their house. The family quickly reaized and saw his gental spirt the same way I did. He became more than just a house worker but a friend.

Jilumbo is currently in nursing school at Mukinge School of Nursing as he wants to work in the surgical building (the same one he helped to build). He is married and has 1 daughter. He is a beautiful soul whose path changed from being a bush boy to now working at the hospital. It is so true that we don't get to select our path in life but remaining faithful to God, as he leads us. We make plans but God directs our steps. (Proverbs 16:9)