A reflection by Garry Summers, Team Leader of the Greenfinch and West Mersea Free Church Team
“Three difficult years have passed since my last visit to Zambia. Due to the pandemic, I really was not sure what we would face or experience during our return. In the past I had been focused solely on Chilabula, the community partnered by my home church of Greenfinch, Ipswich. However, this trip was different, asthe party included Andy and Heather Jones from West Mersea Free Church near Colchester, who are partnered with Amlew, an urban community in Kitwe. Our time in Zambia was going to be split between visiting both communities. Ron and Hilary Michie, also from Greenfinch Church, completed the team.
We knew visiting Africa, after a period of enforced absence, would be different from past trips. We would be the only UK team visiting Zambia in 2022, in fact since lockdown. And the programme reflected this – allowing time in both communities with a need to double up on certain aspects of the visit. But there was no need to worry as the welcome we received at Kachele and the communities was as warm as ever. It felt like coming home!
Our schedule was full-on, but exciting and varied. Although the two communities are quite different, both face severe poverty and vulnerability. Many people simply do not know where their next meal will come from. They rely so much on the care and continued support of Hands at Work. We experienced Care Worker Foundation Training and Relationship Groups in Amlew. We walked with the Care Workers in both communities on Holy Home Visits, where we could spend time sitting and praying with those we were visiting. We enjoyed time with the children and were able to lead art and craft sessions, which the adults enjoyed as much as the children. It was good to spend time finding out about the new 0-5s programmes. There was plenty of opportunity for games which, of course, included many-a-side football. We were able to help at mealtimes, serving the daily meal provided to the children at the Care Points. Care Worker appreciation time felt particularly important on this first visit after three years. The Care Workers did seem tired at times, so we felt that by splitting the time between the two communities, we were not causing too much of an increased workload for them.
So, what are my favourite memories of this visit? Meeting new children and having our hearts broken all over again by their stories. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that lives will be changed by the work of Hands at Work in both communities. I have always had a special place in my heart for the amazing Care Workers, and it was incredibly special to spend time showing our appreciation. To be able to encourage and thank them, and to pray for them, was such a privilege. We were also able to leave each Care Worker with a care package. I also must mention the fun we had visiting as a two-Partner team. Spending time getting to know each other better, exchanging a bit of banter, learning to laugh (and cry) together. Once again, I have left a bit more of my heart in Africa.”
