Lives Forever Changed…

the barker - Jones Family on the Sunset Cruise in Livingstone

It’s easy to understand why Jessica and Lianne’s hearts have been drawn back to Africa. The people we have met and observed, the cultural aspects we have experienced and the wilderness environments we have been able to be a part of during our short time here has truly been amazing. Our lives have been enriched by this incredible experience. I have witnessed and listened to how Jessica and Lianne have embraced the people and this country, but even more moving has been how the people and their country have embraced and accepted them… to each, lives have ever changed.

For me, this trip has been filled with emotion. I am humbled by the beautiful and proud Zambian people. I am fascinated by their culture, moved by their music, and I marvel at how they adapt to their environments.

The outlying villages are so simplistic in their living arrangements. Their life is hard and health care difficult to deliver. The villagers daily chores of survival are daunting, yet everyday the sun sets and a new dawn rises. The incredible pink, blue, and indigo colours of the sunrise can’t help but shout out a powerful sign of hope and a message that every day brings a chance to start over… and so they do.

For those back home, I know you too would be proud to see how Jessica and Lianne have been respectfully received and professionally advocating with government officials, heads of Universities, NGO’s and teaching schools. They have and are committed to continue to make a difference in the hospital and in the community settings of Mongu and Western Province. I can’t wait for them to come home and share their stories and experiences. You will be very very proud.

It has been a privilege to be accompanied on our trip by Bill, Fay and Gary. Their guidance and support to the girls has been unconditional. It is because of the dream and generosity of Dr. Bill Nelems that they have come here to help this country from whence he lived and loved as a young boy. It is through Fay, their much loved professor, now colleague, who has been an excellent role model of her work with students and colleagues in Ghana. She has proved that through commitment and caring you really can make a difference. You are both an inspiration to Jessica and Lianne (and to so many others), not only by so generously giving of yourselves and sharing your knowledge and passion, but by proving that ordinary people with the right combination of character and determination really can make positive change…no matter how big or small they might be. Even Mother Theresa would be proud!

Sunrise at the Safari Camp

Gary, your questions, answers and sincere sense of caring brings comfort to us all. Knowing your and Linda’s teams of professionals will soon be returning to Mongu and the surrounding villages. And that is through your work you will be helping to improve the health care of these incredible and deserving people of Zambia’s Western Province.

To the sisters in the convent, the students and staff at Lewanika School of Nursing and the hospital in Mongu and to the caring support given by their colleagues in Lusaka, we give thanks to you for embracing our children and for caring and loving them in our absence.

We will never forget shopping in the many markets, the majestic Victoria Falls, or the river rafting on the Zambezi. We are forever indebted to the village of Mongu and the Norman Carr safari staff for their incredible adventures and attention they provided to us.

As we bid farewell to Zambia, the real Africa, we give thanks for the blessings of this experience and for the opportunities you have bestowed upon us and our girls. Please continue to keep them safe and know all of our lives have been both touched and enriched by our being here. We pray you will have continued hope for a brighter future and remember what you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for.
Our Lives are Forever Changed.

Thank-you,

Diana and Mike Barker