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In June 2007, Sanjay
and Nicole Parker set off half way around the world to Zambia, Africa
along
eleven other people
to help the impoverished population. Under the lead of Mark & Dorene
Miller, the team spent one year asking for donations to fill a 40 ft.
container. The container filled with books, desks, chairs, sewing machines,
computers, clothes, volleyballs, encyclopedia’s, shelves, dictionaries,
coloring books and many other school and medical materials, was shipped
four months prior to the teams arrival. Although, the shipment didn't’t
arrive until after the team left to go back home, they discovered a new
purpose for their travels. In the midst of frustration, it dawned on
the team that they were there to do much, much more than bring tangible
items to the people of Africa.
They bought food from the locals and divided
it up into plastic bags to distribute to the poor. They provided an
ear to listen, a heart to care, a mind to try to understand, a shoulder
to
cry on, and most importantly a channel to instill lost hope. Some highlights
of the trip included: talking with and educating villagers about fidelity,
AIDS, health issues, empowering women, employment, respect, cultural
issues, and much more, giving away clothes, shoes, and other misc.
items they brought, giving a micro loan to a woman to start her day
care and
caring for orphan babies. The team also raised $6,000 to dig a well.
Sanjay and Nicole even renewed their one year anniversary vows with
seven other African couples. Sanjay and Nicole remarked on how their
love grew
to a deeper level in Africa. "It was an amazing trip and I hope
everyone gets a chance to help people in such dire need," said
Sanjay Parker. |
PhotoStory:
About Zambia
(6 min. 10 sec.)
These are pictures taken in Zambia that are synchronized to music.
This PhotoStory gives statisitics about Zambia, shows hard working
Zambians and a picture of a young girl named Karen who Sanjay
& Nicole are
raising money for her education. If you woud like to be a part of the
donating team please contact Sanjay or Nicole.
Created
by Nicole. |
PhotoStory:
Overview Of Our Mission: (22 min.
41 sec.)
If you only choose one video to view, pick this photoStory.
These are pictures taken in Zambia synchronized to music -- depicting
the
living
conditions
of
Zambia,
how the team
helped
and the
beauties of Zambia.
Created by Nicole. |
Edited
Welcome Video
(11 min. 58 sec.)
The team's welcome ceremony which was rehearsed
for one month prior to the arrival. Also clips from the Parish. |
Jim
Cox: Supernatural: (9 min. 27 sec.)
Jim Cox was the team's favorite fan.Everywhere the team went...Jim
was there. Jim has big dreams of becoming a musician. His daughter
recently passed away leaving Jim to care for her children. Sanjay has
made CDs
of Jim's music if you are interested in purchasing. This
shows an overview of the trip with Jim singing "Bread of Life"
|
The
Real Africa-Scenes From a Bus: (14
sec.)
City images from the bus ride in. |
Greetings
at the Bus: (1 min. 45 sec.)
The team was greeted by the entire vilage who were patiently
awaiting the arrival for five hours. They are waving branches from aa tree
representing peace. The team was so overwhelmed with joy they had to get
our of the van to join them. |
I
Love You More: (15 sec.)
Village children repeating after Nicole saying "I love you
more"
|
Sorting
the Goods: (12 sec.)
Through his various travels, Sanjay has accumulated several bottles
of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. He found the perfect
opportunity to give these items to the sick. They use the lotions on
open wounds. Here's the team sorting the items. |
Bumpy
Ride: (41 sec.)
Sanjay and Nicole hitching a ride with some locals on the back of
a lumber truck
|
Nicole
with Orphans: (36 sec.)
Sweet children who are sick and are in a temporary care facility run
by nuns. Most of the children there are not orphans and are only there
until thier relatives are well enough or financially/mentally stable
enough
to care for them. |
Not
Enough Arms : (35 sec.)
Nicole wishes she was an octopus so she could hold more babies,
most of which are infected with HIV.
|
Cheese:
(6 sec.)
Sanjay asking African children to say ' Cheese'. They are a bit
confused . . . las 'Cheese' is a word they have never utilized
|
Children
Dancing: (1 min. 31 sec.)
Dancing is a huge part of Zambian culture. As part of a two hour
welcome ceremony, the children danced for the team. They tie material
around the
waist and
really
move. Try it, it's harder than it looks.
|
Can
You Find Nicole? (9 sec.)
You may know that Nicole loves when people touch her hair. NOT.
How could she say no to the little kids who were mesmorized by her
white scalp and curly hair?
|
More
Dancing: (2 min. 42 sec.)
This too was part of the welcoming ceremony. Boys dancing and boys
and girls dancing together. |
Drummers: (30 sec.)
More dancing. They are chanting "One Nation. hey hey, One Zambia." |
Sweet
Elizabeth: (18 sec.)
During a church service Nicole made a friend and before she knew
it, a little girl was sitting on her lap. Meet dear, sweet, pure
Elizabeth
|
We
Are Happy Today: (14 sec.)
Children the team met on the street. They are saing "We are happy
today. We are happy today. We are HAP today." |
Cavs
Fans: (12 sec.)
Sanjay teaching children to say Go Cavs and a shout out to Lebron.
|
Party
Like A Zambian: (14 sec.)
Check out the Zambian Priests and others getting down. They sure do
know how to have a good time. |
Are
You Crazy? (50 sec.)
Nicole holding a baby python.
|
Oinkers:
(10 sec.)
African piggies piggin out.
|
Stampede:
(10 sec.)
Sanjay videotaping while a swarm of children come running after him. |
Children
Laughing: (41 sec.) |
We're
Hap To See You: (55 sec.)
Part of the welcome ceremony. Children singing "We are happy today.
We are happy today. We are HAP to see you." |
Hugging
in Church: (20 sec.)
Villagers hugging the team. Listen to the beautiful voices in the background. |
Thank you for taking time to view our mission! A Special THANKS goes out
to Dorene & Mark Miller for facilitating the trip.