Zambia, Africa

Videos from Summer 2007

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.