Medical Trip to Jo'burg

Ricky and the kids made it home safely on Monday evening. While in Johannesburg, South Africa for medical appointments, they did get to eat out at McDonald's and KFC (which we don't have in Zambia). Austin and I (Niki) were a little jealous... okay we were a lot jealous. But they did bring us some hamburgers back! They heated up nicely in the microwave and tasted just as good as if we were there. Thanks, Ricky!


Today, we received some of the test results back from Kelsey, and we are still waiting to hear from Coby's tests. Kelsey's tests showed a very high allergic tendency in general. The test for mixed inhalants was very high. Her grass screen was very high. She has a moderate allergy to egg whites, but not allergic to milk or egg yolks. And she has a moderate allergy to papaya. The medicine that Kelsey and Coby are taking on a daily basis is helping a great deal with the inhalant allergies and other things. We are limiting the egg whites for Kelsey as well as not giving her any papaya.


We will return to Jo'burg in March for our sectional meeting, and we will visit the pediatrician once more at that time. We appreciate everyone praying for Kelsey, Coby, and Ricky while they were away.
Coby & Kelsey playing at Guest House.
Look closely... in the distance is Johannesburg.

Update on Medical

Thank you for your continued prayers for Ricky, Coby, and Kelsey as they have been in South Africa seeking medical attention. Coby and Kelsey had some blood work done to determine the allergy they have. The doctor said they definitely are allergic to something. And Ricky received good news from the eye specialist... the scar on his left eye has disappeared! PTL! Now, he will continue to keep both eyes moist so the cornea will not tear again. All are well and will be coming home soon. Thanks again for keeping us in your prayers.

Goodbye Guests

Saying goodbye is one of things we missionaries have to get used to. People come and go in our lives, but it's wonderful to have the memories of the people who we come into contact with every single day. Laura and Sophie came to the guest house in early December and they were finally given the proper paperwork to take Sophie to the USA. We spent a lot of time getting to know Laura and Sophie, and we will miss them here in Zambia. But we know the Lord wanted them to go home. It has really been an adventure for Laura as she came to Zambia back in August with hopes to adopt Sophie. After many trials and struggles with the government, she was successful in her process and we are excited for Sophie to grow up in a loving home rather than an orphanage. We transported them to the airport on Tuesday, January 22. Sophie was asleep during the departure phase, so we said our goodbyes and prayed they would make it home safely. Don't forget Zambia - Sophia Grace!

3/5 of Family to Jo'burg

Last Saturday, Coby broke out with a rash, followed by Kelsey on Sunday morning. We immediately began to think about the 3 other times Kelsey has broken out in the same rash. Face reddens, face so swollen unrecognizable, tiny red bumps on arms and legs, and so on. As we questioned, the idea of a mango allergy seemed to be our answer. Both Coby and Kelsey had eaten mangoes on Friday by peeling them with their teeth (well, that's the way you eat a mango). The idea has been brought to our attention before, but without allergy testing, we have dismissed it. This time we thought it best to get a doctors opinion, in fact, 2 doctors' opinions. The 1st doctor said it was flea bites. The 2nd doctor says its chicken pox. Neither said mango allergy. So, it was decided that we need more answers as to why our children, or some of them, keep breaking out with a rash every few weeks. The decision was made to send Coby and Kelsey to Johannesburg, South Africa to consult with a pediatrician. Ricky will accompany them on the trip as Austin and I stay in Lusaka and hold down the Guest House. We would appreciate your prayers during this time, as we can clearly see how Satan is trying his best to attack us. He doesn't want us in Zambia spreading God's Word, but he will not win! We are encouraged that the doctors in Jo'burg will figure out this rash mystery. Keep praying!!!

BLACK OUT

Last Saturday evening, as we were eating dinner at the Shaw's, the power went out. We didn't know at the time there was going to be an 8-hour black out. We continued to play cards by candlelight, but finally decided to call it a night - a BLACK night! Power was restored by Sunday morning in our area, but then went out again on Monday evening. Tonight (Tuesday) it went off again early evening, but came back on within an hour. You can read about what's happening at the following link:
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jan20/0,4670,SouthernAfricaElectricity,00.html
Other than no internet, no TV, no opening the fridge to see what's available to eat... we are doing just fine playing card games with the kids. Kelsey is getting really good at "Old Maid."
So, this also explains my blog posting recently. Please forgive me as I will try to do better about updating.

After-School Activities

The Cook kids have begun afternoon activities at the Lusaka International Community School (LICS). They began on Monday, January 14th with Coby taking football (that's soccer for you Americans). It was raining, but Coach K practiced their drills under the covered court. On Tuesday, Kelsey joins her friend, Hannah Rodgers, for "Funky Movers" which is a dance class. Austin was excited on Wednesday to have his 1st chess club meeting, but when we arrived at our scheduled time the teacher was not going to make it that day. Austin was disappointed since he had been practicing on the computer that morning for chess. And, finally, today all 3 kids attended their classes. Kelsey went to swimming class, which we thought might be cancelled due to the rain, but it quickly subsided just in time. Coby & Austin are taking Karate during the same time on Thursday. We are excited about the possibilities the kids will have in spending time with other kids and forming relationships. The classes seem to be very interesting and enjoyable for both the kids and us, the parents. It is giving them a chance to get out of the house and do something fun with other kids. This first week has been a learning experience finding our classrooms and getting to class on time, so I was unable to get pictures this first week, but I promise to post some pics as soon as possible.

Packages Arrive

Our packages have started arriving from home, and the kids think it's Christmas all over again. This week we received 2 packages from MeMe and PopPop, and 1 package from Uncle Liles. We are expecting more packages from the States next week, so we will continue to get our Christmas presents from our family back home. It is great seeing the kids' faces light up for the simpliest of things - like Whales crackers. Or to see me & Ricky go crazy for Jif Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly, and Lipton Tea Bags. We could survive without them in Zambia, but it sure is nice having a little taste of home here with us. Lusaka has come a long way with things you can purchase here.

Some of the missionaries we encounter tell us that Lusaka used to not be this modernized, so we are fortunate to find a lot of items they didn't have just a few years ago. Here is list of some items in the grocery that I took for granted back in the States -- like flour tortillas, bags of shredded lettuce or cabbage, shredded cheese, Hotdog buns, grape jelly, brown sugar, Hamburger helper, Can Cinnamon Rolls, or instant mashed potatoes. I just can't find them here, so I have to either make them from scratch or do without. I have become resourceful with recipes, and I am finally learning to cook. Ricky says I knew "how" to cook, I just didn't "do it" a lot. Now, our stove and oven is getting used quit a bit (Ha! Ha!). We are still eating out some just to get out of the house, but it's different from running to the drive-thru at McD's or Subway. Yes, even Subway takes a while here. Everywhere you go, it is slow. That's Africa! And there are no drive-thrus, so be blessed you guys back home - I'm really craving a McD's Big Mac and fries (or "chips" as they call them here). Some of you have asked about pictures of the Subway to compare them to the states. I am working on getting some pictures of the stores, but everytime I go there I forget my camera. Inside the Subway, they look just like the ones in the US. The only differences are: Chicken instead of Turkey (it's a cultural thing), one type of cheese (and not always available), minimal choice of veggies (not always available, either), no toaster oven, no fountain drinks (only bottle), and usually you have to think of something else you want just in case they are out (which is almost everytime). I remember at College Street the last Sunday we were home, when Paul T. told our church, "Everytime you see a Subway, remember to pray for the Cooks in Zambia." Well, everytime I see a Subway (and there are 3 here in Lusaka), I pray for my church back home as well as our family in Denmark. We appreciate all your prayers for us as we minister to the people here in Zambia. And if it's possible, could someone mail me a Big Mac with Fries!

Fun Pics at Livingstone

Kelsey posing for her brothers (or is she hiding from them?)

Kelsey praying the water is NOT cold.

Kelsey realizing the water IS cold!

Coby and Kelsey having fun in the pool

Our children bonding on the bank of the Zambezi River.
Thank you for visiting our blog and reading about our adventure to Victoria Falls, Zambia. If you would like to see more photos from our trip, just click on the link below to see our photo album.

http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/Cooksinzambia/

The African Queen

Reporting again on our trip to Livingstone...
The African Queen is berthed just upstream of the Victoria Falls. We had some drinks and appetizers as we cruised down the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River. We saw hippos galore, as well as a few crocodiles along the way. There is also spectacular views of the surrounding game reserves and sometimes you get to see the sunset. In our case, it was cloudy so we didn't see much of the sun. Our hostess for the evening was very curious about us, asking questions of why we lived in Zambia. I was able to share with her our story of how God called us to Zambia. She grew up in Lusaka, but has been working in Livingstone for the last 3 years. We had good conversation during our cruise. So, even though we were on a "vacation" we were able to bear witness of our Lord.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

On Saturday morning, January 5th, we took a 3 hour safari into the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. The park boasts white rhino, buffalo, transient elephant, giraffe, various antelope and a host of bird life, all with stunning views of the mighty Zambezi River. We boarded our game-viewing vehicle along with a couple from South Africa. Because of the amount of rain they have had in Livingstone, the elephants have moved to drier land so we didn't get to see them. We are told that if we come back in the dry season (between August and November) we will see about 600 elephant. The chances of seeing the white rhino were slim since there is only one left in the whole country of Zambia. They had 2, but one was killed by poachers recently. Our guide was very ambitious and so he took us to the deserted compound where the game rangers live and he asked them to find the white rhino. They found it and we got an up close and personal view of him (or her, I'm not sure). The game rangers carried guns (AK-47) with them as we walked toward the rhino. Seeing the white rhino was the highlight of our game drive. We also saw zebra, giraffe, warthogs, bushbacks, bamboons, lots of impala, and lots of birds. We enjoyed going through the roads that were covered in water. I told you our guide was ambitious, and we cheered him on as he went through wheel-deep water. I'm glad he was driving! Half-way through our safari it began to rain, so our snack picnic ended up under the guard shelter. But we savored our muffins and soft drink anyway despite the downpour. This was a very educational experience for the kids and for Ricky and I as well. Did you know that the impala is known as the "McDonalds of Zambia" because of the markings on its rear? (see picture to make sense) Also, the impala here in Zambia are much smaller than those in Eastern Africa. We hope to go on more safaris during our time in Zambia. And for the record, I am yawning at the beginning of our safari because all we had seen thus far were birds, and I'm not a big bird fan!

The Zambezi Sun

We stayed at the Zambezi Sun which is located right next to Victoria Falls, literally. We walked outside our room, down a path, and entered the falls. Granted that we only saw 1/4 of Victoria Falls from the Zambia side, but there will be more opportunities to go back and take our families to see it. (Yes, that's right family, you have to come see this amazing wonder. So get your passports ready!) Here's a link to a website that has photos of our place of stay. http://www.eyesonafrica.net/african-safari-zambia/zambezi-sun.htm

Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by some African dancers. They enjoyed talking to the kids and calling Ricky, Daddy-O, and me, Momma. They traded hats with the boys for the picture. They probably didn't know they were wearing Clemson hats. Then, as we rode the golf cart to our room, we saw Zebra grazing in the lawn. We got right next to them, and even had to walk around because they wouldn't move. And the monkeys - what can I say... They were everywhere around the hotel. These baboons were curious creatures and were not afraid to come up to us. We were told not to feed them or try to touch them since they are still wild animals. The cutest thing was seeing the mother monkeys carrying their babies.

We were advised on this hotel by many fellow missionaries who had stayed there before. They all raved about the buffet breakfast which is included in your stay. Oh, my gosh! There was more food there than one could imagine. I think we gained 10 pounds in 2 days! The monkeys would even try to come into the open restaurant and steal food from the tables. One came to the table next to us and stole some sugar packets. And then one came up behind me and Coby, but I shooed it away with my napkin. The hotel staffs guards around the restaurant to keep the monkeys away, but we liked watching them from our table.

The Smoke that Thunders

On Friday, January 4th, we set out for an adventure to Livingstone. This is the tourist capital of Zambia and Livingstone plays host to the mighty Victoria Falls, first seen by a European, Dr. David Livingstone on 11th November, 1858. The falls were named after Queen Victoria of England. The local name for the falls was the Mosi-Oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders.) Victoria Falls is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. It is fed by the Zambezi river which has its course broken by vast gorges and rapids. The greatest drop of them all is the Victoria Falls.

We have all seen photos of this great wonder created by our Father, but to see it in person was truly amazing, undescribable, and like nothing you could imagine. Right now is the season of Rain, so we expected to get wet walking near the falls. And, we not only got wet, we got soaked. The mist from the amount of water cascading over the falls was so great it felt like we were walking through a downpour of rain showers. Needless to say, none of us minded getting wet. It was difficult trying to take pictures when we had all the cameras hidden from the water raining down on us.

We all had a great time exploring each path that led to an overlook. Crossing the gorge on a suspended bridge was a bit scary for Kelsey and I, but we made it across successfully. We watched people bungee jump from the bridge which borders Zambia and Zimbabwe. Austin said when he gets older, he would like to do that. Kelsey and I both agreed that was not for us girls. There are so many activities to do in Livingstone, but with only 2 nights stay we decided on a game drive and a cruise down the Zambezi. I will tell you more about those in another post. For our first excursion in our country, this trip was well worth it.

Happy New Year !!!

Well, we were all decked out in our Clemson attire for the New Years Eve Game. We spent the evening at the Howards, playing a new card game, along with the Mitchells, the Morreaus, and the Greenwoods. We arrived safely home just after midnight. Austin and Kelsey fell asleep shortly after we got home. Coby was determined to stay awake for the game which aired at 2:30am our time. He fell asleep after 15 minutes. I was also determined to stay awake and watch the game with Ricky, but just before the game started, Ricky woke me from the couch and made me go to bed. So, I've heard it was a good game against Auburn, but our Tigers could not pull off the victory. Oh well, at least Ricky was able to watch the game.


Mike & Lindy Howard; Randy & Debbie Greenwood; The GUYS!

Tommy & Cindi Morreau; Dwayne & Betty Mitchell; The whole gang (minus Lindy who is taking the picture)