Rice, Very Nice!

This past week Tracy and I have been busy hosting a couple from Virginia, Andy and Beth Rice. No strangers to Africa, Andy and Beth have been in Kenya several times. Although Andy taught at the seminary last year where I now teach, this was Beth's first visit to Zambia. Both adjusted quite well to jet lag, staying up the entire day until 10 p.m.! 

Andy has been a senior pastor for the past 15 years so we feel a kinship with them. In addition to being a pastor's wife, Beth is also a teacher, another common bond she and I have.

What Eliza Zimba Made

Our job their first day here was to keep them awake. After a brunch with the Hiltys we girls took Beth to Chikumbuso, an HIV/AIDS widows and orphans project. The women crochet designer handbags, bread holders, clutches, and bracelets, out of recycled plastic bags. The creators (and they are creative!) earn 70% from the sales~the other 30% is split evenly for emergency and micro business loans, and caring for the facilities. It's encouraging to see this initiative bringing about so much good. If you'd like to learn more about this project, visit their Facebook page.

In addition to visiting Chikumbuso we planned various opportunities for the Rices to get to know the AZ team--meals with fellow missionaries, a barbecue, and separate lunches with the men and women. Also on the schedule were visits to various schools for Beth to observe. As a pastor Andy is interested in PLD and taught Romans 7:13-25 at APC on Monday. Nights were spent staying up late chatting about various topics and getting to know them better~we truly had a grand time with them. And we love the fact that they have grey hair!

Yesterday we put them on their plane bound for Paris, where they will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. May the good Lord bless the Rices!