Jono's blog

Here I am spending time in NZ with various family members. The other day I was at my sister Priscilla's place becoming acquainted with my niece and nephew. I was 'watching' Jacob in the lounge room and decided to have a tinkle on the ebony and ivory. Some time later Jacob was wanting to get out of the room and I looked down to discover the lounge room almost completely covered with little white balls. Jacob had managed to open the bean bag and spread much of its contents in every direction. Sjoerd and I had fun cleaning it all up and I retain the absent minded professor title.

Good one Uncle Jono!!

The day starts being picked up at 7:45 and we head off to the Zambezi for breakfast and a briefing. We sign the indemnity form, listen very carefully to the safety instructions and before too long we find ourselves with a life jacket, helmet and oar cautiously making our way down below the falls to The Boiling Pot. Choongo our guide gets us seated. Lucas and I up front. Behind me are Maria and Michelle with Kristin behind Lucas. Choongo is our man at the back. We practice forward, back, over left, over right, get down and then it’s time to head down the mighty Zambezi. The first rapid is a real beauty, and I thought we were going over. After we came through no worries, I knew it was going to be a great day. But the first casualty of the day was none other than me on rapid number 3, a grade 3 fall, not too difficult, but a big wave caught me by surprise and I found myself spluttering in and out of big waves floating down stream.

Well glad you asked that question. I'm in Kalene in the north west of Zambia near the borders of Congo and Angola. Right near the source of the Zambezi River. I'm staying in a small Hospital here.

Yesterday I saw a small power station which has been built here recently on the Zambezi. They now have power most of the time instead of 3 hours a day on expensive diesel generators. I have helped out at the hospital by replacing broken window panes where the rain has been coming in on patient's beds.
Where to next? Maybe Kabwe, maybe Zomba in Malawi.

Keep Looking Up
Jono

I did nothing – and You saved me
Such a simple lesson to learn
Yet all my life I try to earn
Your favour

I try good works – my righteous acts
You know the truth – You know the facts
My life is dead – it stinks – it’s rotten
Man’s righteousness has never gotten
Your favour

Again I need to learn this lesson
I can do nothing for Your blessing
So to Your throne of grace I go
You choose on whom You will bestow
Your favour

The devil accuses me of sin
I have no plea to answer him
Nothing I can do will save me
But God through Christ has placed upon me
His favour

Now I stand in Christ alone
Every day before His throne
Still nothing I do has any merit
Christ’s righteousness God gave as credit
O mighty favour

Spirit lead – I can do nothing
But submit, thank, praise and listen
Dead to sin alive to Christ
Help me live through Him who paid my price
and receive His favour