Lights Out!

Here is a picture of me in a power outage.

The power has gone out several times during my short stay here. Last week it went out three times in one day. And last night it went out just before dinner and didn't come back until the middle of the night when I woke up and the lights were on.

Fact: It is very hard to see a Zambian in a power outage.

The Flood of 2007

The other day we had a pretty stellar storm a brewin' here. There was rain and wind like I've never seen before...it was awesome!









What wasn't quite as thrilling was the water that spilled in under our door, creating a mini flood of sorts. We had one old towel to try and stop the mighty waters which we must have rung out about 15 times.

And here is a random fact: You know that song by Toto about the rains in Africa? I always thought it was "I'll miss the rains down in Africa" but it is actually "I bless the rains down in Africa"...huh, who knew! Well, I'm with ya Toto!

Week One: She Saw a Little Sun!

Here's something I like about being in Zambia: the sun shines here! And in the bleak mid-winter I can only assume the question that yearly plagues many of your minds..."Is Shannon actually albino?" Well, low and behold I am not.
Yesterday for orientation we took a walk around the neighbourhood. "The Farm" is located about half an our outside of town, so it's a more rural area, which I love. We got to visit some people in the surrounding area and get a tiny taste of life out here...along with a little reminder that sunscreen is important! (I'll be black before you know it!)

Last night I found this gecko on the wall of our hut above my bed. I tried to take a picture, but it was too quick for me. You can see the tail if you look close. I don't mind these guys because apparently they eat the mosquitoes and spiders! Random facts/highlights of my first days here:
- it is the rainy season right now...although Shannon still gets sunburned. Nothing like BC, it rains hard for 10 minutes and then stops. It can also be quite windy and stormy.
- we are 10 hours ahead of West Coast time
- they drive on the left side of the road
- I was in my first accident. I wasn't driving but we got sideswiped in a round about. No one was injured in these events.
- they go by military time in Zambia
- jet lag stinks!
- we are on well water where I live so you can drink straight from the tap. Last time I was here you had to purify it first and I hated the taste so I thought I would be dehydrated for a year cause I didn't want to drink the water!
- the language I am learning is called Nyanja
- this evening we had to rescue our seven puppies from these nasty biting ants. Apparently these ants can kill an elephant because they burrow everywhere and pretty much drive the elephant mad until it kills itself by bashing it's head into trees and alike.
- Benjamin Franklin invented bi-focal glasses (I didn't learn that here but thought I would share)

Hut, Sweet Hut!

Check out the new "Digs" (as the young people say)! Welcome to my humble abode. How awesome is it that I get to live in a hut in Africa. Below is a little tour of where I live. It is a large property of Action Zambia called "The Farm". Here is where most of us single people live as well as one of the familys on the team. This is also where we host short term teams. It is outside of town and right next to a little Bar that seems to enjoy blaring music...Shakira , seems to be a favorite!
(click on the pictures to make them bigger)
The Hut - where my "hutmate" Steph and I reside

Inside Look- I sleep on the right, under my net

Shower (right)/Toilet (left)- where I take my monthly shower

The RoofHuts from a distance- there are three in total on the property, mine is on the left

Near the front gate

The main house- where we cook, eat, some sleep, and keep the Zebras

So there you have it. My first post from Zambia. I have been struggling with the ol' jet lag...I guess I'm not as young as I used to be. These old bones just don't bounce back like they used to! I'm off to drink prune juice. I'll keep you "posted" (ha, pun...again).

The Skinny

We'll see how this list evolves and changes once I get there...

Most excited about: music

Most scared about: snakes

One thing I want to learn: to dance not so “white-like”

What I hope to accomplish: world peace and a cure for AIDS

Determined to: eat weird things

What I will miss the most: TV…just kidding, you

Who I will miss the most: Dwight Schrute

TV shows I will miss the most: The Office, The Amazing Race, Survivor at the Zanbergen’s with the gang, and Ellen

What did I pack just for fun/sentimental value: pictures (especially my sweater pics), my “Office” calendar, a Nerf basketall hoop and ball (Nerf guns would have been too big), my travel mug, travel chopsticks, and a puppy (okay, there’s no puppy)

What I’m not looking forward to: getting sick, missing home, culture shock, seeing things that break my heart, wearing skirts all time (the inhibit the frequent high kicks I like to do)

What I’m looking forward to: meeting new friends, experiencing a new culture, adventure, the sun, taming a lion

What will I do as soon as I get off the plane: sing the introduction from the song “The Circle of Life”

Another thing I want to learn: to play the drum

Something unexpected I packed: long johns (not the doughnuts, the undergarment)

Something God has taught me through this process: to wait, patience (still not so good at that)

When is my birthday: May 19^th …please come to by birthday party

What’s the most annoying thing about my computer keyboard: the shift key keeps falling off!!!

Mr. Sticky

This just in…today I took the bus into New Market, a town north of Toronto, and hit up the mall. I was in Sears when I heard it. An announcement rang true over the loud speakers of the store that stated I needed to locate the flashing orange light and I would receive something free! So of course I took off like a house on fire towards that orange light. I joined other eager 10 year olds as the first to arrive…their parents followed suit. The anticipation was high as we waited with bated breath for our host to arrive. She finally arrived and huddled us close to her demonstration table where she proceeded to hand us our free “Microfibre lens cleaning rag”. Now I can clean all sorts of things like glasses, CD’s, camera lenses…plus I can throw it right in the wash!!! Isn’t that great. She then took the liberty to introduce us to the feature product… “MR. STICKY”!!! This amazing rolling lint cleaner will be the only one I need for the rest of my life. It also has a little brother “JUNIOR STICKY” and a big brother “GIANT STICKY” who comes on a big stick (haha, pun). It’s soon to be on the shopping channel but I could have got it there first for only $29.95. I took my free microfibre rag and hit the road. My friend, Sandy, and I once fell for the “Extreme Edge Knife” about 6 years ago. Who could say no to the free fillet knife and juicer? So you heard it here first folks…keep your eyes out for “MR. STICKY”…he won’t let you down. And now all my lenses will be dirt free!

Heart Stopping Drama...

In between times here in Ontario where I am visiting with celebrities or working as one of the "Deal or No Deal: Canadian Edition" girls I have spent much of my time reading...or trying to do so. I was supposed to have read these four books before I got to Zambia in preparation for orientation, but of course, just as when I was at school, I have left it til the last minute. What makes things even more difficult is that I am barely literate! I've knocked down about 250 pages here and only have another 300 or so to go! So there you have it...the latest late breaking action! Stay tuned to find out how I will condense the two carry-on bags that I came with into one, because British Airways only allows one.

Greetings From Ontario

And we're off! I have successfully found myself in Ontario. After a power outage in the middle of the night when we were supposed to be up at 4am to get ready go to the airport my family and I found ourselves getting ready in the dark. That's pretty much a nightmare to have your power go off the one morning you really need to arise on time. (Like that Seinfeld where Elaine was hosting that marathon runner and he slept in and missed his race, and then the next time he stayed with Jerry and missed it again...anyone with me? Anyways...) But we made it. The flight to the big "T.O" was smooth sailing and me and all my luggage arrived intact! It's cold here, but nothing a few dozen layers can't handle! I'll report more as it happens, stay tuned for the action that is sure to be riveting!!

The Final Countdown!

The day is almost here, the adventure is about to begin. I am set to leave at 6:30am on Sunday Feb 4th (Super Bowl Sunday). I will be flying to Toronto where I will spend a glorious week seeing Ontario for the very first time...I hear this is the best time of year to go! It makes things a little tricky when you are trying to pack for Africa but are making a detour to the land of "stinkin' cold"! Thanks to friends and their families and friends I should be covered for the week as far as finding places to stay! Then on Feb 11th I set out once more, stopping in London for 12 hours, then off the final destination of Lusaka, Zambia...arriving at 6:50am on Tuesday, February 13th. I will then jump right into orientation that morning.

This past week has been a week of goodbyes and getting ready to go. It's hard to say goodbye to the people I love but I'm excited for the year ahead...a real mixed bag of emotions, surreal almost. So in the words of Glass Tiger: "Don't forget me when I'm gone!"

A Surprise!

If there is one night of the week I am going to miss the most here it would be Thursday night! I will miss it most because this is the night "The Office" is on...just kiddin' (well, I really like that too). Thursday night is youth night and this past Thursday was my last for a while and the last with this specific group. We spent the evening helping out at the MCC Wharehouse, loading clothes into a container bound for India and also trying to find Megans coat with her keys and phone that accidentally got thrown amidst the endless bags of clothes! (we found it though!). When we got back to the church they totally surprised me with a little farewell hootenanny! They decorated, baked, shoved my face in a cake, tried to push me in a kiddie pool and that is why I love them so. So this one goes out to the ones I love...the Bakerview youth. I'm gonna miss you guys!

Click here for pictures of the festivities

Strike Up The Band

Many of you may have heard my concern that British Airways (the airline I will be travelling with) had planned for their cabin crew to go on strike a day that I was to be flying to Zambia, leaving me possibly to aimlessly wander the streets of London, England. Although I would love to explore the island nation, perhaps have tea with the queen, learn to play polo, it doesn't seem like it will happen this time as the strike has been called off!!!! (this would be the point where, in Zambia, everyone would break out into spontaneous song in 37 part harmony!). Praise God. Thanks for all your prayers. This is just another little reminder that He's gonna take care of me. So in the words of my good friends Pumbaa and Timon: "Hakuna Matata!"

Start Spreadin' the News...

It's time to shape up and ship out! That's right the date is set. Sunday, February 4th at 6:30 am I take to the air. I will be arriving in Zambia on February 13th at 6:50am. "Good Heavens to Mergatroid," you might be saying to yourself, "I knew it was a long flight, but I didn't know it was that long!" Well...it is! Just kiddin', I'm making a stop in Toronto (or as the young people like to say, "The T-Dot"), long story. So if you have any connections there or there abouts let me know, or I really may be sitting on the streets with my sign! Then it's off to Zambia on the 11th, arriving on the 13th where I will hit the ground running into orientation which starts that morning. So here I am, pretty pumped, a little nervous, trusting God. Thanks to all of you who have come along with me thus far and in the words of the Carpenters: "We've only just begun".

ps. feel free to drop me a "comment" some time so I know who actually reads this thing!

Christmas 2006: The Year of the Sweater

There are few who love the Christmas season more than I do (for those of you who know me well you will know I have just employed the literary technique of "verbal irony"). But if there is one thing I do love it's Jesus and celebrating his birth...and then putting on Christmas sweaters and taking pictures on Christmas day, which is what just so happened this Christmas!

Click here to view more of the shoot

...and here we have some highlights of the morning...

Anticipation is high as the
mornings festivities are about
to commence!

Patience must also be high as Mom tries to figure out the point and shoot digital camera

Nothing says Christmas like the TV Yule log...a long time Storey favourite. "Yule" be hard pressed to find an activity that beats waiting with bated breath for the "hand that stokes the fire!"

A Christmas Song

Here is a little Christmas diddy I wrote and recorded about my hope and the reason I am going to Zambia.

Click here to listen

Tonight We Come

Get on Board the T-Shirt Train!

Get your very own Zambia T-shirt handmade by Shannon herself. Your choice of colour is green with the continent of Africa in black and Zambia highlighted in grey. All proceeds going help getting Shannon to Zambia and keeping her there for a year! So a shirt can be yours for only three easy payments of $49.95...just kidding...more like one payment of $15, unless you feel like giving more!

Sizes: Youth L, XL; Adult S, M, L, XL (Shannon is wearing a Youth L)

If you would like one feel free to contact shannon.storey@gmail.com or any other method of communication you have with her...perhaps telegram or carrier pigeon!

(For a limited time only while supplies last!)

Feelin' Festive

Chances are I won't be finding this opportunity in Zambia...


A sudden burst of winter gave rise to the perfect opportunity to break out one of my "new" snappy Christmas sweaters and winter hat. I've saved two amazing sweaters to make their public reveal at a later date...get ready! And my new hat keeps my head roasty toasty on these blustery southern BC winter nights!

Girls Gone Wild!!!

This past weekend the girls joined forces to attend a "Women of Faith" Conference in Vancouver. And as it is with every "ladies" type function I attend I always make it my goal to be the first one to cry...and as it is with every "ladies" type function I attend I never succeed in reaching my goal. But one of these days those tears are gonna come a flowin'...although it will probably be at the Sears Portrait Studio (or so I've been warned!).

So as true ladies we of course had to black out one or two of our teeth the first night and walk down Robson. Good times!





Chrissy Ruth



Here is our "Deer in the Headlights" look. It doesn't get much more wild than this...am I right?












Margie Shannon

This post is dedicated to all those who scroll through their list of "geeks with blogs" like me when you are bored at work...you know who you are!

She's a Fox!

If only every day could be a costume day! This time I got to dress up for the Bakerview Kids Halloween Night as a fox. I liked this costume because I actually got to hear the following statements in reference to me: "She's a fox", "Foxy Lady!", and "Crazy like a fox!". Haha...too much fun. Megan (seen here as Frodo Baggins) and I manned the "Cookie Decorating Booth" where we consumed an excess of icing...and once the kids were gone we pillaged the place of all excess candy!

I guess you could say things are getting pretty serious...

This one goes out to all the "Napoleon Dynamite" fans out there who can really appreciate the geeky beauty of the character Kip...and my creepy rendition of him. I dressed up for our Youth "pumpkin night" as Kip and thought I'd share it with you. That's me on the right and the real Kip on the left incase you were confused...the similarities disturbing, I know! But I won best in show and got a big bag of smarties!! All I need now is to get some "Glamour shots by Deb" and I'm set. "Do you have some sort of vest I could put on?"

One last one just to creep you right on out!

The Possibilities...

Here is a glimps into some of what will hopefully be involved with while in Zambia.

There are thousands of "hidden orphans" in Lusaka. These are children who have lost one or both parents, and are living with relatives (or sometimes neighbors). They are last to get food or clothing or education. They are often treated like Cinderellas. Street Kids often get help because they are obvious, and obviously in need. But many of them (probably half) have chosen to run away and run their own lives. But there are ten times (if not a hundred times) more children who have not run away from home. These suffer abuse, rape, hunger, loneliness, grief, and a sort of lonely neglect. Parents and relatives here don't speak much into kids' lives. There are thousands of young girls (early teens through eary twenties) who are aching for an older sister, a mother, someone to come alongside and listen and give time and advice. Currently there is no one to do that there.

Youth activities is a great way to get into their lives. Many churches have youth programs, but have little idea how to mentor the kids. A few years back three visiting young women organized a meeting through AZ (Action Zambia) with any young women interested in meeting with them. They expected about 20 girls, and about 100 showed up. The visitors gave a small devotional, then opened the floor to questions. The girls pelted them with everything from how AIDS is spread to how to fend off an uncle who demands to sexually abuse them. They were starving for input. However, real ministry to these girls can only be done on a discipling, mothering/sistering, long-term basis, with plenty of cultural understanding and some local language thrown in. There are programs, but the relationship is what is most needed.

Second, there are girls who have gone into orphanages who are very interested in such relationships. Megan (an AZ missionary) went to a huge orphanage to check on two girls who have been placed there. They were brought in, and didn't look at her face (being polite, as all children are expected to do here). But when she shook their hands, they saw the white skin and looked up. JOY! The first girl jumped into Megans arms and wrapped her legs around Megan. They are so hungry for attention and an older sister.
(Provided by Liese Ripley-AZ)

As well I am hoping to be able to record the local music as part of raising awareness and support for different needs there here in North America. As part of this I hope to kee a solid connection and awareness with those at home through regular audio/video updates and establishing a connection between my youth group here and youth in Zambia. That's the dream anyway!