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.
Click here to view videos from our trip to
Zambia, Africa.
