It is hard to believe that we are half way through the monthof April! Kids are getting antsy inschool (at least ours are) as the school year is coming closer to an end. The rain here has stopped and I am sure the rains have started in the states. Zambia’s cold season is soon beginning and the summer is soon beginning where many of you live. We have always looked forward to the change in seasons no matter where we have lived.

This week we wanted to share about our Easter party that we had with the orphans and share some pictures with you. On Easter Sunday in March we had a big party for about 40 people most of them orphans. Five of the orphans were from EFH Kanyama where we visit and the other children were from New Horizon’s. New Horizon’s is an orphanage that our friends and fellow team mates the Allen’swork with. The party was held at the Allen’s home and we had such a blast with all these kids. They played relay races, rode bikes, had an Easter egg hunt, ate dinner, watched a movie about the resurrection, ate dessert, and just had fun altogether. Also our new teammates Brent and Kerri Roberts (and kids Caleb, Grayson, Maddie) helped out and joined in on the fun. We are so thankful for the Allen’s holding the party at their home and that we could all love on these kids together.

My Bible study is continuing out in Kasupe at the Farm. There are about 5 semi-consistent women that come and that I have grown to know over this past year. It is hard to believe that we have been doing the bible study for a year now. Time has gone by quickly. We are starting a new schedule to change things up for this year. This past week I showed them how to make biscuits, next week we will have Bible study and the following week the women will show me how to make a Zambian dish. We will see how this new schedule goes and if more women come to find out what is happening. I am so thankful for my teammate Liese Ripley who has been teaching the last couple months and appreciate her help to keep the study going. Kerri has also been joining us and we are excited to have her input and for the ladies to get to know her.

(Kasupe Women's Bible Study)

Two weeks ago we visited my friend Teresa(also in the bible study) who had a baby the end of March. We went to her home and brought her a few clothes and new chitenge. A chitenge is the traditional wrap that most Zambian women wear over their skirts. There are many uses for a chitenge such as carrying your baby on your back or front, wiping a snotty nose, using as a blanket or cover or something to sit on in the dirt/grass. It is tradition here that a new mother should receive a new chitenge for her new baby. I was blessed to receive 2 chitenges from two of my Zambian friends, Katherine and Stella. So in turn we gave a chitenge to Teresa to celebrate her new baby Frank!!!!

(Elise and Frank)

(Teresa and Tazi)

As far as the Whitfield gang goes we are doing great and have adjusted quite well to having little Tazi around!!!! She is growing quite quickly and is a whooping 11 lbs. She is a very content little girl and loves all the kisses and hugs from her siblings. She is sleeping great and so am I!!!!! Thank you all for your continuedprayers! We definitely feel them. God bless you all and please keep your e-mails coming!!! We love hearing from you! Love Elise for all the Whitfield gang!!!!!!!!!!!!