Well, tomorrow will be a month since we landed on African soil. So much has happened that it seems much longer.
Our friends, the Kirsche’s, arrived in Kitwe Monday around 1:15 pm. We were all sitting on the lawn in front of CCM eagerly awaiting their arrival. Berkeley had a sweet reunion with his Dad, Mom, and sisters. It has been a joy to have them share in the work that God is doing here in Zambia this week. Our schedule has been full, but we have still been able to enjoy sweet times of fellowship with one another.
For some reason yesterday morning was particularly hard for me. During my devotion the book I am reading started with, “Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. …All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction.” Reading 2 Cor. 12:9 I was reminded, once again, that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God is good. When I cry out to Him, He restores my soul and lifts me up. Thank you Jesus!
On the home front, everyone is well. Dave was sick for about 8 days with a cold/allergies that left him completely drained. He is feeling better this morning. He finished his Marriage and Family class last week and has been working on getting the final exam together. The 2 PE coaches arrive on Sunday to help Lydia kick off the PE program at the school. It will be a busy week for all of us. Ella and David are doing well in school. They both miss homeschool, but this is a unique opportunity for them. The school had a talent show yesterday for the parents. It was fun to see them up on stage participating with their new friends. Sadie Grace continues to adjust, SLOWLY, to school. I really do think she will like it. She has sweet friends in her class. Mary-Frances and Virginia have taken a break from homeschool this week and are busy ministering along side of the Kirsche’s. Jackie has been able to teach a few art classes and we have visited the orphanage twice this week.
As the unfamiliar becomes more familiar the adjustment gets easier. Another sweet gift that God showed me this week are the beautiful sunsets out our kitchen window every evening. We live a little elevated so we are able to look out over some of Kitwe and see the sun setting in the background. It really is stunning.
Thank you to all my dear friends who sent gifts for the orphans and our neighbors. They are being played with daily. I have had playmobil covering the family room floor for the past 3 days. It is wonderful watching Gift, Chanda, Bwimbia, Natasha, and Mwilia find such joy out of playing with the toys. Of course, Sadie Grace is right there is the midst of them! It is not by accident that God placed us here at this time, in this place. My prayer continues to be that the light of Jesus Christ will shine brightly, unmistakably through all of us and that God’s name will be lifted on high.
There is so much more, but Lydia just called and Sadie Grace needs some direction.
Much love,
Shelley