Wow, I can not even remember the last time I posted. I’m so sorry I have not been better about posting. Wow so many amazing things have happened I don’t even know where to begin. I guess I should start by giving you an update on my eye. Thanks for all your prayers. God has been answering them. Many of you know a little over six weeks ago my eye began hurting, swelling, turning red, and even burning. I went to the doc. and he said I had a virus on my eyeball, that could even cause severe damage if not treated properly. So he immediately put me on drops that dilated my eye for 10 days and an ointment. On my 10th day of taking the medicine, just as I thought my eye was better, it turned a corner and was getting worse. I woke up one morning and could not even open my eye and look into the light. I was even trying to watch a movie in the dark and tried putting sunglasses on because it hurt so much to look at the light and focus ha ha. Thankfully we were in South Africa (God’s timing is just right.) So when I went to the doc they were almost positive it was the virus but thought maybe it could be an amoeba, so they began treating me for both. It began getting better but about a week into taking more drops my vision was getting really bad. In fact, it got so bad that all I could see was white fuzz out of my eye, pretty scary! We called the doc and she said that this virus takes a long time to go away and the vision will get worse before it gets better so that made us feel better. The following week when we were back in Pretoria we went to the doc one more time just to check on it before we went back to Zambia where the medical care is not that great. He said that the virus should get better I just need to take an eye drop steroid four times a day for 2 more months. So, as of now my eye is getting better but I still can not see 100% and the vision is still a little blurry. Just pray that there will be no permanent damage.
Now on a positive note. Our vacation in South Africa was so much fun! It was a very nice relaxing time at the beach and it made it even more fun having another addition to our family! Samson was great. He loved every bit of being on the beach and playing in the waves! We also enjoyed spending time with our friends the Brinks. It was good to see them since it had been so long.
Several people have asked me how our Christmas was. I have told them it was definitely a different Christmas but it was a sweet time. Not having all the decorations, lights, trees, wreathes, parties, and busyness made me realize more what Christmas is about. It’s not all about the gifts, the tree, and the lights but its about Christ and the fact that He was born to die on the cross for our sins. So I was really reminded this Christmas about what the true meaning is. Christmas morning we had a nice time worshiping at Jefferey’s Bay Bible Church then we went to our friends for a Christmas lunch!
Lastly, we have already been back from South Africa for a week and we have had a good time visiting with friends and neighbors. I was actually excited to get back to Zambia and see everyone! God has really worked in my heart and I have grown to LOVE Zambia! I think what I love most about being here is the people and the pace of life. I loved the busyness back home and I still miss it sometimes but having a slower pace for a change has been nice. When I just think back about all the stuff I have in America I feel sorry for these people and it just amazes me that they live with life here and move on and make the best of it. It is extremely convicting to me. That’s why I love being here because I feel like I don’t need all the stuff back in America and to realize that I am able to make it just fine here with out all the extra has been eye opening. I am in a sense dreading leaving. I will miss the slower pace, and walking around everywhere. Also, I don’t know if I will ever get the chance to come back or see all the friends I have made. I was telling someone the other day that when we left the states it was so hard but at least I knew I would see everyone again. Here I don’t know if I will ever see anyone again. So lately I have been struggling with that. I want to make the most of these next three months. I would like my P.E. to be even more fun then last term and that I will just have a blast with the children. I am excited about starting this coming Tuesday! Lately, God has just been pressing on me and giving me the desire to come back to Zambia to teach P.E. at CCM. I don’t know how long that would be but I would definitely love to come back and teach. Thank you for all your prayers and support! I can not wait to see everyone. I miss and love all you guys.
In Christ,
Lydia
p.s. Mary-Frances, Virginia, and I walked to the market near our house today with our neighbors, Richard, Andrew, and Chasha. We came home with a live chicken whose head we cut off, de-plucked through dipping it in scalding water, cut up, and then ate 🙂 .
We have learned to love Zambian food and enjoy cooking it just the way the Zambians do!