As the first month of our new year comes to an end, I am struck with amazement of the work God has done in all of our lives while here in Zambia. Dave and I traveled to Lusaka this week to submit the adoption papers for Samson. Yes, God continued to perform miracles last week when Samson’s father’s brother signed the forms consenting to his being adopted by us. What makes this feat even more astonishing is that he lives 12 hours away but “happened” to be an hour away last Wednesday and Thursday attending a funeral. After meeting with the head of Social Welfare and the US Embassy, Dave and I have a clear picture of what has to transpire before the adoption is complete by both countries. As far as Zambia, we have to continue fostering Samson for 90 more days while under the “pre-adoption phase.” We then go to court and barring any surprises (which we know there may be) the judge will stamp the papers and Samson will officially be a Stearns. This will likely take place the last week of April. After the adoption is complete from the Zambian side, the other 6 children and I will come home (probably the first week of May) while Dave and Samson will remain for another 4 – 5 weeks to complete the American side of the adoption. The American side doesn’t seem difficult, just time consuming. It is not ideal for us to leave without one another, but with the school term being complete and Dave’s teaching assignments done, at this point it seems to us to be the best option. Dave is hoping that during the month of May the Lord will provide unique ministry opportunities that will further expand the experiences he has had while serving here.
I have had some emails wondering how we are all adjusting to this 9th member of our family. It has been amazingly easy. I 100% believe that God has been preparing Samson, as well as all of us, for years for this transition. Samson has expressed over the years his desire to go to America. Because many of the mission teams that come to Zambia are Americans, he has been around Americans and felt comfortable with them for his entire life. Having Samson age wise between Ella and Sadie Grace has also made the transition easier. Sadie Grace is thrilled to still be the baby of the family! Samson has a real easy going personality. He goes with the flow and doesn’t get upset about much. The few times that we have had to discipline him, he has repented of his wrongdoing quickly and taken the punishment in stride. He is an entertainer and has all of us laughing a lot of the time. David loves having another boy in the house. It has definitely made for more noise, mess, and horse playing. Dave and I were talking on the way to Lusaka about how God has completely given us a love for Samson that we didn’t know we could possess. Samson stated matter of fact to me the other day, “Mom, since my real mom and dad are dead, that makes you and dad my real mom and dad.” It was precious. He loves being a part of a family and has easily adjusted to our routines and rules.
Lydia’s eye continues to get better, we think. It is hard to be sure of how much better it is getting without going to the doctor and having him test it. She can see out of it now, although still the vision is somewhat blurry. I am just so thankful that she is not stressed about it. She doesn’t get worked up about much and I am thankful for that. Lydia is busy teaching PE every day now. She loves the activity as well as the children. Teaching volleyball this term has been much more interesting than she initially thought it would be.
Mary-Frances, Virginia and I are busy with homeschooling. I realized that the month of November was pretty “slack” as far as homeschooling because so much of my time was tied up with fostering issues and everything else that arises when living in a third world country. So, I have tried to be diligent and deliberate about my commitments so that they would not infringe on my responsibilities of teaching them. Mary-Frances really wants to go to “real” school next year. Dave and I have been praying with her about this and seeking God’s direction. Virginia would like to quit school, yesterday. And asks me at least twice and week if she can be done forever. Mary-Frances and I keep assuring her that she would not like to be grown up and not have learned all that there still is to learn. She tries to assure us that she is just fine with being “dumb”. She can’t wait to get back to High Point (the barn where she rides horses) and all of her friends.
David, Ella, Samson, and Sadie Grace are in full swing at CCM Academy. The school has been such a blessing to us. The kids are learning a lot of Zambian songs and sing the Zambian National Anthem all the time. I need to be sure to teach them the American National Anthem when we get home! All the kids have new teachers except for David. His teacher moved up with his class when they changed grades in January. David was telling me all about the different parts of a flower the other day, and asking me what they were called. He then informed me about how much he had learned from Mr. Mweso. I am thankful that he is enjoying his teacher so much. Dave has been meeting with Mr. Mweso every Friday for about an hour and doing basic discipleship type Bible studies with him. It has been a fruitful time and Dave has seen significant spiritual growth in his life. This came about because of CCM’s commitment to making sure that their employees are walking with the Lord. It is encouraging to see how seriously CCM cares about the spiritual growth of it’s employees.
I am doing well. I swing between utter contentment living in Zambia and deep desires to come home. I feel like my emotions are very much like Jekyll and Hyde! I continue to pray for contentment in the Lord and in my circumstances and am continually amazed at His deep love for me. When I first heard that I was going to need to remain (this is the way the Zambian’s would speak) in Zambia another month, I cried. But, I have been praying that I will trust God and seek to see what it is that He has for me here and what I can do to continue to minister to people during this extra month. I continue to be amazed at how healthy we have been and how easily the kids have adjusted to the different situations that they are daily thrown into. I know this is because of the prayer that is lifted up daily on our behalf. I thank you for your prayers and your love.
In Christ,
Shelley