It’s hard for me to believe that the girls have already been gone 3 1/2 weeks. I imagined that I would be extremely lonely after they have left; but, in fact the days have passed quickly and we have been unbelievably busy. I still miss them and look forward to being with them in just 10 days, but am also keenly aware of God’s faithfulness to me during this time. Their adjustment back to life in America has gone as you would expect. They have had some difficult times but overall have enjoyed being home. They all 3 say that they miss Zambia, would come back tomorrow, and that their hearts are still here. I think once the rest of our family is home it will be easier for them.
The week after Easter, Dave and I took the children to a small game park about 1 1/2 hours outside of Kitwe for a couple of days. It was a serene place and a restful get away for us all. Two of the single girls that we have become friends with joined us for part of the time we were at Nsobe. Andrea asked me the question, “Do you like the way that your ministry in Zambia has been since you have been here, or would you do things differently if you were to do it again?” I realized then how thankful I was that Bonnie and CCM had encouraged us to get involved in ministries outside of CCM while we were living in Zambia, for us to be open to whatever direction the Lord might lead us in. I was thankful for the ministry we have been able to have as a family in CCM Bible college, CCM Academy, Sara Rose Orphanage, Nehemiah Boy’s Ranch, ministry with our neighbors, and one on one ministry with people God has placed in our lives. I am thankful for the American missionaries we have met and been encouraged by in both Heart of the Bride Ministries and Life Song Ministries. As I am facing my last 1 1/2 weeks in Zambia I am grateful to the Lord for providing for our every need. In fact, little things like the sweet kitten that we adopted for about 3 weeks(before she disappeared), or the spunky little dog that lives in the duplex across from us. I know that the kitten and the dog were directly placed in our path for Sadie Grace to love on and play with.
Highlights of the past month:
- Dave and I spoke at a Saturday church conference on Missions (to Zambians!) at Kwacha Baptist Church.
- Two of the boys in our walled fence prayed to receive Christ as their Savior 2 weeks ago (Chasha and Wesley) in our home during our Who is God Bible Study!
- Our Bible study with the boys in our walled fence is going great! On most Tuesday and Thursday nights all 6 boys show up and are eager to participate and learn; they are also honest with their spiritual condition and thoughts.
- We completed the US home study for our adoption of Samson and are awaiting its arrival to Kitwe. This was extremely time consuming with adoption training that we had to complete and LOTS of paperwork!
- We have met with the Zambian Social Worker twice (I fixed an American lunch both times) and things seem on track to finish the Zambian side of the adoption this week. (However in a 3rd world country surprises loom!)
- I have been busy helping CCM Academy number and organize their library. There are still about 350 books to number and organize but I really hope to finish the project before I leave (there are over 4000 books!)
- Sadie Grace turned seven this week. I told her that I wanted her to go back to being 3, but she assured me that she is much to tall to be 3!!
- Dave preached at Kafue Baptist Church, a compound church near us with a strong congregation who loves the Lord. His message was titled “Jesus, More Beautiful than Diamonds”
- I read a great book which encouraged me and the girls as they have made their transition home, Kisses from Katie (thank you Laurel!)
- We have 7 ESV Study Bibles coming to give to men who have requested study Bibles as well as to give to some of the boys in our Bible Study.
We also have some HUGE prayer requests:
- That Masiliso and San Jesse would give their lives to Christ, these boys are also in our Who is God Bible Study.
- Tomorrow Dave is going with Samson’s mother family to try and track down a death certificate. We need the original death certificates for both of his deceased parents. Just pray that they will be found. It will be a miracle to find them 8 and 4 years later, but God has performed many miracles up to this point with making Samson a part of our family.
- Pray that on Tuesday when Betty takes our final paper to court to get a court date for the adoption, that the clerk will be there, be willing to receive the papers, and that an immediate date will be issued (by April 30)
- Pray for safe travel for Ella, David, Sadie Grace, and myself and we are scheduled to begin our journey home on Tuesday, May 1.
- Pray that our last week in Zambia will be fruitful and that we will be able to say goodbye well.
- Big prayer for Dave and Samson, for the US adoption work to be completed quickly and successfully and that they will be able to join us in a timely manner without any surprise delays. Dave will have to make 2 and possibly 3 trips to Lusaka (6 hours away by bus), please pray for safety for them as they make these trips.
- Dave will be speaking at the Abba’s Heart street boys Chapel service Tuesday through Friday this week. He will be teaching four hours from Daniel.
In closing, our hope is that of Paul found in Phil 3:20-4:1, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”
Shelley
