Wow! It is hard to believe that the younger children and I left Zambia 3 weeks ago today. I will have to say that I had no idea how emotionally and physically drained I would be when I returned home. In fact, after I had been home about 2 weeks I asked my sister if I seemed “out of it” when I first got back. She replied, “oh yeah, kind of like when you have a baby, but way worse.” I thought I had “acted” more normal! Thankfully, Mary-Frances had told me that it would take between 7 and 10 days to “feel” normal, so that was helpful advise.
Saying all of our goodbyes in Zambia were difficult. By far, the hardest goodbye was to the orphans. As I was hugging the oldest girl at the orphanage, Monica (age 13), and telling her that I loved her with tears streaming down both of our checks, she looked at me and said , “Aunt Shelley, I love you, but remember that God loves you even more.” What a precious reminder of God’s faithfulness for His truth to be upon the hearts of His children. Dave let the kids call us on the first Monday that we missed being with them in person and it was a special treat to be able to speak with them.
The most exciting news that has happened since we returned is that Masilisso gave his life completely to Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 12, 2012. What a day of rejoicing it was for entire Stearns family as well as for all of you that have faithfully been praying for him for months. Dave’s trips and days in Lusaka were not in vain. God had bigger plans and part of this was Dave being available to meet with Masilisso twice while he was finishing up paperwork regarding Samson’s adoption. To me, the most precious part of Masilisso’s testimony is that he took his time and really examined all aspects of repenting and giving his life to Christ. He came to the strong conclusion that: 1. Why not? What do I have to lose? Nothing, but I have everything to gain and 2. I can have an influence on my friends rather than them having an influence on me. Masilisso really desired a Bible so that he could study and begin to grow (he is a real thinker). Dave promised him that if the Bibles that a friend of ours sent did not arrive than he would leave his Bible with Masilisso. Fortunately, all 3 packages that we have been waiting at least 2 1/2 months for arrived last week. In them, were ESV study Bibles for all the boys as well as another book that one of Lydia’s friends sent for Masilisso. Thank you Lord!
For me, it was strange to come home and feel like I didn’t belong. I initially felt out of place in my home, driving my car, in the grocery store. Everywhere I went I felt that I didn’t belong. I know part of this is from not living in my familiar surroundings for 11 months and the other part is that the Lord has done a mighty work in our lives. My earnest prayer is that God will fill our families hearts with His purposes for us as a whole and for us individually and that we will hold our palms open to Him and be willing to do whatever He calls us to. I told a friend of mine, I am not afraid anymore and I know that
God will give me the strength to do whatever it is that He desires for me to do. I love the picture that Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 54:10, “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my covenant of peace shall not be removed says the Lord who has
compassion on you.”
All the children are well. David is happy to be home. He has been thrilled to be able to spend lots of time with his cousins and time playing air soft with all of his buddies. Ella and Sadie Grace are just happy to be with their family. Honestly, they haven’t missed a beat. I think they were especially glad to get home to our dog, their dolls, and the swimming pool! Virginia is thrilled to be back at the barn working and riding horses. Mary-Frances began swimming yesterday, and Lydia started her full time summer job working at a Summer Day Camp through our rec department yesterday. Dave has been sick with a bad cold and between that, having to care alone for Samson, and having all the household duties fall solely on him, he is somewhat exhausted and at times struggling with discouragement. He was able to have a sweet, but difficult, goodbye with the precious children at the orphanage yesterday, as well as meaningful goodbyes with many of the men he has become close to.
So, what are we waiting on, how can you pray? The USCIS office in J’burg needs documentation that the death certificates that we were able to provide were indeed Samson’s biological parents. The documentation that they requested can not be produced in Zambia so they will base their approval based on other documentation that Dave has possession of. After obtaining new documentation as well as 2 affidavits stating that the people whose death certificates we provided were indeed Samson’s biological parents, Dave will submit this material today to the USCIS office. Dave and Samson are scheduled to leave for Lusaka tomorrow based on their hopes that all of this will be approved within a day or two. Please pray that God will continue to grant Dave wisdom and that He will continue to show His favor upon this situation. I will keep you posted.
In Christ Alone,
Shelley
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- Monica
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- Masilisso