The plans for Zambia -
Leave Friday, the 29th, 4am...wait, what?? FOUR A.M.
Drive through Botswana. Yes, you are correct when you are thinking I said Zimbabwe before. that is because it WAS Zimbabwe before, but now it is Botswana...things are always changing.
Arrive in Livingston, Zambia to see Victoria Falls. Pray that we will be able to get Visa's for Zambia at the lodge we will be staying at or else...well, I don't know how we will get Visa's otherwise??
Drive up through Zambia and arrive in Luanshya, Zambia - my home for the next 6 - 8 months. I really don't know how long it will take to get there, maybe by the 4th of July.
Pray for the trip. That we will all get along and enjoy the time we have away from things on the road. Pray that the car perform. Pray for safety in driving. Pray for favor at the borders as well as any stops by police on the way.
Pray that I will be bold once I get to Zambia and not hold back in developing relationships...I will need at least ONE friend, if not more...pray that God will bring this person.
Pray that God's peace will fill my heart, my life, and His joy will fill my mouth.
I feel like I am leaving my comfort zone again. And actually, I am, except for now I am truly going into Africa, and I will be more "alone" than I have been since I started.
I am excited but also, I'm a little scared....
6.26.2007
Experience
You know...I've had some experiences in this life of mine. Some good, others bad, but I have a history and a place from which I've come. I think we forget this sometimes. We begin to believe that if God has changed us, or if we are supposed to forgive, well then we can't think about what came before the forgiveness, before the changes. I think we all might fall back into our past if we choose to forget. God does things in us for us to remember Him, to look back and see where we were, the pain we experienced. These memories guide us today in choices, what hurts, what heals. We know these things from our past and yet we somehow believe that we aren't supposed to remember. Maybe I am the only one who feels that way, maybe you feel that you can remember those days you lived in complete denial of what God did in your life, you remember how you felt and the desperation inside of you and you are able to thank God for what He has done. But myself, I feel that I need to forget those days, forget that pain...it isn't really acceptable to others anyways. Many people say after hearing me share a piece of my heart, "well, I am assuming that was before you became a Christian" as though once that moment happens life somehow become easy and painless...we make all the right decisions and become something other than Human. No, sadly, I was still human after God interrupted my life and handed me something called Hope. Even with hope, even with mercy, even with grace...I still made bad decisions and lived as though God hadn't changed me...and now I bear the scars, deal with the consequences, and so I am ashamed of my past instead of looking at it and thanking God for still loving me, still being faithful, still having that enduring love that he promises. Why can't we remember the past in order to see God in it, because He was there for sure.
we had a ladies retreat last weekend that got me thinking. we focused only for a few minutes about our past experiences and how they've shaped us and it was so refreshing to be able to remember and honestly look at the past but see how God has done great work in transforming my life. God asks us to forgive, but not to forget. If we try to forget we won't be willing to accept someone else who is in the place we used to be, it won't be acceptable to us and we will judge them due to our unhealed scars and shame. No, we must remember! And it is okay if we still hurt...God came to comfort those who are broken, so it has to be okay to fall into that category!
we had a ladies retreat last weekend that got me thinking. we focused only for a few minutes about our past experiences and how they've shaped us and it was so refreshing to be able to remember and honestly look at the past but see how God has done great work in transforming my life. God asks us to forgive, but not to forget. If we try to forget we won't be willing to accept someone else who is in the place we used to be, it won't be acceptable to us and we will judge them due to our unhealed scars and shame. No, we must remember! And it is okay if we still hurt...God came to comfort those who are broken, so it has to be okay to fall into that category!
We only had about 30 minutes to actually have a "workshop" cause all of us ladies were having fun and didn't' want to sit and listen to a lecture, but this brief time still accomplished what was needed in our lives. During the other 24 hours we were there we had some other experiences. Our birthday girl was personally kicked by the pet giraffe they have at the lodge. His name is Stripes...and he was behaving very badly! And me...my experience...well, there was this cute little baboon that they had adopted. He was only 2 months old and seriously the cutest thing ever. I bent down to pet him, named Bozo, and he began to climb up my arm so I thought I would just help him out a little bit and when I touched him he went NUTS! He bit me at least two times that left a mark of these little baboon teeth in my skin. He didn't break the skin but I sure was surprised! Naughty little monkey! But hey, who can say they've been attacked by a baby baboon??? ME!!! Jealous???
6.21.2007
Zambia Address
So you can send me packages...I've heard putting Jesus stickers on the outside wards off evil-doers who want to steal nice things that come in brown packages...
Okay, so when I say "Jesus stickers" I don't mean that in a bad way, I just mean spiritually aimed stickers...makes people feel nervous to disrupt the contents...am I just making a bigger deal out of nothing? What I was trying to say was...haha...I know I know, you get it...
SO here's my new address:
Hands at Work Zambia
Megan Christopherson
Box 90122
Fisenge
Luanshya
Zambia (yeah, I forgot this part...shouldn't the post just KNOW that I am in Zambia???)
Africa
Feel free to start sending now if you feel that it is necessary...I assure you it is most acceptable!
Okay, so when I say "Jesus stickers" I don't mean that in a bad way, I just mean spiritually aimed stickers...makes people feel nervous to disrupt the contents...am I just making a bigger deal out of nothing? What I was trying to say was...haha...I know I know, you get it...
SO here's my new address:
Hands at Work Zambia
Megan Christopherson
Box 90122
Fisenge
Luanshya
Zambia (yeah, I forgot this part...shouldn't the post just KNOW that I am in Zambia???)
Africa
Feel free to start sending now if you feel that it is necessary...I assure you it is most acceptable!
6.19.2007
Flexible
Warning to all those Africa bound. Did you check mark ‘yes’ on a questionnaire that asked if you were flexible? If so you may be in for a shocker, maybe there has been some sort of miscommunication, so let me clear things up for you a bit. When they ask the question “Are you flexible?” they mean something very different from what you might expect. They don’t mean the kind of flexible that allows you to touch your finger tips to your toes, No, not even the kind of flexible that allows you to adjust your meeting schedule from 5pm to 6pm. There is a different kind of flexible that they talk about when you’re in Africa…the kind of flexible that says two to six complete strangers can move into my home for an indefinite period of time because they need a place to stay. The kind of flexible that says, that meeting that we had scheduled today is okay to postpone until the morning I have present on the results. Yes, this is what African flexibility really is. Now, you might think that sounds difficult, but there are perks to this new found flexibility. I am currently learning a new aspect of flexibility, the kind that says, hey, this report doesn’t have to be perfect; I don’t have to know it all. Wonderful huh? Accept for the sad reality that my Corporate American mind is struggling to allow me to accept this new flexibility. I am learning to be okay with knowing what I know, and not stressing about the other stuff. There is a guy working on all of our I.T. right now and it is a mess. I asked him this morning if he was daily experiencing stress and he responded, “no, not really. I just do what I know how to do and decide not to worry about the rest.” I couldn’t really understand. I just sat there looking at him as though he had just said something strangely offensive and strangely wonderful as well. His reasoning was so simple it must have been wrong…or was it? I am working on American time here and everyone around me is telling me to chill out. I am experiencing so much overwhelming stress over these dang grant proposals…combine that with computers being shared by at least two to three different people, unpredictable Internet access, and viruses and I am just a mess. But you know what? It doesn’t matter! I can only do as much as I can do, and that is the truth. I just need to be flexible with life. It’s a crazy fun adventure and if I keep telling myself this over and over…haha…just kidding!
New news about Zambia. I will be living in Luanshya, Zambia, in the Copperbelt Region. It is okay if you don’t know what that means, I don’t either! ;) I will be staying in a house next door to Pastor Jacob, his wife Annie and their little girls. Pastor Jacob is one of the main leaders of most of the Zambia projects and an amazing man. I am really excited to get there and get to know them better! I have also heard that close to Christmas some of the people I have grown to know and love here will be making their way to Zambia for a vacation. I was nervous about the holidays but I think they are going to be amazing and am very thankful for that! God just keeps taking care of me and I feel blessed when I recognize all He is doing!
Another friend left me today. Ginna - love forever!! But I found myself having a pity party and failing to recognize all those around me who are friends as well. Yeah, it takes work, but that shouldn't minimize the relationships God has put into my life. pray that my attitude would change, that my heart would grow out of myself and into someone else!
10 days to departure for Zimbabwe...I can't wait! (no, i'm not changing my plans for Zimbabwe, that is just the first stop :)
New news about Zambia. I will be living in Luanshya, Zambia, in the Copperbelt Region. It is okay if you don’t know what that means, I don’t either! ;) I will be staying in a house next door to Pastor Jacob, his wife Annie and their little girls. Pastor Jacob is one of the main leaders of most of the Zambia projects and an amazing man. I am really excited to get there and get to know them better! I have also heard that close to Christmas some of the people I have grown to know and love here will be making their way to Zambia for a vacation. I was nervous about the holidays but I think they are going to be amazing and am very thankful for that! God just keeps taking care of me and I feel blessed when I recognize all He is doing!
Another friend left me today. Ginna - love forever!! But I found myself having a pity party and failing to recognize all those around me who are friends as well. Yeah, it takes work, but that shouldn't minimize the relationships God has put into my life. pray that my attitude would change, that my heart would grow out of myself and into someone else!
10 days to departure for Zimbabwe...I can't wait! (no, i'm not changing my plans for Zimbabwe, that is just the first stop :)
6.16.2007
Youth Day
30 years ago the Black youth of South Africa had to fight for schooling in English rather than Afrikaans...on June 16th, 1976 they marched for the freedom of education, marched for the right to understand their text books, marched against the oppression of the Apartheid regime...
Children were killed during this protest, actually murdered for using their voices and now we remember this day, remember those children who fought and died to gain freedom for the future of the black youth of South Africa.
The youth of Masoyi chose to celebrate this day rather than mourn. We met this morning and partied with dancing and singing. The children here are so strong, so talented, and full of potential. Who is going to give them a chance? Who is going to give them what they need to actually turn that potential into something tangible? This is not a hopeless cause, not by any means, but we need people who are willing to come and love. Oh yes, we need money, of course, nothing on earth is free...but what is most important is that touch, that word that says, you are great, you can do it, and you can be somebody...here, let me show you how.
I am ever amazed by the heart in the community and challenged to be more, to live life with passion, to make it worth the time I've been given. I love the children here and my passion is renewed when I spend time with them. I sat and listened to the speakers and held two children on my lap. They didn't know me before I arrived, but they know me now. They need love, and accept it from those who are willing to give it. I love giving it! What a treasure it is to give something as simple as a hug or a lap, even a gentle touch on the head, to someone who truly desires it!
Life is rich if you will let it be!
Children were killed during this protest, actually murdered for using their voices and now we remember this day, remember those children who fought and died to gain freedom for the future of the black youth of South Africa.
The youth of Masoyi chose to celebrate this day rather than mourn. We met this morning and partied with dancing and singing. The children here are so strong, so talented, and full of potential. Who is going to give them a chance? Who is going to give them what they need to actually turn that potential into something tangible? This is not a hopeless cause, not by any means, but we need people who are willing to come and love. Oh yes, we need money, of course, nothing on earth is free...but what is most important is that touch, that word that says, you are great, you can do it, and you can be somebody...here, let me show you how.
I am ever amazed by the heart in the community and challenged to be more, to live life with passion, to make it worth the time I've been given. I love the children here and my passion is renewed when I spend time with them. I sat and listened to the speakers and held two children on my lap. They didn't know me before I arrived, but they know me now. They need love, and accept it from those who are willing to give it. I love giving it! What a treasure it is to give something as simple as a hug or a lap, even a gentle touch on the head, to someone who truly desires it!
Life is rich if you will let it be!
6.14.2007
Just a few suggestions
I can't remember if I've already made this suggestion or not...but watch the movie Yesterday. It is a great movie that will show you a very close picture of the community that I have been working in with Masoyi, the language is similar too. Also, Faith Like Potatoes is really good as well...also about South Africa and Zambia. Another movie that is really funny and South African is The God's Must Be Crazy...just a taste of South African humor, specifically Afrikaans humor. Ummm...was there anything else? Oh, read the book The Prince...amazing!
I am reading Come Thirsty by Max Lucado, I would also suggest this book to everyone. It has been an encouragement and an easy read. It pulls you in and grabs your heart.
That's all for now!
I am reading Come Thirsty by Max Lucado, I would also suggest this book to everyone. It has been an encouragement and an easy read. It pulls you in and grabs your heart.
That's all for now!
6.12.2007
Thinking
My mom told me that it was evident in my blog that I am not really…doing anything. Okay, maybe she said MUCh, that I am obviously not doing much but, this actually is not entirely true. I am helping out here and there as I can and am preparing to leave South Africa, but yes, things have changed quite a bit since I first arrived. I was annoyed at times with our packed schedule at first but now I am wishing it was packed again. There are only so many things I can do in an office before I start feeling stir crazy and want to go outside and enjoy the weather and the trees and the sunshine. But, I am in a period of waiting so I am trying to make the most of it.
I don’t want to give you a play by play of everything I am doing now as it isn’t all that interesting but I want you to know that I am still here, still lending a hand as I can, but having a lot of thinking time. This can actually be a very bad thing for me. I am doing my best to keep things healthy, mind, soul and spirit.
Have you ever come to a point where you just see what a fallen person you are? I come to this point about three times a day. :) Okay, but seriously, I am faced with my own reality daily, and yet, God promises something different. I am finding myself fighting against Him. Isn’t that crazy? I am here in Africa, finally giving Him my life, committing my life to Him, asking Him to do with it what He wants…and then, secretly, I take it back. I think about what kind of husband he has for me, and decide that I would rather choose on my own although I have time and time again failed in this area. I think of what He might ask me to do and find my heart building a wall around it. Excuses begin to flow from my heart telling myself all the reasons why I cannot do what He might ask me to do someday. I am beginning to think that God has me here in this waiting period to figure some of these things out. To at least become aware of what I am doing internally when I think of God and His will. I am constantly finding myself on my knees on the path of pleasing God and the words of John Lynch echo in my mind, “it is about Trusting God, not pleasing Him”. “Is there another road?” He asks in desperation as he’s failed at the road of pleasing God and all he can see is the road of trusting God in front of Him. Please, let there be another road! I laugh as I feel the similarities between my walk and the one John speaks of in his True-faced series. You know, being here isn’t like being away at college or going to a new place and being surrounded by peers…it is more like being the only one under the microscope surrounded by a bunch of professionals. Or that is the way I feel today. I want to fight so hard to be strong and perfect and presentable while all the while I really just want to be myself and know that its going to be okay. Okay, it’s like being at church, all day long. Yeah, maybe that describes it well. We’ve all been to those churches; many churches are like this actually. You put your smile on before you go in and you don’t think of taking it off until you leave the building. Will I be who I am here or will I succumb to the expectations or others? I want to scream “I am who I am”. I haven’t yet, but I am getting there. You can only survive for so long before you just have to be real. Not that the real me is bad, I don’t actually think that it is…but the real me doesn’t look like someone you would ask to be a missionary. What was God thinking? Didn’t he know that they would be looking for someone else? Maybe I am being a little dramatic. I am a little emotional lately and again, my mind has been going about a mile a minute. …but my expectation of their expectations…maybe that’s it. I am scared that I am turning into a very introspective and serious person but I think that has something to do with my present surroundings. Get me around some crazy people and I will get right again, don’t you worry.
Yesterday was my father’s birthday. I will not tell you his age for the protection of his personal comfort :) He is, VERY old though…please be sure, if you know him, to tell him happy Birthday. My pops is a great man and deserves much more recognition than I think he gets. I think he’s amazing. If you knew him I think you’d agree. I love you pops and wish you an amazing 75th!
I don’t want to give you a play by play of everything I am doing now as it isn’t all that interesting but I want you to know that I am still here, still lending a hand as I can, but having a lot of thinking time. This can actually be a very bad thing for me. I am doing my best to keep things healthy, mind, soul and spirit.
Have you ever come to a point where you just see what a fallen person you are? I come to this point about three times a day. :) Okay, but seriously, I am faced with my own reality daily, and yet, God promises something different. I am finding myself fighting against Him. Isn’t that crazy? I am here in Africa, finally giving Him my life, committing my life to Him, asking Him to do with it what He wants…and then, secretly, I take it back. I think about what kind of husband he has for me, and decide that I would rather choose on my own although I have time and time again failed in this area. I think of what He might ask me to do and find my heart building a wall around it. Excuses begin to flow from my heart telling myself all the reasons why I cannot do what He might ask me to do someday. I am beginning to think that God has me here in this waiting period to figure some of these things out. To at least become aware of what I am doing internally when I think of God and His will. I am constantly finding myself on my knees on the path of pleasing God and the words of John Lynch echo in my mind, “it is about Trusting God, not pleasing Him”. “Is there another road?” He asks in desperation as he’s failed at the road of pleasing God and all he can see is the road of trusting God in front of Him. Please, let there be another road! I laugh as I feel the similarities between my walk and the one John speaks of in his True-faced series. You know, being here isn’t like being away at college or going to a new place and being surrounded by peers…it is more like being the only one under the microscope surrounded by a bunch of professionals. Or that is the way I feel today. I want to fight so hard to be strong and perfect and presentable while all the while I really just want to be myself and know that its going to be okay. Okay, it’s like being at church, all day long. Yeah, maybe that describes it well. We’ve all been to those churches; many churches are like this actually. You put your smile on before you go in and you don’t think of taking it off until you leave the building. Will I be who I am here or will I succumb to the expectations or others? I want to scream “I am who I am”. I haven’t yet, but I am getting there. You can only survive for so long before you just have to be real. Not that the real me is bad, I don’t actually think that it is…but the real me doesn’t look like someone you would ask to be a missionary. What was God thinking? Didn’t he know that they would be looking for someone else? Maybe I am being a little dramatic. I am a little emotional lately and again, my mind has been going about a mile a minute. …but my expectation of their expectations…maybe that’s it. I am scared that I am turning into a very introspective and serious person but I think that has something to do with my present surroundings. Get me around some crazy people and I will get right again, don’t you worry.
Yesterday was my father’s birthday. I will not tell you his age for the protection of his personal comfort :) He is, VERY old though…please be sure, if you know him, to tell him happy Birthday. My pops is a great man and deserves much more recognition than I think he gets. I think he’s amazing. If you knew him I think you’d agree. I love you pops and wish you an amazing 75th!
Own Me
Got a stack of books,
So I could learn how to live;
Many are left half-read,
Covered by the cobwebs on my shelf.
And I got a list of laws,
Growing longer everyday;
If I keep pluggin' away,
Maybe one day I'll perfect myself.
Oh, but all of my labor,
Seems to be in vain;
And all of my laws,
Just cause me more pain;
So I fall before You,
In all of my shame;
Ready and willing to be changed-
Own me
Take all that I am,
And heal me
With the blood of the Lamb.
Mold me
With Your gracious hand;
Break me till I'm only Yours-
Own me
Oh, you call me Daughter,
And you take my blame;
And you run to meet me,
When I cry out Your name,
So I fall before You,
In all of my shame.
Lord, I am willing to be changed
Own me
Take all that I am,
And heal me
With the blood of the Lamb.
Mold me
With Your gracious hand;
Break me till I'm only Yours-
Own me
So I could learn how to live;
Many are left half-read,
Covered by the cobwebs on my shelf.
And I got a list of laws,
Growing longer everyday;
If I keep pluggin' away,
Maybe one day I'll perfect myself.
Oh, but all of my labor,
Seems to be in vain;
And all of my laws,
Just cause me more pain;
So I fall before You,
In all of my shame;
Ready and willing to be changed-
Own me
Take all that I am,
And heal me
With the blood of the Lamb.
Mold me
With Your gracious hand;
Break me till I'm only Yours-
Own me
Oh, you call me Daughter,
And you take my blame;
And you run to meet me,
When I cry out Your name,
So I fall before You,
In all of my shame.
Lord, I am willing to be changed
Own me
Take all that I am,
And heal me
With the blood of the Lamb.
Mold me
With Your gracious hand;
Break me till I'm only Yours-
Own me
-Ginny Owens
6.05.2007
Revelations
I was talking to a girl the other night. She is 19, both of her parents are gone and she is absolutely fabulous. She walks tall with confidence and sass. I told her I was impressed with her strength and she said that Masoyi is what gave her strength. She was able to look around and she children younger than her all alone and having to fit into the new role of adult. She looked at me and said, "how can I say sorry, sorry, when I am crying myself? How will they know that things can get better?" This really made me think.
The children of Masoyi are amazing and they encourage me to be stronger. I spoke with a boy today who was very sad. He was isolating himself and believing that no one would understand his situation. He is 17 and his mother died two years ago. He is angry, hurt, and afraid of others seeing him cry. He asked us, "to who can I go when I feel like no one cares? Who can I turn to when I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel?" ...I was reminded of the words I was given earlier in the week from that strong young woman as I wanted to cry with him. I thought, No, I need to show strength and encourage his heart. I felt the same way, have asked the same questions and what I found...God is still with me. I read verse after verse to him. I really felt like this was one of the first times I was moved to share Christ's love since I became an adult. When I was young I used to save all of my friends :) But as an adult I have taken a back seat in the witnessing department, it's not my style. But today this boy needed hope, and the only hope that I knew to give him was the only hope I have found myself...and it was found in God. Day by day returning to the truth that God is still there, and He will never leave us or forsake us, and for this reason we can say with CONFIDENCE, I will put my trust in the Lord, why should I fear, what can man do to me?
These things need follow up. You can't just say something once and expect it to stick forever..He needs a friend, someone to go to when these struggles continue. investment, it is an investment in someone's life that fosters change...
I will be going to Mozambique this coming Monday. Should be a good time and relaxing is my hope. I am still working on getting well. Pray for the children in the community that they will have peace, and pray for the volunteers that they will have strength to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
I really was happy to hug all of the children today, wanted them to feel a mother's touch and hoped that they felt the sweetness of being loved. We all need that!
The children of Masoyi are amazing and they encourage me to be stronger. I spoke with a boy today who was very sad. He was isolating himself and believing that no one would understand his situation. He is 17 and his mother died two years ago. He is angry, hurt, and afraid of others seeing him cry. He asked us, "to who can I go when I feel like no one cares? Who can I turn to when I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel?" ...I was reminded of the words I was given earlier in the week from that strong young woman as I wanted to cry with him. I thought, No, I need to show strength and encourage his heart. I felt the same way, have asked the same questions and what I found...God is still with me. I read verse after verse to him. I really felt like this was one of the first times I was moved to share Christ's love since I became an adult. When I was young I used to save all of my friends :) But as an adult I have taken a back seat in the witnessing department, it's not my style. But today this boy needed hope, and the only hope that I knew to give him was the only hope I have found myself...and it was found in God. Day by day returning to the truth that God is still there, and He will never leave us or forsake us, and for this reason we can say with CONFIDENCE, I will put my trust in the Lord, why should I fear, what can man do to me?
These things need follow up. You can't just say something once and expect it to stick forever..He needs a friend, someone to go to when these struggles continue. investment, it is an investment in someone's life that fosters change...
I will be going to Mozambique this coming Monday. Should be a good time and relaxing is my hope. I am still working on getting well. Pray for the children in the community that they will have peace, and pray for the volunteers that they will have strength to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
I really was happy to hug all of the children today, wanted them to feel a mother's touch and hoped that they felt the sweetness of being loved. We all need that!
6.02.2007
Zambizi for Sheezy
So...I'm going to Zambia!!!
Are you Surprised? I sure am! There are so many emotions and thoughts swirling through my mind...my sick mind that just needs rest is actually very full of all sorts of things. I feel on one side that I have let WOG down, I have let Karl down, and wonder how Malawi will feel about this decision. You know I truly love pleasing other people and this is something that maybe God is trying to grow me up from. Malawi was uncertain and no plans were made. I wonder if I should have waited longer, but then I am trying to trust that God will direct me back to Malawi when the timing is right, when all parties involved feel peace about the placement, when I am ready to go. Hands directed toward Zambia, this was not my idea, but I am excited about it. When I first arrived in Africa I felt a sort of tug towards Zambia and quickly dismissed it from my mind, now here I am again and wonder if I should have been more considerate of the idea from the beginning?
I will be working on developing a Psycho-social program for the orphans in Zambia and training a few of the volunteers on how to work with the children's emotional needs. They work primarily with HBC as well as Community Schools, this is exciting for me as I am definitely a big education advocate. I also plan to travel to Congo during my time as well as the project there is in need of training and I will be close enough to just cross the border and help them out when needed. Funny, Zambia I didn't want to go to, Congo I swore I WOULDN'T go to...and now, well, look...I guess we should always be careful when telling God we won't do something huh?! I still plan on going to Malawi but the timing will just be different. I am not sure if I will go before next February or if I will go after my year commitment to Hands has been completed, I am trying not to worry about that and trust that it will happen in the right timing and God will reveal this as it comes.
I will go to Zambia on the 29th of June and we will still be driving except for this time I will be going with a couple named Robin and Salvador. We will camp in a tent along the way (Awesome) and will arrive around the fourth of July. I will still get to see Victoria Falls in Livingston and am very excited about that as well. Robin and Sal are crazy hippies and we are sure to have a blast of a time. Until then I will need to leave the country of South Africa as my Visa was only extended until the 11th of June, my father's birthday, so I will be traveling to Mozambique next weekend. When I come back into the country of South Africa I will get a new 3 month Visa so no one can chase me out! So, in the next month I will have seen South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique with Congo and Malawi still to come. Call me a regular African traveler if you will, that will be my new title. :)
We are working on grant proposals for all 9 of the Home Based Care projects out in Zambia...pray that these will be approved, it means a lot for the projects and wold be a huge blessing. I am working on writing the proposals which has been crazy as I have never done this before and know NOTHING about it so pray for me as well.
You can also pray for my health as I have not been well. A head cold or something is leaving me with stuffy everything and an attention span of an ant. I need energy and also rest. There are very few times that I really feel restful...I am not sure why and am searching my heart about this but pray that I will find some peace and rest, that whatever reason inside of me comes between me and rest will be discovered and conquered! Also, pray for companionship. I am feeling lonely without my friends and finding myself only going so far with the friends I have made around me. this has been a life-long struggle but I would really like to learn how to be vulnerable with others and really authentic.
Thanks to all of you who are keeping up with me and praying for me regularly. It is such a blessing to know that there are people out there that care, not just about my stories, but about my heart and spirit!
Are you Surprised? I sure am! There are so many emotions and thoughts swirling through my mind...my sick mind that just needs rest is actually very full of all sorts of things. I feel on one side that I have let WOG down, I have let Karl down, and wonder how Malawi will feel about this decision. You know I truly love pleasing other people and this is something that maybe God is trying to grow me up from. Malawi was uncertain and no plans were made. I wonder if I should have waited longer, but then I am trying to trust that God will direct me back to Malawi when the timing is right, when all parties involved feel peace about the placement, when I am ready to go. Hands directed toward Zambia, this was not my idea, but I am excited about it. When I first arrived in Africa I felt a sort of tug towards Zambia and quickly dismissed it from my mind, now here I am again and wonder if I should have been more considerate of the idea from the beginning?
I will be working on developing a Psycho-social program for the orphans in Zambia and training a few of the volunteers on how to work with the children's emotional needs. They work primarily with HBC as well as Community Schools, this is exciting for me as I am definitely a big education advocate. I also plan to travel to Congo during my time as well as the project there is in need of training and I will be close enough to just cross the border and help them out when needed. Funny, Zambia I didn't want to go to, Congo I swore I WOULDN'T go to...and now, well, look...I guess we should always be careful when telling God we won't do something huh?! I still plan on going to Malawi but the timing will just be different. I am not sure if I will go before next February or if I will go after my year commitment to Hands has been completed, I am trying not to worry about that and trust that it will happen in the right timing and God will reveal this as it comes.
I will go to Zambia on the 29th of June and we will still be driving except for this time I will be going with a couple named Robin and Salvador. We will camp in a tent along the way (Awesome) and will arrive around the fourth of July. I will still get to see Victoria Falls in Livingston and am very excited about that as well. Robin and Sal are crazy hippies and we are sure to have a blast of a time. Until then I will need to leave the country of South Africa as my Visa was only extended until the 11th of June, my father's birthday, so I will be traveling to Mozambique next weekend. When I come back into the country of South Africa I will get a new 3 month Visa so no one can chase me out! So, in the next month I will have seen South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique with Congo and Malawi still to come. Call me a regular African traveler if you will, that will be my new title. :)
We are working on grant proposals for all 9 of the Home Based Care projects out in Zambia...pray that these will be approved, it means a lot for the projects and wold be a huge blessing. I am working on writing the proposals which has been crazy as I have never done this before and know NOTHING about it so pray for me as well.
You can also pray for my health as I have not been well. A head cold or something is leaving me with stuffy everything and an attention span of an ant. I need energy and also rest. There are very few times that I really feel restful...I am not sure why and am searching my heart about this but pray that I will find some peace and rest, that whatever reason inside of me comes between me and rest will be discovered and conquered! Also, pray for companionship. I am feeling lonely without my friends and finding myself only going so far with the friends I have made around me. this has been a life-long struggle but I would really like to learn how to be vulnerable with others and really authentic.
Thanks to all of you who are keeping up with me and praying for me regularly. It is such a blessing to know that there are people out there that care, not just about my stories, but about my heart and spirit!
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