Have I mentioned recently that God is good? Cuz I feel that it is definitely worth mentioning!
I have been in the beautiful country of Zambia for over a week now and it has been an honor to see the Lord continuing to work in huge ways. It's so tricky to give a summary of all that has gone on this past week and a half but I will do my best to give you the gist.
-About a week before leaving for Zambia, I found out I was actually $450 short of what I needed to get here, because the flight was more expensive than I had originally budgeted for. God provided all of that $450, PLUS $400 extra dollars that I will likely donate before I leave. Woo!!!!
-Traveling to Zambia was extremely smooth. I am forever grateful for the family I teavelled with - they were a HUGE blessing and helped to prepare me for when I fly back by myself in a couple months.
-The missionary family I'm staying with while I'm here is also a gigantic blessing. They have given me much insight on the culture here, while also allowing me to figure some things out for myself. They have been preparing opportunities for me to use my social work skills by serving in orphanages, preschools, primary schools, churches, etc. I have also enjoyed hanging out with their four kiddos, who have shown me around and always make me smile!
-I have had a lot of time to read my bible and to spend time in prayer every morning and evening. I'm currently reading through 2 Chronicles and Acts, which are both full of good stuff. I'm also reading the book "when helping hurts," which gives insight on how to effectively serve the poor and needy in the community. I'm learning a ton right now!
-I've had a couple quick moments of missing home, but God continues to make it clear to me that He has me here for a reason. I've read a couple of letters that were given to me from friends before I left and they have been very encouraging. It helps to be able to communicate with my family through Facebook, email and Viber! Gotta love technology. :)
-Even when I am faithless, God remains faithful. I am continuing to ask God to challenge me so that I will lean on Him in the midst of both victory and defeat; triumph and trial. He has been growing me in my faith like crazy.
-I'm realizing that I didn't realize what poverty was until I came here. We have it so good in America and I didn't even realize it. Most of America's poor are better off than the people here and that humbles me greatly. What breaks my heart the most is that many of the people here are much more joyful than we are in America... This has been on my mind quite a bit.
-God is up to some cool things in Zambia. Heidi, one of missionaries I'm staying with, has been working with a group of ladies in her area who do not know Jesus. They meet together every other Friday and Heidi teaches them the Gospel, as well as other skills like budgeting and cooking. These ladies have begun to ask a lot of questions in regard to faith, which is a huge answer to prayer. Please keep these ladies in your prayers, as well as Heidi as she continues to receive wisdom from the Lord while she teaches them.
PRAYER REQUESTS
-The family I travelled with to get to Zambia are headed back to America this afternoon. Pray for safety in travels for them.
-The missionary family I have been staying with have had a lot on their plates as of late. Please pray for encouragement and strength for them as they continue to do the work God has called them to here in Zambia.
-The ladies that Heidi is teaching are showing some signs of growth in their faith. Please be praying for them to take steps of obedience toward Christ.
-Myself as I begin to serve in this community - please pray for effectiveness and humility in doing this.
Love you all! Thanks for your support!
