You know something, this isn't so bad after all.
I've been trying really hard to listen to God the past two weeks. Trying to figure out why he brought us here and what we are supposed to accomplish in the next 8 weeks. The other morning I realized that maybe this isn't all about what God is going to do through me for Zambia but what God is going to do in me away from the distractions of America. Living in a slow town with a lenient schedule and few friends takes away all of the things I used as excuses to not be alone with Jesus. Here God has all of me because I don't know where else I can let myself be.
When I miss home, He is the most comfort I could desire.
When I doubt people's understanding of what I want from my time here, He is telling me to relax.
When I get frustrated by people continuously pointing out that I am White or passing me in lines or speaking in a language they know I can't understand, He is reminding me that He knows me and He loves me and in the midst of everything, THAT IS ENOUGH.
Zambia is a lot more fun when you're goal is to just sit back, relax, and make the most of everything.
Sunday we went to a dam/lake thing. Taught a family how to play Ultimate Frisbee. Watched little boys break dance. Saw a Zambian pop concert.
Monday we got to see Dayspring Street Project (the new orphanage we will be working with in Kitwe). We played Frisbee and cards with the older boys. We taught the younger ones how to play charades (basic English words of course) and ninja. That was a hit! (literally). In the afternoon, Ava Michelle and I ran errands- what?! I have errands in Africa? Lillian, the owner of Dayspring had us over to her really nice house for supper. She explained all about the Project and the kids and her vision. It was so awesome to hear about how feeding a couple kids porridge one morning turned into rescuing more than 40 boys and girls from the streets, teaching them how to take care of themselves, and being the family they thought they'd never have.
Today we had a plan to go to the girls' orphanage that Dayspring runs. Ha! Lillian took us to the market to get material for dresses we need made for a Kitchen Party on Saturday (I'll tell you about it once I know what it is). Then we had to pick up her friends and all of us went to the tailor together. Note: the "tailor" is a lady with three kids running around who made Lillian lunch because she was hungry then all the ladies talked for an hour before measurements were even taken. We made a quick stop by the girls' orphanage (which is called Faith) before coming back to our hostel.
All that to say that I'm really starting to get the hang of Zambian life. Trading punctuality and check lists for friendships and a good laugh. Shedding the doubts and anxieties that overwhelmed me a week ago and replaced them with excitement and hope for what the next six weeks holds.
Thanks again for everyone's love and support. It means more than you could even imagine.
I am so proud of you for persevering. I knew that God was in control of this project before, but now I can actually see and feel His presence in your words. I wish that when I say the words "I Love You" that you could feel even the tiniest hint of the depth of my emotion. It is immeasurable, at least in this lifetime.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord...I actually cried as I read your blog from yesterday. Melodie just called me and said, "Kiki, you have to see Risa's newest blog. It is awesome." God is good. I am so impressed by your maturity and the ability to listen to what God is telling you about this trip. It is awesome that God has revealed the purpose of your presence in Zambia. YOU GO GIRL! We all love you and cannot wait to hear more about your journey.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Aunt Kiki