I can't believe I've already been here two weeks! Where is the time going? On Friday a guy named "Uncle Bob" who gathers food donations for the local schools came and delivered bananas, trail mix, and chips for the kids. We helped pass out the food and it was so cute seeing the little ones holding out the bottom of their shirt so they could carry as many chips as possible. The youngest class at Mercy is pre k but the kids are so tiny, mostly because of their growth being stunted due to not enough nutrients in the little food they receive, that they look about more about 3. I spent time with the younger grades during their break yesterday and loved learning some of their games. They have so much joy and I love just being withe them, even when I don't know what's going on due to the language barrier. We played some game where you go around and name different things and I thought we were still naming fruit but I guess at some point they changed to countries so when I said mango instead of like Zambia or the US they all go quite a laugh out of that ;). Later that morning I helped in the sewing room where the girls are still working on making dolls. They are coming along well and hopefully I can get some pics uploaded soon. They are all really excited about learning to make bags and headbands in April. In the afternoon I helped Marcia with her class where they are finishing up talking about the Easter story. I love hearing the words of truth come from these older kids and see the realization come into their eyes of the what Christ did on the cross and that He is risen and coming again!

Here are a few prayer requests y'all can pray for. Jessica was rear ended the weekend before I got here and her car is still in the shop. They keep saying it will be done "tomorrow" but tomorrow still hasn't come. She is at the shop now hoping to pick it up today but they keep having problems with it. We have been able to borrow rides up until now but it would be great to have her car back. Please pray we will get it back this morning and there won't be any more problems. Also will you pray for the grade 6 &7 girls as they are learning to sew? That they will have creativity and patience while learning this new skill. Eventually we are hoping that the profit from the things they make and sell will be put into a school fund to pay for their higher education. Thank you so much!!!

Sewing projects

This past week we have been working on a project for the grannies at the school. They need a way to be able to buy mealie meal, which is similar to cornmeal, so they can provide for themselves. Jessica came up with the idea of making rugs and bowls using a hula hoop and chitenge. So in our free time Jessica and I have been making samples to show and teach the grannies how to make these things. Yesterday we went to the market where the locals buy (and was that an experience!) and bought more chitenge to make the rugs and more stuffed animals. This morning we brought all the supplies up to school, but as soon as we showed the grannies the new chitenges they got so excited!! They wanted to trade in their old, dirty, faded chitenge they wear everyday for the new ones we bought. We said it was ok because it didn't matter what kind we make the rugs out of. They couldn't stop smiling and showing off their new skirts :). It reminded me of how Jesus freely took our old, filthy, dirty, sin and has clothed us with new robes (or chitenges), and has taken away our sin! And now what joy we have, just like these women. Here are a few photos we took while making rugs :)

Some of the kids also received new uniforms for football (soccer) and they were so proud! This is grade 6 and 7. 

I'm loving every minute of being here! I'm working on sewing projects for the grade 6 girls who want to learn how to sew on a machine during the break in April. I've also been spending time helping out with an extra curricular class a couple days this week. Next week the kids have exams so they are all studying hard this week!

Hello from Lusaka!

I arrived safely here in Lusaka on Thursday and things are going well.  My flight went smoothly but I was so happy to get off that flight and breath in some fresh air.  Jessica picked me up at 6:30am and we headed to her house so I could shower and get settled in. We then went out to Mercy Ministries. It was so good to see many of the people I met last year.  They showed me around and I saw all the new things that are going on at school.  I was able to talk to Dorothy who started the school and it was so good to catch up with her. She has an incredibly strong faith in the Lord and such a grateful spirit for everything.

            On Friday we had the privilege of tagging along with a friend of Jessica named Marcia and a lady who takes care of her home and fixes their meals named Ruth. We drove down to Livingstone (6hr drive) and saw Victoria Falls. This was a birthday present for Ruth who had never seen the falls or even been very far from Lusaka. It was so fun seeing everything through her eyes! All she kept saying was WOW!! I felt so humbled that I’ve been able to see these falls twice but someone who lives here has never been able to see it even once. I loved seeing her excitement and being blessed to come along. We drove back home today and are settling back in and preparing for the week ahead. 

            This next week we are going to work on a project for the grannies at the school to be able to help bring in income. Jessica has a few ideas so we’ll see what we are able to come up with. We also will be spending time up at school working and reading with the kids. It still feels kind of surreal that I’m actually here but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m so excited for this next week and to see all that God does. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! 

Halfway there!

Hello from London! I'm sitting here in a restaurant eating some dinner and loving hearing all the sounds of England (even if it is just in the airport). My first flight went well and I have just a few more hours before I board my flight to Lusaka. I heard from Jessica, who I'm staying with, and it sounds like we'll be heading to Victoria Falls on Friday to spend the weekend with another missionary friend of hers. I was able to visit these falls last year and so excited to go again. I'm not sure when I'll have internet again so just wanted to update and thank you all for praying!!

Just a few more days

This past week has been filled with coffee dates with friends to catch up with before I leave, last minute trips to the store for supplies and beginning the packing process. I know I'm really excited because I started packing a few days ago and this is definitely a first for me (I always pack the night before I leave). I have been overwhelmed by all the encouragement the Lord has sent my way this week as I'm preparing to go. One of the biggest blessings was meeting with my adopted Memaw so she could pray over me before I leave. This sweet lady has been involved in my life since I was about 5 and is one of the most Godly ladies I know. She is always challenging me to get in the Word and memorize scripture. She prayed verses of scripture over me that God had given her directly for me. I could just see the love of the Lord flowing out of her. One thing she said to me was "Trust God and leave the consequences to Him". God knew I needed to hear that as I leave. I have the assurance that I can step out in faith into what He has called me to and He will handle the consequences. God is so strong in my weakness! Another encouraging thing that happened was on Tuesday while I was picking up supplies and shopping for the trip I had several people ask me about where I was going or what I was doing. It opened the door for me to share about the ministry in Zambia and I was so encouraged by their responses. I'm so grateful for the way God is continuing to confirm His direction. 

Well it's back to packing for me. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for me! My flight leaves at 9pm on Tuesday. 4 days to go!! :)