Thankfulness.

It's my last week here in Zambia and my heart has been overflowing with gratitude. Thankfulness that my mom arrived safely, for the amazing time I have had here, for new friends, for moments to love on the kids and see them grow as they learn new skills, and for moments of being submerged in a new culture and learning to love it. Today I just kept saying "thank you Lord" as things would happen that would just make me smile with gratitude that I am where I am. I have been so incredibly blessed to experience all that I have and to have met the amazing people I have. I said my first goodbye tonight and I'm not looking forward to many more in the next few days before I leave, but I am so very thankful for the new friends I've made and the reconnecting of old friends. I have been encouraged, sharpened spiritually, and challenged by the people I've met and grateful for the ways they have blessed my life. It's been so great having my mom come and visit and see all the places and people she has heard so much about. We picked her up from the airport on Wednesday and we have been going nonstop since then :). Today she got to meet all the girls at school and work with the grannies. Jessica and I went to pick up pizzas today for some of the teachers, kids, and grannies. It was fun hearing pizza being explained to the grannies and watching them eat it for probably the first time ever. The bags are now in full production so I'll hopefully be bringing some home with me to sell (hint hint :) ).

I know there are so many of you faithfully praying for me and now my mom while we are here and for the school and kids. I want to thank you so much! I can feel your prayers and see them at work in the ministry. Would you please to continue to pray that I will be able to finish up last minute things next week and grace to say goodbye, at least for now? I'm not good at saying goodbye and I know it's going to be really hard to leave but I'm praising the Lord for His continued hand of direction during this new season in my life. I'm grateful for this time and grateful for coming home and what He has next for me!

Love from Zambia!