What a week

Exhausted may not even begin to describe how I feel. Six days on the field has left me with many memories.  It also left me drained, emotionally. However, it is great how God has His way of giving a little boost to kick me out of the exhaustion.

The beginning of today started out with a bit of disappointment. I was supposed to be shadowing at the high school in Africa, but unfortunately things fell through. That meant I was back on outreach. Not that I didn't want to be on outreach because that is the team I asked to be a part of, but I was looking forward to a change in a pace. I felt like I was just giving all of myself over the past few days, and I wasn't sure how much more energy I had left.

It is awesome how God has a different plan. I was reminded how I just needed to rest in Him and not rely on my own strength - Zechariah 4:6. Part of the reason for hitting a wall was that I had so many emotions going through my mind. Today marks the 5 month anniversary of my grandma's death. I miss her more today than words can truly describe. I know she is much happier with Jesus, but I still miss her like crazy. And sometimes, I still cry...like last night and this morning. God was able to quiet my heart and speak to me through Psalms. He just reminded me to rest and reflect on His goodness.

So, today consisted of a new adventure: water filtration team. I REALLY wanted to do it and was so blessed to be a part of a four person team. We were able to go into the homes of multiple people, install water filters for lifetime clean water, and share the gospel of the living water, Jesus. It was a beautiful experience. The homes are so unique and the people are so special. My heart was completely stilled. I will never be able to see something so humbling again.

I am constantly being reminded that my life is not my own. Even though I may want something so much, God may have a different plan. And, that plan will be something better than I EVER could have imagined on my own.

Tomorrow is our last day before heading to Livingstone. I can't believe how fast the last week and a half has gone. The next 24 hours are going to be a great time of reflection to see how God will stretch us in the village one final time. This will probably be the last post until Livingstone. Shalinipo until then!

Two down...

...and one to go!

That's right, we have been on the field for 5 days now. We finished working in our second village today. Tomorrow we embark on the journey to the new and last village of the trip.

This last village, Kabwata, has been amazing. I have been so blessed to get to know so many children and amazing interpreters. I just love the one I had for three days, Brendah. Her and I just clicked. She is so full of love. Words seriously cannot describe how much I am going to miss her. Although, I am fortunate enough to be able to see her one last time on Sunday and keep in touch with her on Facebook.

Today, I got to witness to so many people...and by many, I mean about 58+. It was jam packed in the outreach room! I literally didn't get a break for 4 or so hours. During my time, I was able to have such a serious conversation with three lovely little girls. They wanted to know more about Jesus and the Bible. It was absolutely wonderful, and it just broke my heart...in a good way.

My heart is so filled with joy! This last village has made the trip remind me why I love being here oh so much! I have learned so many things, like more about the language, Zambian games, and how to dance African style - although I have learned white girls (and guys) don't have the hips to make it work, haha.

Although I am sad to say good-bye to this village,  I am looking forward to meeting new people, as we transition to the new village tomorrow. So until then, mwende bwino!

Outreaching...like crazy

So it has been a crazy past three and a half days. After making the last post, I found out the kids from the LHI orphanage were coming to the hotel to open their gifts from their sponsors. I was so very excited to see the boy I fell in love with last year, Chisenga. He grew so much but seems to be doing so well. He still totally has a piece of my heart.

Anyway, about the villages. The first village we visited was an interesting experience. On a good note, the medical team saw 765 people in the two days we were there! The village itself was very different than anything I encountered last year. The kids at this village were very needy, touchy, and expected a lot, specifically to give them stuff. Sometimes it got kind of crazy. They literally carried one of our teams members and chanted while carrying him...so yeah, different. It was definitely eye-opening but still a good experience.

As for the second village, which was today, it was AMAZING!!! I played with the kids almost the ENTIRE time. The turn out wasn't great on the medical end due to a miscommunication, but the many kids that were there were so pleasant. I taught jump rope, played soccer, and learned how to play net-ball...which just might be my new favorite game, haha. I also am extremely burnt from the sun...literally my neck is as red as a tomato. I swear to you that I put on sunscreen but I guess that's what I get for 4+ hours of standing in the African sun and being extremely white. My body feels as if it is radiating heat...I guess it works with keeping me warm during the chillier evenings. :-P

As for other things, the weather has been chilly: low 70s/high 60s with a lot of wind. Today was an exception with little wind and warming up to somewhere between 75 and 80. I have been trying to take pictures, although sometimes it's hard when you're having too much fun being one of the kids.

I can't wait to see how the next few days will turn out. On a plus, I will be observing in the school in Ndola on Monday. I am so looking forward to comparing the school in Zambia to schools in America. I am sure it will be an enlightening experience.

We've arrived!

Well it has been a long 36+ hours, but the journey to Ndola has finally ended...or technically is just beginning. Between being over an hour delayed in Detroit and running through the terminals in Amsterdam, the travel has been an adventure. However, even with quite the adventure to start with, we arrived safely AND with all our luggage!

The weather right now is pretty cool. Probably between 70 and 80 in the afternoons and about 60 in the evening. The sun is gorgeous, as it shines throughout the entire day.

To say I missed being here is an understatement. It is almost as if I never left. Tonight is pill-packing for the medical/pharmacy team. Tomorrow begins the outreaches to the villages. Can't wait to see what's in store over the next couple weeks!

The adventure begins...

Well, it's been a while...a long while. I can't believe school has ended, and I'm leaving for Africa tomorrow. To make it short, as I haven't posted in a while, this year has been a crazy one! From working full time (well more than full time with tutoring on the side) to officially completing my Master's --oh yeah, I finished that 2 months ago!--to everything else that life hands you, it seems like it was never going to calm down. But it has, in a way.

I am more excited than ever to be going back to Zambia. However, it still hasn't quite hit me yet. I mean, yes I'm excited and my bags are packed, but it still seems so unreal. Until I board that plane, I don't think it will truly hit me that I'm going back to a country that I hold so dear and near to my heart.

I can't wait to be back in a country with people who are so passionate. Passionate about life, fellowship, and God. The appreciation and joy that is encountered there just seeps through every part of their body. And...it's contagious. Oh, and the music. To hear their voices, their powerful and melodic voices!

Okay, so maybe I'm more than excited and anxious to be going back. I've looked forward to it all year. Every chance I get to talk about my experience, I do. So, I'm ending it for now, but I'll be back in a few days when I have reached Africa.