Our first night in Africa... it was a sweet time, blessed with a beautiful sunset! (like every night)
The walk down our road to and from the school... it's a beautiful walk, and a beautiful thing to see my children walk the roads with such amazing people!
The kids were a bit overwhelmed at first, with 215 kids staring them down. In the words of KG "it was kinda crowdy." ha. BUT, since then, E has attended class, KG has found several playmates, and Z has been to basket weaving cla
ss 2 days! (plus they are all getting spoiled by the older kids!)
We are so blessed to live among the only strawberry farm in Zambia! That's Lifesong Farm! You can click here to see more. The kids LOVE it!
A little story and some prayer...
I wanted to ask you to pray for P. He is a little boy that is Z's age who is constantly sick. He was at school with his mother yesterday, as she wanted him to see the nurse at school. I was asked to sit in on the visit to possibly help from a social work standpoint. You see, little P is suspected to be HIV +. However, his mother denies this greatly and has up to this point refused to get him tested. I sat down next to P and another team member. Our nurse, Christabell (who ROCKS), had a heart to heart with the mother. She said "do you want your child to die?" The mother hung her head and eventually said "no." She said "You can get tested, treated and take medication and do very well." The mother agreed to go immediately and have him tested. LS provided the ability for her to get to the clinic. We are supposed to learn tomorrow these results and get him medication if necessary. Pray for his mother, that she would be able to stand strong and make wise choices for P. Pray that she would be able to keep his best interest in mind rather than the stigma she and her family may face. Pray for P. He is a sweet, sweet little boy who wants to be well... to run and play like other 6 year old boys do.
Ya'll... I don't know what more to say, other than now that I am here I feel like this is what I was made for. While I'm not blinded to the darkness around, I'm finding such deep joy and gladness that God chose us to be in this place.
Incredible. And such amazing pics of your sweet little gifts serving alongside you. I LOVE the one of the dark hands showing his little white hand basket weaving. Beautiful! Love you friend... and I also feel this is what you were made for!! Hugs, T
ReplyDeletePraying! What an amazing place and people!
ReplyDelete"Ya'll... I don't know what more to say, other than now that I am here I feel like this is what I was made for. While I'm not blinded to the darkness around, I'm finding such deep joy and gladness that God chose us to be in this place."
ReplyDeleteThis statement made me cry. I miss your face! But I believe that is exactly what God has made you for and no one will be able to do it like you and yours.
We love and miss you more than you know. Holler anytime. I see Shane pop up lots on Skype. MWAH! Hugs and Kisses from our crew.
You inspire me and made me cry at the same time. The beauty of seeing you there is overwhelming. I am thankful to Him who called you to be the mother to so many and thankful that you and Shane answered the call. Praying for you each and every day!
ReplyDeleteLove,
The O'Learys
Mitzi, that is awesome! Praying for you all and loving the excitement that is flying out of Zambia from you and Leslie!
ReplyDeleteI am moved, just so moved by your whole journey, how you longed to be in Zambia, and now you are REALLY there!! Ahhh!! and now it is just amazing to see you and your kids walking along the road, weaving with the locals, and living now in Africa. I am reminded of sweet playdates with our friends, and I have such happy tears for you guys and how I love this statement.. "Ya'll... I don't know what more to say, other than now that I am here I feel like this is what I was made for. While I'm not blinded to the darkness around, I'm finding such deep joy and gladness that God chose us to be in this place."
ReplyDeleteMcBride, you are really something.... it seems like each of your posts makes me love ya more. I'm thankful to have you as a friend. You are truly a beautiful woman.
ReplyDelete