I am home from my fourth visit to Zambia and yet this is not the end of a trip but the continuation of a journey. A journey in which lay behind me, a stretching of faith, miracles and gifts from God, brokenness, tears and one box that was left unchecked on my list of "to do's" in Zambia. The one box I thought would not be vacant of such a mark. But I must move on, not getting stuck in what has not been but what will be.
Seeing all the women and widows again was so wonderful! The first week was spent with them working on jewelry, fellowshipping together, devotions, and of course lunch! We made Nshima and cabbage and chicken, yum! They all worked hard on the jewelry and then on Fri. even took a lot home to work on over the next few days!
That first Friday night I went out (with some male Zambian friends of course) on the streets to talk with prostitutes. This was not only hard on me but really opened the eyes of the friends with me on a deeper level. This left us all a little somber but with a realization of the need for what we want to do in the future, allowed me new focus. This was a fact finding expedition but also a mission of love to these very brave women who have been left with no other choice in how to feed their children.
I then spent a day with my friend Sam Sakala getting some paperwork done and filed for Extending Hands (Zambia) ltd. I prayed we would just be able to get it done in one day and we did! That was a miracle, believe me:) I also went to church with Sam and his wife Joyce the day before and went to COMESA market for fabric! Fun!
After a failed attempt to see Precious' children the week before, not despite us jumping on multiple buses to George Compound and traipsing through to find out they don't live at that location anymore, we finally tracked them down. I was able to make sure they got a big bag of mealie meal, some oil and sugar and then of course some stuffed animals and candy, paper and colored pencils. It was good to see them and they looked well, despite their circumstances.
Then, God gave me such a gift! I went out with Gordon (The Simon Poultney Foundation) to the bush to be on a farm to see his projects in the village area. I slept in a tent out under the stars in Africa. Those of you who know me well, know this was just about as close to heaven as you can get on earth! It was a little respite in the middle of so much other busyness and heartache.
After driving back to Lusaka on Thur. and getting home late, I got up at 4am and took another long ride down south this time to visit the women in Monze who make these wonderful baskets! It was a privilege to meet them and see them work on these baskets, some that take about a week to make! We made that trip in one day and after getting back from that, I crashed.
Over that weekend I ran into Princess Kasune Zulu at a book store! The funny part is I never went to this shopping center because I was walking distance from the other one in town. But for a certain purpose, I had to be at that one that day and then ran into her! It was wonderful to chat with her and get a pic! Hoping to catch up with her when she returns to the states! God is good!
Had a down day that next day and did laundry while Dolly the cat (my roommate) kept trying to get on my lap as I was scrubbing my clothes!
Then I was able to go out with Bob and Mary Sendgikoski and Gary Schnieder from Every Orphans Hope to the village I first came to help build orphan homes. Brought stuff for the kids and got to see all the new things happening out there. Had a wonderful dinner with them as well!
The Tues. before I left, I had some meetings and things to do along with seeing and saying "good-bye" to the women who were coming out to the office one more time. I met with Daisy at IJM (International Justice Mission) and had one more meeting/lunch with Gordon and then after spending the afternoon with the women I got to meet with Siyani, one of my pastor's friends who works for World Vision and had a great conversation about many things going on in Zambia.
As all this was happening I was also trying to get that one box checked off....our old sponsored child, Agness. I was not having any luck getting a hold of the one person who knew how to find her. I felt so trapped and frustrated. I was so close yet I was so far away. I just wanted to see her and spend some time with her and give her a few things. I started realizing it might not happen as the days ticked by without any response. I never got to see her on this trip....it was heart breaking and frustrating. I will have to have it out with God as to why. But I will make it my mission to continue the journey not only to better the lives of the women and widows I work with but to get back and find her.
We are moving forward here at Extending Hands to do what God has called us to and it means walking the path God has laid out before us and trusting His sovereignty in all things. Even the things I don't understand. But maybe while en route some things will become clear. The journey beckons us on.....
We now have less than a month till our fundraiser on Sept. 1st, 2011 and will be planning out the next year. We have much to do, expanding the market for the jewelry and baskets, working on speaking engagements, and planning out next summer's trip. Please, pray for us. We want to make sure we are hearing and following God's plan and that we are on the right path, His path. Thanks everyone!
