I can honestly say this trip has not been what I thought it would be. I didn’t expect our flight to be delayed, cancelled, and rerouted. I didn’t expect to feel the fatigue and frustration that comes from not being able to sleep on a plane. I didn’t anticipate our bags being lost and not having half my clothes for 5 days. And I certainly wasn’t prepared to see the extent of the extreme poverty in Zambia.
More importantly though, I didn’t expect to be welcomed by a group of children singing beautiful music as we stepped out of our van. I was surprised as I was almost trampled when the children and adults crowded me to see a picture of themselves on the camera as they giggled and squealed. I didn’t expect to see the joy and laughter from children playing with a huge ball of duct tape. I didn’t expect my heart to melt when a little child would tug at my skirt and reach her arms upward. I didn’t expect the joy I would feel as I slipped a dirty, dusty foot into a brand new shoe. I didn’t expect to wash dishes with a homemade scrubber and water from a hose outside or to use a homemade broom made out of tree bark. I didn’t expect to jump in icy cold water which took my breath away or to eat nshima, rape, and the neighborhood chicken. And I didn’t expect to feel such a special bond with my brothers and sisters in Christ half-way around the world. But most of all, I didn’t expect to feel so blessed when I was suppose to be the one blessing!
Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”
At the beginning of this year, it wasn’t my plan to be in Africa, but now I’m here. Pastor Navice told us last night that we are not here by accident; we are part of God’s plan.
Yesterday’s verse in VBS was Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
The Lord is teaching me and I am still learning that His plan is best and that even if it’s not what I was expecting, it’s still very good!!
- Shari Holmes
Hi it is early morning here in Zambia! and I live here as a missionary with Flying Mission Zambia. I went to University with Brooke Black's mom ...Way back and would love to get a glimpse of her. Is there a cell number where I could reach her? I love the picture of her and the child. Hope this might get some ones attention although I know Internet here is sketchy at best. My name is Sally Lott...Attended Grace in Omaha way back. I hope someone sees this and can give me a cell #... I could possibly come to the Lima place and see you if I can figure out where it is.
ReplyDeleteLater in His Mercy...Sally Harmon Lott