Connections...

Today I was able to share a little about what I'm doing in Zambia to witness relationally to my students at a Life Group at LeTourneau University. The opportunity came up because I had gone to speak to an old professor last week, and what was meant to be a quick hello became an hour and a half of talking with Dr. K and his wife. They are both lovely people, and it was a rare treat to have such an intelligent conversation about missions and evangelism. Also out of that visit, I read the book Questioning Evangelism this weekend; very thought provoking, and well worth it.

On Sunday I went to the early service at a local church and ran into an old family friend. At first I thought God was just being nice and putting a friendly face in the doorway for me, but I ended up having a wonderful conversation with this dear lady that blessed me immensely. We both were amazed at how God orchestrated our mornings so we would have that time to be together; His constant care of the details in my life is amazing!

I am preparing to take the first of my big trips--this month is the Nashville/Atlanta visit, and I'm still working on March. Prayers for safety as I drive would be appreciated, as well as for health in the face of all the seasonal ills!

Colorado

Over the weekend I took a quick trip to Colorado to help one sister drive her car up there, and to help a brother move. I was stunned by the beauty of God's creation in New Mexico and Colorado, and in the midst of all the miles and the moving boxes, I had some great time with my siblings. I am so thankful to actually have been on the right side of the ocean to practically help for once--God is good.

Lake Day

This lake girl was very thankful to spend a few quiet minutes in a Cyprus forest this afternoon! And yes, we went to the lake in January. Because temperatures went from the 30's to the 70's overnight.

Courage and Hope

While Christmas was rather complicated this year by the death of a friend's brother and a cousin, I am so blessed to have been able to be home at this time. I have missed my family so much, and while Christmas was a little crazy, I savored each moment. Even having to turn on the window unit and a fan while my sisters and I got Christmas dinner ready!

As I look back on last year, the word I would use to sum up the year would be "courage." This year took more courage to face and live than any other year of my life. There were several personal and work related challenges to overcome, I was already exhausted and discouraged when the year began, and even more so by the time I started on my journey home. While I would never want to relive the pain of this past year, it drove me to the Lord in ways that I had never been driven, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. 2015 and 2016 have left some deep scars on my soul, but I serve a God of healing, and He is redeeming those tears into something beautiful. So, for now, the word for 2017 is Hope. I have hope for continued strength, hope for healing both physical and emotional, and hope for better things. I have hope that the lessons I learned in the dark valleys of the last two years will not be forgotten, and that the Lord is not finished with me yet. So, 2017, I am ready to walk the adventure you have for me.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh...And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, 12:9-10.

Home!

After a (for me!) uneventful trip, I arrived safely at home this last Wednesday. It has been so good to be with my family, and I look forward to the next few months of rest. Because that is what I am desperate need of, rest.

London and Bath were amazing; I’m so thankful that this personal treat worked out! As I held out on Christmas music until I left the station, it was a real treat to see, hear, and smell all the Christmas in England. Mince pies! Roasting chestnuts! Mulled wine!

Right now I’m pitching in on various family projects, working through some things I need, and just enjoying being home in the States. I picked up the care I’m leasing from MTT yesterday so I have my own wheels, and I’ve pretty much got my new laptop and phone figured out.

I'm home!

The nerd in me had so much fun at Bath!

Last Week

As I work through my truly daunting list of ‘Things that MUST be done,’ ‘Things that probably aught to be done,’ and ‘Things I would LIKE to be done’ lists, I’m so grateful to be finished with report cards. Huzzah—I survived 7 years of the crazy! I got an average of 5 hours of sleep each night last week, and I was on the verge of tears a few times, but there were no major meltdowns, and so far I have managed to snatch a few naps while also being productive. God is good.

Lets see… A lot of this last week is a hazy blur as I marked, wrote report cards, and worked on a variety of end of term related projects. I celebrated Thanksgiving two days late with Beth and Ruthie.

Progress continues on the covered play areas; they are starting to pour the floor.

We celebrated leavers party tonight--games, food, and the presentation of bibles to the leavers. The theme was Bible Characters.

And, the Zambian skies are again amazing. Just two more days till I head out!

"I have no great joy than this,"

"to hear of my children walking in the truth." - 3 John 4

The highlight of this last week was to see one of our grade 9 students obey the Lord in baptism. Having watched this lovely young lady grow up from grade 3 onwards, to see her making this public profession of the new life I have seen in her was truly special. It was also special that her dad, a missionary at a nearby station, was able to baptize her as part of our joint prayer meeting. The Lord has really been working in the hearts of particularly the junior boys this term, and Satan has also been at work, but to see these glimpses of what He is doing is such a privilege.