I apologize for the length of time since my last post, and I was reading over it I realized it was lacking a spirit of hope. So, here I am your faithful servant to debrief you once more.
I believe that I am just now starting to process all that I have experienced and witnessed this summer. The Lord is really working on my heart personally as well as through the lives of these sweet and beautiful children.
As I was reflecting on some scripture last night, I became overwhelmed at how loving our God is. I have looked at my life over the last year and seen what God's hand has accomplished, and I feel so undeserving. Yet I know that He has given me everything for His glory, and how much comfort I can find in that. I believe that He is healing alot of bitterness in me and causing me to pursure hard after Him. I come to realize more and more everyday how much I need the love, redemption and security of Christ.
He loves me, He loves you! Each of us are worthy to be given everything good because it is a privelege to be called a child of God. He will rejoice over us with singing and quiet us with His love. I am so thankful for the healing and security the Lord gives me, that I may walk confidently in His word.
Last week was amazing! I have been making more and more house calls lately. I feel so honored that these families and caregivers have invited me into their homes so freely and without reservation. They have welcomed me, and I know that it is only by the Lord's hand that I am able to share gospel and to help them in any small way. I have so much to tell you all about the children but it seems overwhelming to try to post it all here. I look forward to seeing each and everyone one of you upon my return in three weeks.
Please pray that the Lord will be my guide. That I will pursue what is right, holy and pure. I love you all!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Hello friends! I am so happy to finally be writing to you have a few weeks. The first few weeks we had internet access in the villa and I could get to it when I have time, but now we do not and getting to the cafe is proving to be a challenge.
Week 5 presented some challenges. Monday morning, the Zambians showed up to Nakatendi hall and were told that they were locking the doors and that we would not be allowed to use the facilities. This is how things go in Zambia. So, literally at the very last second Moses (executive director, Family Legacy Zambia) made some calls and camp was moved to Dunamis church which is the largest church in Zambia. They are charging us more than double what we were paying at Nakatendi but the facilities are much nicer and we have enjoyed our time there.
I can't remember if I blogged about this, but several weeks ago we participated in an awareness march for voluntary counseling and testing of AIDS. During that time of "awareness" some witch doctors came out and started dancing and giving money to the deputy mayor. We immediately pulled the kids because this is exactly the same kind of things that we are trying to deliver them from. The deputy mayor was very upset because without the kids he really didn't have a program. A hunch tells me this is why we were kicked out. All that to say, there is some intense spiritual warfare going on in this city, but God always provides and camp continues to press forward.
I have continued visiting homes of the children that need the most care, going and providing medications and education to the families. It is my favorite part of my job here. I love being invited into the homes and being able to commune with the caregivers of these children and to share with them the word of God. Every single one of these children is precious, and my heart continues to break for them.
I revisited one of my girls from week 4 (the week I had my own group) and spent several hours with her. The week she came to camp she would hardly talk to us at all, and when I visited her on friday we shared the Truth of God with here for several hours. At the end of that time, she insisted that there was nothing that I could pray for her about. Finally, she was able to tell me and my partner (Ethel)that she wanted to kill herself, that her living situation with her grandomother was so bad that she would rather be living on the street. Her appearance was hopeless and sorrowful. I can't tell you how many hours I spent weeping over this child, both at camp and upon revisitation. How many hours I have spent in prayer for her begging God to allow me just to take some of her sorrow and exchange it for the joy I have in Christ. I know that it is only He who can save her, but I hurt so much for her. Please be praying for her, she is Dorothy. I know our prayers do not return void, for He says that if we ask and believe in the name of Jesus, it is already done.
Last week I reached a breaking point. The comination of lack of sleep, exhaustion and lack of alone time, lack of time to process and difficult situations of the kids culminated in a small emotional breakdown. I was unprepared for taking the roll of a full time staff person and all of the responsibilites that incurs. I am always on duty, always being pulled in a million directions and have little time to myself. But this weekend I have had some very good quiet and worship time as well as rest. The Lord has renewed by mind and body and I feel fully equipped to press forward with the coming weeks. I am looking to Him only to be my strength.
Please be praying that the Lord would contiue to hold me in His hand, and pray for my mental health as I end my time here. I am not ready to leave, and i know that coming home will be extremely difficult. I am not prepared to return home, although I know that it must happen for now. I know the Lord will give me grace in every step I take, but I know the transition home will be hard. I love you all and I am thinking of you often!
Week 5 presented some challenges. Monday morning, the Zambians showed up to Nakatendi hall and were told that they were locking the doors and that we would not be allowed to use the facilities. This is how things go in Zambia. So, literally at the very last second Moses (executive director, Family Legacy Zambia) made some calls and camp was moved to Dunamis church which is the largest church in Zambia. They are charging us more than double what we were paying at Nakatendi but the facilities are much nicer and we have enjoyed our time there.
I can't remember if I blogged about this, but several weeks ago we participated in an awareness march for voluntary counseling and testing of AIDS. During that time of "awareness" some witch doctors came out and started dancing and giving money to the deputy mayor. We immediately pulled the kids because this is exactly the same kind of things that we are trying to deliver them from. The deputy mayor was very upset because without the kids he really didn't have a program. A hunch tells me this is why we were kicked out. All that to say, there is some intense spiritual warfare going on in this city, but God always provides and camp continues to press forward.
I have continued visiting homes of the children that need the most care, going and providing medications and education to the families. It is my favorite part of my job here. I love being invited into the homes and being able to commune with the caregivers of these children and to share with them the word of God. Every single one of these children is precious, and my heart continues to break for them.
I revisited one of my girls from week 4 (the week I had my own group) and spent several hours with her. The week she came to camp she would hardly talk to us at all, and when I visited her on friday we shared the Truth of God with here for several hours. At the end of that time, she insisted that there was nothing that I could pray for her about. Finally, she was able to tell me and my partner (Ethel)that she wanted to kill herself, that her living situation with her grandomother was so bad that she would rather be living on the street. Her appearance was hopeless and sorrowful. I can't tell you how many hours I spent weeping over this child, both at camp and upon revisitation. How many hours I have spent in prayer for her begging God to allow me just to take some of her sorrow and exchange it for the joy I have in Christ. I know that it is only He who can save her, but I hurt so much for her. Please be praying for her, she is Dorothy. I know our prayers do not return void, for He says that if we ask and believe in the name of Jesus, it is already done.
Last week I reached a breaking point. The comination of lack of sleep, exhaustion and lack of alone time, lack of time to process and difficult situations of the kids culminated in a small emotional breakdown. I was unprepared for taking the roll of a full time staff person and all of the responsibilites that incurs. I am always on duty, always being pulled in a million directions and have little time to myself. But this weekend I have had some very good quiet and worship time as well as rest. The Lord has renewed by mind and body and I feel fully equipped to press forward with the coming weeks. I am looking to Him only to be my strength.
Please be praying that the Lord would contiue to hold me in His hand, and pray for my mental health as I end my time here. I am not ready to leave, and i know that coming home will be extremely difficult. I am not prepared to return home, although I know that it must happen for now. I know the Lord will give me grace in every step I take, but I know the transition home will be hard. I love you all and I am thinking of you often!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Chobe National Game Reserve
I am in love with guava!
Yesterday our team traveled a short distance to Botswana (Andrea, I thought of you) to safari through Chobe National Game Reserve. It was quite and adventure. At one point we were standing on four different countries: Botwana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Pretty cool. We learned that this is the only place in the world that four countries meet.
To cross the border we had to take a little motor boat across the Zambezi river. The first half of our day was spent on a safari boat tour. We cruised the Chobe River where we were able to spot a variety of the most beautiful fishing birds you have ever seen, small and HUGE crocodiles, hippos, water monitor lizards, elephants, bald eagles, and a number of other things. The fisher birds fly very high over the water and then dive beak first like a rocket. The weather was perfect, about 60 degrees and windy but with the sun shining over head. The beautiful African planes are incomparable to anything I have seen.
The afternoon was spent in Chobe Park on a game drive where we viewed more heards of elephants, giraffes, sables, impala, guineas, kudus, etc. I really wanted to see a lion or a leapord but Winnie (our guide) said that they are very difficult to view because their activity is almost soley restrictred to dawn and or midnight. Winnie was a fantastic guide and is very knowledgeable about all of the animals. I know it's his job, but he was very pleasant.
In Chobe, we were told that there are around 45,000 elephants!!!! Winnie said that the large elephant population is a problem. A few years ago the government voted on killing some of them off, but that was vetoed. Instead, they decided to sell off several thousand elephants to countries lacking an elephant population. The entire park is over 10,500 KM!!!!! Our tour did not even scratch the surface, but it was so much fun. Next time I would like to go on an all day game drive and be out there at dawn to watch the lions.
Unfortunately, my camera broke a couple of days ago so my pictures from the safari were collected on a disposable Kodak (better than nothing). My friends have offered to share with me though, and I look forward to showing them to you when I return. But let's not think of that now. Tomorrow I am returning to Lusaka to gear up for week 5 of camp!
Yesterday our team traveled a short distance to Botswana (Andrea, I thought of you) to safari through Chobe National Game Reserve. It was quite and adventure. At one point we were standing on four different countries: Botwana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Pretty cool. We learned that this is the only place in the world that four countries meet.
To cross the border we had to take a little motor boat across the Zambezi river. The first half of our day was spent on a safari boat tour. We cruised the Chobe River where we were able to spot a variety of the most beautiful fishing birds you have ever seen, small and HUGE crocodiles, hippos, water monitor lizards, elephants, bald eagles, and a number of other things. The fisher birds fly very high over the water and then dive beak first like a rocket. The weather was perfect, about 60 degrees and windy but with the sun shining over head. The beautiful African planes are incomparable to anything I have seen.
The afternoon was spent in Chobe Park on a game drive where we viewed more heards of elephants, giraffes, sables, impala, guineas, kudus, etc. I really wanted to see a lion or a leapord but Winnie (our guide) said that they are very difficult to view because their activity is almost soley restrictred to dawn and or midnight. Winnie was a fantastic guide and is very knowledgeable about all of the animals. I know it's his job, but he was very pleasant.
In Chobe, we were told that there are around 45,000 elephants!!!! Winnie said that the large elephant population is a problem. A few years ago the government voted on killing some of them off, but that was vetoed. Instead, they decided to sell off several thousand elephants to countries lacking an elephant population. The entire park is over 10,500 KM!!!!! Our tour did not even scratch the surface, but it was so much fun. Next time I would like to go on an all day game drive and be out there at dawn to watch the lions.
Unfortunately, my camera broke a couple of days ago so my pictures from the safari were collected on a disposable Kodak (better than nothing). My friends have offered to share with me though, and I look forward to showing them to you when I return. But let's not think of that now. Tomorrow I am returning to Lusaka to gear up for week 5 of camp!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Victoria Falls
We spent the day today hiking Vic Falls. We are staying at a place called the Zambezi Sun and it is so beautiful here. The hotel is built on a national game park so the monkeys, zebras and giraffes roam freely. Victoria falls is about a three minute walk a way and you can see the "smoke" billowing from the hotel.
I have never seen anything this beautiful, it is impossible to put into words. I can't wait to share pictures when I return even though I know they will not do this place justice. We took raincoats from the hotel because you get soaked to the bone walking around. The rainy season has just ended so the Falls are flowing fully. Animals roam freely, and the area is almost like a rain forest. Beautiful trees, vines, cliffs, moss, and rocks everywhere. The falls create a 360 degree rainbow at one point, and double rainbows, and little rainbows everywhere. The majesty of the falls are truly amazing, and as I was standing in the today Psalm 86 came to mind.
Among the gods there is none like you O Lord.
No deeds can compare with yours
All the nations will come and worship before you, O Lord
It is impossible to look at this wonder and not see a God who is majestic and holy, beautiful and good. For everything that He has made in this creation tells us something about His character. In the day that I have been here, my health is almost 100%. It has been nice to escape the congestion, pollution and dust of Lusaka, although my heart longs to return there and embrace many hurting children.
The work to be done in Lusaka is great, and I know that the coming weeks will be the most difficult. We have larger numbers of Americans, and therefore kids, and we are loosing a couple of summer staff whose time it is to return home. PLease continue praying for renewal of strength daily, pray for efficiency and pray for communication between the staff. If at any point there is communication breakdown, attitudes get testy. Also please continue praying for clear direction from the Lord in what His plans are for me.
I have never seen anything this beautiful, it is impossible to put into words. I can't wait to share pictures when I return even though I know they will not do this place justice. We took raincoats from the hotel because you get soaked to the bone walking around. The rainy season has just ended so the Falls are flowing fully. Animals roam freely, and the area is almost like a rain forest. Beautiful trees, vines, cliffs, moss, and rocks everywhere. The falls create a 360 degree rainbow at one point, and double rainbows, and little rainbows everywhere. The majesty of the falls are truly amazing, and as I was standing in the today Psalm 86 came to mind.
Among the gods there is none like you O Lord.
No deeds can compare with yours
All the nations will come and worship before you, O Lord
It is impossible to look at this wonder and not see a God who is majestic and holy, beautiful and good. For everything that He has made in this creation tells us something about His character. In the day that I have been here, my health is almost 100%. It has been nice to escape the congestion, pollution and dust of Lusaka, although my heart longs to return there and embrace many hurting children.
The work to be done in Lusaka is great, and I know that the coming weeks will be the most difficult. We have larger numbers of Americans, and therefore kids, and we are loosing a couple of summer staff whose time it is to return home. PLease continue praying for renewal of strength daily, pray for efficiency and pray for communication between the staff. If at any point there is communication breakdown, attitudes get testy. Also please continue praying for clear direction from the Lord in what His plans are for me.
DESTINY
I AM FINALLY ABLE TO WRTIE SOMETHING AGAIN AFTER TWO VERY LONG WEEKS. I HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH A DEEP RESPIRATORY COUGH. AFTER A ROUND OF ANTIBIOTICS THAT DIDN'T TOUCH ME, AND A WEEK OF FEELING PRETTY MISERABLE, I AM NOW IN VICTORIA FALLS FOR SOME MUCH NEEDED REST.
LAST WEEK WAS AMAZING, I WAS ABLE TO SEE MOST OF MY DESTINY KIDS FROM LAST YEAR WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW. AS SOON AS THEY STEPPED OFF OF THE BUS, THEY BEGAN YELLING "AUNTIE STEPHANIE, AUNTIE STEPHANIE." IT SO WARMS MY HEART TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE DISCIPLING THEM. I HAD A FEW NEW KIDS, WHICH PRESENTED MORE OF A CHALLENGE. THE GIRLS ARE GROWING UP INTO YOUNG LADIES, AND WITH THAT GROWTH COMES A NEW SET OF SPIRITUAL NEEDS.
THE THEME THIS YEAR IS POWERFUL, AND IT IS EVEN MORE POWERFUL WHEN YOU HAVE TO TEACH IT TO 15 KIDS. I DEFINITELY LOVED TEACHING THEM HOW TO BE LOVED, ACCEPTED, SECURE, SIGNIFICANT AND FREE IN JESUS CHRIST. THEY ARE SUCH SIMPLE AND POWERFUL TRUTHS. I HAVE DEFINITELY MISSED HAVING A SMALL GROUP OF MY OWN. TO TALK TO EACH OF THE KIDS ONE ON ONE AND TO FIND OUT THEIR STORIES IS ALWAYS HEART BREAKING AND SAD. THE JOY ON THEIR FACES AT THE END OF THE DAY MAKES EVERY TEAR WORTH IT. BECAUSE THE LORD HAS SENT ME AND MY PARTNER ETHEL, THESE CHILDREN KNOW THEY ARE LOVED.
MY PARTNER THIS YEAR WAS NOT PAUL (MY PARTNER FROM THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS). MY NEW PARTNER'S NAME IS ETHEL AND SHE HAS A GENTLE AND SWEET SPIRIT ABOUT HER. WE ARE TWO PEAS IN A POD. EVERY MORNING WE WOULD SING AND PRAY TOGETHER. THE REAL CHALLENGE CAME THE FIRST DAY WHEN ALL OF THE KIDS WERE ASKING ME, "WHERE IS UNCLE PAUL, WHERE IS UNCLE PAUL?" IT TOOK THEM A COUPLE OF DAYS TO ADJUST TO ETHEL, BUT IN THE END THEY LOVED HER.
THERE IS FAR TOO MUCH TO WRITE HERE ABOUT THE STORIES I WITNESSED BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THIS IS THE MOST POWERFUL MESSAGE WE HAVE EVER GIVEN. SATAN IS NOT HAPPY ABOUT OUR WORK HERE AND THERE ARE MANY OBSTACLES IN THE WAY. THE FACILITY THAT WE ARE AT HAS DOUBLE BOOKED ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS FORCING US TO MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS. WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A NEW FACILITY FOR THE SECOND HALF, SO PLEASE BE IN PRAYER FOR THAT. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO WRITE MORE FAITHFULLY FROM HERE ON OUT.
LAST WEEK WAS AMAZING, I WAS ABLE TO SEE MOST OF MY DESTINY KIDS FROM LAST YEAR WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW. AS SOON AS THEY STEPPED OFF OF THE BUS, THEY BEGAN YELLING "AUNTIE STEPHANIE, AUNTIE STEPHANIE." IT SO WARMS MY HEART TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE DISCIPLING THEM. I HAD A FEW NEW KIDS, WHICH PRESENTED MORE OF A CHALLENGE. THE GIRLS ARE GROWING UP INTO YOUNG LADIES, AND WITH THAT GROWTH COMES A NEW SET OF SPIRITUAL NEEDS.
THE THEME THIS YEAR IS POWERFUL, AND IT IS EVEN MORE POWERFUL WHEN YOU HAVE TO TEACH IT TO 15 KIDS. I DEFINITELY LOVED TEACHING THEM HOW TO BE LOVED, ACCEPTED, SECURE, SIGNIFICANT AND FREE IN JESUS CHRIST. THEY ARE SUCH SIMPLE AND POWERFUL TRUTHS. I HAVE DEFINITELY MISSED HAVING A SMALL GROUP OF MY OWN. TO TALK TO EACH OF THE KIDS ONE ON ONE AND TO FIND OUT THEIR STORIES IS ALWAYS HEART BREAKING AND SAD. THE JOY ON THEIR FACES AT THE END OF THE DAY MAKES EVERY TEAR WORTH IT. BECAUSE THE LORD HAS SENT ME AND MY PARTNER ETHEL, THESE CHILDREN KNOW THEY ARE LOVED.
MY PARTNER THIS YEAR WAS NOT PAUL (MY PARTNER FROM THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS). MY NEW PARTNER'S NAME IS ETHEL AND SHE HAS A GENTLE AND SWEET SPIRIT ABOUT HER. WE ARE TWO PEAS IN A POD. EVERY MORNING WE WOULD SING AND PRAY TOGETHER. THE REAL CHALLENGE CAME THE FIRST DAY WHEN ALL OF THE KIDS WERE ASKING ME, "WHERE IS UNCLE PAUL, WHERE IS UNCLE PAUL?" IT TOOK THEM A COUPLE OF DAYS TO ADJUST TO ETHEL, BUT IN THE END THEY LOVED HER.
THERE IS FAR TOO MUCH TO WRITE HERE ABOUT THE STORIES I WITNESSED BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THIS IS THE MOST POWERFUL MESSAGE WE HAVE EVER GIVEN. SATAN IS NOT HAPPY ABOUT OUR WORK HERE AND THERE ARE MANY OBSTACLES IN THE WAY. THE FACILITY THAT WE ARE AT HAS DOUBLE BOOKED ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS FORCING US TO MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS. WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A NEW FACILITY FOR THE SECOND HALF, SO PLEASE BE IN PRAYER FOR THAT. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO WRITE MORE FAITHFULLY FROM HERE ON OUT.
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