Transitioning Home

August 1-August 20.

Tomorrow will be three weeks since I left Zambia. It’s only been 20 days, but it feels like months. Time is such a strange thing. While it is incredibly consistent (always 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week… okay so months get a little different but that’s besides the point…) time never feels consistent to me. Reflecting back on the flights to get to Zambia seems like ages ago. However remembering walking into the Haven 2 for the first time feels just like it was yesterday! Strange.

Thankfully on the flights back to Atlanta, I did not have any vertigo relapse or symptoms! Our Lord was watching over me and showing His mercy. I couldn’t stop smiling once I landed in Atlanta! Security and customs was painlessly quick. Then I got to hug my family! Bridgette, Mom, Dad and Beth were waiting with Toy Story balloons. Perfect. I was so relieved to see them that I barely had words or the ability to react except to stand there and smile.

They're the cutest.

Over the next few days, I visited good friends and family. We even went to Tennessee to celebrate Grandad’s 80^th Birthday! While I was thrilled to see everyone, jetlag was hitting me like a mac truck. So to everyone who saw me that first week I’m sorry I had very few words. To everyone who asked, “How was Africa?” please keep asking me! It’s just been the last 4 days that I have been able to actually answer that question without staring blankly or just wanting to curl in a ball and cry. I didn’t realize how many days it would take to get over jetlag, then how many more days until I could reflect enough to for complete sentences over what I learned and experienced in my 7 very treasured weeks at the Havens.

So to start answering, “How was Africa?” Let me share a few of the many lessons I learned…

Meagan Hawley. Wow.  She loves the children and people of Zambia with her whole heart. One of the many ways she inspires me is through constant surrender. There are times we would love for our dreams to come true and things to be easy, but Meagan has shown me the beauty that comes through the hardships of surrendering your dreams to let God give you His dreams for you. I love her so much.

 

Meagan with the Mungaila Children infront of their new house!

Joel. This three-year-old boy is so determined to walk! He was sweet enough to show me his smiles, squeals and hugs daily. I love him for that. Joel is learning and singing with his brothers and sisters in language class like a champ. With God’s help, I know he will walk on his own one day!

Lincoln (left) helping Joel walk!

Loving life in language class.
This boy is perfect! 

Ba Edinan is a shining example of servant heart and hospitality. She is a friend to everybody. Ba Edinan welcomed us into her home and treated us so warmly. She manages what she has very well and helps the families in her village without hesitation.

Visiting Ba Edinan and her nieces. 

Bina Mbombo trusts her Heavenly Father. She shows a different kind of strength and faith that I pray I have one day. Each day is a new day, and Bina Mbombo knows that it will be faced with a faithful God.

With Ba Edinan and Bina Mbombo at church.

Rodwell. Baby Roadie, who is now sitting up in a bombo seat, taught me the importance of relying on prayer as a first option not a last resort. Durning the days I was home sick or at nights when I wished I could be holding him, I learned that praying for him was the best thing I could be doing. He is God’s baby boy, not mine. But I am ever so grateful for the chance to love him and hold him. He continues to challenge and grow my prayer life.

 

I might be obsessed with this picture. Not going to apologize.

I don’t know how often I’ll blog from here on out. But please don’t hesistate to ask me about anything I’ve written or posted. I process and learn through writing and talking. While there are many things that are uncertain now, I am certain that I will keep processing and growing from this experience. Thank you for following me through this journey! Praying for clarity as we all find ways to serve our Father daily!