dear bloggers, for any of you who are worrying about my mental / emotional state after last week’s blog, please don’t worry. it was one of those experiences that was absolutely hideous at the time but looking back seems quite a fun adventure. time is a great healer!
this week we have had a full week back at kaniki, which has been wonderful. we have been eating our normal food, working with our usual ministries and even running our usual 6am runs. bliss.
on wednesday morning, michael and i joined pastor albert biking around kamfinsa village and visiting members of his church. it was excellent: both in terms of the cycling and the people we visited. we were able to pray with and encourage people in their homes which was ace. towards the end of our time pastor albert asked if we would mind going with him to the house of a family whose young daughter had died the day before. we nervously agreed. on arriving at the house we were ushered into a tiny dark room full of women singing. we sat down on the only available space on the floor and soon realised that the dead little girl was laid out behind me. bit of a shock. michael and i mostly sat there in stunned silence while Albert prayed for the family. i guess we are seeing Africa that most tourists don’t get to see.
this week katie and i were asked to coach some local girls/women ready for a day of competition against the congelese on saturday. we were to coach netball (i haven’t played since i was 16), football (i cannot stand football) and volleyball (i play with more enthusiasm than skill). despite my shortcomings as a coach, and the fact that we offended some girls on day one by not picking them, we still had a wonderful time together. i’m confident that our girls will beat the congolese this weekend. if not, I’ll have to think again about my zambian coaching career.
next week is our last week in zambia before we head off to malawi for the month of may. it’s going to be a fun week, as on monday we are taking 30 lifeline orphans (aged 17-19) camping for 3 days. please pray for this (if you’re so inclined) as we have no real idea about the background of these teenagers. we hope to give the them a trip that they will remember forever, not just because of the fun they’ve had but because God moved powerfully in their lives.
next saturday is a public holiday in zambia (they flippin love public holidays) and so the internet cafes will probably all be closed (selfish). if so, i won’t be blogging again until june when we are back from malawi. if at any point during may you happen to remember me, please pray that i survive! i am not thrilled about the prospect of a month of long drops and bucket baths but am really hoping i can get past that and enjoy a month of powerful ministry.
until next time….
Good stuff! Glad last weeks adventures didn’t leave you traumatised. Will be praying through May, have a great time in Malawi :)