Today, we have officially been in Lusaka, Zambia for seven days. When they say that the World Race goes by in a flash, they’re not lying. There is an odd combination of feeling like we’ve been on the field for years and the feeling like we just got here. None of it really makes sense yet. I’m very okay with that.
We’re settling in very well to our new home. I am currently snuggled up in my Eno hanging from two pillars on the front porch of our host’s house. As I sit here soaking up our first week in Zambia, I can’t help but reminisce on our last month. Probably because my team and I can’t stop talking about how unexpectedly incredible it was. We are truly blown away at all the Lord did in Zimbabwe. We don’t want to live in the past and we don’t want to live in the future. Our intention is to be present so we can pour as much of God’s love into each community we’re working in. But sometimes God just wrecks you. In the BEST way.
I want to share all that happened in Zimbabwe. I want to be as specific as possible because there is SO much beauty in what occurred throughout those three weeks. But again I ask, please have grace. This experience is far too extraordinary and special to fully capture in words alone. I wish you could all be here with me, digesting all these marvelous experiences alongside me. I can only hope that through the words the Lord provides me with, you can fall more in love with Him. You can see and feel Him more. I write these blogs solely to talk about how overwhelmingly magnificent He is.
Our last week in Victoria Falls was fueling. It was a gift. And to be honest, it was unexpected. Being on the Race, it can become so easy to go through the motions. I can be the first to admit that. It’s the small moments that capture your mind again and redirect your focus back to your original ‘why.’ And thats exactly what we got.
Everyday we’d be in different schools teaching. It would range from preaching the Word, to what good leadership looks like, to how our words impact our lives and the lives of those around us. James, our host, took us to a new school one week. At all our locations, we’d invite the students to the field to play soccer with us. Many times we’d end up disappointed and discouraged when no new people would show up. But our last week was different. My teammates, Hannah and Irma, had met a young boy at that new school who seemed so intrigued with what we had to say. As always, they invited him to meet us at the field.
That day, around 5:30, when we had lost all hope of anyone new arriving, he showed up. He didn’t show up to play soccer – he wanted to read and study the Word with them. This 15 year old kid was on fire for Jesus. They were blown away at his eager pursuit for all things kingdom worthy. The questions he asked, the scripture he knew, the vision he had; they were pleasantly surprised. He came back everyday that week. And he brought new friends every time.
That same week, Nicole was sitting at the field with her Bible. From a distance, a young boy saw her reading. He was interested in what she was studying so he made his way over. The three of us sat and talked about the story of Ezekiel. We sat there with eyes wide open in awe of everything he was teaching us. The passion behind this kid, I wanted it. The knowledge behind this kid, I so desperately wanted it. I was truly inspired. A 17 year old boy, living in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe sat in front of us and all I could think was how this young man could change the world.
There we were, Irma and Hannah with one boy and Nicole and I with another. So naturally, we combined the two groups. During our last week in Zimbabwe, we met with these boys everyday and studied the Word. We talked about spiritual gifts, callings, broke down the Gospels and just had beautiful fellowship with these young men. We had the privilege to immerse ourselves in their lives. We got to see the fruit of our labor that week. Our last week in Zimbabwe, Jesus gifted us with this experience. He didn’t have to. He wanted to. After all those long, scorching days. After all the days we’d walk six plus miles. After all the shower-less nights. Don’t get me wrong, it was all worth it. But getting to see the fruit; that was so sweet. While saying our last and terribly difficult goodbyes, one of the young men pulled me aside. He was thanking me. I was so confused due to the fact that there was so much I had to thank him for. Ironic. But he continued with letting me know how much my words had impacted his life and walk with Christ. I held the tears back and hugged him tightly, not really knowing what to say. I’ll never forget that moment.
We are still in contact with these boys and it’s a blessing to say that their group is still meeting everyday at that same soccer field, studying God’s word. Praise the Lord.
There is a new fire in each of our hearts. We are looking at everything in a new light. So like I mentioned earlier, we are not living in the past or future. But we’ve been changed. We see God using not only us, but those around us. And I am expectant. I can’t wait to for all the Lord will continue to do.
A little glimpse into Zambia: while praying for our month in Lusaka, I had a vision of a giant, vibrant green tree and eye-catching windows. I am currently looking up at that giant, vibrant tree and every morning my team and I enjoy the beauty of light coming through the beautiful windows of our home. If the Lord tells you something or shows you something, believe in it. Don’t doubt it. Speak it out. He loves guiding you and giving you a glimpse into what He has in store for you. Be bold and confident in what He is revealing to you. I’m in the process of learning how to do just that.
