A little Q & A for you!
Here are the questions you asked and my answers!
Where did you stay?
In Zambia we were in a house that was concrete floors and bunk beds. We lived in the middle of a small village on a dirt road.
In Botswana we stayed in a cabin type house. We had bunk beds and there were several rooms that we split up into. We lived on the outskirts of the village in a jungle area.
In South Africa we stayed on a compound with little cottages. We were gated in to stay safe and could walk to each others houses.
What was it like there?
Zambia was hot and rainy. The people were friendly and we were able to make a lot of friends. We walked pretty much everywhere and occasionally took a taxi into town.
Botswana was rainy and starting to go into their winter. During the nights and mornings it was chilly. We lived in an area with several cabins around us and got to know our neighbors very well. We had a game night with them, an afternoon lunch with them, and Saturday afternoon tea.
South Africa was starting to go into their winter so it was quite a bit cooler. We got to stay on the compound with some of the staff and interns. During the day we were in squatter camps and got to meet a lot of people.
Did you tent much?
No we didn’t tent at all.
Did you get to know your hosts? Did you like working with them or was it tough?
Yes, we got to know our hosts well in each country. They were all incredible! I loved serving alongside them and hearing their visions for these countries and their people.
Was malaria as prevalent?
Malaria wasn’t as prevalent where we were and no one got malaria!
Sweetest moment?
Watching one of my girls come to know Jesus and surrendering her life to Him.
Hardest moment/most impactful experience?
Learning how many babies are “dumped” in South Africa each day and just left to die in ditches, porta potties, and fields. Getting to partner with an organization that is advocating for these babies by educating their mothers about the options they have was moving, literally saving lives. Ultimately sharing with the mother how much they are valued and seen by a Father who loves them unconditionally and how they can have a relationship with Jesus.
Something I am hopeful for after this trip?
To grow in my giftings and continue sharing them with others.
One person from each country that left an impression?
Zambia: Little girl in a 1st grade class that I taught. She was rowdy, loud, and honestly a lot to handle at times. She just wanted some extra love and to get to hug her each day was precious.
Botswana: Mrs. Michelle, our next door neighbor and adopted grandmother. One of the kindest and sweetest souls I have ever met. She was genuine, cared deeply, always fought for people, and took us all under her wing.
South Africa: A Muslim lady we met in the mall. She was one of the most precious ladies and was so hospitable. She was kind, open, and wanted to ask questions. She was lost though, but the Lord is doing things and isn’t done yet!
Did you see any healings?
Yes! A woman was healed of leg pain at a mall and was so encouraged by what had happened. She kept running around and screaming “I’m healed”.
What knowledge did I leave with my team?
We all have gifts the Lord has given us, it’s up to us to use them to further the Kingdom.
Funny stories from the field?
The day my girls thought it would be funny to throw myself and my co leader in the pool.
The day I was going into the bathroom in the village and a goat ran out at me and made very loud and frightening noises.
The day my team decided to play fruit ball in the back yard with a frying pan and rotten plums.
The day we traveled over night to get to Botswana and asked if we could stop and go to the bathroom. They said sure, not a problem. We pulled over and next thing we heard was yelling to get back in the van. We were confused and then they said hurry get in because there’s a lion next to us.
The day my entire team scouted a rat in our kitchen for hours with a trap we made out of a rope, a frying pan, peanut butter, and cheese.
Which part of Africa did you like best?
I don’t have a favorite, it’s like comparing apples and oranges, you just can’t. I love them all and they all have a piece of my heart.
What was your favorite adventure?
Going swimming in Victoria Falls in Zambia and being a couple of feet away from going over.
Any part of Africa that seemed “darker” or where you could feel opposition – but no reason to explain it?
Botswana was definitely a heavy country.
What was your most breath-taking moment?
Riding horses through the African wilderness and seeing giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and wild life running freely.
Would you go back?
Absolutely, no question there!
Biggest challenge I faced?
Balancing leading a team, ministry, finances for the team, one on ones with the team, and all the other things that would happen.
Favorite food?
We cooked for ourselves each month. We made some pretty darn good stuffed peppers in Zambia though!
What would I do differently if when I return?
Something I did very different upon re entry this time was praying. I knew what was hard the last time and covered those things with prayer and found scripture to pray over those people, situations, or places.
How would I encourage others who might be pondering missions abroad?
Prayer, prayer, and more prayer! I don’t know that you can ever be completely “ready” honestly. I do believe however the best way to prepare is by saturating yourself with truth that only can come from the Father, and mediating on scripture.
If you believe you are being called, simply say yes and go! Don’t let comparison, doubt, fear, and lies sneak in and get you. If He is calling you then He will equip you and give you all you need and more! Have confidence and trust Him!
