We’ve been serving at a camp called Lasting Impressions in Zimbabwe for our fourth month on the Race. We haven’t been here very long, but some pretty snazzy and divine friendships have already been formed.
I feel so blessed to have met all those who God has placed in my path this month that I wish I could tell you all about each one of them. Unfortunately that would make for an uber long blog post. So I am going to tell you about a few individuals who have managed to impact me in just two short weeks.
Josh and Jacque – These two people have incredible and inspirational life stories. They own and operate a wildlife management and conservation company. In other words, they transport animals such as elephant, zebra, rhino, giraffe, antelope, etc.. between countries or regions to aid population control. Jacque being a vet, they also go out and treat wild animals. She has done many amputations, surgeries, and general care for animals such as lions, hippo, anaconda, etc. They have an unstoppable passion for the Lord’s creation in this form. They are also some of the most selfless and generous people I’ve ever met.
Caleb (Camp Name: Thumper) – Has officially been dubbed my Zimbabwean brother. Caleb is the seventeen year old son and youngest child of our ministry hosts. Just like my actual brother, he has managed to drive me crazy almost everyday since I met him. (Sorry, not sorry, Wes, if you’re reading this). Caleb is skilled in the art of sarcasm; and selflessness and humility follow him where ever he goes.
Camp Name: Kizola – For the first camp this month our team was split up and each one of us was partnered with one of the camp’s instructors. It was only a five day camp, but those days were long and full of life lessons. During that time I got to see Kizola’s heart fight for, ache, love, and nurture those kids. He was dedicated to ensuring that our kids walked away from the week remembering and knowing how to apply the lessons they had learned to school and their lives. There’s been a lot of talk within our team about learning how to simply love the person in front of you. Kizola gave me such a clear example of that and its something that I don’t think I could ever forget.
I wish I could continue writing about all of the other truly incredible people I’ve been so honored to meet this month; and to tell you more about these four individuals, but I suppose those stories will have to wait for now. Below is a list of all the individuals I’ve met this month (using camp names for those who have them).
Rocky, Bundu Boy, Pawn Pawn, Mazowe, Weasel, Kizola, Mr. A, Smallz, Grippa, Mr. & Mrs. Bushman, Thumper, Sunshine, Michaela, Swamy, Russel, Josh, Jacque, Shilo, Corbin, and Jachin
I ask that you join me in praying for these individuals. For many blessings, for their hearts, for guidance through each day, for endurance in their walks of faith, for all the wonderful things that the Lord is doing through them, and for the eyes to see the undeniable, unstoppable love of Jesus for each one of them.
I cannot express to you enough how much love the Father has given me for these people. I hope that and desire for our paths to cross again.
I whole heartedly believe that saying goodbye- or see you later- at the end of this month will be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I also believe that it will only be a ‘see you later’. (:
