A new journey
means a new blog. This is me updating my blog for all the family, friends, and
churches that want to come along on my journey with me back to Zambia. Yes! I
said back, as in revisit, go again, and return. I have prayed long and hard for
this opportunity and am overwhelmed in thanks for the blessing to go back!
In the fall of
2012, I studied abroad in Zambia with Harding in Zambia. I actually embarked on
a journey that blew my mind. It was unlike any other experience I have ever
had. It shattered all my preconceived ideas and perspectives about missions and
pretty much life. Everyday left me breathless and begging God for more.
While I was
there, I was welcomed into the Haven to love on precious babies and get a
glimpse of their lives. The Haven is a beautiful place, a place of refuge for
children that have lost their parents, struggle with sickness, or have
experienced other tragedies. While they are there, Aunties take care of them
24/7 and pour out the most love I have ever seen a person give. They love each
and every one of those 70 (give or take a few at any given time) children as
their own. They devote their time to nursing them back to health, seeing that
they are developing, and making sure they are loved on constantly. Meagan
Hawley, from the United States, works at the Haven long-term. She has devoted
her life to this work and has seen to it that this is her Kingdom work. The
ultimate goal of the Haven is that every child will be reunited with their
families in their village. Be it a parent, sibling, grandparent, or another
relative, they want the children to grow up with their loving families, in
their own homes if at all possible.
I treasured
those moments spent there. I cherished hearing the aunties laugh at my terrible
Tonga speaking skills, the babies sleeping in my arms, the messy feeding time.
I miss nights spent in a room of sleeping babies and the cheering and smiles of
a new milestone met for a little one. I adore the aunties and think they are
some of God’s most beautiful creations. I miss the times spent learning about
their families and wisdom about life. I miss Meag’s fun loving spirit and heart
of gold.
So after being
back for a year, I was wishing to go back. After filling out an application for
Meagan to be an intern at the Haven, I waited and prayed. I won’t lie. I
doubted, a lot. But, I just wanted it that bad and I think there is something
to say about praying fervently and God knowing the desires of your heart.
A month later, I
found out my wish came true. I am officially an intern at the Haven in Zambia.
My prayer was answered. Not only was it answered at the minimum, but I am
returning with two of my dearest friends as part of my team, Holly Sullivan and
Aubrey Hitt who also accompanied me to HIZ 2012. We are on pins and needles
waiting to meet the rest of our team!
This summer, we
will be helping Meag with anything she needs. We are there as extra hands where
she needs us and for just a breath of fresh air. We will be taking language classes
in the mornings, spending our days at the Havens, participating in language
class for the babies, and traveling out to the homes of the aunties, too!
New is the word
that keeps popping up in my head over and over again. Even though I have been
there before, this is new. It’s a new experience and a new journey. It’s a taste
of real life there and I couldn’t be more excited! I hope that I am challenged,
renewed, and take this new experience to bring about some new changes in myself
and recognize some new things God is trying to show me.
I’m so thankful
to the God that makes all things new.
If you want to
follow along, I will give weekly updates so you can see where your prayers and
support are going. Keep praying for my team and for Meagan as she prepares for
us. Pray for our hearts to be open and the courage to try new things. I love
you all and am so thankful for the influence you have had on my life.
-RC
