This morning when I woke up we had no power. I am starting to learn that this is a normal thing here in Africa. Electricity is something that I take for granted at home. So often I complain when the lights go out and it is almost an everyday thing here in Zambia. We take so many things for granted such as the lights in our home, the food in our pantry, the clothes on our body, running water, etc. but here in Africa, those are a few things that are not always available. I hope that this trip is a humbling experience for me and I no longer take those things for granted or say things like I don’t have any clothes to wear or saying there is nothing to eat when the pantry is full. John 16:33 states, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” A devotional I read this morning reminded me that it is not my job to fix all of the brokenness of the world. Even though I want to try and fix it, it is not my duty. I came to Africa wanting to make a huge difference and fix things such as those listed above. In reality I knew that I would never be able to change things but that doesn’t mean I didn’t want to come here trying to do just that. Reading verse 33 and see how the people here live their lives with joy made me remember that it is not my job to do that. It is Jesus’s job! My job was not to come to Africa to change anything, it was to love, support, and help them with what they have now. All while letting them bless me and allow me to grow into a stronger Christian. We should not be overwhelmed by the brokenness of the world!
My time at the Haven is beginning to wind down so I am trying to make the most of every moment. My morning client was out for physio today so I spent my time on the veranda of Haven 1 with my favorite little boy that I talk about in most of my blogs. I have fallen in love with this sweet baby and would bring him home with me if I could. For him, I did language stimulation and worked on his babbling and joint attention. He engaged in conversational babbling, laughing, initiating request for toys, and maintaining eye contact. My afternoon client acted sleepy during group and would not do anything but lay on me…but honestly, I was perfectly okay with it. I love getting sweet loving’s from these babies. During individual, she was a little fussy but eventually played with me and others, would run up to me smiling wanting me to pick her up, and was engaging in conversational babbling.
When we got back to our humble abodes a local artist was there selling oil paintings on canvas (it takes him four days to complete a big one) and paintings made from dried banana leaves. Of course, I spent more money (LOL). After supper, we listened to Dr. Meeker, Mrs. Gina, and Tessa on the Namwianga Radio Station discussing the topic of strokes. We ended the night watching The Hannah Montana Movie and The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Tomorrow we will be going back to the market in Kalomo.
I have not bragged on Ba Harold in a while….and today is a perfect day to brag. Today we had fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and salad. It was amazing! It was almost like I was back at home sitting in my grandparent’s kitchen.
Psalm 121:8:“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
