Its definitely been a full few weeks since our last post! We’ve had Tracey, Ray and their boys visiting. We worked on a few projects together, visited a few interesting sites and did another feeding program. Our boys’ best friends from Canada came to visit with one of the boys dad’s to chaperone, which was a fantastic surprise and a we had a great time with them. We had told our boys that we were going to the airport to pick up some delayed bags, the look on their faces when their friends came walking out was priceless! They were so stunned and confused LOL! Lucas, Levi, and friends installed a couple tether ball poles which are already a big hit with the kids here!
John, Susan and team came from Canada for the graduation ceremony, so we got to experience another grad also. It is so wonderful to see these kids from such humble beginnings flourish in this place and go on to be the future of Zambia! In August at the last grad we didn’t personally know any of the graduates and yet we felt so proud of them. This time, having relationships with the grads intensified those feelings!
These past few weeks we have been spending time with our dear friends, the Flowers. They are a missionary family that has been working at a neighboring orphanage just down the road from Grace. This past November their dear husband and father Jamie was taken very suddenly to be with Jesus. Although he is dearly missed, it has been amazing to see how God has lifted them up during this sad time. Kathy and the kids left to the USA after his passing and then returned to Zambia in February to pack up their belongings and move back to Michigan. It was very special to be able to spend time with them and help them with packing and moving. On Friday night we had a going away open house with them and then sent them off on Saturday. We wish them the very best and pray that God will continue to carry them through this difficult journey. They have been such a big part of our time in Zambia and they will be so missed.
We also had the unique pleasure of visiting the local fire hall after meeting them at a truck accident on the highway in front of Grace. The firefighters gave us a very in depth tour, which was very interesting. Lucas was invited to train with them whenever he wants and join in on their Thursday afternoon sports time.
Construction: The youth center is now complete and has been filled with furniture and games now. This past week we had a ribbon cutting ceremony for it and the kids got to enjoy it for the first time, SO MUCH excitement!! The construction team took the afternoon off on Friday to spend some time playing pool, foosball, plinko and just enjoying the space. After working on it for months I think they deserved to enjoy it at least once 🙂
The work shop is also coming along nicely! Most of the walls are at full height now and the door frames are installed. The steel for the trusses has arrived and we plan to start welding those up this week. This building will be such a great space for the crew to work in! Our mechanic currently works outside on the dirt and in the rain, so this shop will be a welcome change for sure!
Time seems to be going by very quickly now. We have 4 months left in our stay. Please pray for us in our remaining time here, that we may be a blessing to those around us. Our older children fly out this month to be with us and we ask for prayers for them as they plan for their trip here, and for safe uneventful flights.
This is Amazing Grace 