Final Pictures

I can't believe I'm already back in the US.  Those two months flew! Now that I have faster Internet, I hope you enjoy these pictures. This is just a sample; if you're interested in seeing more, either contact me or check out my facebook albums. 

Two large murals in the orphanage: Jesus being born and Jesus being baptized. I painted Bible verses on each mural a few weeks after this photo was taken. Photo by Steve Stoll.

 Two large murals in the orphanage: Moses and the burning bush and Moses parting the Red Sea. I painted Bible verses on each mural a few weeks after this photo was taken. Photo by Steve Stoll.

One of three smaller murals in the house mom's rooms.  This one is of Daniel and the lion's den. 

Here's a cobra that attacked one of the locals.  Thankfully someone was there to throw a rock and kill it. The snake later had to be burned so that there wouldn't be a scent for it's partner to follow and come near the house. 

Bath time at the orphanage!

Olivia had already been at MOL for about 10 months.  Alexa stayed for a month.

 The walk up to the orphanage.  

 Otavia giving watercolors a try. 

 Ba Belita's first time using watercolors since she was in school.

 Olivia and I made a goal of waking up every morning at 6am to go for a walk before 7am devotionals. Aside from the locals thinking we were lunatics, we saw many beautiful sunrises and scenery.

 Several of the kids playing in the maize field. 

 To express my love for the house moms, I gave each a laminated pencil-drawn portrait.

 Each child also received a laminated portrait drawn with permanent marker and gray marker.

 Ba Belita cutting cabbage for dinner.  Tonga women do not use cutting boards, impressive!

Little Jeremiah (son of Jako and Amber) and I at Shoprite in Livingstone.  Yes, he is biting a wooden spoon.

 Having a little fun in the orphanage kitchen with the moms.

 Nchimunya was so funny!

 The goat we skinned and ate with our nshima...mmm

 Church

 The power in Kalomo sometimes decides to shut off.  In cases such as this, break out the candles!

Next time you complain about roads in the US...

Saying goodbye to Amber, Jako, Jakob, and Jeremiah.

Parting Words

Parting words 

Dear Zambia 

What to say for these last two months. For your smiles, dancing,  conversing and listening, slow and steady pace, selflessness, zest for life, and passion for Jesus. What to say. 

While the term 'mission trip' connotes that I come as the one with something to offer, I can say  that you have been the one teaching me, loving me, ministering to me.

You have taught me that life isn't about getting stuff done, it's about loving those around us. It's not about racing around, but steadily entering into each day with trusting calm.  

You have shown me what it means to serve, to selflessly attend to the needs of others, to not shrink back at the sight or smell of boogers, odors, urine, mud, spit, stains, or even illness, but to open your arms to every living soul with reckless abandon. 

You have ministered to my heart, my spirit, by showing me how to play. You've invited me to freely dance and sing and laugh and touch. You've slowed me down enough to see the beauty in the everyday, in the unpolluted giggles and innocent imaginations of children, in the simplicity of sitting quietly with you, in walking slowly and methodically, in an everyday greeting.  

Thank you.  I will walk away having learned more than I could have ever given to you. 

Bless you.