I can’t explain the excitement and anticipation of looking forward to arriving in Memphis. I cried leaving Zambia knowing how much I will miss my friends there. I cried all the way from Atlanta to Memphis waiting to see the M bridge over the Mississippi. I didn’t see the bridge it was too hazy but when we touched down on the runway I could not wipe the tears away fast enough. There is no place like home!I was met by a large crowd of people from CUMC... many were there to see their family members who were returning from a short term visit to Zambia but all hugged me and made me feel welcomed. My dearest friends, the Hardings and the Adams, were there and it was so great to hug them and visit with their children who had grown so much. A lot happens in a year and one half. I was also blessed to see my sister, Teresa, her husband and my nephew Chris… they drove from Jackson just to welcome me home. They brought a special gift, my great niece, Aubry, who was born two weeks after I left for Zambia. She was a doll and soon accepted me as part of the family.
All of my bags arrived and we headed to Hueys for that long awaited hamburger. There were at least 18 of as we invaded the restaurant. The hamburger was smaller than I remembered it but it tasted just as I expected. I will have to go back for another before I leave at the end of the month.
I will be staying at the home of Andy and Brenda Sippel They have beautiful home and have welcomed me as a family member. They even had a belated 50th birthday party for me since I celebrated this momentos occasion on an airplane.
Any one is welcomed to visit me in their home while I am here. They live at 1994 Massey (between Park and Quince).You may call me at 481-6400. Please understand that I do not have transportation and I am dependent on my friends to help me move around.
This first week will be spent relaxing and visiting medical professionals since I haven’t had that opportunity for a while. Pray that all is well and that there will be no follow up visits or any surprises. I feel healthy and don’t expect to learn otherwise.
I want to thank all you who have been praying for my time in Zambia and my safe return home. I am looking forward to visiting with as many of you as possible. I do ask you to take advantage of any of the public opportunities so that I can maximize my time of rest. The schedule is as follows:
August 9th – Open House in the home of Stan and Stephanie Harding at 1183 West Crestwood. Their phone number is 763-2619.
August 10th – Christ United Methodist Church – I will be speaking briefly at the 945am and 11am services and visiting Sunday School classes during those hours as well.
August 17th – The Love of Christ Church (TLC) – I will be attending their services which start at 10:30pm
August 30th – I leave to return to Zambia
I have been blessed by God in so many ways in the past 16 months and there is no way I can share all the ways he has touched my life. I can tell you this, I was made for this purpose. There is no better joy in one’s life than knowing you are doing what your creator intended for you to do.
"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" 1 Peter 1:8
