It's been quite a while since I have written a blog. There are several reasons for that... Facebook being one of them! The main reason is explained by the above quote. I have lost my security and I don't know what I am doing.... how do you write about that?
The move to Lusaka was harder than I imagined it to be. I loved Zimba and the life I had created there. I had friends, "family" and a purpose. Imagine moving from Mayberry to New York City. That is the difference between Zimba and Lusaka.
Now, I've always considered myself a city girl but I got used to the slow pace and everyone knowing what I was doing. Sometimes other people knew what I was doing before I did! It was OK...
Lusaka is traffic, noise, crowds, traffic, slums, street vendors, traffic jams and more traffic. I have gotten used to the street vendors and have been known to shop from the driver's seat! I've even bought a new blouse off the street. I've received several compliments on it...
Two years ago I came to Zambia without an agenda, just a heart for helping the people. I was sent by Christ United Methodist Church of Memphis and partnered with the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia. Together we have provided 10 new houses for nurses and other professional staff at Zimba Mission Hospital. These have greatly increased the quality of care the patients at the hospital receive.
In addition, short term teams (8 so far) have provided medical services such as surgeries and dental care, leadership training for pastors, and construction needs particularly for neglected plumbing and other building repairs. In two short years Zimba has changed and the people are grateful. It was easy for me to see that it was time to leave Zimba and so on to Lusaka I went.Since I am having such a hard time in Lusaka several people have asked the obvious question... so exactly why did you move? The easiest answer is that God made it obvious.
The national office of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church is located in Lusaka. Since my arrival in 2007, they had hoped I would be able to assist them in many different ways; administratively, capacity building, leadership training, etc. It was hard to help 5 hours away and so since the work in Zimba was coming to a closure the obvious thing was to move to Lusaka.
In October 2008, I started the research on living in Lusaka. The cost of living there is like any capital city... high! The smallest house I found was $800 per month and I was not sure I would be able to find one at that rate when I made the move. There were other expenses that come with a house in Lusaka, night watchman, gardener, etc. Fuel expense would increase since I wouldn't be able to walk to work.
I was a little discouraged and was concerned about where the money for all the additional expenses would come from. You see, I don't have a steady income. I live by faith. Faith that the Holy Spirit will convict my family, friends and other well wishers to contribute towards my financial needs. It's a little scary but so far God has been faithful and so have you. Thank you!
In the Bible we are taught that if God cares about the birds of the air and the flowers in the field how much more He will care for us... He has proven it for me...
Just a few months before moving to Lusaka the value of the US dollar strengthened reducing house rentals ( I was able to find a 2BR house for $400 and no extra expenses),
an anonymous donor contributed a generous amount towards my ministry fund (making financial decisions easier), and most importantly a Lusaka friend (Jannike Seward) was placed in my path.
Did I need more?
Several years ago I would have answered this yes, but I have learned from the mistakes of the past and gave God a break this time.
So, I find myself in Lusaka. I can't say I am happy about it but I've learned that obedience to God is more important than my happiness. I am getting more comfortable with Lusaka and some day soon when someone asks "How's Lusaka" -I'll respond with confidence, "It's OK!"
Ministry life is still uncertain... my responsibilities are to coordinate and host short term mission teams, teach at leadership conferences, help with office management and all other duties that may present themselves. God has shown me other ministries in Lusaka that could use my gifting and I am praying for discernment.
I still don't know exactly what I am doing but I am encouraged to know that according to Madeline Hunter, I'm growing...
