I have wanted to write about the people I have been serving,
but no words seemed to adequately display who they are. The group of
people that God has specifically laid on my heart for this year are extraordinary
women to say the least.
They aren’t in a remote African village, but their community
is strong and somehow makes you stronger by being a part of it. They aren’t
from the Zambian culture for the most part, but their cultures are unique and
shine through in really awesome ways. They don’t spend all day in fields
working or building things, but they are some of the hardest workers I have
ever met in my life. They don’t always think they are making a difference in a
lot of people’s lives, but their lives are inspiring and radiate love and joy
and peace.
These are the ladies I get to spend every day serving in
some way or another. They are the most humble inspiring group of women I have
ever been around. They all have unique gifts that are needed
throughout the community at very specific times. They somehow have figured out
how to make a home out of a place so foreign to a lot of them. They are an
incredible blessing to all the people that pass through their homes and this
community. They have the wisdom, patience, and love that motherhood alone can
give. They are steadfast in their love for the Lord. They are incredible.
It’s been three months, and most days have felt like they
are loving on me more than the other way around. But every day I walk away
completely bewildered at their energy, patience, and overflowing love.
Some days I still find it hard. How best to serve in this
community and who to serve in this community. They all are doing an amazing job
raising a family in a culture not their own, and God simply called me here to
love on them whether through taking a class of homeschooling off their plate,
giving them a five minute break to use the bathroom in peace, or babysitting
for a date night out. It is nothing, but what I am learning from the ways they
walk out their lives is everything.
You see I don’t know if they realize the huge impact they
are making on a daily basis. Most of them have a purpose to serve their family
and love on them. But what they don’t take into account are the countless
number of guests they show their hospitality towards every year. The days they
spend cooking for a big event, or the hours they spend mentoring and loving on
their Zambian house workers. The impact their smile has in the market place or
the magnitude of them serving their families selflessly. The effect their dozens
of chocolate chip brownies, handmade gifts, or dinners for their friends to
have a date night will make. The extent of their impact on my own life.
Humbled to be learning so much from these ladies, blessed by
His Faithfulness in bringing me back to Zambia, and overwhelmed by His patient
and persistent love.
