I will begin by a few words from a song I love,
"The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty, let all the earth rejoice, let all the earth rejoice."
Over the last few days, the splendor of the King surely has been demonstrated. I am unable to even truly touch on his majesty, and humbled in knowing that I cannot begin to fathom how great our God really is. It is incredible to be in the position I am, and I often wonder who am I to be so blessed as to be able to experience His love so tangibly each day.
I've been working on a piece of writing to capture what is is that the Lord has me here for. As I reflect and ponder on my experiences it is simple. The moment I pick up my sharpie, my scribbles turn into rubbish. I simply cannot spit it out.
It's extremely frustrating. Not only do I desire to work on this piece, but I also long to capture the beauty of every encounter that lingers in my mind. I think back on so many, recently and long ago, that I still have yet to find the prose. I long to put them on paper, allowing the beauty of each precious adjective to describe realities. I long to include them in my beautiful collection of treasured writings, rising to life in a journal given to me by my dear, Korrine. I simply cannot do it though.
more later.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
i want s'more...
The last two days we have been out in Chongwe, camping away and working at Camp Hope. For those of you who know about my time in Zambia last year, this time, my role at camp is much different. The last two days I have been basically working on the registers, making sure each child (around 300) has been registered with the correct information and has been placed in the appropriate group. It has been a huge task, but fun somehow.
I am a bit sad though. Don't get me wrong, Camp (as an Intern)is full of many blessings, however I am not getting super close to many children. I enjoy so much hearing their stories, holding them, loving on them, and sharing with them the Love of Christ. This is something I miss terribly. Despite my troubles, I am extremely blessed to be able to watch others experience what I once have. It brings me great joy to see others, using the gifts that the Lord has blessed them with, in order to bless and love these children. It is incredible to see.
I have many things that I have seen, yet not a whole lot to say. We've had fun! Two nights ago, we were in one of the My Father's House orphanages and one of the children came out with bed sheets stuffed tightly in his clothes. It was hillarious. He was dancing around and all the children were laughing and chanting for him. It was absolutely hysterical.
Another exciting thing, from last night actually, is we sat around a table with candles (because we don't have power) and we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. We taught one of our Zambian friends about S'mores, and I think he enjoyed it. I sure did!
Well, I better get going. Before I do that though, I would like to share one piece that I had written in my journal a day or two ago. It is about a little boy named Justin, who lives in one of the My Father's House homes:
My arms cradled around his little body. he breathes in and out; quiet, still. his cheeks quickly dampen; warm tears slowly falling down.
everyday- a smile on his face. excitement, but deep down- pain. he is scared- scared to lose again- scared to risk- scared to be alone.
this evening- there it was. behind all the smiles, the giggles- and fun - the pain of a borken childhood. nine years old- a boy- broken; in my arms.
his body, warm against mine. his tender- little face, resting sweetly against my chest. he clings to me-
again i experience it-
i never want to let go.....
I am a bit sad though. Don't get me wrong, Camp (as an Intern)is full of many blessings, however I am not getting super close to many children. I enjoy so much hearing their stories, holding them, loving on them, and sharing with them the Love of Christ. This is something I miss terribly. Despite my troubles, I am extremely blessed to be able to watch others experience what I once have. It brings me great joy to see others, using the gifts that the Lord has blessed them with, in order to bless and love these children. It is incredible to see.
I have many things that I have seen, yet not a whole lot to say. We've had fun! Two nights ago, we were in one of the My Father's House orphanages and one of the children came out with bed sheets stuffed tightly in his clothes. It was hillarious. He was dancing around and all the children were laughing and chanting for him. It was absolutely hysterical.
Another exciting thing, from last night actually, is we sat around a table with candles (because we don't have power) and we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. We taught one of our Zambian friends about S'mores, and I think he enjoyed it. I sure did!
Well, I better get going. Before I do that though, I would like to share one piece that I had written in my journal a day or two ago. It is about a little boy named Justin, who lives in one of the My Father's House homes:
My arms cradled around his little body. he breathes in and out; quiet, still. his cheeks quickly dampen; warm tears slowly falling down.
everyday- a smile on his face. excitement, but deep down- pain. he is scared- scared to lose again- scared to risk- scared to be alone.
this evening- there it was. behind all the smiles, the giggles- and fun - the pain of a borken childhood. nine years old- a boy- broken; in my arms.
his body, warm against mine. his tender- little face, resting sweetly against my chest. he clings to me-
again i experience it-
i never want to let go.....
Sunday, June 21, 2009
monday morn....
Hello Everyone!
Sorry it has been a while, things have been quite busy! We are actually taking off this morning for Chongwe for the week, where we will be camping in tents for Camp. We are very excited that our first camp is finally here, and we are eager to see what the Lord is going to do.
I will not have access to the internet for a while, so blogs wont be up for a few days. I will make sure to write plenty, and then update my blog when I get home.
Time here is wonderful. The Lord continues to do many things and speak to my heart in many ways. I will have lots to share upon my return.
Well, I better be off.
Love,
Soph
Sorry it has been a while, things have been quite busy! We are actually taking off this morning for Chongwe for the week, where we will be camping in tents for Camp. We are very excited that our first camp is finally here, and we are eager to see what the Lord is going to do.
I will not have access to the internet for a while, so blogs wont be up for a few days. I will make sure to write plenty, and then update my blog when I get home.
Time here is wonderful. The Lord continues to do many things and speak to my heart in many ways. I will have lots to share upon my return.
Well, I better be off.
Love,
Soph
Friday, June 19, 2009
oh today was quite incredible.
it began with the official opening ceremony for the My Father's House Orphan Homes in Chongwe village.
it ended with strawberry, green apple, and blue raspberry airheads. yum.
in between these events, i experienced an incredible amount of joy, peace, confidence, and excitement.
I will just recap on a few things:
Espina. Bianca. Lista. Catherine.
These little ones, I just cannot get enough. The sound of their precious giggles continues to bring warmth to my inmost being. The tenderness of their touch lingers on my skin. The joy in their hearts, engraved in my mind.
Harmony.
Another experience that I cannot get enough of. Sitting on the porch with Cypheen, with guitar in hand, singing. Looking at the sky, the sunset, the horizon. Feeling the breeze. Precious melodies, with harmonies weaving in and out. The chords. Beautiful. Singing to Jesus. Blessing.
Airport.
Aly. Gianna. Mikey. It's been almost a year. Excitement. I've been longing for this moment.
Short Term New-Be Arrival
Talking with them. Sharing the blessings of this place. Hearing their stories. Answering questions. Encouraging. The Lord has called His people - this will be incredible.
i think this is enough for now. im exhausted.
many blessings in Christ Jesus,
soph
it began with the official opening ceremony for the My Father's House Orphan Homes in Chongwe village.
it ended with strawberry, green apple, and blue raspberry airheads. yum.
in between these events, i experienced an incredible amount of joy, peace, confidence, and excitement.
I will just recap on a few things:
Espina. Bianca. Lista. Catherine.
These little ones, I just cannot get enough. The sound of their precious giggles continues to bring warmth to my inmost being. The tenderness of their touch lingers on my skin. The joy in their hearts, engraved in my mind.
Harmony.
Another experience that I cannot get enough of. Sitting on the porch with Cypheen, with guitar in hand, singing. Looking at the sky, the sunset, the horizon. Feeling the breeze. Precious melodies, with harmonies weaving in and out. The chords. Beautiful. Singing to Jesus. Blessing.
Airport.
Aly. Gianna. Mikey. It's been almost a year. Excitement. I've been longing for this moment.
Short Term New-Be Arrival
Talking with them. Sharing the blessings of this place. Hearing their stories. Answering questions. Encouraging. The Lord has called His people - this will be incredible.
i think this is enough for now. im exhausted.
many blessings in Christ Jesus,
soph
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
tune my ears
There is something about this place that stills me.
I am constantly reminded that tuning my ears is far more important than loosing my tongue, and in that, I become still.
So much of me longs for a day where I would be able to converse with these lovely people in their language. So much of me, as we go out visiting children, wishes I could easily just talk with them. Despite the difficulty to communicate verbally, the Lord has revealed to me this:
In my most intimate times with the Him, words are not used. Words, meaningless jumbles of letters and sounds, honestly just create greater division. Similarly to intimacy with Christ, the more and more time I spend with the orphans here, the more and more I realize that intamacy with them is not reached through words, rather it is fostered in silence. My tongue need not be loose- my voice need not be heard- my ears must be tuned - my heart open.
I am yet again, asking for forgiveness, for my words seem to fail so much of what I experience here. I am easily annoyed with my inability to express basically everything I experience here however, just as I begin to listen, the Lord begins to speak.
"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." -Habakkuk 2:20
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17
"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." - Psalm 23:3
All I can think of is little Bianca.
We've never shared a word, yet, a love so deep runs thick between us still.
I believe this is the Love our King has for his children, indeed.
Jesus, tune my ears.
I am constantly reminded that tuning my ears is far more important than loosing my tongue, and in that, I become still.
So much of me longs for a day where I would be able to converse with these lovely people in their language. So much of me, as we go out visiting children, wishes I could easily just talk with them. Despite the difficulty to communicate verbally, the Lord has revealed to me this:
In my most intimate times with the Him, words are not used. Words, meaningless jumbles of letters and sounds, honestly just create greater division. Similarly to intimacy with Christ, the more and more time I spend with the orphans here, the more and more I realize that intamacy with them is not reached through words, rather it is fostered in silence. My tongue need not be loose- my voice need not be heard- my ears must be tuned - my heart open.
I am yet again, asking for forgiveness, for my words seem to fail so much of what I experience here. I am easily annoyed with my inability to express basically everything I experience here however, just as I begin to listen, the Lord begins to speak.
"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." -Habakkuk 2:20
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17
"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." - Psalm 23:3
All I can think of is little Bianca.
We've never shared a word, yet, a love so deep runs thick between us still.
I believe this is the Love our King has for his children, indeed.
Jesus, tune my ears.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Kitwe (June 11-15)
Hi All! Well, I just returned back home (Kalingalinga) after a 5 day trip to the city of Kitwe. Kitwe is a beautiful town, much less busy compared to Kalingalinga and Lusaka. I very much enjoyed my time there.
My time in Kitwe was spent with Mary Leslie and OVCC Coordinators Trudy and Susan. Mary Leslie and I were very blessed by being able to stay at a Retreat Center called St. Andrews. It was very nice and we even had a remote controlled shower (amazing). Breakfast and dinner were served to us off a menu, and our laundry was done by one of the ladies who works here. We also enjoyed getting to know the staff here. Simon and David seem to enjoy our company as well, joining us for dinner each evening.
So, our mission for our time in Kitwe was to visit all the sponsored kids in this town. There are 21 sponsored children spread out in various compounds and villages, so we kept very busy. I suppose for each day I will share with you the children we visited and then also, one or two stories from that day.
Thursday- Bus trip and arrival. Exciting story : “Bus Stop”
Friday- On Friday we visited 8 children in Chemwemwe and Kamwala. The children’s names were Cindy, Esnart, Matthew, Violet, Elizabeth, Florence, Christopher, and Mbaya. A few things that stick out in my mind from visiting these children are: Elizabeth (10 years old) quoting Psalm 121 and saying that her help comes from God; Florence explaining to us how she knows the love that God has for her because each day she spends at school is another miracle; and Mbaya explaining that he remembers when his dad died and he had no hope, but now, God’s provision of a sponsorship has provided that hope. These are just a few moments that I remember.
Another experience that I had today truly revealed to me yet another aspect of Zambian culture. After walking between 10-12 kilometers, we were invited by one of Auntie Susan’s dear friends to join her in her little grocery store/bakery for some scones and soda. This lady, I cannot remember her name, was a retired nurse who had opened this little shop to continue making money for her family. When she saw us outside, she immediately offered us her hospitality, without thinking twice at what it would cost her. She sat us down at a small table in the corner of her shop and served us each a soda and a scone and sat down and ate with us. This may not seem like a huge deal, however, I can only imagine how much she just sacrificed to serve us freely. It is incredible to me that this woman, age 70, was so welcoming, even so much as to put food on the table for us to enjoy, when I’m not sure how much food is on her table at home. This was very humbling and extremely enjoyable.
One last thing from Friday that really sticks out in my mind was an encounter I had with a small boy named Sagie. Sagie was one of the sponsored children’s (Matthew, I’m pretty sure) friends, and happened to be playing in the yard when we arrived. As the sponsored child came in, I invited Sagie in as well. The entire time that we spent in this home, talking with Matthew about his sponsorship and what God has done in his life, Sagie’s heart was visible through the look on his face and his very presence in this home. We offered to pray for both Matthew and Sagie, and I cannot explain to you the look on Sagie’s face when we placed our hands on him to pray. A look of disbelief. A look of thankfulness in the Lord. A look of blessing.
Oh also, as we were eating dinner, one of the Nuns that works here invited Mary Leslie and me to visit the orphanage she works at on Sunday. She gave us her number and we told her we would call her.
PS Mary Leslie and I went to bed at 8 and slept for 11 hours. We were exhausted.
Saturday- Another long day of visits. The children we visited were David, Charles, Albert, Helen, Hosea, Isaiah, Victoria, Wamulume, and Constance. Rather than sharing stories from the day, rather I will copy some of the letters the children wrote to their sponsors. I will not give names, for privacy reasons however, these are very touching:
“Dear Sponsor, For the first of all I would like to say thank you for what u have done to me through Jesus Christ. And my pray to God that he continue blessing u and your families because when my parents past way I was thinking that it is the end of my life but for the love have of my Christ he started take care of me through u people. May the good Lord continue protecting u all. God protecting your properties life business what ever u do I pray God will be their first. God will continue protecting you people and add more days to your lives.”
Another.
“Thank you for sponsoring me. May you continue the same spirit. May the Almighty God continue blessing you. And pliz don’t give up continue doing this not just to me but even to others. Without I wouldn’t have known what to do but it’s God’s grace and care that he whispered in his slow soft voice that there is someone somewhere who needs help and you did it. May God bless you!!!”
One more.
“I am proposing this letter to you to hear my thankfulness and my kindness so that you continue to be precious to me and my family. So that we can concentrate on Jesus together. I’m grateful and strongly thankful to you. May the all might God bless u all the time!!! BYE! From your beloved daughter!”
I am almost moved to tears reading some of these.
A few other quickies for my Saturday recap: Mary Leslie and I were talking with Auntie Susan and Trudy and thanking them, because we know we’ve kept them incredibly busy and Auntie Susan replied with a simple question that made my entire day. She asked, “Well, isn’t that what parents are for?” We all laughed it off, but deep inside, I was truly touched. One other thing that Auntie Susan did that was hilarious on Saturday was while we were sitting down for lunch outside a small shop. An extremely intoxicated man had come up to greet in a very inappropriate manner and Auntie Susan started yelling at him. After he finally left, Mary Leslie asked Auntie Susan what she had said to him. She replied, “I told him, I used to fight!” We laughed. She’s amazing.
My time in Kitwe was spent with Mary Leslie and OVCC Coordinators Trudy and Susan. Mary Leslie and I were very blessed by being able to stay at a Retreat Center called St. Andrews. It was very nice and we even had a remote controlled shower (amazing). Breakfast and dinner were served to us off a menu, and our laundry was done by one of the ladies who works here. We also enjoyed getting to know the staff here. Simon and David seem to enjoy our company as well, joining us for dinner each evening.
So, our mission for our time in Kitwe was to visit all the sponsored kids in this town. There are 21 sponsored children spread out in various compounds and villages, so we kept very busy. I suppose for each day I will share with you the children we visited and then also, one or two stories from that day.
Thursday- Bus trip and arrival. Exciting story : “Bus Stop”
Friday- On Friday we visited 8 children in Chemwemwe and Kamwala. The children’s names were Cindy, Esnart, Matthew, Violet, Elizabeth, Florence, Christopher, and Mbaya. A few things that stick out in my mind from visiting these children are: Elizabeth (10 years old) quoting Psalm 121 and saying that her help comes from God; Florence explaining to us how she knows the love that God has for her because each day she spends at school is another miracle; and Mbaya explaining that he remembers when his dad died and he had no hope, but now, God’s provision of a sponsorship has provided that hope. These are just a few moments that I remember.
Another experience that I had today truly revealed to me yet another aspect of Zambian culture. After walking between 10-12 kilometers, we were invited by one of Auntie Susan’s dear friends to join her in her little grocery store/bakery for some scones and soda. This lady, I cannot remember her name, was a retired nurse who had opened this little shop to continue making money for her family. When she saw us outside, she immediately offered us her hospitality, without thinking twice at what it would cost her. She sat us down at a small table in the corner of her shop and served us each a soda and a scone and sat down and ate with us. This may not seem like a huge deal, however, I can only imagine how much she just sacrificed to serve us freely. It is incredible to me that this woman, age 70, was so welcoming, even so much as to put food on the table for us to enjoy, when I’m not sure how much food is on her table at home. This was very humbling and extremely enjoyable.
One last thing from Friday that really sticks out in my mind was an encounter I had with a small boy named Sagie. Sagie was one of the sponsored children’s (Matthew, I’m pretty sure) friends, and happened to be playing in the yard when we arrived. As the sponsored child came in, I invited Sagie in as well. The entire time that we spent in this home, talking with Matthew about his sponsorship and what God has done in his life, Sagie’s heart was visible through the look on his face and his very presence in this home. We offered to pray for both Matthew and Sagie, and I cannot explain to you the look on Sagie’s face when we placed our hands on him to pray. A look of disbelief. A look of thankfulness in the Lord. A look of blessing.
Oh also, as we were eating dinner, one of the Nuns that works here invited Mary Leslie and me to visit the orphanage she works at on Sunday. She gave us her number and we told her we would call her.
PS Mary Leslie and I went to bed at 8 and slept for 11 hours. We were exhausted.
Saturday- Another long day of visits. The children we visited were David, Charles, Albert, Helen, Hosea, Isaiah, Victoria, Wamulume, and Constance. Rather than sharing stories from the day, rather I will copy some of the letters the children wrote to their sponsors. I will not give names, for privacy reasons however, these are very touching:
“Dear Sponsor, For the first of all I would like to say thank you for what u have done to me through Jesus Christ. And my pray to God that he continue blessing u and your families because when my parents past way I was thinking that it is the end of my life but for the love have of my Christ he started take care of me through u people. May the good Lord continue protecting u all. God protecting your properties life business what ever u do I pray God will be their first. God will continue protecting you people and add more days to your lives.”
Another.
“Thank you for sponsoring me. May you continue the same spirit. May the Almighty God continue blessing you. And pliz don’t give up continue doing this not just to me but even to others. Without I wouldn’t have known what to do but it’s God’s grace and care that he whispered in his slow soft voice that there is someone somewhere who needs help and you did it. May God bless you!!!”
One more.
“I am proposing this letter to you to hear my thankfulness and my kindness so that you continue to be precious to me and my family. So that we can concentrate on Jesus together. I’m grateful and strongly thankful to you. May the all might God bless u all the time!!! BYE! From your beloved daughter!”
I am almost moved to tears reading some of these.
A few other quickies for my Saturday recap: Mary Leslie and I were talking with Auntie Susan and Trudy and thanking them, because we know we’ve kept them incredibly busy and Auntie Susan replied with a simple question that made my entire day. She asked, “Well, isn’t that what parents are for?” We all laughed it off, but deep inside, I was truly touched. One other thing that Auntie Susan did that was hilarious on Saturday was while we were sitting down for lunch outside a small shop. An extremely intoxicated man had come up to greet in a very inappropriate manner and Auntie Susan started yelling at him. After he finally left, Mary Leslie asked Auntie Susan what she had said to him. She replied, “I told him, I used to fight!” We laughed. She’s amazing.
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