WOW...could it get any better!? I am really feeling at home after a few days here! Anna and I both are feeling comfortable with our Zambian Family! We haven't done too much work yet because the Family has been going to classes during the day for some child training. So we have been doing a lot of work inside! We have gotten to know Patricia and Tommy really well and have grown to love the time we get with them.
Tommy has now learned 9 hole Golf (card game, my G-pa Slagter's fav game). He really enjoys it even though he isn't quite that good at it yet, whenever he is struggling he says, "The Lord is Faithful"...even when he loses "The Lord is Faithful, I will win this time" It is great to see how they put God into everything. Along with that we have had long discussions about how we can't drink their water. He doesn't understand and thinks that we should at least try it..."how do we know?" he would say and I asked him, "If I try it would you hold my hair back as I puke?!" he laughed and said, "Of course, if you try it, we are family!"
As for Patricia I have grown to love this woman...she is so excited to show us her culture and let us watch and learn how to make Nshima (shema) today. We were challenged by Cypheen later that we would not be able to make it well! So turns out Anna and I will have to step up tomorrow...
As for our trips to "My Fathers House's" it was amazing the kids are so respectful and excited to see us. Most of them were quiet almost like they were nervous to meet us. They all came up and gave us hugs or shook our hands. Then they showed us their rooms and around the house. I am so excited to spend more time with them over these next weeks!
I also was able to see the house that the GEMS built and also sponsor every month. They were excited to hear that I once went to GEMS. I will make sure to get pictures of the kids to show the girls back home! They would love to receive mail from you girls, so if you get the chance send it to me and I will make sure to get it to them (there's 8 total, 4 boys/girls) They were so gracious; it is amazing the amount of respect they hold for others.
I have grown to LOVE my Zambian family! I love the way they are so laid back and don't worry about time is amazing...I didn't think I would like this being as I am usually 15 minutes early for everything! BUT in Africa, it is not an offense to be late...it is almost expected, not really but it is not rude! So I am totally fine with being late, although I usually say sorry 15 times and then explain. :s I will get there... I love how they are so kind...always greeted with a smile and cheek kisses! They show their love here and not just for people for the Lord too. This is one area that I have been challenged! I hope by the time I leave here I will have the infatuation they have for God...You can see He is number one in their lives! I have never really seen it this obvious before! I can only pray that is the same for me!
Thank you all for your prayers they mean more than you know! Also thanks so much for your emails and comments...I get SUPER excited to read them!!
*G-pa Slagter's health, I have heard he looks well and has been having some good days! Please continue to pray for him, my G-ma and my family in this time.
*Health for Anna and I both
*Thanks that we have adjusted after that one night to the time here!
*Safety for my cousin Dusty who is coming home from Iraq in a few days!
*Thanks for the people that I have already met and feel in LOVE with and that they are so accepting and gracious!
12 comments:
Talia!
Oh, Sweetie, your enthusiasm is so good to hear! I pray that it will never leave you. How good it is to hear your thoughtfulness also for Grandpa and Grandma in your prayer requests. We continue to lift you up in prayer.
Nae
p.s. You missed out on a spot of light frost this morning.
Nat I love how excited you are and how much longing you have to grown, which means you probably will!!
Can't wait to hear more for you!
Love you lots
Natty Poo!!
I finally figured out how to get on here! I am so glad to hear about all the stuff you have been doing...and I can't wait to see how God uses you throughout these next couple months! I love you Natty!! Thinking and praying for you constantly!
Hillary
Natalie,
Wow! what and exciting time for you. I am so proud of all you are doing and how you are bringing the Lord's light to so many people. Thanks for keeping us updated, we love to read about your adventures. We are praying for you! Lori and the NBC family.
Nat Love your Nat and Anna's Most Wonderful Adventures! Not so sure I like the being late is OK stuff. So excited the Lord is so close to you and all there. Keep sharing Africa with us.
Mom
Nat!
It is so fun to hear how things are going for you! It sounds like you are already learning a lot!! You still need some pics so we can put a face to the names and the video would be awesome!!!
I love and miss you!!!
Keep serving the Lord!!!
Lindsey
Hey there tootsey. Just wanted to let you know we heard from Dusty this morn. He's in Kuwait waiting for a plane out. It could take a few days but we're sure he'll be home by the weekend. We're pretty excited! It's so fun to hear what's happening with you. Life's a party!!! and the joy of the Lord is your strength. Spread the JOY!
Love ya Nat, take care. Patci
Nit Nat! What a blessing it is to hear all that you are enjoying over there! You can tell in your words that you are right at "home" there! That is is the place your heart has been missing! Ah, im so excited to see where God leads in you in all of this! So good to hear from you! Praying for you ALWAYS!
love you,
Toyer
Hey Natalie,
I was talking to Hillary today and asking about how you were doing in Africa, and she said to check out your blog. So I did, and let me say what an encouragement and blessing to me to see how you being used by God to bless those people and how they are blessing you in return. Praying for you...
Kevin
Hey Talia!
It's hard to believe that it's already been 2 weeks since our crazed, Daytona-like ride into the Cities! I hope all is going well. Dusty made it home and it's so good to see him! We wish you could have been here for his visit but, we are all excited that you're finally getting to live your dream. I hope that you are keeping a journal. It will be a treasure to you in the future.
In His Grip,
Nae
Natalie,
It has been so exciting to hear what you have been up to in Africa! It is such a joy to see my students serving God and living for Him in all they do. Keep using all the experiences you go through, good and bad, to let God mold your heart the way He wants. Love you and praying for you.
Mindy
Nat! It sounds like you are right where God wants you. What an amazing time to have your faith challenged so much. Caleb and I are praying for you and are so excited to hear all about everything. Love ya!
Davy
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