I told you I would have another more complete, detailed update, sooner or later so here it is. Drum roll please.  Just Kidding!

I’ll try to re-cap on the past month and give insight into the ‘possible’ future.

First: Yes, I WAS sick, buuuuut… now I’m not!  I never got to the bottom of “what” it was, but ‘we’ tried in all our might.  And rest assured, I’ll get some medical help here state side, if and when I’m knocked down by the pain again. Trust me, I’d have no choice but to go running to the nearest medical facility, if the pain showed its face again.

Second: I started negotiations with an organization in Florida, which required a visit to the states and further screening, and training state side.  Some of you questioned why… and I must say that there are a multitude of ‘ministries over seas and even more ideas on how to assist those ministries.  Sooooo~ those ( of us) that represent the organization need to be of ‘like mind’ in more than one area , which should go with out saying.  Long story short, we weren’t as like minded as we intentionally thought we were, and for now I’m praying about other options, but support the work and teams of HOB in ALL they do.

Third: My work permit expired May 2, 08 in Zambia, so I was forced to leave the country or find a church or new NGO (Non Governmental Organization) to apply for a ‘long term’ work permit, which I didn’t want to accept or apply to just any NGO or church that came down the pike. In the mean time, I thought I’d come home and make the most of a little Rest and Relaxation, along with some down on the farm, quality family time, and time to sort out the best future for me and those I left in Africa. I was ‘blessed’ to leave all but the clothes I brought here in storage with another American missionary family, in hopes of returning.

Fourth: Your financial donations, I choose to leave behind the remaining sum of money donated by each of you; to assist in the salaries for those employed by the Sarah Rose orphanage, provide rent and salary for former street boys, purchase uniforms for Beautiful Gate students, along with other small odds and ends along the way. I know you gave towards the Needs in Zambia and I won’t to make sure the money is used accordingly whether I’m here or not

Fifth:, My heart is home sick, for Zambia that is, but I’m taking some time this month to just pray and see what the Lords will is for the months and years to come.  I must accept the fact that God may have sent me millions of miles away just to break me from being such a ‘know it all’.  After all you can’t know it all, or ‘any thing’ for that matter in a foreign land where you know absolutely nothing.  Or he may have prepared me years ago to go and not only live among the African’s, but to also become ‘one with them’ for years to come.  My free spirit does seek and enjoy adventure, but living in the conditions and culture I was submerged into was beyond my idea of adventure and leaned more on the side of ‘craziness’.  However through Christ and Christ along I experienced true Joy, Peace and Contentment among all the trials and tribulations, and I trust that he’ll continue to saturate me in the same peace if I stay or if I go back.

Sixth: Another determining factor for the future months and years to come is a man by the name of Hankalinge Mac Donald Mayaba-Nyanga.  He is my dear Zambian friend,  that I’ve become very found of during the last eight months.  He was previously involved (daily) with BG (the former NGO I volunteered for).  So we met and spent ample time together from the beginning of my arrival.  I was always told that ‘love’ would strike me when I least expected it, and that it has!  We’re taking some time to (refrain from communication) in hopes of hearing the voice of God and His will for our lives, instead of being distracted by each other, and I ask for your prayers as neither of us want anything less than Gods best for our life and future.  I know this is news to most of you, but not to all of you.  My family is very eager to meet him (after all this time), and we’re all hoping for the chance later this summer, if all goes well between now and than.

Seventh: I’m here (state side) for up to four, or six months, unless things change).

I opted for financial reasons to skip the (respected and beneficial) cultural training (MTI) in Colorado (for now), but would love the chance to attend before ‘going back to Africa’.

Eighth: I plan to do massage (for those friends and family interested) and any other side work I can drum up while being home with hopes of making some spending money while I’m here and for when i return.  Let me know if you need any lawn mowing, leaf racking, snack baking duties done… I’ll be eager to jump on my bike (only mode of transport) and head your way, if possible!

Ninth: I plan to complete a Power Point by the end of this month, which will show a bit more detail of my ‘life in Africa and the Ministry I was blessed with there.  I’ll be able to share this with any of you, your churches, or other groups that are interested in viewing it. I plan to make a trip to Cali before heading back to Zambia, but no dates are yet set. I’ll keep each of you posted as plans un fold.

So there you have it, all the updates and clarifications that I can think of up till now. I updated my blog this week, so you can go there to view a few more photos and more will be on the way.  I didn’t have enough hours in the day to complete the changes this week.

I’ll be heading to the Annual German Baptist Meeting tomorrow (Fri May for those of you who know what I’m speaking of, and plan to return next week.

PRAYER:

1.         Safe travels to and from Kansas this week for the Annual Meeting

2.       Clear direction from the Lord for Hankalinge and I’s future…!!!

3.       Quality time with family and (friends) during my ‘visit’ state side

4.       Guidance to the proper organization and or church in ZA to go back and volunteer or partner with

5.       A possible US based church to back and or support me spiritually, mentally, emotionally once I return to Africa

6.       Massages or other odds and ends job to make a little spending money and support for future ministries or living expenses.

7.       Quick Sales of the ‘Modern African material hand bags’ that were made as a fund raiser to support the ministries that I left behind

8.       Pray I’m healed once and fore all of the ailment that had me down and out this past month

9.       I’ll be able to sell my hardly used snowboard and snow gear, along with my Nano 4GB hot pink ipod, new Trek mountain bike, and other odds and ends

10.    My parents will be able to sell their house by this fall/winter and find a smaller house closer to my brother or sister that requires less care and up keep’.  I’ll be sad to see it ‘my only home’ go, but would rather be here to assist with the buying  ,selling, and moving process and know they’ll be closer to Family, just where they belong!