God never promises easy...

We are headed home... Unless God changes things… our time living in Zambia will come to a close this year in July. The high school is almost done much to my dismay. Robert is much too efficient. The high school is currently pretty much complete minus the courtyard and paint. This has been a painful decision for Robert because Lifesong Zambia has 5+ years of building projects. 13 Student Life Homes, Skills training center, etc…they desperately want him to stay and Shane would love to have him stay too. But he feels like God committed him to the build of the high school. He will stay as involved with Lifesong as they need and be available to them as he can from the states. He has been pretty much tormented by this decision but after fasting, prayer and time with the Lord he feels it’s what we are to do. He will head home in April.

High School...roof is complete and they are painting now.

 Me on the other hand…this place fits like Cinderella’s slipper. It is as “abnormal” as I am! This has also caused Robert grief as he feels like he is making me leave. Of course I trust him and if God is calling him home he is calling me home too! The pain of leaving will be great! God never promised this would be easy! Leaving the 4 boys we have been living with and parenting will feel like HELL on earth but God has a plan for that too! But seeing all of you will be soothing to my soul and I am ready to see you all!

our boys...

I am also coming home in April for a planned break, to spend time with Joshua, help with our Zambian Choir Tour and attend the Summit Conference in Chicago. That will leave Lifesong Zambia with no one here with everyone being in the states on sabbatical or getting married. So I will take a short break in April and May and head back for June and July to manage the school details and host our mission teams while everyone is in the states.

We are so blessed and grateful that Robert will be able to return to his employer and begin reentry into that world. It will take him a while to get up and going once we get home, and then to build his clientele back and jobs started. But we are very grateful they afforded us this time. I will be going to work for Lifesong USA as their regional director of church partnerships in Texas. I will get to continue to focus on the orphan and vulnerable with the BEST orphan care ministry around. I am passionate about God’s people caring for the orphan and vulnerable and sharing God’s word with them. I am completely impressed with Lifesong! Love their hearts, the way they manage their people, their churches, their money… It’s very exciting!

So there you have it…that’s where we are until God changes things. Our Church, First McKinney, supports our decision and us. They have been very supportive during our time here and as we have made these decisions. As well they are committed to helping us with the transition back home. I think we will need a little emotional support as well.  Okay I might need a lot...and then that means Robert will too! HAHA. We are ready and willing to come home it’s just not going to be easy to leave. So if you would continue to be a part of our team we will need you. Would you please continue your support until August to help us as we transition back to the states? WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU! I am telling you that you guys have been one of the best parts of this whole year. AMAZING! Knowing you were praying for us and supporting us. THERE ARE NO WORDS!!

Another exciting part of our time home in April and May will be bringing two of our boys with us. I can hardly breathe at the thought of leaving them here all alone. So we prayed and haggled and prayed and decided on the two that don’t have exams (kinda like the STAR test) this year. With my new position with Lifesong I will be attending the Summit Conference in Chicago as well as working with our Lifesong Zambia Choir that will be touring in April and May. The boys will be a big part of helping me with the choir and representing Lifesong at the conference. AND…BEST PART… they will get to attend Extreme Camp with our church. Please pray they experience an amazing time with the Lord. Pray now for changed lives forever!!

Trevorson Njombi and Haggai Chitambala

Thanks for all your support and encouragement. This has been one of the best years of our lives. And coming home has been the hardest decision of our lives but we trust and know the Lord has us in his hand! BEST and WORST all rapped up in one. BUT...We are so looking forward to seeing you all in April! We can’t wait to thank you face-to-face for making a difference in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children. Because of you LIVES HAVE BEEN CHANGED! There is no way to tell you everything you have helped with. But I will try in my next update to give you a word picture of the difference you have made because you partnered with us. We love you much! Thanks is not enough…just remember…today is your miracle day! Because HE is not done with you yet!

Soon...

                                                                                                                          Sandy