I experienced total Joy today.
Bernard asked me if I had any extra money to help buy shoes for three of the children who had no shoes for school. I gave him money so the children could go buy their shoes. I have taken pictures of many of the children's shoes and will post when I get home. The children's shoes are old and falling apart. Most have 2 or 3 pairs.
Hannel is the sweetest boy and SO smart. He writes me stories and loves to do long division. He loves to pray and reads the Bible more than any other person I know. He went today and bought his new shoes with Bernard. I have NEVER seen a child smile so big. He was so proud of his new shoes and showed them to me with such joy. He said they were the perfect size for him and that he was going to take good care of them. He did not know that I was the one that paid for his shoes. I was so happy that I could do this for him. It was greater than any Christmas present I have ever been given. God totally blessed me today by Hannel's new shoes.
If you are interested in buying shoes (or anything else!) for the children, email me at ashleysfitzpatrick@gmail.com and I will give you all the information. They need anything and everything!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Another Week of Adventures!
This week has flown by. Seriously, it feels like it still should be Monday! Its been another good week in Africa.
God seems to continue to surprise and bless me in the most unique ways. While I have not had any "mountain top" experiences, I feel that this experience in Africa is slowly changing me over time. Its like a long hike with a slight incline and a beautiful view. This afternoon I sang worship songs with the children and had the most fun. Its moments like those that are simply perfect.
I preached this past Sunday morning which was a wonderful experience. It was interesting because I only had 3 weeks to understand my congregation and the Zambian context. Services last from 9:30-11:30/12:00 which is long but they seem quick and full of energy. I preached about healing and asking God for healing in our lives - Mark 1:40-43. I hope it was meaningful to everyone. Bernard translated for me so the people that only speak the local language could understand me.
Zambia (and most of Africa as I have been told) is a very relaxed place. If you are told to arrive at 9:30, you can arrive at 10 and still be on time. The same is true with leaders in the church. This past Sunday the youth leaders did not show up and I had to teach the lesson without any prior knowledge.
One of my favorite sayings from the children is "Can I carry this for you?" At first, I wondered why the children always asked to carry my things. But then it hit me, they want to carry my Bible because they dont have one. They want to hold my jacket because they only have one. It reminds me why I am here. I am here for them. I am here to minister to them and show them the love of Christ. In return, they have shown me how joyful life can be with or without material things.
I am so grateful for the amount of prayer, rest, and relaxation I get here. Everyday I lay down for an hour in the middle of the day and either read, watch movies on my laptop, or take a nap. This time has reminded me how important Sabbaths are in life. While this is not a typical "Sabbath" being Sunday - the day of worship and rest. But it is a time of rest for me. I pray for 15 minutes before I relax. It has been the greatest spiritual and emotional journey for me. On Wednesday three American came to tour the Orphanage so I did not get my hour of rest. The rest of the day just felt "off." However, it was good to speak to other Americans for a few minutes since I havent seen one in 4 weeks. I am trying to figure out more Sabbath time in my life once I return in August.
I am still tutoring and teaching...and love it! I have identified the children who need extra help. They bring me their books everyday and we study. I require alot of the children to read out loud to me to help their reading and English skills. I have found they LOVE to read. Most of the children read more than I require everyday. I am so proud of them!
I have started attending the women's meeting at the Church everyday Tuesday and Thursday. It makes me feel like I am back home in the US at my own small group. I lead a Bible Study this past Thursday for the women.
Today I went to the Farmer's Festival. The festival had all the farmers bring their finest crop for selling. I bought 8 oranges and 3 tomatoes for 2 dollars! Yum! I got sunburned...bad! Most of the children had no clue what was wrong with me. I explained to me how my skin type can get burned and that it would be back to normal in a few days.
I have had a headache for the past two days and pray that it goes away soon!
I am sure next week will be another wonderful week! Until then...
God seems to continue to surprise and bless me in the most unique ways. While I have not had any "mountain top" experiences, I feel that this experience in Africa is slowly changing me over time. Its like a long hike with a slight incline and a beautiful view. This afternoon I sang worship songs with the children and had the most fun. Its moments like those that are simply perfect.
I preached this past Sunday morning which was a wonderful experience. It was interesting because I only had 3 weeks to understand my congregation and the Zambian context. Services last from 9:30-11:30/12:00 which is long but they seem quick and full of energy. I preached about healing and asking God for healing in our lives - Mark 1:40-43. I hope it was meaningful to everyone. Bernard translated for me so the people that only speak the local language could understand me.
Zambia (and most of Africa as I have been told) is a very relaxed place. If you are told to arrive at 9:30, you can arrive at 10 and still be on time. The same is true with leaders in the church. This past Sunday the youth leaders did not show up and I had to teach the lesson without any prior knowledge.
One of my favorite sayings from the children is "Can I carry this for you?" At first, I wondered why the children always asked to carry my things. But then it hit me, they want to carry my Bible because they dont have one. They want to hold my jacket because they only have one. It reminds me why I am here. I am here for them. I am here to minister to them and show them the love of Christ. In return, they have shown me how joyful life can be with or without material things.
I am so grateful for the amount of prayer, rest, and relaxation I get here. Everyday I lay down for an hour in the middle of the day and either read, watch movies on my laptop, or take a nap. This time has reminded me how important Sabbaths are in life. While this is not a typical "Sabbath" being Sunday - the day of worship and rest. But it is a time of rest for me. I pray for 15 minutes before I relax. It has been the greatest spiritual and emotional journey for me. On Wednesday three American came to tour the Orphanage so I did not get my hour of rest. The rest of the day just felt "off." However, it was good to speak to other Americans for a few minutes since I havent seen one in 4 weeks. I am trying to figure out more Sabbath time in my life once I return in August.
I am still tutoring and teaching...and love it! I have identified the children who need extra help. They bring me their books everyday and we study. I require alot of the children to read out loud to me to help their reading and English skills. I have found they LOVE to read. Most of the children read more than I require everyday. I am so proud of them!
I have started attending the women's meeting at the Church everyday Tuesday and Thursday. It makes me feel like I am back home in the US at my own small group. I lead a Bible Study this past Thursday for the women.
Today I went to the Farmer's Festival. The festival had all the farmers bring their finest crop for selling. I bought 8 oranges and 3 tomatoes for 2 dollars! Yum! I got sunburned...bad! Most of the children had no clue what was wrong with me. I explained to me how my skin type can get burned and that it would be back to normal in a few days.
I have had a headache for the past two days and pray that it goes away soon!
I am sure next week will be another wonderful week! Until then...
Friday, June 18, 2010
No Internet Next Week
Hi Everyone...I wont have internet next week. Dont worry if you dont hear from me. Im fine and everything is well. The pastor is traveling to get Kendra, another missionary, and will have the computer with him. I will update you when he gets back. Pray for traveling mercies for them :)
Love you all dearly. Thanks for all the prayers and support :) I am SO glad that I am here. I love Zambia and all the children!
Love you all dearly. Thanks for all the prayers and support :) I am SO glad that I am here. I love Zambia and all the children!
Popcorn
My favorite food in Zambia is popcorn. We typically have it 3-4 nights a week. Its homemade, flavored with salt, and so yummy! Its better than American popcorn from the microwave. I will be making it this way when I get home!
(Be shocked!) I have been helping with the cooking alot. In fact, I have gotten good at cooking Nshima. Look this up online. Its a traditional African food. I do not do alot of cooking in America because I simply dont have the time.
(Be shocked!) I have been helping with the cooking alot. In fact, I have gotten good at cooking Nshima. Look this up online. Its a traditional African food. I do not do alot of cooking in America because I simply dont have the time.
Prayer and Devotion
My favorite time of the day is from 9-9:30. All the children and myself gather in the dining room. We have devotion. We normally sing a song, I speak for a few minutes about the Bible/God, and then the children say their prayers.
Most nights everyone bows their head and prays out loud all at the same time. In my tradition in America, I have never heard 35 people praying out loud at the same time...but its beautiful! I enjoy hearing a room full of noise talking to God. It makes me think that Heaven might sound something like this.
Most nights everyone bows their head and prays out loud all at the same time. In my tradition in America, I have never heard 35 people praying out loud at the same time...but its beautiful! I enjoy hearing a room full of noise talking to God. It makes me think that Heaven might sound something like this.
The Look
In Zambezi there is one major shopping center that has a bank, several small stores, and a market. I love to see all the locally grown produce and fish at the market.
I have noticed that when I walk to the market with some of the children I see people looking at me. I am sure they are wondering where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going. In my head I say "Those People are giving me 'The Look' " It makes me laugh :)
I have noticed that when I walk to the market with some of the children I see people looking at me. I am sure they are wondering where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going. In my head I say "Those People are giving me 'The Look' " It makes me laugh :)
Proud Moment
As you know, I tutor and teach alot! I feel like this is bootcamp teaching or student teaching. I really enjoy it and I LOVE to see when the kids are learning.
I want to tell you about three of the children that I am so proud of!
Anna - She is one of the nicest girls you will meet and a little quiet. She is in early high school and has been having issues in math. We have spent hours working on problems like (-1) - 3 + 4 =? or -9 + (-8) - 7 + 10 =? If you want to know how to do these problems when I get home, let me know and I will come over and teach you. Anna was determined to learn it. Frankly, she wasnt catching on. She would come find me to get help even when it wasnt time to study. We worked, and worked, and worked. And she got it! I am SO proud of her! She can to any problem I give to her! Way to Go Anna!
Sandra - She is a sweetie but has problems paying attention. We have been working on memorizing Bible verses. She has been working on memorizing John 3:16. Today she was able to say the WHOLE thing without my help! We had not worked on this verse very much so I was shocked that she could remember it.
Chinyama - He is the funniest and nicest boy. Every morning he practices reading with me. He is in 4th grade. Today he was able to read the entire story without my help! :) Every word was pronounced correctly and he even knew the tough words.
I am so proud of them! :)
I want to tell you about three of the children that I am so proud of!
Anna - She is one of the nicest girls you will meet and a little quiet. She is in early high school and has been having issues in math. We have spent hours working on problems like (-1) - 3 + 4 =? or -9 + (-8) - 7 + 10 =? If you want to know how to do these problems when I get home, let me know and I will come over and teach you. Anna was determined to learn it. Frankly, she wasnt catching on. She would come find me to get help even when it wasnt time to study. We worked, and worked, and worked. And she got it! I am SO proud of her! She can to any problem I give to her! Way to Go Anna!
Sandra - She is a sweetie but has problems paying attention. We have been working on memorizing Bible verses. She has been working on memorizing John 3:16. Today she was able to say the WHOLE thing without my help! We had not worked on this verse very much so I was shocked that she could remember it.
Chinyama - He is the funniest and nicest boy. Every morning he practices reading with me. He is in 4th grade. Today he was able to read the entire story without my help! :) Every word was pronounced correctly and he even knew the tough words.
I am so proud of them! :)
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