I knew I was in a good place when Samantha had pancakes ready when I arrived last Saturday morning! The girls had given up one of their rooms for me to sleep in and had such a sweet card waiting for me.
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| My welcome card! |
Thursday, June 20, 2013
The Luwizhi's
Many of you from Tyler & Van may know the Luwizhi's or have heard of them. Let me just say, you are a better person after knowing Vincent, Samantha and their three girls Madisyn, Ahlyvia and Serenity. They have graciously opened their home to me during my stay here and have made me feel apart of their family! I have really enjoyed spending time with them and learning about the ministries they have going here in Zambia. They are doing big things here! Please visit their website Acts of Mercy to see for yourself!
I knew I was in a good place when Samantha had pancakes ready when I arrived last Saturday morning! The girls had given up one of their rooms for me to sleep in and had such a sweet card waiting for me.
I've already made so many memories at their home...movie nights on the laptop when the power is out, hair drying with the girls, and introducing the girls to Rihanna & Jason Aldean haha! I know I have made lifelong friends and am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them in Zambia!
I knew I was in a good place when Samantha had pancakes ready when I arrived last Saturday morning! The girls had given up one of their rooms for me to sleep in and had such a sweet card waiting for me.
The Journey
I've had quite a few people ask me what I'm doing over in Africa.
To be honest, I wasn't sure at first. I'm sure now. Here is my journey.
I have always wanted to come to Africa to "volunteer". The location or the organization did not matter. It has just been something on my bucket list. Orphans and underprivileged kids have always had a soft spot in my heart. I have spent time volunteering with them in Austin. And so people ask, "Why do you have to go so far to help kids when there are so many at home to help?" My answer: You don't. There are so many people that are making a huge different right at home. And there are so many kids that need help and love who are right down the street. I personally just wanted to step out of my comfort zone and reach the kids here, who are stricken with extreme poverty, hunger & disease. To witness it with my own eyes. To make a difference.
My life has taken a few twists, turns and drops and has given me this opportunity to be here. Maybe it wasn't the path I would have chosen for myself, but I now realize it is God's path. It is the path that led me to Zambia. And it has changed my life.
A month ago, I started googling volunteer opportunities in Africa. There are endless programs. Most of them required a huge fee to come volunteer. That seemed to defeat the purpose to me. After an entire weekend of research and googling, I decided to put it on the backburner. The very next day, Vincent Luwizhi with Acts of Mercy, posted on Facebook that they had a need for people to come over and just love on the children here. Granted, I had never met this person or talked to him, only heard about him through church in Tyler and Grace. The Luwizhi's have been living in Zambia several years and are missionaries supported by Bethel Bible Church in Tyler. And so I became the creeper & immediately messaged him about coming over! Two and a half weeks (a few shots and malaria pills) later, I hopped on a plane (with definitely NOT enough warm clothes) and landed in Lusaka, Zambia!
To be honest, I wasn't sure at first. I'm sure now. Here is my journey.
I have always wanted to come to Africa to "volunteer". The location or the organization did not matter. It has just been something on my bucket list. Orphans and underprivileged kids have always had a soft spot in my heart. I have spent time volunteering with them in Austin. And so people ask, "Why do you have to go so far to help kids when there are so many at home to help?" My answer: You don't. There are so many people that are making a huge different right at home. And there are so many kids that need help and love who are right down the street. I personally just wanted to step out of my comfort zone and reach the kids here, who are stricken with extreme poverty, hunger & disease. To witness it with my own eyes. To make a difference.
My life has taken a few twists, turns and drops and has given me this opportunity to be here. Maybe it wasn't the path I would have chosen for myself, but I now realize it is God's path. It is the path that led me to Zambia. And it has changed my life.
A month ago, I started googling volunteer opportunities in Africa. There are endless programs. Most of them required a huge fee to come volunteer. That seemed to defeat the purpose to me. After an entire weekend of research and googling, I decided to put it on the backburner. The very next day, Vincent Luwizhi with Acts of Mercy, posted on Facebook that they had a need for people to come over and just love on the children here. Granted, I had never met this person or talked to him, only heard about him through church in Tyler and Grace. The Luwizhi's have been living in Zambia several years and are missionaries supported by Bethel Bible Church in Tyler. And so I became the creeper & immediately messaged him about coming over! Two and a half weeks (a few shots and malaria pills) later, I hopped on a plane (with definitely NOT enough warm clothes) and landed in Lusaka, Zambia!
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