Welcome to Zambia!

Long flight... but we made it!

I slept through the 4:30am rooster this morning.  First time since we have been here.  I actually love hearing the early morning birds, including the rooster, as well as the hustle and bustle of neighbors getting ready for a new day.   Each day we have been in Zambia has brought us many blessings and challenges as we learn to navigate and reside in our new home.

Serving In Missions (SIM), the mission organization with which we are partnering here in Zambia, has been wonderfully welcoming and helpful in getting us oriented to our host culture.  They met us at the airport, arranged housing while here in Lusaka (the capital) and made sure we had a few home cooked meals along with fellowship in some of the missionaries’ homes.  And, getting to already meet two of our coworkers from Mukinge, Michelle, a nurse, and Daren, one of the other family docs, was a welcomed surprise.

Rainy Season

We have been able to accomplish a lot while here in Lusaka, though not without running from office to office and back again for various requirements for our work permits, etc.  I have been thankful for our mission training that prepared us for these exact experiences!  We were supposed to leave last Saturday to go to Mukinge, but will fly tomorrow instead.  We are actually so thankful for the extra time to rest and shop.  But, I can't wait to see our new home and meet our new neighbors and coworkers tomorrow!

Stephen giving a few thoughts
before communion.

And, because we are here for a weekend, we had a lovely day of worship with the Chelinje Church of Christ. (Thank you Sam and Nancy Shewmaker for the contact info!)  Our tenor and soprano voices were drowned out by the spirited Zambian four-part harmony.  We were welcomed in African style for refreshments and get-to-know you afterwards. 

Thank you for your prayers!  Here are some updates for ways you can join us in prayer and praise.

Praises:

Safe arrival!

All bags here with no problems

Wonderful welcome from SIM and coworkers

We are quickly learning our way around

Psalm 139 "If on the wings"
The view of the sunrise from the plane.

Beautiful rains, lush green surroundings, and beautiful flowers

Stephen has been approved to take the medical exam

Prayer Requests:

Stephen is taking it as I type!!!

Safe trip to Mukinge on a small 5 seater plane.  Yikes:) 

Continued to pray we transition well
For us to remain healthy and have energy

Pray for people of peace