Day 1 - June 29, 2010

I am on the plane to London. We will be there for 12 hours ad then to Zambia. 10 hours to London and 10 hours to Lusaka. Lots of reading and movie time, which will be nice.

I started the day off today with anxiety but a peace has since come over me. I can't help but think it's because of all of my friends and family that are praying for me. I just opened a gift that my parents gave me. Sealed and labeled not to open it until I was in the air... only took me 30 minutes to open it :) ! It was a little booklet of note cards that are laminated with scripture. Kerry wrote down words of encouragement and scripture to help me while I am this mission trip. How thoughtful and sweet! There were also cards from my dad and Kerry had written me and of course tears streamed down as I read how much they love me and are proud of me. I am so grateful to have such strong Christian parents that have supported me on this journey. Blessed. After that, I open up the "Day 1" letter from my community group. When I met with my group on Sunday for our weekly Bible study, they presented me with letters - one to read each day I was there. They each took the time to pick days and write me a letter. The first one was from Amy. Awesome words of encouragement and reminders. I can not wait to see what the other letters say. One things that she said is not to become weary, tired, or frustrated because Satan is going to try and attack me. Crazy as it sounds, I haven't even thought of this. It's good to be reminded of ways the devil tried to bring us down so that we can recognize it and choose not to let Satan get in the way.

I think the thing I am looking forward to the most is meeting the little girl I am sponsoring, Marles. I have brought bubbles and other gifts, like a sweater to give to her. I hope we will have time to play and get to know each other.

Prayers: For a safe trip, able to sleep, a good flight and lay-over. I pray that God opens my heart and I am able to love everyone that I meet as he loves them. I pray that I can distinguish what each person I come in contacts needs, whether it's a hug, words of encouragement, or just to listen. I pray that I change lives, expand the Kingdom and that I am never the same.

Day 1-2 July 1, 2010

Well I got really sick on the last hour on the flight from the US to London. It was the beginning of many hours of puking and I might have set a record for different places I threw up! I finally stopped about 5 hours into the plane ride from London to Lusaka. We arrived here in Zambia about 6:30am. The African sunrise from the plane is breathtaking. We got all of luggage and took "the Him Bus" (Family Legacy Mission's buses) to the Mulugushi Village in Lusaka. The village was built for the Queen of England and her people back in the 60's. It is a gated village with Villa houses everywhere. Some people live here. FLM rent several villas out from the Government there. The smell here is Africa is of smoke. I haven't figured it out yet, but it's a very smoky smell. Lusaka doesn't look as bad as I thought it would. It's not America, but it's not little huts every where either, like I expected. The weather was about 50 degrees this morning, but now it's about 80-90 degrees. I have a room to myself. I was able to get about 6 hours of sleep after the plane ride, which I really needed and I am feeling much better.We are all meeting for dinner later.

Dinner was nice. We went into town to where the arcades are. They have several restaurants there. I had a calzone and it was really good. So I hear that since Lusaka is the capitol, there is money here in the city, but where we will be going is out into the compounds and communities around Lusaka. I will get to see this tomorrow. Connie worked on my pain points tonight and Shane adjusted me. Man, I could get use to this. I took a shower and the water was hot! Praise the Lord! Can't use hair straighteners here so my hair is going to look like a lion's mane, but that will be good for me.
Blessings: That I am feeling better. No one else got sick. Great group of people I am with. Running water, hot water and electricity. Great place to serve on my first mission trip.

Prayers: That tomorrow opens mine and the other American's eyes to what goes on in this world. How things are not needed because they're not eternal, energy, humbleness. I hope that I am more sensitive to the needs around me. I pray that Susan, Greer's wife heals. I pray that you bless the staff, Americans, my friend and family abundantly. I pray for the people of Zambia. I lift up the orphans to you, that they will have a night of no suffering.