We ARRIVED!!!

We finally made it to the mission!!! God has been so good every step of the journey here. It was physically more demanding than I ever remember it being, you'd think that I'd be used to all the flights by now, but this time, I had to dig really deep inside and ask God to provide His strength in the midst of my weakness'. He did! All of our bags made it! Praise God!

Kevin P. (head missionary here) picked us up at the airport and we drove to the mission, a 45 minute drive. It felt like home. All the familiar sights. So familiar that I felt like I could of driven us back to the mission, I recognized and knew all the turns to make! The watermelon stand, the post office, Shoprite in Luanshya...it all looks the same and it feels like I have never left here! We saw my friend Leonard right before we turned onto the dirt road that leads to the mission! It was so good to see him! Pulling into the compound, I saw Joseph, Lorna and Mama Catherine first. Joseph came running to me giving me his big ol bear hug and Mama Catherine tackled me from behind....literally! You gotta know that she is everyone's Mama here. A wonderful wonderful lady. I love her dearly! Many more friends came and greeted us here...Anderson, Wingstone...John Sarra...and I have met several new friends!

I completely unpacked, had a wonderful HOT shower and a great cup of coffee! Life is good!

The next couple of days we are gonna take it easy and just adjust and get ready to get busy with the preparations. Lots of shopping to be done and that will take a couple of days to accomplish!

On the way to the mission, there is a stretch of road that is very special to me...in between Luanshya and the mission dirt road. It was on this stretch back in 2006 that I know I heard the Voice of God speaking to me. I was sitting in the back seat of the truck that day, the wind was blowing very hard through the open windows...I was trying to take it all in that day. I remember God speaking very clearly to me telling me that this was the life that I was created for. I knew then just as I know now that He created me to be one that goes to the ends of the earth to share His Good News and to be an extension of His hands and feet to this hurting world. It was good to be reminded of that again today as we drove that stretch of the road. Very special moment.

I have tried to post this entry 4 times now...the power went off right as I was getting ready to send it before...This is Zambia!

I am very excited to be back...very excited to meet new people and be reacquainted with old friends...and very excited for all God has in store for me on this journey...and am very tired!

I will write more soon..thank you for all your prayers, comments and emails! I am encouraged by all of them!

Love to all,

Amy