I am home!! Yay for no misplaced luggage!!
Whew...what a whirlwind it has been. When I got to DFW on Sunday it literally felt like I had been gone a year. It does feel so good to be home (especially with hot showers)....but I must admit there is a big piece of my heart that is in Zambia.
I have so much blogging to catch up on and I PROMISE I will...but I am just trying to wrap my head around the whole experience and also say goodbye to 3 years in Dallas. Lots of emotions for sure.
I officially will be back in WEst monroe on Saturday. It's very exciting and yet kinda scary to go back home.
I will be posting pics on here soon. (My camera broke the first week. So, I am relying on friends' pics of me and my kiddos).
Love you guys and can't wait to share EVERYTHING that happened in Zambia. God is so big and He just amazed me with His love.
kell
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Week 1 Recap - This isn't VBS!!
Hi friends and family -
First off, I want to say "thanks mama" for typing my blog below. Yes, it was a wonderful surprise to talk to you! I really did want all you guys to be updated as it had almost been a week since I'd written.
Im here in Lusaka at an internet cafe trying to somehow put into words all that I've experienced this week. Im officially paying 200 kwacha per minute. (dont worry- that's like 7 cents) :) But I am going to try my best to walk you through a quick recap of last week. *I CANNOT wait to personally tell you stories of God's redemption from this week!!!*
The week started on Saturday night at the Mulungushi Village were we Americans went through orientation with Greer (head of Family Legacy). We were prepped on all that we would see and experience this week. He spoke about spiritual warfare and how we were truly going to be challenged as never before. Africa is covered so much in darkness. Satanism and demonic oppression and possesion are everywhere. Basically, Greer said..."Guys, this isn't VBS!!" Wow, I had no clue how right he truly was....
This past week I had the priveledge of knowing 16 of the most beautiful girls I have ever met. And Im not talking about beauty on the outside. Each girl has a story that has truly inspired me and challenged my faith beyond words.
**Tomaida lost her father to AIDS and now that her mother has remarried and wants nothing to do with her. I cannot tell you the tears I cried as this 12 yr. old cried and cried because her mother tells her she is worthless and should "go be with her father." She is beaten daily and yet still she can truly proclaim, "The Lord is my Shepard."
**Ruth is a double orphan who lives with her auntie. About 2 years ago her grandmother initiated her into Satanism and Ruth chose to sacrifice her mother (who was preg. at the time) in order to be inducted. She now wears scares on her chest and hands marking Satans hold on her life. BUT (and man do I love this part) the Lord chose to use me to tell her all about His sweet redeeming love for this little one. She cried as I shared the Good News and on Wednesday she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior!! You can only imagine how excited I was to experience this sweet time. But on Thursday my heart sank when she didnt show up and I found out her auntie beat her and told her to never return to Camp Life. I don't think Ive ever prayed so hard that night. But the Lord is faithful and on Friday morning she returned to Camp with tears in her eyes and a smile. She had snuck out of her house just to go to Camp. I don't know what she faced when she returned home on Friday afternoon...BUT I know that the Lord does walk before her and WILL protect this little one.
There are literally countless other stories that I could share. I just don't have the time. But God, who is faithful, has and will receive all the glory! I have been stretched from this experience sooooo much. Im learning from my fellow Zambian brothers and sisters. Their faith is incredible. They are soooo strong and speak with conviction and without fear. I know that God has me here for many reasons. But one being that he is revealing the fear that I so struggle with in my life. It's not comfortable and honestly havent slept alot but it's totally worth it.
SO, if you could...continue to pray. Pray for Greer and all of the staff. Pray for the Zambian disciples. Pray for me that God will renew my strength this weekend with rest. and most importantly...pray for these precious children.
I love you all and appreciate your prayers more than you know!!
Love-
Kelli
First off, I want to say "thanks mama" for typing my blog below. Yes, it was a wonderful surprise to talk to you! I really did want all you guys to be updated as it had almost been a week since I'd written.
Im here in Lusaka at an internet cafe trying to somehow put into words all that I've experienced this week. Im officially paying 200 kwacha per minute. (dont worry- that's like 7 cents) :) But I am going to try my best to walk you through a quick recap of last week. *I CANNOT wait to personally tell you stories of God's redemption from this week!!!*
The week started on Saturday night at the Mulungushi Village were we Americans went through orientation with Greer (head of Family Legacy). We were prepped on all that we would see and experience this week. He spoke about spiritual warfare and how we were truly going to be challenged as never before. Africa is covered so much in darkness. Satanism and demonic oppression and possesion are everywhere. Basically, Greer said..."Guys, this isn't VBS!!" Wow, I had no clue how right he truly was....
This past week I had the priveledge of knowing 16 of the most beautiful girls I have ever met. And Im not talking about beauty on the outside. Each girl has a story that has truly inspired me and challenged my faith beyond words.
**Tomaida lost her father to AIDS and now that her mother has remarried and wants nothing to do with her. I cannot tell you the tears I cried as this 12 yr. old cried and cried because her mother tells her she is worthless and should "go be with her father." She is beaten daily and yet still she can truly proclaim, "The Lord is my Shepard."
**Ruth is a double orphan who lives with her auntie. About 2 years ago her grandmother initiated her into Satanism and Ruth chose to sacrifice her mother (who was preg. at the time) in order to be inducted. She now wears scares on her chest and hands marking Satans hold on her life. BUT (and man do I love this part) the Lord chose to use me to tell her all about His sweet redeeming love for this little one. She cried as I shared the Good News and on Wednesday she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior!! You can only imagine how excited I was to experience this sweet time. But on Thursday my heart sank when she didnt show up and I found out her auntie beat her and told her to never return to Camp Life. I don't think Ive ever prayed so hard that night. But the Lord is faithful and on Friday morning she returned to Camp with tears in her eyes and a smile. She had snuck out of her house just to go to Camp. I don't know what she faced when she returned home on Friday afternoon...BUT I know that the Lord does walk before her and WILL protect this little one.
There are literally countless other stories that I could share. I just don't have the time. But God, who is faithful, has and will receive all the glory! I have been stretched from this experience sooooo much. Im learning from my fellow Zambian brothers and sisters. Their faith is incredible. They are soooo strong and speak with conviction and without fear. I know that God has me here for many reasons. But one being that he is revealing the fear that I so struggle with in my life. It's not comfortable and honestly havent slept alot but it's totally worth it.
SO, if you could...continue to pray. Pray for Greer and all of the staff. Pray for the Zambian disciples. Pray for me that God will renew my strength this weekend with rest. and most importantly...pray for these precious children.
I love you all and appreciate your prayers more than you know!!
Love-
Kelli
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Greetings From Camp !
Hello everyone ! This is Kelli's mom. I got a surprise phone call this afternoon from Sabrina, one of Kelli's fellow counselors. She put Kelli on the phone as a surprise ! Needless to say, I was thrilled and so was she. Kelli asked me to update her blog just to let everyone know how her week has progressed. First, she said it has been an incredible week ! We did not get to talk very long, but she did tell me how God's mighty and AWESOME power has been at work. They finish with their first group of kids tomorrow and will start a new camp next week.
Without going into alot of detail, I will tell you they have requested prayer for these children because of the spiritual warfare going on in this part of the world. However, as we all know, when God's hand is in it there will be victories and there have been !
Thanks for allowing me to update and ask for prayer for my child, the other counselors and these precious children they are trying to reach. Kelli will hopefully be updating this weekend when they get to go into town to an internet cafe.
Have a blessed weekend,
Rissa (Kelli's mom)
Without going into alot of detail, I will tell you they have requested prayer for these children because of the spiritual warfare going on in this part of the world. However, as we all know, when God's hand is in it there will be victories and there have been !
Thanks for allowing me to update and ask for prayer for my child, the other counselors and these precious children they are trying to reach. Kelli will hopefully be updating this weekend when they get to go into town to an internet cafe.
Have a blessed weekend,
Rissa (Kelli's mom)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Last day in Livingstone...
Good morning!
It's 11:15 a.m. here and I have exactly 45 min. until I check out of my hotel here in Livingstone. I must say that although I hate to leave this beautiful place my heart is ready to see the children at camp. Yesterday, when we were in immagration in Botswana there was this little girl who was quite taken with one of the girls here. She was the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. I couldnt help but get so excited to meet my children I will be working with next week. We leave for Lusaka today and will be in meetings tonight and church tomorrow. Hopefully I will get some restful sleep tonight and tomorrow night. (I've been quite the insomniac since Ive been here). :)
To recap you on some of the amazing things Ive done this week: (I just figured I would post pics when I get back to the states)
*Dinner cruise-hippos and elephants!!
*All-day safari on the Fourth of July-came "this close" to giraffee, monkeys, hippos, impalas, elephants, warthogs, many birds, and something very very rare according to our guide, a lioness hunting a tasty warthog. :) no words to describe my excitement!!!
*Elephant back safari - Miz Ellie was my elephant and Im totally smitten!
YES as you can see this has been a one in a lifetime experience for me. Im so grateful to be here and have had this vacation but now it's time for the real reason Im here...
Pray for me and my roomie, Sab. We've both been struggling with being a bit sick. However, Im sure this is totally normal. Prob. just water from the shower ha!! :) Also, please pray for our team and all of the people involved. God's really been getting me ready with my many trips across the border into neighboring countries. The look of desperation and sadness on these childrens faces is overwhelming. I CANNOT wait to share the message of Hope to these beautiful children.
I love all of you and appreciate your comments and prayers. I feel them! I seriously do!!
Love you much!
Kelli
It's 11:15 a.m. here and I have exactly 45 min. until I check out of my hotel here in Livingstone. I must say that although I hate to leave this beautiful place my heart is ready to see the children at camp. Yesterday, when we were in immagration in Botswana there was this little girl who was quite taken with one of the girls here. She was the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. I couldnt help but get so excited to meet my children I will be working with next week. We leave for Lusaka today and will be in meetings tonight and church tomorrow. Hopefully I will get some restful sleep tonight and tomorrow night. (I've been quite the insomniac since Ive been here). :)
To recap you on some of the amazing things Ive done this week: (I just figured I would post pics when I get back to the states)
*Dinner cruise-hippos and elephants!!
*All-day safari on the Fourth of July-came "this close" to giraffee, monkeys, hippos, impalas, elephants, warthogs, many birds, and something very very rare according to our guide, a lioness hunting a tasty warthog. :) no words to describe my excitement!!!
*Elephant back safari - Miz Ellie was my elephant and Im totally smitten!
YES as you can see this has been a one in a lifetime experience for me. Im so grateful to be here and have had this vacation but now it's time for the real reason Im here...
Pray for me and my roomie, Sab. We've both been struggling with being a bit sick. However, Im sure this is totally normal. Prob. just water from the shower ha!! :) Also, please pray for our team and all of the people involved. God's really been getting me ready with my many trips across the border into neighboring countries. The look of desperation and sadness on these childrens faces is overwhelming. I CANNOT wait to share the message of Hope to these beautiful children.
I love all of you and appreciate your comments and prayers. I feel them! I seriously do!!
Love you much!
Kelli
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Greetings from Livingstone!!!!
Hi ya'll!!!
So great to be in contact again. :) Unfortunately, I am without a calling card till I get to Lusaka. So, hopefully this will do. Mom and Dad - Did you hear from Sab's mom? (if not...IM GREAT)
It's only Wed. and so far Ive had soooo many amazing experiences. Our 8hr. layover in London was amazing! Shelley served as our "tour guide" and we were off on a fast-paced tour of London. Did I mention how much I love that place. In five hours we stopped by: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Prince Charles' house, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Prime Ministers house, Scotland Yard, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar's (sp?) Square, and many many "tube" rides. :)
I literally was in a haze throughout that day. My sleep deprivation was starting to catch up with me. But finally we boarded our last 10hr flight and made it to ZAMBIA!!!! I could hardly contain the excitement getting off the plane. The cool air was amazing. (much needed break from the tx and la. heat:) Currently Im in LIvingstone, Zambia. This is the home of Victoria Falls. And can I just say this is the most awesome resort ever. We have caught up on our sleep and this morning actually went down to the Falls. Amazing!! How can you not believe in God after seeing the Falls. Im in awe still. Oh btw - totally have zebras, giraffes, and monkeys on the resort grounds. Nothing like it. Im so very grateful for this experience and this time of rest before we get to work with the kiddos. It's going to be amazing. Have I mentioned how amazing everything is? ha ha ;)
I anticipate checking in throughout the week as I have internet access readily available here at the resort. I love all of you and appreciate your continued prayers!! OH and the comments really are great to read.
I will write soon and CANNOT wait to post pics!!!!!!
Love you!!!
kelli
So great to be in contact again. :) Unfortunately, I am without a calling card till I get to Lusaka. So, hopefully this will do. Mom and Dad - Did you hear from Sab's mom? (if not...IM GREAT)
It's only Wed. and so far Ive had soooo many amazing experiences. Our 8hr. layover in London was amazing! Shelley served as our "tour guide" and we were off on a fast-paced tour of London. Did I mention how much I love that place. In five hours we stopped by: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Prince Charles' house, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Prime Ministers house, Scotland Yard, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar's (sp?) Square, and many many "tube" rides. :)
I literally was in a haze throughout that day. My sleep deprivation was starting to catch up with me. But finally we boarded our last 10hr flight and made it to ZAMBIA!!!! I could hardly contain the excitement getting off the plane. The cool air was amazing. (much needed break from the tx and la. heat:) Currently Im in LIvingstone, Zambia. This is the home of Victoria Falls. And can I just say this is the most awesome resort ever. We have caught up on our sleep and this morning actually went down to the Falls. Amazing!! How can you not believe in God after seeing the Falls. Im in awe still. Oh btw - totally have zebras, giraffes, and monkeys on the resort grounds. Nothing like it. Im so very grateful for this experience and this time of rest before we get to work with the kiddos. It's going to be amazing. Have I mentioned how amazing everything is? ha ha ;)
I anticipate checking in throughout the week as I have internet access readily available here at the resort. I love all of you and appreciate your continued prayers!! OH and the comments really are great to read.
I will write soon and CANNOT wait to post pics!!!!!!
Love you!!!
kelli
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