Leaving Isoka

Here is an update from everyone.  We are leaving Isoka in the morning to begin making our way to the Southern province.  We will stop part way tomorrow and then drive to Lusaka on Thursday.  We are looking forward to doing some fun activities together, enjoying the culture and seeing the sights.  Please lift us up as we spend the next seven days traveling.  It will be hard to say goodbye.  This place has found it's way into our hearts.  However, we are looking forward to seeing family and friends again soon.

We will try to update some more as we can.  We won't have a ton of internet access again during our trip but we will do what we can!


Molly- It is so crazy that we will begin our travels home in a few days. I still feel like we just got here. I’ve enjoyed every minute so much, and it is going to be quite difficult to leave these beautiful people and this wonderful country. I’ve learned many things on this trip, but I’m not quite sure how to put it into words. I think the most impactful thing for me on this trip has been to see the overwhelming joy that the people of this country have for JC. They are all so much fun and I wish that I had more time to get to know them better. Another thing that has just blown me away is the hospitality that has been shown by the family we have been staying with and all of the people of the villages. We came in as complete strangers and they openly welcomed us into their homes and into their villages. Like I mentioned before, I’ve learned a whole lot and I’m hoping to implement a lot of these teachings into my life when I’m back in the states and wherever else I may go. See y’all in about a week! 

Lori- Oh my goodness this past month has completely flown by! It is crazy to think that just three weeks ago we were boarding a plane headed for Africa and in one more week we will be home. There has been so much that we have experienced and learned that I don’t think I have even started to process everything. I do know that I am incredibly thankful to have had this opportunity and to have met all of these wonderful people! The M’s have been so gracious to let us invade their lives for several weeks and it has been humbling to learn from them. It has also been a humbling experience meeting all of the nationals and learning from them as well. Now as the trip comes to a close I am still excited to see what the Father has to teach all of us. 

Kyle- Well, the trip is coming to an end. Tomorrow we leave for Lusaka and the long stretch of travels begin. This trip has been incredible. This past week I saw the perfect example of the differences between those who follow the Father and those who don’t. There was a young lady who was having a baby and so we took her to the hospital, but she wasn’t that excited to actually have the child. It is also cultural here to not name the child immediately because it is common for the young children to pass away. We also happened upon another lady who needed to go to the hospital a few days later to have a baby, but by the time we got there, she had already delivered. This lady was a believer and was very joyous. She was a believer and looked at the child as a blessing and immediately named the child. There is a drastic difference between followers and non followers. We do not always see this difference in the States. 

Kane- WOW! I can’t believe this is my last day in Isoka. It feels like yesterday that we pulled in to see 5 smiling faces welcoming us to their home. I will dearly miss them and I am asking the Father will continue to bless them and keep them safe. The people that I have encountered have shown us the utmost love and respect. I am glad to have met so many fellow believers who are completely sold out for the message. This experience has been truly an amazing journey and the Father has shown me so much. I have seen so many things that the Father is doing in the lives of these people. I hope that I am able to take this new found desire to share the Good News and bring it back with me back home. I would like to thank all of those who have supported me both financially and spiritually while during my trip. It has meant the world to me knowing that people are home who have us in mind. This experience is truly humbling and I will never forget what I learned this summer! Now all that is left is the 12 hour drive, 13 hr layovers, and 22 hour flights :( 

Jenna- These past few weeks have been crazy! We are leaving Isoka tomorrow, and I honestly cannot believe how fast our time here has gone by. I’m so grateful for this wonderful family that has allowed us to invade their home for the last three weeks. They will forever hold a part of my heart and I am going to miss them so much! I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible from this family and from all of the nationals. I am continually blown away by the power of the Father in the lives of these people. From the dancing and laughing to the deep times of fellowship and growth, the love of the Father is so evident in every part of who they are. My mind still cannot fathom being halfway around the world in the middle of Africa praising the very same Creator. Now we are beginning to travel back tomorrow, so prayers for safe travel would be greatly appreciated! 

Bethany - Before I started my journey to Africa, I thought that one month was a fairly significant length of time, but to my surprise, it has flown by.  I have found myself wishing that I could stay in this beautiful country much longer. From the beginning, the family and the Nationals have welcomed us with open arms, and I have felt at home here, halfway across the world.  I have learned so much from the short amount of time I have been blessed with here.  Not only have I learned so much about the culture and the people, but I have also learned about myself.  Mostly, I have learned about the Father’s heart for the nations, and that has changed my view of the world.  The Father has taught me so much through the family, the Nationals, and the Word.  I have specifically enjoyed worshiping the Father with people that I have met.  Their heartfelt worship has allowed me to reevaluate my own heart when worshipping.  

I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this entire journey.  Thank you to those who have supported me financially and spiritually.  Thank you to those who encouraged me and lifted me up.  Thank you Mom and Dad for supporting me every step of the way.  I would not have had the courage to come here on this life changing journey without you.  Please continue to lift us up for safe travels as we make our way home.    

Tim- It has been too short of time here.  It was just yesterday when we were trying to overcome jet lag, and now it is like we just started our work.  We have been welcomed by fellow believers and have just been given a time of worship to send us on our way.  They wanted to give us something for coming, but had nothing- yet their love and support for us, people they barely know, is more than any tangible item.  Our Father is awesome. He reigns over all things with wisdom and power. He is so awesome!  The people here are so friendly and very comical, but on top of that, they love to serve our Father with all joy and thanksgiving.  It is obvious they have received Truth in their lives and that Truth distinguishes them from those who are lacking.  I believe our Father will increase those who have Truth as it is evident in theses people’s lives that they wish other’s to know Him.  I am so thankful that I was able to return to this beautiful place full of amazing people.  Just like last year, I am sad to leave.  Although, it may be more so this time since I have established relationships and have seen how important it was to them that I returned.  All Glory belongs to the Father who has worked and will continue to work among those who follow Him!

Dayla- The Father is working here--it is evident in the hearts and lives of our national friends.  We are often separated by cultural differences or language barriers but there is a great familial bond with our brothers and sisters in the Father.  I am thankful for all I have learned.  I am blessed to do life with these OBU students and share in life with this M family.  It is a blessing to be able to return to a place, strengthen previous friendships and establish new relationships.  As we start our journey home I will fondly remember sweet times of studying the Word around the table, laughing at the hilariously awkward things that happen when 14 people live under one roof for a month and getting to know each of these incredible people on a deeper level.  Most of all, though, I am grateful to the Father for the opportunity to be a light in the midst of darkness.  This next week as we travel I am excited to enjoy the moments and adventures that are to come.  We are planning to go to Victoria Falls, go on safari and maybe go on another adventure or two.  :) Thanks for lifting us up!  Love you friends and family!  I am looking forward to hugging your necks when I get home.