Final Day in Zambia

Well, it is hard to believe that today is our last day in Zambia. Tomorrow morning we fly to Johannesburg, South Africa, and will spend one week just outside Kruger National Park before we fly home on September 21.

Last evening, my dear Mother was feeling quite exhausted and went to bed before 6 PM. This morning she was still very tired, although Emma and I encouraged her to take a bath, which perked her up a little, before she fell asleep again around 9 AM. Please pray for her. In the last few days, she has shed some tears thinking about my departure, so she is emotionally a bit weak as well. I'm sure she will be fine, but we sure would love to see her up and around so she can be strong for the trip to Livingstone tomorrow morning.

I will still continue to send Sarah updates while we are in South Africa, as well as when we return, through the time my parents come home. That way, those who know them can stay informed with how their final weeks are going. If I have time, I hope to post more pictures for you to see as well, but that will depend on how my adjustment to home goes!

A number of the local pastors joined us for lunch yesterday, and we had a good time interacting with them. Their job sure is different than the typical pastor in the states, and they live on very little. Their passion for the gospel to be spread is great, and one of them shared that with so many dying here, he lives with an urgency to share the Gospel with everyone he meets, since one never knows how many days they might have. I was affected by his comments, and realized that we should live with the same urgency, since we don't know either. When Ken asked them how many funerals
they do a year, they all sighed and shook their heads as if to say, "how can we keep track of so many?" I think one of them estimated somewhere around 40, but they all mentioned that few of them are members. The majority are for relatives of members. Ken gave each of them some books that he had sent here from our church, and it was like they received gold. One of them said, it is like giving them money; he feels rich with them. Moments like that, we realize anew how blessed we are.

Last evening we enjoyed our final Bible Study that was held in the pastor's home. We discussed some miracles of Jesus and were reminded of the great miracle of salvation. They prayed for our trip home and were kind in their encouragement.

Today we are washing for the last time, and saying our goodbyes to the dear folks in Nahumba.

Thanks for lifting up my Mother in prayer.