Coming Home

Very soon we will be coming back to the states for a brief stay to sort out some things before coming back to Mwandi to continue the work God has given us to do here.  When we came to Zambia it was for a 9 month commitment and to see if it confirmed that this was the way God was leading.  Figuring out where we are supposed to be and how we know it has always been a struggle for me in the moment  but when we step back and look at our lives things come more into focus and we can see where we have been and maybe some of where we are going.

Our time here started out rough with the bats and culture shock of coming into a new place and unfamiliar customs and there were a few nights we thought this would not last!  Over time though we quickly came to love the people here and feel at ease in the culture.  Sometimes it seems we even mesh better with life in Zambia than we did in the US!  We really feel our family is suited for this kind of work and life and that God has made us for a purpose such as this.  The kids still miss friends and we miss our families greatly of course and we are excited to be coming home for a couple months to see everyone!

We will be back on December 5th and staying until sometime mid-February.  While home we will be selling our house and my shares in the practice and getting things set up for a longer stay here in Mwandi.  We would love to catch up with as many of you as we can so let us know if you will be around and when we can get together!  We want to hear what we have missed this last year as much as share what we have been doing.  We will be going through IN, KY, TN, WI, and NC at least during our stay.

And THANK YOU to so many of you who have kept up relationships with us by e-mail, facebook, phonecalls, and cards!  The wonders of technology can make you feel close to your friends even from around the world!  Thank you also to so many who have prayed for us and given to support us and the work here- you are such a vital

Dog surgery in the village.

Rachel and her friends- Missionary kids from Bangladesh and Zambia

Our cat, 'Kaze'.  In english- our cat, 'cat'

part of what we are doing and I hope you feel the impact of that as much as we do.  Several people are planning trips to come help with the work next year and we look forward to another great year of working together with all of you to love our brothers and sisters in this world the way God desires.  It is for our joy and His glory.  Love you all!

-paul