I can’t believe 2012 has come and gone so quickly…looking back, however, I can’t believe how much God has done in me and through me, in this seemingly short time, so much to be grateful for. January started my second year living in Zambia among the Tonga people, working with the local community to get the preschool up and running. I am ever in awe of the opportunity to serve God in such a beautiful place, being out in His creation each and every day, admiring His handy work in the trees, in the flowers, in the moon, in the stars, in the people, and in each child’s face…
I am grateful we were able to open the school in February and throughout the year we had over 100 children come through the program. I am grateful for each and every child that came to the school this year; for the learning that took place, the laugher that filled the walls, and the joy that radiated out of the community.
I am so grateful for my two teachers: Medis & Mweemba. I have seen each of them grow immensely since we first opened the school. They both raised to the challenge of expanding their idea of the “roll of a teacher” and embraced the things I asked of them with smiles and dedication.
I am grateful to the community for supporting the school in everyway they knew how to. Many families trusted us with their children, to teach them, to love them, to challenge them, to encourage them, and so much more. In times of high stress and exhaustion, the kind words and happy smiles from moms and dads around kept us going.
I am grateful for all the volunteers that came out this year…for their company, hard work, love, testimonies, and energy they brought to our ministry in the bush. Each individual that came out this year has left a footprint on my heart and the hearts of many women and children in the community. I know God will bless each of them immensely for their willingness to serve Him out here.
I am grateful that God used our orphanage to save the lives of 4 babies and enhance the lives of all the older children. That God has provided food, formula, salaries, clothes, presents, and much more for these children throughout the year, giving them smiles they might not have 
I am grateful for God’s protection and provision over my family while I was gone. He blessed us with two new babies, a year of great health, full tummies every night, joy and laughter, opportunities to celebrate the holidays together, and much, much more!!
I am grateful that God was my all in all: that when I cried out to Him, He opened His arms; when I was weak, He was strong; when I was empty, He was full; when I was lonely, He sung praises over me; when I lacked knowledge, He was full of wisdom; when I was hungry; His Word fed me…in whatever the circumstance God was always there leading and guiding, comforting and loving!!
There are so many things to look back on in 2012: the blessings, the joy, the laughter, the love; as well as, the hardships, the sorrows, and the trials. No matter what the event, or who was involved, it shaped what today is and who I am starting this next year!! I am grateful for every moment of this last year and only hope that I can learn from all my mistakes allowing the love of Christ to emanate brighter than anything else in my life this coming year…
So, thank you to everyone who was a part of my 2012, to everyone who left a footprint on my heart!!
“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:12-14
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