Our First Eve

All snug in his Christmas jammies, Joab is asleep for his first Christmas Eve at home. Complete with a special dinner, carols and scripture reading with the Nelsons, and Auntie Madds and Mols- I think he enjoyed it. I can't wait to tell you all about him, but for now- Merry Christmas, dear friends, and glory to God in the highest!

A Thrill of Hope

I met him in July, when my sister was visiting. We had heard about him from several people; famous in missionary circles for being the most well-known orphan with special needs living in Lusaka. No one knew his story, just that he lived in a transit home and that he wasn't on-track with the rest of the kids. Our visit was short, but intriguing, and we scheduled another time to meet with him and his caretakers to do a more full assessment of his abilities.

Another visit here, a check-up there- all the while, something brewing in my heart for this one. It didn't happen all at once, nor would I have called it "love at first sight," it was just one of those things that wouldn't go away. A nagging in my heart reminding me that I had committed my life to caring for orphans who have special needs- So why not him, my heart kept asking.

And when it still didn't fade, I decided to get serious about it. Really asking the Lord, why not him? Why would I leave him stuck where he is when I know that the life You have called me to live is meant for ones just like him? He has no parents. No relatives. No one to care for him. So why not him, Lord?

The answer was pretty straightforward- there was no why not. And so I met with a social worker. I did an interview and a home study. I've waited and prayed, prayed and waited. Today the 'yes' became a reality, and I brought home the formerly orphaned Donald Musebo to his new life as Joab Musebo (Bailey, maybe someday).

Last week, we sang O Holy Night at a Christmas concert, and I thought of him. Weary little boy, it is time to rejoice- for your Father has not failed you, nor forgotten you, and yonder does break a new and glorious morn. Just as He came for His people, He has sent someone for you. I am so thrilled with hope that it happens to be me.

Heading Back

Well, all my test results (lots and lots of them) all came back normal enough for me to head back to Zambia on the 5:40 PM to Jo'burg. The bottom line was that I had some sort of bad infection in my digestive system, most likely some kind of parasite, and am now dealing with the remnants. The upside is that the infection is no longer in my body!! The tricky side is that I will have to be more careful about what I eat and drink when I get back, so as not to get reinfected.

All in all, it was a really great couple weeks of being with family and some friends. Good food. Good people. What more can I girl ask for, right? Perfect timing, too because when I do get back to Lusaka, there are going to be some big changes happening in my life. I'll wait until I'm back before I delve into all that...