From London To Zambia

It has been a really long time since I have done this. About my time in the US I can say this: It was needed and very good.

I am writing this from the Heathrow airport in London because I am afraid I might just fall asleep and miss my flight if I do nothing. For the last couple of nights I had in the US I didn’t sleep much but I figured that would just make me sleepy and I would sleep on the plane but I didn’t sleep a wink. At 2AM Dallas time 8AM London time I exited the plane with a lot more energy than I now have. My plan for this time in London became John Wesley, so I decided to go to West Minister Abby, the Methodist Cathedral, and Wesley’s Chapel. It was incredible. If you ever go to London I would seriously recommend Wesley’s Chapel. I was able to see John Wesley’s house, chapel he preached at every morning, his grave, his prayer room, and much much more. It was a mystical experience I must admit. I would probably deny it but… I was tearing up just a little bit at certain parts. The kingdom of God being expanded in amazing ways just gets me. I could go on and on about social justice and the letters Wesley wrote to Wilberforce encouraging him to not give up on his fight against slavery, or how in the Methodist movement there was finally a place for women and they started shaking the Kingdom, as in the famous quote, “the world was his parish” it wasn’t about building a church, but living the gospel to the deepest level- the level no one can see but God. It was about missions and reaching every tribe and tongue. It was about love, community, breaking worthless traditions, and doing things nobody had ever done before. It was the start of so much that I am so grateful for. I even saw the very chair he used to sit in and write the books that I read today. I saw a portion of his personal book collection and who would have guessed it, we have a lot of the same taste in books ;)

I am now in Zambia writing this. I arrived only 40 minutes late with all of my luggage and no problems with customs! Thankfully, I slept for the 4 hour car ride home to Kalomo and all night long. Then I went to church here in Kalomo, and it was a little different because there is a new pastor and some of my favorite people have moved away from Kalomo mostly following work. The tri nations rugby tournament is on (I’ve been watching the highlights of games I missed) and SA is dominating! It was so wonderful to sing in Swahili, Bemba, and Tonga again. My little 2 year old buddy, Prince, asked his mom if he could sit with me during church. I thought he would have forgotten me, but nope I’m still his favorite. Lucky for me their isn’t a lot of competition, who else has weird white skin?

A team from North Carolina is coming to Kalomo on Wednesday. My parents are going to pick them up, but I’ll stay behind to spend some more time with friends and cook supper for everyone. It should be a great time in Zambia with plenty of ministry going on. Then I’ll go back to Congo around August 14, maybe. I’ll keep you guys informed.

I just wanted to thank you all for making my trip to the US wonderful. Thanks for making my life possible through your prayers and donations! Please keep praying I know God has great things in store, because hey, He’s just a pretty great person!