Dafoe October 2020

“… he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen ” (1 Timothy 6:15-16 ).

First day of school for all

Hello beloved of the Father,

Are you, like me, thanking our Father for the many opportunities He is giving us to prove the genuineness of our faith? Are you, like me, praising Him for His sovereignty as we navigate unchartered waters in these times? Praise God, “ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose ” (Romans 8:28). Not only does He do that, but He shakes the nations because He loves the world and desires for all to know He is worthy of all glory, honor, and power! Our God is sovereign, and His purposes will not be thwarted.

Irene at Chongwe Hospital

Knowing these things gives me courage, peace, and perseverance! When our Rafiki Village in Zambia went into quarantine back in March, the children, Rafiki mothers, and missionaries (four of us) adjusted to a new way of life. The mothers and children, not being in school and without support staff, took on all the work required to operate the cooking, laundry, grounds-keeping, daytime security, and even some maintenance.

The girls making meat pies

During this time, I had opportunity to take back the work I had given my ChildCare assistant, including changing clothes and shoes for the children. This photo shows the Joshua cottage boys giving thanks for their new shoes!

When it was announced by Zambia President Lungu that examination classes could open on June 1, our boys and girls in grades 7, 9, and 12 were eager to return. Older boys who were still not allowed to go to school were happy to paint “social distancing” circles in the dining hall and school.

Following the same guidelines that have been implemented the world over, school began.

Masks for everyone

Grade 12 science

Grade 7 learning to barbecue chicken, still smells great even through the masks!

In the meantime, children not allowed to return to school spent their days with projects assigned daily, for instance: watering plants, slashing weeds, raking, sweeping sidewalks, mopping the dining hall, maintaining outside of school buildings and cottages, cleaning up the grounds, working with maintenance men, building sidewalks, learning to sew, etc. Learning to work was also accompanied by some academic learning. Children in grades 10 and 11 taught children in grades 1 through 6 in reading and math in the mornings. In the afternoons, everyone spent time working on prepared worksheets and reviewing schoolwork. There was also a limited amount of school lessons on TV and some e-learning for the older grades.

Building a chicken house

Harvesting casava

Martha, John, and Dennis carrying firewood from cleared bush area

There was much excitement from everyone when the president of Zambia announced that all schools, universities, and colleges could open on September 21 with the stipulation that all CDC guidelines would be followed. So eager for school were the children coming from the community that they arrived as much as 1.5 hours early!

For the last three weeks, I have been blessed to visit family and friends in the States. As I am making my return flight, the memories of time with my children, siblings, and friends are treasured up in my heart.

Bible Study Fellowship friends

My son Richard and his family

All my brothers and sisters

With a grateful heart, I am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for His people. May He continue to knit our hearts together in His love. Thank you! God bless you!

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