I Came to Zambia with Open Hands and an Open Heart...

...and that hasn’t changed!

A few weeks ago, I met a sweet little boy with a series of physical and intellectual disabilities. He is the same age as Elise, so it was heartbreaking to see the contrast in mobility. I didn’t have much to offer him in terms of resources or next steps, but I had arms to hold him and a voice to sing. So I did just that—we sang lots of songs together, and in that moment, Jesus did the rest.

His siblings were so gentle, so kind. The way they cared for him reminded me that compassion doesn’t need instruction—it’s often just there, quietly powerful. His grandmother was the one who asked to take our picture and shared his story with me.

I’m still learning what it means to show up, even when I feel like I don’t have adequate answers, resources, etc. But today reminded me that being present and simply loving others is a gift, because we allow ourselves to be used in those circumstances.

Remember - God is already at work in those moments, those lives, and we are just entering into those moments with Him. What a gift it is to simply be present and available! Use me, Lord.

With love, dear friends,

Laura