Wednesday was a bittersweet day as the team wrapped up the work at the Barnhouse residence. There was the sense of urgency, knowing that this was the last chance to put in a full day's work and check as many items off the list as possible. At the same time, we were toiling next to locals for the final time before we departed. In some ways it would be nice to spend another week here, but we are all looking forward to getting home to our families.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, Doug Pennington has been struggling with leg issues. Those issues caught up to him today, and he had to sit on the sidelines. While I'm sure he missed being a part of the flurry of activity, his body needed the rest. Please pray that his leg improves. If it doesn't get better, I'm sure that Dave Barnhouse can keep him working on some other smaller projects that will keep him off his feet.
The morning started with the team again turning focus to the mission house. Like Doug, Donovan Zachary was sidelined for a bit as he didn't feel the best. He was back in action later in the morning and was critical to the team meeting our goals by day's end. While Scott Shepard, Pastor Hack, Lee Shaw, Kyle Morrow and Josh Hanji pressed on with completing the outside sheet metal and inside work on the mission house, I was back on the road.
Patrick, my guide during the trip into the bush, once again helped me as we drove into town, filled the Jeep with fuel and proceeded to go and purchase cement blocks for a project. We purchased 200 blocks, but due to the weight, we decided to split the load and make two trips. This mzungu (Bemba word for "person with white skin") wasn't going to take any chances.
After safely picking up and delivering both loads, I rejoined the team as they worked against the clock and the sun to finish the interior paneling. Scott, Josh and Pastor Hack worked on one set of scaffolding while Kyle and Donovan worked on another. I assisted Lee in measuring and cutting the pieces needed to be lifted and hung in place. The task was finished a little after 7 p.m., with the last cuts and screws driven in as the darkness took over.
We were in for a treat for dinner as Dave smoked and grilled chicken that was outstanding. We have all appreciated the meals offered during our stay. Dave and Maggie have gone out of their way to provide some great meals that make us feel less like we're in a third-world country and more like we are at home. And the meals are only topped by the time of fellowship we have had each evening.
Tomorrow we will pack early, finish a few things and head to the market. From there, the team will head to Ndola to begin our journey home. We will make stops in Johannesburg, Senegal and Washington, D.C. before arriving Friday morning in Indianapolis.
Please pray that we will get a good night's rest and that our return travel will go smoothly. Also, pray that once we arrive back in Indiana that we can recover quickly from the jet lag. It will be great to reunite with everyone on Sunday and talk about our experiences.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Band of brothers
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philipians 4:13)
Exhaustion. Sore muscles. Exposure to the elements. The last few days have been challenging. The finish is in sight, yet there is so much more that can be done. We are pushing ourselves to our limits, and then some. Tuesday consisted of more work on the Barnhouse property, much of it on the mission/guest house that Noblesville Baptist Church helped make possible.
It is days like this that I am thankful for so many things. I'm thankful that God made this opportunity possible; to come to Zambia and serve men and families that have made commitments to reach the lost. I'm thankful that we are here making an impact, working on things that will leave a lasting mark. Most of all, as we have our heads down trying to push as hard as we can to hit our marks, I'm thankful for the men that I am working alongside and serving with during this trip.
Each man brings his own skill set, and getting to know each of them on a deeper level has been a tremendous blessing. During this trip, we have bonded, become a band of brothers of sorts. We have learned to work with one another, rely on each other, and appreciate one another. I look forward to seeing how these bonds will further strengthen each of us when we return home. God has blessed us to have such a strong group here in Zambia taking on these tasks.
Today, Scott Shepherd, Josh Hanji, Pastor Hack, Lee Shaw and Doug Pennington resumed work on putting up sheet metal on the outside of the mission house. They were able to complete one side and begin work on the other. Our hope is that by the end of Wednesday it will be complete.
Donovan Zachary and I spent time in the morning working on updates on Donna Bryant's house. The biggest issue was getting the septic tank installed and everything working properly. We are close to finishing that, and it should be done tomorrow. We also tried to fix the plumbing for the kitchen sink. After several unsuccessful attempts, we believe the faucet needs to be changed as well. Finally, we hooked up the washing machine and tested it with success.
In the afternoon Donovan and I joined the rest of the group working on the mission house. It was strenuous work, moving up and down the scaffolding and putting heavy boards in place. Pastor Hack, Donovan and I switched our attention to the inside of the mission house, getting the walls ready for finishing work that may get underway tomorrow. Kyle Morrow was busy taking pictures, first at the orphanage and then later as we worked. He also joined Dave Barnhouse in the afternoon and evening as they attended a Bible study nearly an hour away.
It's hard to believe that one week ago we started out for Zambia. So much has transpired, and with a full day of work left, we are sprinting to the finish. Pray that we can get all the work accomplished, and do so safely. God has been with us the entire way, not only blessing us, but protecting us each and every day. Also, continue to pray for Doug and the issues with his leg. His discomfort is making it hard to work to the extent that he would like. Pray that he is given strength and that the issues will subside soon.
Exhaustion. Sore muscles. Exposure to the elements. The last few days have been challenging. The finish is in sight, yet there is so much more that can be done. We are pushing ourselves to our limits, and then some. Tuesday consisted of more work on the Barnhouse property, much of it on the mission/guest house that Noblesville Baptist Church helped make possible.
It is days like this that I am thankful for so many things. I'm thankful that God made this opportunity possible; to come to Zambia and serve men and families that have made commitments to reach the lost. I'm thankful that we are here making an impact, working on things that will leave a lasting mark. Most of all, as we have our heads down trying to push as hard as we can to hit our marks, I'm thankful for the men that I am working alongside and serving with during this trip.
Each man brings his own skill set, and getting to know each of them on a deeper level has been a tremendous blessing. During this trip, we have bonded, become a band of brothers of sorts. We have learned to work with one another, rely on each other, and appreciate one another. I look forward to seeing how these bonds will further strengthen each of us when we return home. God has blessed us to have such a strong group here in Zambia taking on these tasks.
Today, Scott Shepherd, Josh Hanji, Pastor Hack, Lee Shaw and Doug Pennington resumed work on putting up sheet metal on the outside of the mission house. They were able to complete one side and begin work on the other. Our hope is that by the end of Wednesday it will be complete.
Donovan Zachary and I spent time in the morning working on updates on Donna Bryant's house. The biggest issue was getting the septic tank installed and everything working properly. We are close to finishing that, and it should be done tomorrow. We also tried to fix the plumbing for the kitchen sink. After several unsuccessful attempts, we believe the faucet needs to be changed as well. Finally, we hooked up the washing machine and tested it with success.
In the afternoon Donovan and I joined the rest of the group working on the mission house. It was strenuous work, moving up and down the scaffolding and putting heavy boards in place. Pastor Hack, Donovan and I switched our attention to the inside of the mission house, getting the walls ready for finishing work that may get underway tomorrow. Kyle Morrow was busy taking pictures, first at the orphanage and then later as we worked. He also joined Dave Barnhouse in the afternoon and evening as they attended a Bible study nearly an hour away.
It's hard to believe that one week ago we started out for Zambia. So much has transpired, and with a full day of work left, we are sprinting to the finish. Pray that we can get all the work accomplished, and do so safely. God has been with us the entire way, not only blessing us, but protecting us each and every day. Also, continue to pray for Doug and the issues with his leg. His discomfort is making it hard to work to the extent that he would like. Pray that he is given strength and that the issues will subside soon.
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