It’s been exactly a week since I’ve returned to Zambia. Spending the month back home in Canada was a wonderful whirlwind! The weather was nice, cool and crisp, I was able to spend much time with friends and family, and I had opportunities to share about the work I have been able to do this past year with VOH. I was invited to speak at the seniors group at my church, share at a ladies Bible study, and the highlight was speaking at my former schools’ chapel. It was such a privilege to be invited to share about what God is doing at all of our VOH locations, and to be prayed over as I returned back to Zambia. Thank you to all of you who took the time to meet with me, pray for me, and encourage me as I move forward!

Now Zambia…Oh boy is it hot. I’m already about 3 shades darker and my feet are orange everyday because of the dirt. I am going through deodorant at a faster speed then I’d like. It feels a bit like a desert – dry. Thankfully there is always a bit of a breeze. Every time I return to Zambia, I am usually approached by someone to let me know that I have gotten fat. Just today, I was told “Ah Maleesa, you have gotten nice and fat!” This happened when I was trying to buy a donut from our little shop at the village. As I put my money away, I assured them that it must be the heat that is making me swollen, right? I decided that maybe today wasn’t the best day to buy a donut, so I walked back to the office. Anyways, that feeling only lasted for about 10 minutes before I ended up getting one. Treat yo self.

It’s been great being back in the classroom as well. I missed those little cuties, and we were all excited to see each other. At the end of every class we play a game of 7up and man, it gets heated. People are cheating, and people are calling each other out because they had their eyes open – it’s so much fun.

The best part of all is Lawren (aka my special friend) is here with me. He’ll be staying until mid December. Already a week in, and it’s been so much fun to show him my life here, and serve together. He is working on a landscaping project at our Chongwe village…in this crazy heat. I’m not jealous at all.

I’m excited to see what God has in store for my last chunk of time here in Zambia!