The last
few months of our lives, we have been doing many new things. One of those ‘new
things’ has been actively going around telling people about our work, with the
goal of fundraising. Sounds like such a simple thing, but it does not come all
that naturally, to be honest. One of the hardest parts, is being introduced:
“We would like to introduce you to our missionary Carl/Ilne Paalman.”
It honestly
does not fill me with the joy, maybe it should. Because every time I hear my name
in the same sentence as the word missionary, it is meant as a compliment, but
all I hear, is RESPONSIBILITY.
The Lord
has trusted us with His Good news, and all the good works He planned for us
(Eph 2:10). But my question is: is that more true for the person sitting in the
bush in Zambia, than for the teacher in a public school, or the mom in the line
at the supermarket? So, I’d like to propose a theory that we are all
missionaries, and that the only difference is our mission field.
At least
then, I can share my responsibility with you.
So, myself
(Ilne) and our oldest daughter took on the flight to America. I was thinking of
all those long ago hero’s of the faith who got on boats with no return ticket.
And I took off my hat.
We were constantly aware of God’s leading. In
the first place I got to stay in my mom’s house. Now as I mentioned last time,
I have been struggling more with this pregnancy. And it was such relief to let
my mom worry, and me just lay there. Nice and selfless, won’t you say. But no truly,
it really did me well to just relax. It took my almost a week, to just feel
strong again, and I thank the Lord for that week. Sorry, to all the people who
had to listen to me babble in that week.
My father organized several speaking
engagements.
Rashelle
came back, with every intention of returning to the ‘promised land’ as soon as
possible. She had a great time with her cousins. She came back with lots of
stories of fireworks, and big supermarkets to tell her brothers. It was also great to meet my youngest niece, a
sweet little soul of nine months.
Tea party with cousins and grandma
Tea party with cousins and grandma
God graced
the efforts, through many generous people, and it is now possible to start the
project in all seriousness. As I’m writing, Carl is on the border waiting for a
tractor to arrive from South Africa. It’s happening in true African style- he
has been waiting for four days. Meanwhile he has invested in a toothbrush,
because he left with nothing, since it was suppose to be a quick trip. I guess
some donkeys do hit their heads more than once.
Seriously
though, thank you so much for all the people who have contributed in the last
month. It is exciting to see things starting to happen. And as things progress,
we hope you get more excited with us.
Here is
some of the progress:
I’m keeping
the pictures big enough to see. So, one of our first implements has been a
‘sheller’- to remove the kernels from the cob. The sheller is run from our
little two wheel tractor’s diesel engine. Carl estimated that they did about
1000bags. People pay in maize, and in this way we are saving up the ‘payment’
for the use of people’s land in the coming rainy season.
The
walls of the maize storage has also been finished. This enables us to store
people’s maize safely for a few cents per month, so that they don’t lose their
crop, and also we can store our own supply for the program.
All
in an effort to help our community farm more effectively. The big push will
come November, when our rains arrive. God willing.
And as I’ve
mentioned, Carl is awaiting the tractor that will also be used in that effort.
Meanwhile,
we also had our first guests for the year. Some friends looking to relocate to
Zambia visited just before I left for two days, and it was such fun to have
them here. Trying to tell them as many stories as possible, to convince them
what a great place this is. I never took a picture L, so you”ll have to wait to see
their faces, plus I need their permission before introducing them.
Then Carl
came down to South Africa to come get me, Rashelle and my father. We celebrated
my grandfather’s 90th birthday, what an honour. I saw some family I haven’t
seen for more than a decade (there is the only resemblance between myself and
those missionaries from long-long ago). And it was good.
We drove up
and then had some more friends come out for the European summer- escaping
tropical weather by coming to Africa, there’s irony for you. Again, the
children had a ball. They were seriously considering hiding in the luggage. We
met the two girls while working at Goeie Hoop, and they were curious to see how
things run here.
To be
honest, there’s not so much touristy things to do around here. But we tried to
take them to the few things available. Gave us a days rest too.
So, if you
plan to come see us, expected to be dazzled by dust and cows. And we might even
throw in some chores for you to do.
Anyway, we
loved it.
There you
go, you’ve just about caught up with our lives. I’m in the home run of this
pregnancy, and still do need some prayers. I’m doing well, but need to be doing
superwell, to make sure that the gynae is willing to do my c/section here. So,
will you please pray with us. We have 6/7 weeks to go. I decided to postpone my
nursing exam, since me stress tolerance at the moment is about zero.
This
afternoon I was called to our front door. There was a little two year old girl
with a cloth wrapped around her hand. Turns out there’s not much left of her
thumb. Not one single tear. It’s a tough
world, in desperate need of a Father’s love. And it is needed just as much in
the grocery store and schools all around the world, as it is in the bush in
Zambia. So, you go, missionary…
Blessings,
