Family and Friends,
As I sit here listening to the wind howl outside and the wind chill fall, I fondly remember all those times I made mention of the warm temperatures in Zambia. The grass always seems greener on the other side. We have been so busy since we returned to the states, doctor visits, physicals, and my favorite the dentist. I’ve been feeling terrible for the last few days, there is nothing that matches a true winter cold, I had colds in Zambia but they were nothing like this… But so grateful we have a roof over our heads, food and medicine, God has taught us so much in appreciating the small things we used so take for granted.
The apartment still isn’t finished, they have gutted it, dried it out and tomorrow will begin putting in new drywall. Life in the Holiday Inn seems quite decadent compared to Zambia, clean sheets, towels and breakfast when I want it (courtesy of the breakfast bar).
It has been wonderful to see our sons and our granddaughter. Mia, who is two, is beautiful (of course) and so smart. We’re getting to know her and she us. She talks a blue streak and is a joy. Her first glimpse of David she said “Daddy?? (Our son Nick looks so much like David). We fully intend to spoil her rotten and become her official “babysitters” while we are home! We are enjoying our friends and reconnecting to many of our partners in this journey.
Since the completion of the WHIZ complex in April, David has been keeping busy with teams but has been sensing God was nudging him. You know how when you have a small pebble in your shoe and it keeps reminding you to take it out? Zambia had become our home, where God wanted us to be. I have never felt more comfortable doing his will then leading teams throughout Zambia and sharing our love for the people. My goodness, all my crazy personality “strengths” were being put to good use. David thrived during the building project and as those who have visited us know, loved every child he encountered. We made friends, we were right where God wanted us. BUT…. the pebble remained…
When we first responded to Gods’ call two years ago we agreed to do our best to remain open to his direction in our lives. Of course, “I” was sure it would be in Zambia and began putting down “roots”. I kept on the refrigerator a bookmark a friend gave me years ago, it showed a stick figure with arms up in the air and the verse “Here I Am, Send Me” embossed on the fabric. But it didn’t say “send me ONCE”. My sense of security is again tested and I find that it has become much easier to let go and let God as time goes by.
World Hope had asked us to return to Zambia for a third year but something kept holding us back. We began talking to WHI about “the pebble” and they started to help us. We have spent many days searching our hearts and praying for Gods’ direction. It’s amazing how he works, WHEN we truly ask and remove our will from the equation. He has watched out over us, guided us and directed us this far, why would he stop now? We are convinced that once we “let go”, he makes his plans so clear.
World Hope has asked us to continue our journey, now to the other side of Africa, Sierra Leone. WHI has been working with the government of SL to establish a 50-acre Fair Trade export processing zone in SL where firms will be able to locate labor intensive aspects of their global production chain without significant up-front costs or risks. They want David to help in building the first factory shells. It is a wonderful opportunity to revitalize this country with jobs. He will be doing what he did in Zambia but on a much larger scale. It feels right to us. I’ve been asked to work with the Hope for Children program, traveling to outlying areas and finding children in need of sponsorship. This is very exciting to me! David is making a trip over in February with members of the FIRST step team to look over the site and begin to put plans in place.
Please continue to pray for Gods’ will in our lives, in particular to soothe the sadness in us in leaving the Zambian people. I keep trying to remember what I have told many of you when your time in Zambia came to an end, it’s all about the relationships you made with the people. The people that crossed our paths have changed us forever and will always be with us. Zambia will remain in our hearts and who is to say God won’t ask us to return there in the future? We will continue to write and speak to Mrs. Botha, Zumba, Fred, Boyd, Josh and the list goes on. Please pray that WHI quickly finds a couple to replace us. No, not “replace” because I like to think we will always have our place there, but make their own place in Zambia.
Our district, East Michigan, is currently supporting Sierra Leone and a couple from our church, the Ashers, are currently there working in the hospital. We are continuing to travel to churches and meet with people to share this new chapter of our lives. We would like the opportunity to share what God is doing in our lives, if you would be interested in having us speak to you and/or your church please contact us and we would be happy to schedule a visit. If you wish to learn more about our ministry or would like to become a prayer partner and/or financially support our ministry, please visit the website (www.thewattersfamily.blogspot.com) for detailed information. Also check out the First Step program at www.worldhope.org.
We humbly come before you and ask you again for your prayers and financial support. We can’t do this without you. You have no idea the impact you have on our lives. A few weeks ago, while visiting a church and speaking, on the way back to our seats a woman stepped out of her pew and said I just want you to know I pray for you every morning. I looked at her and said “I know, we feel them”. It’s true and may God continue to bless you all for your faithfulness.
Blessings,
David and Beth
World Hope International
P O Box 96338
Washington, DC 20090
Our constituent Number 28163
If you would like to contact us, Beth 517-918-7473 or David 517-918-7630. We'd love to hear from you!
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