Crossing Paths

Tonight was a good night.  I dropped the kids off at the Solt's house for movie night.  A night in which Micah and Holly stuff themselves with popcorn and soda and mom runs away for a little while.  Tonight was Christmas shopping night in Lusaka. Tonight was about making into town and finding SOMETHING that the kids might squeal with delight after opening on Christmas day.

It was a good night because I was by myself, no whining, no crying, no fighting. Alone.  Me and my radio that I just discovered today.  So here I go, windows down, out on the dirt road, the African sunset radiating through the passenger's window, and my radio cranked up playing some Zambian dance music that I can't understand the words to because it is in another language. Very satisfying.

Not far down the road I see a man waving wildly at my vehicle.  I stop to see what the commotion is and it's Webster, a friend of Flying Mission.  He needs a lift into town to take care of some paperwork for a new visa. In a flash he's in the passenger's seat and away we go bumping down the dirt road into Lusaka.

I start by saying "Webster, you probably don't remember me, but you are one of the reasons why I am here in Zambia." I caught his attention. "A year and half ago I was here with my husband and you let me hold your little baby cousin, the one who's father had just died." He listens intently. "I didn't have anything to give him and I didn't know what to do, but I remember thinking 'I'm glad that's not me.'" Webster chuckles.   I go on, "but now it is me, raising two kids by myself." No more chuckle. The truck keeps bouncing down the road as I tell him briefly about Adam.  He remembers hearing about the man who was killed in the plane crash but had no idea I was his wife.

I went on in my best Zambian accent, "but God is good and He has provided everything I need, to the point that I am able to share with others.  That is one of the reasons I am here, to wait for God to show me how to He wants me to care for widows and orphans." Then he peppered me with questions, "how, when, who..." "I don't know, but God will show me.  He has promised to make good come from this situation." Yes," he said, "God will show you and will make it work out for good."

Webster went on to tell me of how he was abandoned by his mother at seven months, that his new step-mother did not like him (probably putting it mildly) and that eventually his friend's mother adopted him.  Now at 25 he is far away from his family and soon starting bible school in hopes of becoming a discipleship missionary.  That's why he needs the lift into town, to renew his visa so he can travel to Malawi next year for more bible training.  I ask him if he has heard of Harrison Chinyama. He didn't, but I have a sneaking suspicion that he will before 2011 is out.

Before we parted ways in town, we both agreed that in both of our situations we would never get an answer to "why" this happened.  But we both firmly agreed that God was in complete control of our lives.  He knew the exact time we would be born and the exact time we will die and everything in between.  With that, Webster went to find his friend and I went into the store to buy some gifts.

It was so refreshing to be in the company of someone who has experienced deep loss and has found healing in the promises of God, not just quoting them, but really living them out to the core of their being. Peace and joy were Webster's.  Peace and joy shall be mine in the coming months.

Thank you Lord for the crossing of paths.  Bless Webster in what ever he puts his hand and mind to.  Continue to show him the kingdom and show him the plans you have to give him a hope and a future that is securely rooted and established in your love.

May peace and joy inhabit the nooks and crannies of your heart this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas.  I miss you all!  Love you lots :)