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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Phew! (02/11/10)
Africa! Only two months earlier who would have dreamed that this would be our new home. Mission work was not something I had planned. I had never even heard of Zambia.

A friend of my husband’s was on the board for a mission school. Fred was looking for a job. Phil asked, “How would you like a job in Africa?”

Fred had wanted to do mission work for years. He had tried to go two different times to other countries and it had not worked out.

Of course, Fred could hardly wait to go, but for me it was a different story. I didn’t want to leave my home, family and friends. The more I thought about it, the more afraid I became.Each evening I would feel so ill I couldn’t even eat.

I finally told Fred, “I just don’t think I can go.” He quietly said, “If you can’t go I understand, but I think this is what God wants me to do. You and the kids can stay behind and I’ll go.”

How could I stay behind and let him go without me. I started praying diligently that God would help me overcome the fear if He wanted me to go to Zambia.

Before I knew it we were getting shots and making all our plans to go. I had forgotten all about my fear. We were committed to going and God had answered my prayers.

Five plane rides later we touched down in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Then the harrowing ride to Zambia. We were riding on the wrong side of the road, “Phew”. I thought we were going to run into someone, but what was the wrong side for me was the way they drove.

We crossed the border into Zambia and saw a sign, Elephant Crossing. We saw monkeys swinging in the trees. Indeed we were in a different land.

God had been with us and we arrived safely at our new home. Many adventures and new family and friends were waiting.
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This article has been read 676 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Mildred Sheldon
02/18/10
We never give any thought to how sewage is handled in other countries. Especially if the country is not as modern and up to date as where we came from. Kind of reminds me of a time when outhouses were the norm. That is a smelly mess. I enjoyed this very much and thank you for sharing.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/18/10
You did a good job brining me into the story. I could picture the monkeys and taste the excitement.
Mark Bell
02/20/10
you portrayed the inner conflict well. the transition into the excitement for the trip went well, too. my only criticism is the ending seemed too abrupt for this piece. nonetheless, a nice job!
Author Unknown
02/21/10
I liked the story but agree that it could have been fleshed out a little more- let us know what is really holding your MC back or what finally convinces her to go- that kind of thing. You've got a good writing style, very comfortable to read and easy for the reader to get into. well done, keep up the good work.
Amanda Brogan
02/25/10
Wow! This is really "da jah vu" for me! My family and I are currently moving to a town four hours away (not nearly as far as Africa ;), it's even in the same state) and I've struggled a lot with the same things you spoke of. God is slowly changing my heart towards this new place too, as I believe God is not only calling my Dad there for ministry, but me as well. Each place holds new opportunities. Thanks for this encouraging story! (I had to smile at the elephant crossing. :) )