August -October Update through pictures
August 2022 Highlights
- Our work visas expired on the 1st of September, so we were in need of applying for a renewal to grant us with two more years. Unfortunately, immigration offices deactivated the account and we had to reapply to open the account. With Jako and Amber stateside it made the process a little bit more difficult, but we were able to thankfully get all of the paperwork together and they reopened the account before our work visas expired.
- The end of Term 2 was on the 5th of August. Due to remaining confusion and misunderstandings in the community towards the school many parents did not attend, so it was a little discouraging. Those in attendance were thankful for the growth they have seen in their children.
- During holiday breaks from school, the school-aged children from the children's home usually get to spend some time at a relative's house for a week or two. It is good for the children to continue to build a relationship with their families and see what their day-to-day tasks are like. It also gives the family an opportunity for some special time with them. Some of the children struggle with the change, but most of them are all smiles and excited to go.
- Baby Fred being held by his Grandfather Fred.
- Before the heat of October arrived, we decided to clean the library. Unfortunately, we found termites eating some the books and resources, so the ladies worked quickly getting it all swept, cleaned, and applied a powder that will deter them from building their home there again. Those termites are hungry little boogers...
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| Isaac going on visit. He rarely has family visit so to be the first child picked up for holiday break was very special. |
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| Jako and Amber's House being plastered |
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| We were able to have the toilet entrances bricked in on the school toilets. We are so thankful to have something more permanent in place. |
We had to make a quick trip to Livingstone for immigration, and Clayton had tooth that needed looked at. Dr. Jane was recommended to us. The kids were pretty nervous, but she made all of the kids feel at ease and was very understanding. As a result, our kids want to visit her and get their teeth cleaned any time we go to Livingstone. Pics below of showing their smiles after our visit.
Clayton did have a cavity. Got it filled and he was so happy it felt better.
Lily has lost both front teeth, so we will see if she gets any in before Christmas. 
Hannah and Levi enjoying the ride back home from Livingstone. Levi is growing up. He managed to get in his 2 bottom teeth which makes him look so much older.
- It has been a month of many ups and downs as we battled some sickness, adjusting to our added responsibilities with the Jouberts being in the states, and immigration uncertainties. I am thankful that we are able to still be in communication with them as there have been many times where we needed their guidance and wisdom.
September Highlights 2022
- The burn (pic on left), and a large wound from the child's foot going through the spokes of the bicycle (pic on right) when they crashed. With Nate and I having very little background in medical things, we know that there are many circumstances we would not be able to help with. We are so grateful to have Jako and Amber's expertise in how to handle situations like these below, and many other medical circumstances. They have encountered a lot over their years of serving here. With every medical case that comes our doorstep, we have to discern the best course of action, clothe each situation and each person in prayer as they return to their homes or another medical care facility.
- September Celebrations: Clayton turned 8 on Sept. 3rd, and Levi turned 1 on the 18th. Clayton enjoyed a Monster Truck themed cake. The kids had a blast playing games like tug of war, sack race, and eating chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting. Levi was low key, but he enjoyed his banana - blueberry muffins.
- Nate and I were approved for a renewal of our work visas, so we traveled to Immigration Headquarters in Lusaka to pick up our new cards. (8-9 hour drive from where we stay)
Clayton turns 8!!!
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| Even Derrick came for a visit and did a Bible story with the kids. |
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| Levi turns one year!! |
- We have had a few new babies arrive at the children's home these last few months. We have had many meetings with the families of these little ones. Most of these sweet babies will be leaving our care by the age 1.5 or 2 as their fathers are still alive and can have extended family help them raise them. Since their mothers have passed away, the Mission of Love has been able to provide adequate nutrition through formula and loving care. We are so blessed to be able to spend these few months with them. All of them are changing so much. They bring so much joy and laughter into the house.
- The children are all growing. They have been a blessing to us we continue to build a relationship with them. Our children so enjoy their friends and learning from them. There is lots of laughing, occasional tears, sibling rivalry, soccer, hopscotch, coloring, Legos, reading and looking at books, digging in the sand, and helping each other with tasks and caring for the babies.
- Term break ended and parents are beginning to bring back their children to attend our school. It is so good to see our numbers increasing once again.
- Two of our teachers have chosen to stop teaching after this year, so we are beginning to search for potential teaching candidates.
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| Baby Boy Addwell |
Baby Girl Salai (pronounced Sal- i)
Baby Boy Fred
Baby Boy Givass (pronounce give-us)
Baby Girl Fevers (pronounced Favors)
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| Genesis, Baby Salai, Givass, Mainza, and Samson |
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| Samson |
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| Wilson and Elijah |
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| Givass, Chipo, and Elijah |
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| Joyce with Fred |
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| Ruth, Miyoba, Salomy, and Genesis |
Our new to us trailer. We were so thankful the Baptist Mission in Lusaka was able to sell us this trailer. In the process of getting it registered and completing the paperwork we learned that this trailer was green. So somewhere down the line it was painted white but wasn't changed on the papers. In order to pass inspection, this trailer needed to be green. I teased Nate and said it is our little piece of John Deere Green in Africa.
October Highlights
- We have a toilet!!!
- Closet shelving is getting built.
- Independence Day Party at school. Zambia's Independence Day is celebrated on the 24th of October. They received their independence in 1964. The teachers had a fun day planned. There was singing, dancing, Independence Day Trivia, games, and homemade buns made by our teachers.
- We have just over 100 students now at the school between preschool through grade 5. We have hired two new teachers. They have been training this term, and if all goes as planned, they will each fulfill the needed positions in January.
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| Epoxy floor paint to seal floors |
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| Solar Geyser being mounted on the roof so we can have warm water. |
Hook Tag took them a little bit to learn but they sure enjoyed it, while the younger children played duck, duck, goose. The final big group games was a number game where the students needed to get into groups according to the number the teachers called out. The teachers really enjoyed learning these new games and played alongside the kids.
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| Children's Choir |
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| Mothers Singing |
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| Children Dancing |
Last day of school for our kids!! They are so excited to have a small break and they are enjoying helping us when possible on the house, or other tasks that have been put aside when school is in session. We are praying we will be able to transition to our new house in a few weeks.
I came across this post written by Lysa TerKeurst. It definitley spoke to me as the responsibilities, demands, and interruptions of the day have increased, but my time of studying the Word of God and being in prayer has decreased. When we are not being filled with His ways our flesh can reign and my love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness is very limited.
Lisa Terkeurst Post: "Sometimes I slip into living life backward.
I let my to-do list overflow while withholding my time with the Lord. When what I need to do is let my time with the Lord overflow while withholding my to-do list.
It’s a mistake I think a lot of us make. But how can we continue to pour out if we aren’t being filled back up on a daily basis?
Let’s decide in our hearts right now that we’ll slow down enough today and in this coming week to receive all that He longs to pour into us each and every day."
We thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful to be a part of this ministry and pray that the children and people in this community will recognize their need for a Savior and submit their lives wholeheartedly unto Him. Not just in words, but also in actions.
Wtith much love and care,
THE SWEERINS
If you want to partner with us financially you can write a check to
Faith Assembly of God. Please write Zambia in the memo line and send it to:
5112 Lafayette Rd.
Elk Run Heights, IA 50707
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