New Beginnings

 

Well, the first and most exciting news for our family here in Zambia is that we are having another baby! Most of you likely saw this a couple months ago on facebook, but we knew some of you haven’t  heard yet.  Due to various reasons that other mothers would understand, we didn’t know we were pregnant until we were 18 weeks along. And, yes, it answered a lot of questions we both were having during that 18 weeks.   God is soo good. We had an ultrasound done and Melanie and the baby both seem to be doing well. We have decided to go to South Africa for the delivery (due date is Dec 17) around the end of November and then return to Zambia at the beginning of January. We are very grateful as Jako and Amber have allowed us to use there vehicle for transportation and have helped us find accommodations.

Melanie and I have decided we were not going to let another month slip by without updating all of you on how things are going here. In the month of July we were busy working on projects in preparation for the three teams that were coming this year. The first team that came this year was Idlewild from Florida. They were a blessing. The team helped with the cattle fence (mentioned in the last blog) digging post holes and planting them. They were very encouraging as they were flexible, eager to serve, and a joy to work with. Thank you Idlewild.

The next team to come was Woodbridge from Virginia. They were also a huge blessing. They continued with the fence and nearly finished it. They also helped the community school project by digging the foundation and helping the community pour the cement. This was a very large task and it helped spark the communities desire to continue with the school.

Finally, our home church from Elk Run Heights, Iowa. We are a little biased in thinking this was the most exciting team to host and I think everyone would understand why. My parents, younger brother Nick, Pastor Jeff, Jerry, Bill, Mike, Jimmy, and Melanie R, came to see what is so exciting about Zambia. To have people that I have known most of my life decide to take this journey to a continent they had never seen before on our account was beyond my comprehension. I know the mistakes I have made in my life and to see others believe in the changes God has made in me is very humbling.  While they were here they helped the primary school project continue. Each day locals from the different villages would come and assist in the building of the school. To have locals there each day is a big blessing and it allowed the team to continue working each day. There were a few delays in the building process, but we were so thankful for what they were able to accomplish while they were here. During their stay I could see how God uses our natural talents no matter where we are.  For example, we have a store room that is used currently for any clothing donations. It needed to be sorted through badly, and reorganized. Thankfully, there were a couple ladies on the team who were able to use their God-given talents of organization to make the clothing donation process so much easier for Amber and any of the volunteers that come in the future.

We want to thank Faith Assembly and the Evangelical Free Church in Albert City for all of their love and support that they have given us. We are truly honored to be a part of these church families. You have played crucial roles in allowing us to fulfill the calling that God has given our family, and in supporting the primary school project. Melanie has been working everyday on looking through all of the manipulatives and curriculum to see how it can be implemented with the children.

Below are a few pictures of the project… 

  Mixing cement is not an easy task out here. It is nice to have many hands helping. It makes the work seem less and more enjoyable.

 

Below are a few pictures of the primary school, and the progress that has been made so far.

It was so nice to start to see the walls going up,and I think it encouraged the locals as well.

Please continue to pray for the future of the school. Ideally we would like the school to open in January when Term 1 begins, but it is going to be up to the people of Mukumba to make that happen. They are now in charge of building the school. Many of the locals now are beginning to prepare their fields for planting and will say they have no time to work on the school.  We are trusting that God will do a work in the people here. Many projects get started, but very few get completed. We are praying that the parents see the importance of completing this school for their children. Many times the locals ask Melanie were the school project stands, each time she reminds them that it is not her role to come in and build the school. Her role is come alongside the teachers and help train them to be better teachers for their children.

If we were to step in and finish the school project without community involvement it would be detrimental to the community. Would it be easier? Yes. Would the school be open in January? Probably, but as I mentioned before, the school is not for us, but for their children. They need to do their part and support their children in this. When you put effort into something, there is ownership. If we do it all for them, there would be no ownership, and therefore it would not mean anything to them.  Please continue to pray for the hearts of the people, and for the completion of the school.

We are grateful that God has placed us here, and we are encouraged by  the love and support you all have shown us on this journey.

Many blessings to you all,

Nate, Melanie, Natalie, and baby Sweerin