Celebration of Life

Wow, yesterday was actually my 40th birthday and I am admitting it publicly on this blog! The reason for my admittance is so that I can share with you a little about my experience on this day here in Zambia… let me start by saying… I am overwhelmed with emotion and hope. I have never, and I say never felt this blessed in my entire life… I think this day has been a culmination of sorts as to what God has done and is doing in my life… and today I celebrate… we can celebrate LIFE – LIFE to the fullest!

My “special” day was welcomed early with our regular morning workout. Starting to really feel 40, my body was less than interested to slug away at the “Insanity” Cardio Circuit, however, despite my grumbling I made it through, worked up a sweat and returned home invigorated (hahaha). I was warmly welcomed into my home filled with balloons and decorations that had been smuggled into the hockey bags from Canada. Plans for a cake, a water fight and trip to town were in order. Soon children began to arrive at my door with letters, hugs and birthday wishes… for someone who prefers to stay under the radar on her birthday; I accepted my inevitable fate and soaked in all the love they were willing to offer.

One of the highlights of the day was a visit to Pastor John’s church supporting the “Stir the Fire Ministry” which provides a program for the most poor and vulnerable children in the Twapia compound. Scott and I had planned this the previous week as a special opportunity to bless the community and partner with his amazing ministry. Some of team members had donated money so that we could provide the ministry with a full meal for some 80 plus children that day… Wow… watching those children eat to their hearts content, knowing that this was there only meal that day and perhaps for a number of days, touched my heart in a way that words cannot describe. The pastor and his wife, graciously invited us in to their ministry and blessed us!

Our return to Grace Academy was special… special in a funny way. You see Sid and Katy Braaksma are pranksters!!! Silly me, I did not lock the house. As we entered our home, Katy went scurrying over to her place, declaring she had nothing to do with it… right! Our bedroom was filled with dishes, plates, cups, bowls etc.. all filled with water… there was no way in unless you started to dump all the water… needless to say it was a very funny moment and my carpet took a long time to dry!

As the day progressed, I continued to receive letters, hugs and many birthday greetings… it was also starting to cook up on the thermostat a little and I was okay with the anticipated water fight. The fight ensued late in the afternoon and I lost the battle!!! A little refreshing way to end my day in the sun. Shortly after I dried off, there was a knock at the door and one of the beautiful Grace girls came to greet me and offer me another birthday letter. This letter, along with all the others, moved me in a way that it is difficult to describe. I would like to share some of her words with you to highlight the hope and bright light that these children are in a broken world…

“Dear Auntie Angela – my lovely mom – Happy Birthday… I love you so much
May the Lord bless you. May He give you long life. May you have birthday memories which shine throughout the year. And thank you for showing me your love and kindness and thank you for being a friend to me. You are a blessing in my life. When you go to Canada, I will miss you so much. May the Lord provide everything you need. Thank you for taking me for walks. Here is a verse for you… Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. 1 John 3: 18”

Okay, so she gets it! Do I get it like her? She is a 10 year old orphan, abandoned and rescued! She knows the hope and life in her Saviour. Here I am 40 years old and just really starting to “get it”. My God loves me so much, this I know (just like the children’s song… Jesus loves me this I know)… but why get so wrapped up in myself… my 40 year old self?

Needless to say, this is a special birthday that I will NEVER forget. I hope and pray that God also never lets me forget what He has taught me today and for the past 40 years (some people are just slow learners!)

With that said… if this is a taste of my future… I am SO IN! What an awesome way to start a new decade and new chapter in my life. Praise be to God.