Zambia (the three weeks to go entry)!

So, being as I haven't really written a blog about Zambia, apart from a mention in the previous one, I thought I would at the three-week milestone :) (not that three weeks is particularly relevant to anything- just means it's close I guess!).

So, the journey so far!... It all began with a lot of fundraising, and thanks to massive support from everyone, we have gone above our target now, woohoooo!
We have began spending the money and shipped over boxes of sports equipment, laptops, graded reading books and stationary galore!!

Some of the goods shipped!

We've had a number of fundraising events, including a sponsored bike ride which was a HUGE success, a couple of very successful cake sales, car boot sales and much more. We are very grateful for all the support, it's been incredible!

CAKE!

Today I received a cheque from Strive Overseas Ltd in the post, which we are also very grateful for! I had emailed them a while back telling them what we are doing, and asking if they could help at all, and very kindly, they sent us a cheque! Support from family and friends has been amazing too- in a number of ways! :)

So, that was all the first part of the journey! I found it really easy to get stuck in with the fundraising, and organise different events etc. But, although I was doing this- it still felt crazily surreal that I was actually going to the place where all this money is being raised to help! Not going to lie- it still seems surreal- I think maybe it will until the moment we arrive!

I guess the main thing that has changed though is how I feel about going. Originally, and up to about just over a week ago I was really really nervous. I've never been properly abroad (just Belfast!), so it's all a new experience for me! So, I couldn't really think about going without feeling really nervous, and realising a lot was out of my control. It's taught me a fair bit about myself already actually- fears and elements of realising a need for control etc coming up within myself. The incredible thing is, about a week ago I went to a convent, just for a day with God. (You can read my previous blog called 'Peace' if you want to read about it)! But, anyway, during this day I really managed to just give God everything going on in me- all my nerves, fears, need for control... the lot!
I felt in return, God gave me peace. An amazing peace that is somewhat beyond understanding! It's like no matter how much I think about everything that could go wrong, or the unknown elements of the trip etc, all I can feel now is a peace from God inside, and I actually feel excited about the trip! (which admittedly, weird as it sounds, I just wasn't at all before!).

I turned my calendar over today and the Psalm on it for this month is 'blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.' Psalm 2 verse 12. It sums up this month nicely really, and what I'm sure I'll learn to do even more in Africa!

So, it's been a journey already... and I'm still in England! ;) I don't know what to expect, but I know God is in control of it all!

You can follow our page on Facebook for updates etc from the whole team
 https://www.facebook.com/FundraisingforZambia?fref=ts