Jeanette's Mission

Children's lives being saved - literally. I visited the "Save a Life" Center" this month in Mongu, and was deeply touched by what I saw. Mothers came with their malnourished infants and childre n for the weekly program. They received training on how to properly feed and care for their child. The children were monitored for progress on their weight gain and health. They got nutritional food to take home for the upcoming week, and were encouraged through devotions and support from one another. They receive skills training so they can develop small businesses to help provide for their children. The staff also do weekly home visits to check in on the mom and child in their own environment. It's working. There was a hallway with "Lives Saved" posted simply on the top. We all love "Before and After" stories. I counted 84 before and after pictures and stories of children who had been through the program, showing their weight and condition...

I’ve been in Africa for just over a month and already have more stories to tell then I’m sure you want to hear. I debated what should I share that would be of interest to and amuse you? Do I show photos of interesting, amazing African everyday life? (Keep following my Instagram/FB posts for that.) Do I tell you about “Scripture Clubs” at VOH – Chongwe, where the children self-select 1 of 5 Clubs to learn more about Scripture through Song, Art, Drama, Scribe or Discipleship? It's an amazing program that fosters self-esteem, creativity and teaches the Bible to children in fun, meaningful ways! (see below for more – but not til after you read the rest this blog!) Do I give a long update on my visa issues? I'm getting tired of talking about it. And it's certainty been a lesson on letting go and trusting God. But here it goes - Hot off the press (Cole's notes version): o     My Zambia visa got approved today!  o   No news yet on Tanzania ...

My first week in Africa has been crazy! A rollercoaster of the finest kind. Power outages, water shortages, thunderstorms, isolation, questioning … making new friends, excitement, learning, laughing … and more. All packed into 7 days! It’s been an adjustment that's for sure. I’ve been to Africa many times but never stayed in a place for $15/night, waking up most mornings with no water for a shower , and sitting most evenings in the pitch dark except for the small flame of a candlelight so I can reach out to family and friends on data (at least I got that figured out)! But it’s also been amazing. I’ve met new friends at Villages of Hope Kitwe. I’m humbled by their passion, competency and laser focus on putting the children first. I've seen the joy in the children's faces and heard it in their robust singing. And I’m learning much - not just about the programs (which have consistently impressed me) but about the motivations...

Have you ever had to wait for over 50 years for something? I have. As a young girl, I wanted be a missionary when I grow up … I wanted to help people less fortunate than me have a chance in life, grow up and know about God. I even knew I didn't want it to be Africa, because it seemed there were already enough missionaries there so I'd go somewhere else, maybe India. They had lots of people. Or maybe even Kuwait. Not sure of the location, but was confident of the calling. In my teens, I have a couple of great short-term mission experiences. I went to Bible college, and seminary, all to get ready. But, God had different plans for me. Doors to go to missions closed. Doors with not-for-profit organizations opened. So, I went in a new direction. I've been working in NFP and NGO marketing for the last 35 years. It's been great. And much of this was related to helping the poor overseas. But it's not the same as being on the ground, working directly wit...

My first short-term mission trip to St. Lucia at 16 years old Have you ever wondered what is a "mission?" I looked up the definition the other day. It said it's "an important assignment carried out for political, religious or commercial purposes, typically involving travel." I love that - "an important assignment". Almost makes me feel like James Bond. It's bold, adventurous, urgent - like it could be a matter of life or death. Maybe sometimes it is. Several years ago, I wrote my personal mission statement - "to serve and honor Him".  I added, " "I want to be known for who I am, not just want I do." because I think our core character matters too. I've had some cool important assignments in my life. When I was 16, I took my first short-term mission trip was to St. Lucia. After my first year at Bible College, I spent the summer in Calcutta, India with missionaries, Mark and Huldah Buntain. Most rece...

Having you ever jumped off the deep end? Literally? When I was about 9 years old, I went to Sunnyside Pool on the shores of Lake Ontario, the biggest outdoor pool in Toronto.  I was with my brother, David, who is 2 years older than me. He was always confident and didn't show much fear of anything. I was hovering around the shallow end, about waist deep, comfortable. But I was watching David at the other end of the pool, jumping off the low diving board, having fun. Suddenly, he moved to the big diving board, climbed up the ladder and boldly jumped off. He did it again. And again. He seemed to be having so much fun. I decided I wanted to jump too. So I made my move. I went over and told him I want to jump off the high diving board. He said it was too high and I would be too scared. I was sure I was ready. After much resistance he let me go ahead of him in line. With confidence and excitement intertwined with a bit of fear and trepidation, I started the climb. But the...