To all those who played a part in getting me to Africa:
I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is overflowing with the generosity you showed by contributing money and prayers for my trip to Zambia. Now that I am home, I can hardly believe God allowed me to be His hands and feet. We were told not to have any expectations for the mission trip and to go with an open, flexible mind. I think I did pretty well in that department. I must say, it was way better than I could have ever imagined it would be. I got to experience firsthand how to use a drill and watch life-giving water flow from the ground. As we drilled the well, village kids would surround our work site. Looking at their faces and knowing that this water was going to change the lives of their families, kept me fueled and ready to work in that hot sun. And guess what? We struck water within 6 hours of digging! This picture is us jumping for joy and celebrating. God is so faithful! Here is something I wrote in the middle of my trip:
Lord, praise you for your goodness. 4 months ago, I didn’t even want to come on this trip. However, your best is what I needed. You have great things for me on the other side of my fear. Today seeing the sweet faces of the little children melted my heart. Hearing the story from an older local whose granddaughter drowned in a handmade water hole was heart-wrenching. Although the hole where his granddaughter drowned is covered up, we got to see the new hand-dug hole they use now. The water was dirty and contaminated. They drink this water! Also, getting to go into a school and teach the word of God was unreal. There was much dancing, singing, and celebration. It was amazing. Your goodness, Lord, is evident every day but today I saw You in the simple faces of little children who are so appreciative of just being around us and playing football (soccer), throwing a Frisbee, and blowing bubbles.
Now that I read this two months later, I am even more grateful. The work is not finished, and the work will continue. The Living water team is terrific. When we gathered with the community to dedicate the well, my heart leaped out of my chest. Not only was this just physical water, but it was the living water of Jesus. We praised God as I’ve never seen before. I learned so much from a people I thought I was going to save them by giving them freshwater; however, they gave me so much more. They showed me that I don’t have to be consumed by the things of this world. There is a contentment that far exceeds the things I have. Because of Jesus, I can be thankful every day. He has provided everything that I need.
Did I say I was thankful?
Thank you again,
If you want to learn more about Living Water International, just click the link. http://www.water.cc
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Denise Crosby 