The whole time I was in Zambia (and some since I've been back) I asked you to pray for two babies Cathy and Matt. They were the babies I was assigned to, but they quickly became more than just my assigned babies. They became mine. Leaving them was the hardest thing I've ever done. I was scared because I wasn't going to be there to take care of them. But I soon realized I'm not the one who takes care of Cathy and Matt. I'm not the one that gives them life and health and happiness. That's the Lord. And somehow, I was blessed enough to be used by the Lord to love them for a short time. So after I left Zambia I kept getting updates on my babies, and I have to share them with you because God is so faithful and so great.
When I first got to Zambia, Cathy was 3 weeks old, tiny, and sick. Her body was covered in rashes from head to toe. They didnt know why, so they treated her for a couple different things. Her rashes soon began to fade, the discoloring on her skin began to fade, and before I knew it she was a healthy baby! During the few months I was there, I watched her learn how to smile and laugh, I watched her gain a personality, and I watched her grow into a beautiful little girl! She was 4 months old when I left, almost sitting up by herself, and the happiest little thing ever.
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The top picture is Cathy when I first got to Zambia.
The bottom picture is Cathy on my last day in Zambia. |
On July 27 she turned one, so she's now one and a half! She is standing and will soon be walking! Once she reaches that point, she'll move to Haven 2 with the toddlers. That'll be a big change for her, but I know she'll love it there. As you can see, she is the most precious thing ever. I hear she's still the happiest and most joyful too! Look at how much she's grown and how healthy she is! It makes my heart happy! So continue praying that she stays healthy and keeps growing. Pray that she transitions well to life in haven 2. And pray that one day her family will come take her home and that she'll be ready for that!
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| Cathy on Christmas Day! |
Matt was one and a half when I first got to Zambia. He was in haven 3, which is the hospice haven, because he has AIDS. He was part of a group of boys in that haven that was crazy, funny, and quite the trouble makers. Although, he was always one of the more calm and quiet ones. He grew to love me, and by the end of the semester he would refuse to go to anyone else. I got him to talk a little bit while I was there, but not much. He usually would just laugh and run around.
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| Matty! |
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| Matt on my last day in Zambia |
As of yesterday, Matt is now 3! A few months ago I got an update that he was moved out of the hospice haven and into haven 2 with the toddlers. He of course loved that. Apparently he would run around singing all the time. Then just about a month ago he went home to the village! His grandma came and got him and took him home. This is wonderful, but also a huge change for him. So pray that he transitions well to his home and especially that he stays healthy. Also, pray that he continues to be loved and taught about Jesus in his new home.
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| Matt with his bags packed and going home! |
