Our purpose going to Lusa today was to bless the children…and bless Mama Yoba with about $500 to finish her house, along with 300 meters of wire and a whole lot of window putty (two of the remaining needs). (
Click here for that story) But I think every person with us today would agree that we left with more than we came with.
As our three vehicles turned off the tarmac into sloshy mud puddles, bumping along to Mama Yoba's house, I was overwhelmed with excitement about the gifts for Mama Yoba. But, we decided we would give the gifts to the children first, and then surprise Mama Yoba as we prepared to leave.
When we arrived, 92 children were seated at tables,patiently waiting and separated by age. Regina told me some of the kids arrived as early as 6 a.m. (We arrived at 10.). Several of our friends from the mine came along, including four children. The kids handed the small packets of candies and toys and noise makers to the community children. The Lusa kids waited patiently until everyone had their gift and I told them to open the goodies. Almost immediately, the whole room broke out with the sound of noise makers. After a few minutes,Mama Yoba quieted the kids, and then had them sing to our group what has come to be one of our favorite songs.
“Come and see, come and see, come and see what the Lord has done; come and see what the Lord has done…”
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| handing out the gifts |
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| Moses, son of Jillian - love this family! |
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| Mama Yoba giving necklaces to the kids with our group |
Mama Yoba prayed in Thanksgiving, and then I was confused as she brought in a small box. Inside were several child-size necklaces that she and Regina must have made since I was last there on Thursday. She then went to each of the children in the group we brought, and with a young Zambian girl, handed out the necklaces and helped the kids put them on. I just wanted to cry. That woman just amazes me and I think that small act made this one of my best Christmases ever.
As our group prepared to leave, I told Mama Yoba we had a surprise for her. As we handed her the supplies and the money, I have to say, it was the first time I've seen her speechless (anyone who knows Mama Yoba knows she is never at a loss for words). She thanked each person in our group and just had a look of shock on her face. Then Luke and I pulled our TV out of the trunk. One of our friends at the mine blessed us with a really nice television a few months ago. Immediately we had decided to pay it forward,so we had told Mama Yoba that we were going to give her our TV – but only when her new house was finished (extra incentive to get it done!). Today, we took it with us, and I told her that it was because she should have everything she needs to finish her house now.
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| Window putty for Mama Yoba's new house |
Now I just have to prepare myself because she’s been saying from the beginning that when her house is finished, we have to go out there and stay up all night praying and blessing the house and celebrating….
When we arrived, 92 children were seated at tables,patiently waiting and separated by age. Regina told me some of the kids arrived as early as 6 a.m. (We arrived at 10.). Several of our friends from the mine came along, including four children. The kids handed the small packets of candies and toys and noise makers to the community children. The Lusa kids waited patiently until everyone had their gift and I told them to open the goodies. Almost immediately, the whole room broke out with the sound of noise makers. After a few minutes,Mama Yoba quieted the kids, and then had them sing to our group what has come to be one of our favorite songs. 
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