To Africa with Love

2017-11-13T05:06:00.001-08:00

Hey friends…I hope that this letter finds you doing well!

I’ve just completed 3 years on the ground in Zambia and can’t believe all that the Lord has taught me and allowed me to be a part of while serving with Lifesong.

It has been so amazing to watch how the Lord used each of you to help me GO, partnering with me to do this work. Now that I have passed the 3-year mark, and the original funds have been depleted, I have found that I still have a short fall in the account that helps me continue to stay in Zambia. I am about $6,000 short of making my budget at this time. I am in need of your help and assistance in order to be able to continue to have the finances I need to stay in Zambia.

I am hoping and praying that you might be able to help in one of two ways. The first, which is the most important part: prayer. Will you pray for the ministry that the Lord has called me to serve? These children, the nationals, and fellow missionaries here, we all live in community with one another. It’s a pleasure to live life with these people, and I get to share Christ on almost a daily basis.

The second way you can help is financially. Currently, I need both one-time gifts and ongoing monthly support. Any one-time gifts will help me to immediately reduce the shortfall where I have found myself. I cannot stay in this shortfall long, so please consider making a one-time gift.

The next financial need I have is regarding monthly support. If you have the ability to become a monthly donor, or even increase a little, please consider partnering with me in this way. My monthly support is about $250 below where it needs to be. These monthly donations help to pay my monthly “salary” and basic needs while here with Lifesong. In addition to meeting my needs, I also spend a significant amount of money on the kids at Lifesong School. Many of the older students don’t have families or resources to provide basic food and other hygiene items, beyond what Lifesong provides. When school is closed (3 months of the year), I really stretch myself to provide for these special kids. If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll see the teenagers that the Lord has allowed me to mentor here.

If you are giving monthly already, thank you! Seeing your names on my spreadsheet each month is such an encouragement! I know the only reason I am able to stay is because of your faithfulness!

Asking for money is never easy….and I sure wish I was able to do this face to face….but the Lord is faithful and I know that he will continue to provide for the calling He has placed on my life! Will you be a part of that provision? You can believe me when I say that I would not ask, if I was not in need.

I love y’all and hope to see you during my next visit home……or…..if you come here!

With love to Africa and back…

Kristie

To give online…

Access lifesongfororphans.org

Hover over Ways you Can Help

Click on Make a Donation

Then click on Support a Missionary

Please choose my name from the drop down box

You may also choose to make it a recurring gift

Or you can mail your check to (please include Kristie Cobb 97815 on the memo line):

Lifesong for Orphans

PO Box 40

Gridley, Illinois 61744

2016-12-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!!! Where has 2016 gone? I guess the saying, “Time flies when you are having fun!” holds true….because 2017 is just around the corner!!!

I hope each of you have had a wonderful time with friends and family during this Thanksgiving and Christmas season! While it is so difficult being away from my family and friends during this time, it is so fun to see how the Lord brings around a new circle of family and friends to help fill the void! While it will never be the same, it does fill the need.

As I sit here typing this letter, I am struck by all that has happened over the course of the year….funny moments, tearful moments, stressful moments and many blessed moments. Here are just a few of those moments…

§ Well…..let’s start with the reason we are all here…..we have had 3 of our boarding students accept Christ…..whoop! Our kiddos get religious education as a class, devotionals 3 days a week in the morning, devotionals each evening after dinner, bible study on Wednesday evening and then discipleship time on Saturday. We are always thrilled to see when the Lord has been able to work in the hearts of our children as we try to teach them the biblical truth!

§ We started a new math curriculum at our school (Preschool through Grades 4…and will had Grade 5 this next year). It has been a huge learning curve but will hopefully build on the work our teachers were already doing in order to grow critical thinkers that can complete school, go to college and then compete for the few jobs available in Zambia! Please be praying for our students as we continue to push them to think deeper and work harder!

§ With the help of mutual friends (thank you Bobby Waite and Polly Hoerr), and some of you who gave through MyStory, we were able to purchase a new reading program for our school (Preschool through Grade 6). While the Zambian government does put out a small (approximately 100 pages) book to cover grammar, phonics, writing and reading, it has proven to be less effective than we would have liked. Starting mid-term 1, we will begin using the Abeka curriculum in order to shore up the reading, writing and critical thinking skills that we would love for our children to have. I can’t wait to see the progress our teachers and students will be able to make with such a great, comprehensive program! Please be praying with us that the shipment (literally coming on a ship) doesn’t fall off into the ocean and gets here quickly!

§ Shane and Mitzi McBride, and their family, moved back to the US to continue working for Lifesong stateside. It was hard on the Lifesong family here, and left a void for so many, including me as they had become like family here in Zambia. We talk a lot about doing life together in the US, but until you have lived on the same compound and worked at the same school with another family (where Mitzi and I even shared an office), you just don’t have any idea how big that statement really is!

§ Skip and Thomas Stallings moved to Zambia to serve for the next 2+ years to help fill the void left by Shane and Mitzi. Skip is a social worker (and served as an intern here a year ago) and is working at the school while Thomas works on our books as an accountant. I LOVE having them here and look forward to all that the Lord will do through their lives while they are here.

§ We have also had a couple from South Africa, Shaine and Chaundrey Morley, join our team. They are working on the farm and will be living in the school house once the Wiegands return from their furlough in January.

§ We had some AWESOME teams (and 2 fabulous interns) here this summer….including the youth from FBC McKinney, my home church. It was a full time job for those of us here managing, working, and serving alongside the teams as they served the Lord at our school and in our community. But, it was an awesome time watching them come to love our children, families and Zambia as we do! The teams painted, cleaned, built toilets, reroofed houses, volunteered in classrooms, led Bible Studies, provided medical care to the Zambian Compound community (ministered to those of us on the ground in Zambia) and played sports with our kiddos. Such a fun time! You should think about coming…..yes you....and bring friends with you!!!

§ I got to go to Livingstone twice to see one of the 7 wonders (or is it 8) of the world….the Livingstone Falls. I walked with lions and jumped off the bridge (111 meters down) to freefall and swing over the gorge (not sure which was more crazy)! I did the swing last year with Skip…..but this year did it alone…..quite a different experience. So wishing I had bought the video to show you! I’ve also had the opportunity to introduce some of the boys in my life to cities outside of Garneton/Kitwe. We have made 2 trips to Lusaka and have had so much fun! Several of them had never been in an elevator before or ridden on an escalator…..I do love showing them new things!

§ Oh the stories I could tell about bugs, and frogs, and snakes and dogs…..but hopefully you have seen most of that craziness on facebook! We often shout out TIA…..this is Africa….as we try to recover from crazy moments with God’s creatures. Boy, will I have questions about certain animals and insects when I meet the Lord face to face!

I have now surpassed my 2 year mark (actually 2 years and 3 months), and most days, couldn’t be happier with my choice to be here! Through the relationships with our Lifesong Missionary staff, the Lifesong School staff and our students, I feel so blessed to be able to continue the work the Lord has called me to do! Although there are times that I miss my family and friends in the US, I know that there is no place the Lord would rather have me at this time in my life.

Here are some things that I would love for you to join me in praying for…

· Pray that the Lord would continue to work in the lives of our staff and students. We want to provide the top education to our students, but more important than that is providing the life changing truth of Jesus Christ. Pray that the Lord would continue to open the eyes, ears and hearts of our students and that they will come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

· Pray for the safety of our student’s hearts and minds as they live in the Zambian compound (especially our boarding students who are only home during term breaks). The temptations are great, and we just pray that they will be quick to listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit as he works to keep them out of trouble and on the right path for their future.

· Pray that the Lord would continue to show us grace and mercy while serving on the field. We are blessed with many people looking out for us and guards that protect us but the dangers are always lurking….as are the illnesses. Please pray that the Lord would continue to keep us healthy (and maybe even rid my body of the constant ghiardia that I seem to struggle with) and keep us safe as we do the work he has called us to do.

· Pray for our Lifesong Missionary staff. We have had a lot of change over the last 6 months….with more on the horizon. Pray that we will continue to serve as a team, allowing the Lord to use the strengths that we have to further his kingdom…while also growing to be like family as we love and care for each other.

· Pray for the Wiegands as they transition back to Zambia following their 3 month furlough in the US. Although I have no doubt that they have loved their time at home, I know they are anxious to return to Zambia to continue the work the Lord has called them to do.

I love each of you so much and can’t tell you how much I appreciate all you do to help keep me here in Zambia. Whether it is Facebook messages, email messages, what’s app calls or checking up on me through my church and parents, it is because of you that I am able to continue the work that the Lord has called me to do. I will put some of my contacts at the bottom of the page….reach out any time! I love hearing from each of you!

Thank you for the financial commitments that you have made in order to help me stay here in Zambia. If it weren’t for your giving, this all would not be possible. And by all, I’m even referring to the sponsorships and donations that you give through Lifesong in order to keep our school up and running! Thank you!!!

As you begin looking towards the end of the year, and find that you may have some giving left to do…..would you consider giving to Lifesong? You can give to individual projects (such as Lifesong Zambia), families that are working through fostering and/or adopting or you could even give to me! There are always random expenses that weren’t necessarily planned for where a little extra money in my staff account would be so helpful (such as purchasing a new booster pump –to move the water from our bore hole to our houses- at the house….calling the electricians after a HUGE power surge blew out many of our electronics….buying more LP Gas for the stoves-which comes in so handy when the power is out-….and multiple trips to the clinic to try to eliminate the constant case of ghiardia that I seem to be carrying).

Again…..I am so thankful that you are on this journey with me….and would LOVE for you to come and visit! We have plenty of places for you to stay and would love to be able to share all that we are doing at Lifesong! Happy 2017…..may the Lord show his grace and mercy in your lives and make it the best year yet!

Love you to Africa and back…

Kristie

aggiecobb@gmail.com

+260 97 525 2361

Lifesong School

PO Box 21568

Plot 172, Wolfram Avenue

Garneton, Kitwe

Zambia 84

Giving can be done through:

First McKinney Baptist Church at www.firstmckinney.com

Lifesong for Orphans at www.lifesongfororphans.org

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21

Warning....this is heavy one!

2014-10-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

There has been a small dark cloud over the last couple of days as Lifesong School deals with losing one of its own.....and while I didn't know him very well, my heart grieves just the same....for the loss of a child.

I met Andrew the first week I was here....when Mitzi and I went by the hospital to bring food to the Grandmother so that she could eat while staying to monitor her grandson. He was in the hospital for pneumonia and a heart issue....such a cute little thing, only 7 but already reading and writing....which is a big deal around here!

Andrew was in and out of the hospital over the last couple of weeks...but this weekend, it just became too much and God called him home....at 7 years of age. But why?

I have been here for almost 4 weeks and have dealt with 3 deaths, been to 2 funeral houses and 1 funeral...death is a part of the culture....a part of life in the compound....but my heart is raw and my emotions are on edge because it has not been a part of mine....not like this.

When we arrived at the funeral today, there was already a large crowd that had formed under the mango tree. Had I not known it was a funeral, I think I might have thought it was a party for all of the brightly colored chetanga fabric worn by the women. It wasn't until I opened my door that I began to hear the wailing. The group was circled around the family as the small casket was carried from the van to the center of the crowd. There was a time where a couple of men spoke (in Bemba), a group of people that sang and then a time for wailing.

The crowd began to move, move into a single line to pass under the mango tree and before the casket....the open casket with sweet Andrew lying inside. My heart is broken as we pass by and pay our respects and then walk on to the buriel plot. What I saw next, I could not have been prepared for....this was not your typical cemetary with old and young buried together....families sharing a headstone. This was a children's cemetary...and I found myself having to navigate between the mounds of dirt where infants and young children that had been taken so early had been layed to rest. So many plots already filled and unfortunately so many that had already been dug in anticipation of what was to come....death is a part of the culture....a part of life in the compound.

The service then followed traditional, local Zambian fashion, laying the body to rest, young and old men that knew Andrew working hard to finish the buriel and then a time for groups of Andrew's loved ones and friends to pay honor....laying flowers on his grave. It was a sweet time...while still rubbing me raw as again I asked why?

When Shane got up to speak on behalf of Lifesong, he made a statement about Andrew being in heaven playing football and laughing with the other boys and girls which he wasn't always able to do while he was here. I am reminded that Andrew's body is healed....no more difficulty breathing....no more limitations because of a heart issue.....no more lack of water or food or a clean place to lay his head...and as I type this, it makes me think of the Audio Adrenaline song "Big House".....

I don't know where you lay your head

or where you call your home

I don't know where you eat your meals

or where you talk on the phone

I don't know if you got a cook

a butler or a maid

I don't know if you got a yard

with a hammock in the shade

I don't know if you got some shelter

say a place to hide

I don't know if you live with friends

in whom you can confide

I don't know if you got a family

say a mom or dad

I don't know if you feel love at all

but I bet you wish you had

[PRE-CHORUS]

Come and go with me

to my Fathers house

Come and go with me

to my Fathers house

[CHORUS]

It's a big big house

with lots and lots a room

A big big table

with lots and lots of food

A big big yard

where we can play football

A big big house

Its my Fathers house

All I know is a big ole house

with rooms for everyone

All I know is lots a land

where we can play and run

All I know is you need love

and I've got a family

All I know is your all alone

so why not come with me?

Not sure if they were singing about American Football or soccer but I have no doubt Andrew is playing it!

Christ told the disciples.....Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. (John 14:1-4)

Oh yeah.....I'm not supposed to be content here. We are only passing through. I am supposed to be about doing what the Lord asks of me.....but this is not my home. Andrew is home....I do wonder what those first few hours and days were like....seeing things he had never seen here or that any of us could even imagine for that matter! That brings me hope in the midst of the saddness....a lifetime with Christ...healing our bodies....drying the tears....fulfilling his promises while we get to worship him.

While I still ask why, it is less out of desparation and more out of a lack of understanding for his plan and seeing his bigger picture. I will rest tonight...praising my Lord for another day in Africa....doing what he has called me to.....and looking forward to what is in store for tomorrow. There is still so much week left.....and with the 50th year Jubilee celebration on Friday, celebrating Zambia's indepence, there will no doubt be more stories to tell.

I'm sorry for the heaviness of this post....I look forward to being able to share many happy stories....but for tonight, it is Andrew's time....pray for our little ones....pray for protection....for a place to lay there heads and for food in their bellies.....but especially, pray that each one would come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ....because, as death is a part of the compound.....joy, that only comes from Jesus, can be as well.

Africa hot....is stinkin' hot!

2014-10-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Now I recognize, that this venue is not intended to be a place to fuss, gripe or complain. And I have no doubt that when you come to my blog you expect to hear all of the fabulous things that God is doing in Africa. But for today, I am going to do a little fussing, because today…..well actually for the last few days….and from what I understand, the rest of the month or so…..it is hot! Not just hot, but Africa hot….no air conditioning or ice cubes in your drink kind of hot!

To quote the late, great Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam (with language altered just a bit), "My name's Roosevelt E. Roosevelt." Roosevelt, what town are you stationed in?. "I'm stationed in Poontang." Well, thank you, Roosevelt. What's the weather like out there? "It's hot. Dang hot! Real hot! Hottest thing is my shorts. I could cook things in it. A little crotch pot cooking." Well, can you tell me what it feels like. "Fool, it's hot! I told you again! Were you born on the sun? It's dang hot! I say - It's so dang hot, I saw little guys, their orange robes burst into flames. It's that hot! Do you know what I'm talking about." What do you think it's going to be like tonight? "It's gonna be hot and wet! That's nice, but it ain't no good if you're in the jungle." Thank you, Roosevelt. Here's a song coming your way right now. "Nowhere To Run To" by Martha and the Vandellas

Like I said….hot!

On Wednesdays, our Lifesong family gets together for brinner….for those of you that don’t know what I am talking about, it is breakfast for dinner. Love! This is a great time for us all to gather around the table and chat…chat about the day, the farm, the school….whatever! Today, my roommate Sheila decided to make cinnamon rolls to take to brinner….delish! And not just one kind, but decided to try two different kinds! In order to make the cinnamon rolls, she had to gauge the temperature of the milk prior to using it in the dough….so, she went and got the thermostat from the farm. Did I tell you I live on a strawberry farm? That is a story for another day…..anyway, she got back from the farmhouse with the temperature gauge and that is when it hit us. 89 degrees inside the house…..99 degrees outside of the house….without air conditioning! I knew it was hot….but somehow when you put a number to it, it is almost unbearable!

To make matters worse, I have been sick….with strep. Something about me and Zambia….I came home last year with strep. So, here is the part where I move beyond the fussing and become extremely thankful. I am thankful that God provided antibiotics “just in case” before I left the states. I was able to start these right away and am already on the mend. I am thankful for the provision of other missionaries, already on the ground when I arrived, that have quickly become family and have checked on me over the last couple of days. I am also thankful for fans…don’t laugh…I have been at home during the hottest parts of the day since being sick and have had 3 blowing on me. I have one at the school that I use when I am there (which also helps to mask the smell of hot children). This temperature would be rather intolerable without them.

So, I guess this blog today is about what God IS doing in Africa….providing….providing pharmaceuticals, friends and family and fans (tried to make it an alliteration….ha!). Throughout the process of getting to Africa and even once here, I am constantly reminded that our God can always be found even in the smallest details.

A week in Zambia, Africa

2014-10-07T12:19:00.003-07:00

Where do I begin...the wonderful wedding celebration...shopping at the market in the compound for vegetables...with International Teacher's Day at the dam...with the driving experiences (and I thought Dallas drivers were crazy)...with the beautiful children I get to work with...with the funeral house I went to today? It has only been a week...7 days...but I feel like I have already lived a lifetime in Zambia. Strap in...I'm going to try to cover it all!

The wedding celebration was a wonderful mixture of America and Zambia....I'm told this celebration was mild in nature but was still something to behold. One of the teachers MC'd the evening which added a layer of entertainment that none of us could have predicted. The young married couple danced in following Zambian couples, dancing traditional dances...I'm pretty sure I haven't seen hips move like that except maybe in a Shakira video or two! As a sign of approval, there were women rolling on the floor in front of the dancers and others waving their chetanga fabric in the air....what a sight! We ate like kings (grilled chicken, rice, cole slaw and soup.....oh the soup!) and the event ended with all of us dancing and eating cake....cupcakes that is! Still trying to gather pics and videos.....

Shopping in Zambia is a trip....when you step beyond the traditional grocery store that is (thank goodness for Pic and Pay and Supa Save). We had to do some shopping for the meal for the teacher's celebratory meal on teacher's day. We did most of our shopping in town but went to the market in the compound for produce. 20 kwacha (a little less than $4) goes a long way in the compound market....it will buy you a plastic walmart bag full of tomatoes! But, as I am waiting on Shane to buy the tomatoes, I decide to take a look around....the first thing I notice is this adorable boy playing with his "truck"...made out of a beer box and bottle caps. Such creativity....and when you look around, all of the young boys have them....some of them single cabs, some of them trailers....some of them even train sets being pulled down the road. Not a matchbook car in sight but it hasn't slowed these guys down a bit!

And then I notice the kapenta fish....multiple varieties to choose from....all covered in flies but a Zambian delicacy just the same. Don't you wish you could try them??? I did, last year....pretty sure I can still taste the after taste that will keep me from eating them again!

So we take our tomatoes and cabbage and set out making a savory meal for a wonderful group of Zambian teachers. I made cole slaw the Zambian way...and they seemed to like it....while Shane grilled up chicken and sausage and bri (spelling?) sandwiches. Bri sandwiches are delish! Buttered bread, sliced onion, sliced tomato, a little cheese, all grilled up and toasty....like I said, delish!

Our time at the dam, with the teachers, was so much fun....there were games, swimming, charades, prizes to the winning team (mine, of course)....and awards for the teachers. They laughed and played like children.....such a delightful time!

Don't have a checkered board? Make one....

I heard that there would be many sad moments, mixed in with the happy, as life in Zambia is hard. Tuesdays at Lifesong School traditionally end with home visits in the compound. Teachers are expected to visit each child's home at least once each trimester. This includes a long walk to the compound, locating the family's home, visiting with them and discussing their child's progress in class and then walking back to school. I decided to make the trek with a couple of teachers today to take a peek behind the curtain that is life in the compound. But, today was not to be any ordinary visit....today was a visit to a funeral house to pay honor to a family of one of our Lifesong kiddos. This little one came to school today not knowing that her father had died in the night.

A funeral house is a room within the family's home (of which there are usually only 2)...inside the dark, cramped room sat the women that are present to pay their respects to the family. Lining the four walls, sitting on the floor with their feet stretched out into the center of the room (the only empty space), the women sit, about 20 in this particular room once we join them...sitting quietly, still...not speaking...until someone begins to cry and then another until the room is filled with wailing and tears. Then, after some time, the crying stops and the room quiets again, sitting still...not speaking.

I wish I could have taken a picture of the room and the women found within its walls. With all of their feet pointing to the center (which is where, I am told, the body can usually be found....but thankfully not this time since he died in the hospital), young and old, comforting one another by being close. One of the teachers asked if I would like to pray for the family....she prayed first in bemba...and then I prayed...praying for comfort....praying for peace....praying that the family would trust in the Lord even though they don't understand why the father was taken when still so young.

Traditionally, the funeral house usually lasts for 2 days and the body is buried on the third. Poor little Helen, a single orphan now...being cared for by her mother...life has just gotten a little harder for her.

A bright spot though....after leaving the women as they mourn....were the sweet faces of the children that line the streets of the compound. They think I am funny, of course, with my white skin and red hair and funny way of saying "I am fine" in bemba with a southern accent. They lighten the mood as the teachers and I head back to the school, taking tire swing to a whole new level...

There is so much more I could tell you....about my time at the school this week....the pizza, Mexican food and samosas I have eaten....about the sunsets that are unlike anything I've seen...the strawberries and jam I have eaten....about my house and the very modern conveniences I have been blessed with....and don't even get me started on driving on the wrong side of the road and the wrong side of the car. But for now, it is time to rest....it has been a long day and full week....I am thankful I am here....thankful for the people I get to do life with...thankful that the Lord chose me!

Ephesians 3:14-21

Giving thanks...

2014-09-29T07:07:00.001-07:00

What a whirlwind the last couple of days have been...packing...spending time with friends...spending time with family...repacking when I thought there was a chance it might not all be able to be checked. Whew! So the first leg of the move is done and I am sitting in the London Heathrow Admiral's Club enjoying a hot cup of tea and posting to my blog as I promised my friend Cindy I would.

As I sit here, I am thankful for so much that has happened during the last few days...

thankful for parents that were willing to come and hang out with me and help me repack, just in case I could only take 3 bags.
thankful that, even though I repacked my bags on Saturday, the man at the counter didn't even flinch when I told him I needed to check 9 bags.
thankful that the man behind the counter only charged me for 5, when he could have charged me for 6 (I was to get three free already....thank you British Airways). After learning that I would be traveling to Africa, he said that all of the atheists should be gathered up and sent to Africa. He believed that surely after seeing the people and the work being done there that their hard hearts might be changed for Christ. Sweet thought....
thankful for great friends that joined my parents at the airport to see me off. This was a special time of laughing (and crying) and praying before working my way through check-in and onto the plane. These sweet friends and family helped me stay focused and didn't allow me to be a blubbering mess for too long!
thankful for the shower that I was able to take once I arrived at London Heathrow and even more thankful for the friend that helped to make that happen!
thankful for the many well wishes and prayers from friends and family that I found on Facebook once I was able to hit Wi-Fi again!

But most importantly, I am thankful for how my God has continued to be found even in the smallest details. I have no doubt that he is the one that gathered that group of friends and family at the airport. I have no doubt that he is the one that opened up the line that led to the man behind the BA counter. I have no doubt that he is the one that sustained me and cared for me in the last few days, at the airport, on the first leg of the flight and even now as I sit in a very comfy recliner awaiting my next flight (did I mention it is 11 hours???).

I am so thankful for each of you that will be going on this journey with me (and if you are following my adventures, you are with me). I have no doubt that I will have many adventures to share.....happy, sad, frustrating and rewarding....and I also believe that this adventure wouldn't even be possible without you!

So for now, I will say cheerio...I will relax for a little while longer....and prep for the next long leg of travel! See you once I reach the other side of the equator!

2014-08-14T17:03:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story and mission with you. I have been called to go to Kitwe, Zambia and am anticipating the Lord providing the financial resources necessary to get there...but I wanted to share a little of my story with you as to how I got to today.

The last 2 summers, I have traveled to Africa on short term missions trips. The first year I went to Namibia with my youth group. The adults and students (about 25 high schoolers) worked in schools, an orphanage and a soup kitchen for children in a very poor area of Walvis Bay, Namibia. I was so touched by the children but also by the pleas of the teachers (once they found out I was an educator) to share resources and teaching techniques with them as they don’t receive professional development once they leave their training, as we do in the states. So, I made plans to return the following year to Namibia to provide professional development at two of the schools where I had been the previous year. Although the professional development didn’t necessary look like I thought it might, it was just what the Lord had planned….flexibility is the name of the game in Africa!

While in Africa again, I decided to make a stopover in Zambia to visit friends and help at Lifesong School for Orphans. I spent my week with Mitzi and Sandy (two of the Lifesong missionaries serving in Zambia) giving tips on pulling small groups and adjustments I would make in the classrooms based on my very quick observations. It was a wonderful time. Mitzi and Sandy asked me to stay but I needed to return home to see what God had planned for me in Mckinney. Very quickly, God closed doors that I thought had been opened just for me and made it very obvious that I was to return to Zambia (the writing on the wall I had asked for). After about 4 months of denial (ha!), I began to pursue a move to Africa, working with Lifesong for Orphans and my church, First Baptist McKinney, to become a missionary in Zambia. The process did not move as quickly as I would have liked but has kicked into high gear now.

While in Zambia, for the next 18-24 months, I will be working at Lifesong School for Orphans as an instructional specialist. I will be working with teachers (training them in new teaching techniques…especially for reading, writing and second language acquisition), Luke…the headmaster as he learns the primary piece (having 14 years of secondary experience) and with students…pulling small groups to help speed up their grasp of the English language through reading and writing. Lifesong School has as its mission to share the love of Christ with children in the Kitwe community by providing education and provision to the future leaders of Zambia. I am getting the opportunity to help with this mission through my love of education.

At this point, my biggest challenge is fundraising. In order to live in Zambia for 18-24 months, I must raise about $100,000. My church has sponsored a fourth of the need, and I have begun the task of fundraising with friends and strangers alike. I know that my God will provide for what he is called me to do, and I am so appreciative of you for giving me the opportunity to share my story with you through this letter, in order to tell the story of Lifesong, orphan care and my plight to raise the funds necessary to go.

As of today, I have raised about two-thirds of the amount needed to go. The money raised will be used to pay my monthly expenses…a salary, if you will, while I live in Zambia. The expenses include rental of a missionary home and a share of a car, household expenses such as electricity and internet as well as food, medical insurance, supplies that I might use at the school and other needs as they arise.

Would you consider partnering with me? You may not be able to go but can support the work being done with these sweet children by giving to my mission in Zambia.

There are 3 ways that you can support or give to this mission that God has called me on:

First, you can pray…pray for God’s provision so that I can do the work he has called me to. Pray for the hearts and souls of the young children and teachers with which I will be working. Pray for the long term impact on Zambia as we work to train up future Christian leaders to work in the government and high offices in order to exact change throughout all of Zambia.

Second, you can give a monthly or one-time donation through the Lifesong for Orphans website at…

Monthly: https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/get-involved/support-a-lifesong-missionary/monthly/?missionary_choice=Cobb

One time: https://www.lifesongfororphans.org/get-involved/support-a-lifesong-missionary/one-time/?missionary_choice=Cobb

Or, third, you can send a check to Lifesong for Orphans (include my name on the memo line, Kristie Cobb) to:

PO Box 40
Gridley, IL 61744

When you give to my move (or sponsor a child) through Lifesong, 100% of that donation comes to me. Lifesong administrative costs are underwritten by an outside company so that they do not have to hold back funds that could be going to children and/or the missionaries they send.

I thank each of you for your prayerful consideration…and how you can help me get to Zambia. Thank you again so much for your support on this venture.