IT’S HERE!!!

With the thousands of prayers for it’s safe arrival far outweighing the hundreds of snags and delays, our sea container finally arrived on site this morning!  It’s journey lasted over 4 1/2 months and took it from a loading dock in Zeeland, Michigan via semi to Chicago, Illinois, then by rail to Virginia, boat to Biera, Mozambique and again on a semi truck through Mozambique, Zimbabwe and finally to Zambia where it will spend it’s retirement basking in the African sun.  This event was much anticipated as its contents will provide us with much needed furnishings and supplies for the homes, school buildings and grounds here at the Esther School. 

Thank you for all who have prayed it through thus far.  But we’re not done yet, of course…

-First, we need to stop to offer as much thanksgiving as we have petitioned for the safe arrival.

-Second, for safety and strength as we unload.  If loading was the process it was – and we benefitted from the expertise and equipment of our friends, family, and our friends at Inontime, Inc – we can only expect unloading to prove to be an ever bigger challenge.

-Third, that the impact on the local people would only be positive.  Many here do without what they need much less the things that would be considered luxuries.  We have been humbled by this experience and are often self-conscious about the impact we make when seen unloading a vehicle full of groceries or supplies.  Please join us in praying that the contents of this container are recognized and received as blessings only.

-Finally, we really aren’t done yet.  We received word that Zambian Customs has ordered a full physical inspection of the container which means that not only can we not break the seal and open the container until an agent arrives, but that they have the liberty to delay and complicate this process as much as they care to.  In Zambia, this could mean anything and, as this process and others have proven thus far, will likely cause more delays.  As always, we are working diligently to navigate the red tape and expidite the process, but please also pray that this step can move quickly.  We have even prayed that we will have an opportunity to witness to the agent by allowing him or her to see what it is that God is doing in this place and with His resources.

 

Here are a few pics from this morning…