The difference a year can make!!

 My sweet Zambian LOVE!

My sweet Given - photo taken Fall of 2011

Some of you know the story of Given from my first summer in Zambia. When I close my eyes and think of Africa, she is always the first face I see. I met her & learned her tragic story in the summer of 2010. 

Shoe Day - Summer 2010

Summer 2010 - Friday after receiving a box of goodies!

 She was stuck in a situation that too many of these precious Zambian orphans find themselves; living with caretakers that considered her a burden and suffering both physically and emotionally from the abuse of these guardians. Because I followed God’s call to go to Camp LIFE, Given was given the opportunity to come and have her story heard. Her caretaker did not approve of her coming to camp, but Given fought every single day & was literally beaten for her choice to come & worship the God that she loved so dearly. 

In July 2010, after learning about the abuse she was enduring, Family Legacy placed her in a temporary “safe home” where she was cared for by our dedicated Zambian staff. 
 

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my 
sackcloth and clothed me with JOY,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, 
I will praise you forever. " 
~Psalm 30:11-12

I am thrilled to tell you that this summer Given moved into her permanent home at the Tree of Life Children’s Village!!! Previously there were 9 houses at the Tree of Life, and Joy House made 10! 
Joy House opened on July 9^th, & the children who already call the Tree of Life home ran alongside & greeted the bus when the new children pulled up to their new home. 

14 lives will never be the same!

Slice of heaven on earth

HOME SWEET HOME!

The healing, restoration, and transformation that takes place at the Tree of Life is one of the most incredible things God is doing through our ministry. 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. 

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." ~John 10:10