Happy Happy Happy
Our days here in Zambia have flown by.
Time with our team on the ground has been so sweet as we’ve walked the soggy paths of Chifubu, run the narrow trails that wind through the fields and neighborhoods with our Young Lions, and had more meeting consecutively than I can ever remember having in such a short period of time! Being here, after some months away, I’ve again been reminded of what a special and unique place this is and how deeply linked my heart and my whole family are to the people of this community.
And all the while, I have felt…happy, happy, happy.
I first heard Duck Commander Phil Robertson say those words years ago. He would always say it when he was fishing, hunting ducks, or simply sitting quietly in the woods and swamps of northern Louisiana. Maybe it was his way of describing that deep, settled joy that comes from being exactly where you belong. West Monroe, Louisiana may seem like a unique place to feel that kind of happiness. But mine is pretty unique too. Chifubu is wild and vibrant. The roads are rough. So much life happens outside, and not much here is polished or predictable. And yet, it feels like our home away from home.
Orchard’s work here is similarly unique. It doesn’t look like many other churches or many other ministries. It’s simple. It’s relational. It’s silly. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Being here again, reconnecting with our team, and witnessing the growth firsthand has left me feeling reinvigorated, re-energized, and deeply grateful.
Happy, happy, happy.
Even on the long days. Even under the hot African sun. Even when the rains come pouring down in the middle of a run and soak us completely. Even when we’re bouncing through pothole-filled roads in our old Land Cruiser through the streets of our former hometown. We’ve unquestionably been happy, happy, happy.
And we know that joy like this comes from connection and is a gift from God above!
There are many new junior lions coming through the ranks now, and one of them is pictured below. His name is Mutale. We’ve been joking during this trip that he might just be the happiest guy in Ndola, which is saying something, because Ndola is known as “The Friendly City.” Every single time you see him, he’s beaming from ear to ear. It seems like he is simply thrilled to be here. Thrilled to be a lion. Thrilled to be part of the team. Thrilled to belong. Thrilled to be part of Roar Church.
Getting to know special buddies like Mutale makes me happy, happy, happy too. Because this is what it’s all about. Orchard is proudly about people. We’re working together, being transformed along the way. We’re a family that is a force. And we are at the front lines of seeing Young Lions Rise!
Sharing your life with others is always worth it.
Lions, I know sharing your life with others, is, without a doubt, a secret key to being happy, happy, happy!
We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives too. - 1 Thessalonians 2:8