BIG Update from Matilda

Wow, we have so much to share with you! We know you have been wondering about Matilda and we want to let you know she is doing GREAT! She is back in the States again living in Kentucky with her host family the Cooks. She continues to work hard going to physical therapy twice a week and she is busy with school, church and a dance team. Yes, a dance team! Matilda is a member of the Miracle Dancers. This is a dance team that consists of boys and girls who have a physical disability. At first she wasn’t sure about joining the team but she was talked into going to a practice just to watch. Ever since then she has been hooked! 

Would you like to see Matilda and her new team, I thought so! A Louisville news station tells the story of the Miracle Dancers preparing for a show that will raise funds for a local Children’s Hospital, the very hospital that had done so much for Matilda during her time in the States. Click the link below to see Matilda in action!

Matilda and the Miracle Dancers! 

 

Back In The States!

After Matilda’s long journey she arrived back in the States this morning. Her trip consisted of flights from Lusaka, Zambia to Johannesburg, South African to Dakar, Senegal to Washington D.C. It makes me tired just thinking about it! The Lord had his hands of protection around Matilda and her travel partners especially as there were complications with immigration when arriving in the States. Praise the Lord it was taken care of in a way where only He can get the credit.

Matilda was excited to travel back to the States, so much so that when her final flight pulled up to the gate in Washington D.C. she didn’t want to wait for the special wheelchair to come get her off the plane, she started making her way to the front of the plane by using the arm rests as support, off she went! She has been chatting away since arriving in the States the way she explains it is, “The first time I came to America I was quiet, but now I am brave and I will talk.” While back with her friends and family at the Village of Hope she received encouragement and love, she also got her thick Zambian accent back. Matilda left warm weather in the 80s in Zambia and met a chilly morning in the 30s in D.C., she was bundled up with her hood up and a scarf on.

Please be in prayer that Matilda adjusts to the time change easily and is able to get rest after her long trip. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Below are pictures of Matilda and her welcoming crew at the Dulles airport in Washington D.C.

A picture taken by Matilda of a new hat in her favorite color!

A picture taken by Matilda of Uncle Big Jim

A World Traveler Once Again

Matilda will be traveling back to America on Wednesday the 28th in order to receive additional medical attention and undergo hip surgery. Please keep her and her travel partners, Benedict Schwartz and Kayla Cook, in your prayers that they will have a safe and comfortable trip. She will arrive into Washington D.C. early in the morning on the 29th where there is already a welcome committee that has been assembled to pick her up! She will then travel back to Kentucky with Kayla Cook where her surgery will take place early next year.

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Pictures to come soon!!