a wonderful reunion...

Today, Team Africa traveled to Mpongwe Mission Hospital, a place that holds a special place in our hearts. When we first visited in 2024, the hospital had just opened as a teaching facility and shared with us a bold dream: to launch a NICU and provide care for the most vulnerable newborns in the region.

Now, just a year later, we returned—and were welcomed with open arms by district health officials, doctors, midwives, nurses, and hospital staff. The room was filled with enthusiasm, mutual respect, and joy as we celebrated a beautiful example of partnership and a promise kept.

They were deeply encouraged by our return and our accountability to the goals we discussed a year ago. And we were filled with joy and pride to see the incredible progress they’ve made in developing their NICU—with limited resources but tremendous heart, faith, and integrity.

Thanks to the great timing of donations received throughout the year, we were able to deliver a suitcase full of critical neonatal equipment, including:
• NG tubes and feeding systems
• Pulse oximeters
• Vein finders
• Laryngeal masks
• Lancets for heel pricks
• Bulb syringes
• Ambu bags
• IV kits

We didn’t just deliver supplies—we equipped. Through collaborations and hands-on training, we ran several skills stations to ensure the tools would be used effectively. There was a spirit of teamwork and shared purpose as we practiced side-by-side with their staff, strengthening the bond between our teams.

During the NICU tour, we had the honor of meeting some of the Tiny People receiving care. While we were there, a premature baby was discovered to be in distress. With perfect timing and a calm, capable response, Linda, Jen, and Olivia partnered with the NICU team to stabilize the infant—using some of the very tools we had provided that same day. It was a powerful reminder of how integrity, great timing, and preparation can literally save lives.

Of course, no trip to Zambia is complete without a few itchy moments— Amanda confirmed the spiders and mosquitoes were alive and well today!

We returned to LifeSong Lodge for our final night and were served an unexpected but welcome treat: Southern Fried Chicken—an American classic! A heartfelt thank-you to the LifeSong staff for their hospitality, hard work, and the many ways they made us feel at home.

This day was a beautiful display of collaboration, accountability, and promise fulfilled. As we prepare to wrap up our journey, we carry with us the faces, stories, and the overwhelming sense that God’s work is being done through ordinary people with extraordinary love.

One more day to go for Team Africa—and we are filled with gratitude, pride, and purpose.