What a privilege it is to wake up to God’s promises!
I was looking through the photos and came across this family photo that was taken last August 2016 in Copenhagen. It melted my heart. God has been good and gracious to us.
It has not always been like this. As a family, we have had our share of ups and downs, we have struggled as well as felt overwhelmed. We have also felt like giving up on each other as a couple as well as sending our children to be with grandparents in Zimbabwe.
Life is challenging, family life is complex. For us parenting in diaspora made the whole mix extremely complex. The lack of social support and extended family makes it challenging. Our expectations for each other and our children change and keep on changing. That’s growth right?
Growth is a great thing as long as you do it together as a family. It’s very easy to grow apart especially here in UK due to work patterns and economic demands coupled by Black Tax. As our children have grown, we have decided to be an INTENTIONAL couple. We normally have a scheduled time daily, no phones and just us 2, to catch up on each other. I have taken working hours that are more family friendly as well so I can be home with the kids. It takes sacrifice and communicating your vision to each other as a family and to the wider extended family circles. Happy couples make great parents.
The greatest thing we did is, we decided to partner with God. We realised we just couldn’t make it on our own. There is so much peace that one has when you handover something to someone else, it becomes their issue and agenda.
I remember when our amazing daughter was born. It was hubby’s first hand experience of looking after a baby all by himself. Our wonderful son was born in Zim with all the help from extended family and nannies. The first day I left the three of them, I cried all the way to the nursing placement. I was worried about how hubby would cope with the baby as he was working nights as well. We had decided that I would stay on the nursing course despite all health and safety issues from University and Occupational health. Indeed, I went to Uni on a Friday and gave birth on the Sunday. Being on 3year student visa, we didn’t want to jeopardise that. I returned to placement when baby was only two weeks old. Those are the unspoken sacrifices that migrants make due to government policies. Those who have experienced Home office service, beaurocracy and the extortius fees know what I mean.
No words can describe what a blessing our daughter is, incredibly strong willed, feisty, loving, caring, smart and definitely a daddy’s girl. I learnt to be focused and strategic as a mum of 2 and mature student. Since giving birth, all my assignments were completed with A grades. I couldn’t afford to fail. That was followed by passing my much needed driving lessons. i had to learn to drive and learn FAST as I was catching 3 buses to and from Uni!
God promises us that He cares and loves our families more than anything. That is the confidence we have.
It takes a lot of faith and trust to believe and see the promises of God come to pass. Many a times, things may seem to get worse before they get better. As a family, we are encouraged by some of our answered prayers. We also know some families personally, who are walking in Gods promises and that inspires us. We continue to hope and trust in Him. The verse below summarises our mission as a family. Looking to the Lord for help always. We love the assurance in “never”, what a promise!!
“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame”. Psalm 34:5 NIV
This is our journey, hope you have been inspired. Would love to hear how your journey as a family is panning out.
Be hopeful, always ❤
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