Hear from Linda and Leesa, members of the InOnTime IMPACT team, as they share their reflections and experiences from their second full day in Abaco. Today was spent working on a home rebuild and building connections.
The second day of our adventure was to work on Zhivago’s house that Many Hands is helping with. This team of skilled volunteers used their time and talents to make incredible progress on the house! We installed cement board siding, caulked seams, and diligently sanded drywall mud, creating a smooth and beautiful finish. It was a truly inspiring day of hard work and dedication!
Zhivago had a bad car accident in 2022 that left him paralyzed on his right side. After several months of physical therapy, Zhivago miraculously gained 85% mobility. While talking with Zhivago, we heard how he is focused on the future and how he can support himself going forward. During one of our conversations amongst the group and Zhivargo, CeCe Winan’s song, “The Goodness of God” was playing in the background. The lyrics were so fitting as Zhivago told us his story.
“For your mercy never fails me, All my days.” God is showing Zhivago His everlasting mercy and His provision. “You have led me through the fire in the darkest night.” Zhivago and his family lived through a horrific and traumatic event, Hurricane Dorian, in 2019. With Zhivago’s physical limitations he cannot hold his regular job of being a carpenter. With Zhivargo as one example, we have seen Many Hands show God’s mercy throughout the community with the work they are doing. We cannot help but think, God’s goodness is running after Zhivago.
He talked about his plan of supporting himself. Zhivago’s plan was to build a two bedroom, one bath home of approximately 600 square feet. Instead, he is splitting the home in half in order to collect rent on half of the house, leaving him a three room home to live in that is estimated at 300 square feet. Zhivago will be able to reunite with his son. Zhivago knows he is blessed.
As we reflect on our own lives, we are thankful we can be here to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are humbled by Zhivago’s love for Jesus, his gratitude, and his contentment. As we are working with Many Hands, we continue to sing: “All of our lives, You have been faithful, and we will sing of the goodness of God!”
– Leesa Schram and Linda Smeenge
