Welcome to the Scharrer family's real life story! Most of our story is written for, and about, our four kids and the spice they add to our lives. It's our story of happiness, craziness, and sometimes ridiculousness. We've journaled through childbirth, the terrible two's, private school (and our public school experience), an autism diagnosis, medical school, residency, and long-term mission work in Africa.

Now we're following a new adventure, which involves a 45 foot motorcoach, homeschool, and as many ski slopes as we can go down in one year.

For posts from while we were living in Zimbabwe and updates about our future plans in Zimbabwe, please see our mission blog...

www.ourzimbabwejourney.blogspot.com.





22 January 2014

Impfondo, Republic of Congo

What you've heard is true!  Erik and I are headed to Africa!!!
We have been blessed with the amazing opportunity to travel to Impfondo, Republic of Congo to work at the Pioneer Christian Hospital.  We will be spending 18 days there, serving in every and any way we can.  Erik's primary focus will be medicine and helping at the hospital.  It's my plan to serve wherever I'm needed, in the hospital, city, or elsewhere.  While we're there, we will also have the unique opportunity to visit and bless some friends of ours, the Tenpenny's who are serving there more permanently.
We have exactly nine days before we leave.  In the midst of packing and preparing the children for our departure (they are staying home with Bumpa and Grandma!), we'll share more about our trip!  It's our hope that we don't go alone to serve, but that we will have all of you serving along with us.  We ask for you to join us prayerfully on our journey.  It isn't easy to pack up and leave the kids for 20 days (when the longest I've been away from them is a few days!).  It's scary to think about stepping into a country we don't know and entering into language in which neither of us know any of, either.  These are just the beginning of my fears.  The list goes on!  However, through prayer, I have peace and assurance.  Everything will be okay!
Two years ago, we were unsure if Erik would ever be able to practice medicine in the same way ever again.  God taught us patience, trust, and healing.  He taught us His timing, His will, and His answers.  Erik's recovery and return to work a year ago was such a blessing and a gift.  Now it's time to use this gift that God has granted him and help others who aren't so fortunate.

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If you would be interested in financially supporting our friends, The Tenpenny's, who are long-term missionaries in Impfondo, we would love for you to donate to their cause!  We personally got to know Elliot and Sarah during Elliot's last year of residency when he was one of Erik's chief residents!  They are an amazing christian family and have sacrificed so much to serve the people of the Congo.  They have two adorable little boys, Elias and Hudson.  This family is an amazing example of a living sacrifice and they shine with God's light.  All donations go directly to them and their ministry.
Please click here to make a donation to them. 

1 comment:

  1. This sounds like an amazing experience for the two of you! We'll be praying that everything goes safe and smoothly! I visited Zambia during a summer in college and helped out in a "village" hospital. It was an eye-opening, humbling and incredible experience. Can't wait to hear about your trip!

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We write to taste life twice, once in the moment and in retrospection.”
~Anais Nin