More Than We Planned For

Last fall, our team traveled to Zambia, marking our first TMI trip into Africa.

One of the most memorable moments came while I was working with the Clean Water Project.

We were preparing to give water filters to families who had already been selected ahead of time. Everything was prepared and ready.

But then we found out something unexpected: our supply of filters was less than half of what we needed.

Instead of 40, we only had 15.

We were immediately discouraged. People were already gathered, expecting to receive a filter that day. It felt like we were about to let many families down.

In that moment, one of our team members spoke up and encouraged us to pause and pray. So we did.

After that, the local Zambian team quickly came up with a creative solution that allowed neighboring families to share filters, ensuring every household still had access to clean water.

No one was turned away.

What I didn’t expect was what happened next.

Because the process slowed down, we suddenly had something we hadn’t planned for: time.

Time to sit with people. Time to listen. Time to pray. Time to hear stories we would have otherwise rushed past.

Families opened up in a way that surprised us. Some shared deep struggles, like heavy burdens for family members, financial pressure, and daily uncertainty. Others simply expressed gratitude that someone had taken the time to be present with them.

The original challenge ended up reshaping the entire day.

People didn’t just receive a water filter. They received attention, presence, and care.

By the end of the day, it no longer felt like a task to be completed. It felt like God had taken what we saw as a setback and turned it into something deeper than we imagined.

Sometimes the interruptions, delays, and unexpected setbacks we work so hard to avoid are the very moments God uses to accomplish something greater than what we had planned.

I'm grateful that every family still gained access to clean water. But I'm even more grateful for the lesson God taught me that day.

When our plans fall apart, His often begin.