**Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Embracing the Master Plan**

Ntando Barbara Davis

God is truly the master planner. His strategies often unfold in ways we least expect. This became clear to us through the surprising arrival of Makhosi Michaela, our daughter who redefined our understanding of blessing and purpose.

When Makhosi was born with Down Syndrome on March 21, 2023, a date that coincidentally marks World Down Syndrome Day, it seemed like a divine signal that there was a greater plan at play. This revelation came as a profound comfort to my husband and me, affirming that she was meant to be celebrated just as fervently as any child.

The early days were the hardest. As I navigated the initial shock and the reality of raising a child with special needs, I found solace in the belief that God’s ways surpass our own. It was a time for acceptance, not for lamenting the unexpected. We leaned on Psalms 139:14, which declares, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This scripture became the cornerstone of our new foundation, the Makhosi Michaela Foundation (MMF), aimed at supporting those with neurological challenges.

Despite my fears during the pregnancy and the denial that our child might have Down syndrome, Makhosi’s birth opened our eyes to a community that is often overlooked. We learned quickly that a child with special needs does not just learn from their parents—she teaches them. At just one year old, Makhosi has imparted lessons of love, resilience, and the pure joy of life.

Inspired by our daughter, we initiated the Makhosi Michaela Foundation. We knew that in the United States, resources for individuals with special needs are abundant, but in Zimbabwe, where I am originally from, such support is scarce. The foundation aims to bridge this gap, providing essential services like speech therapy, physiotherapy, and caregiver support to families in Zimbabwe. 

The journey of setting up MMF was steeped in faith. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, times when the path forward was obscured by logistical and financial challenges. Yet, each step was guided by a simple yet powerful directive from our faith: “Be still and know that I am God.” This reassurance was all we needed to keep moving forward, trusting in the provision and timing of the Lord.

A year after its inception, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the progress of the Makhosi Michaela Foundation. We celebrated its launch in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, during the week of March 21, aligning once again with the global celebration of Down syndrome awareness. The event was a testament to the community’s spirit and the collective effort to support and uplift each other.

As we look to the future, our focus remains steadfast on God. Isaiah 61:3 promises peace to those who keep their minds on the divine, and it is this peace that guides us. We continue to walk by faith, not by sight, embracing each challenge and victory as part of the master plan.

In sharing our story, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty and potential in every life, recognizing that each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, perfectly placed within the master planner’s great design.