So we’ve only been in Zambia for a few days, but it’s already pretty obvious that the culture here is significantly different from either Central America or Europe. I mean, I could have guessed that walking in, but it doesn’t really hit you until you’re living in it.
Here everyone (and I mean everyone) loves us and desperately wants to invite us into their homes.
During the days, we walk through the village near our pastor’s church and visit with the community. Each time we begin introducing ourselves, the women always invite us in. Typically we pray with these women and try to lift them up and remind them of God’s unending love for them. We say our goodbyes and give warm hugs and then head off, hoping beyond all hope to see them again.
It’s so strange to think about how that same scenario would play out in the States. If someone knocked on my door and wanted to chat, I’d be so annoyed. My house would surely be messy and I’d have to give it the quick clean-up treatment as they enter, apologizing about how untidy it is and making excuses about how busy I’ve been. I’d certainly not cook them a meal and even if I did, I would definitely expect them to offer their help or pitch in and wash the dishes.
Zambians consider it a privilege to have us as their guests. They enjoy cooking food for us. They are honored to be able to wash our dishes. They desire to serve us.
I think we could all grab a hold of that Zambian spirit. I pray that we learn to desire to serve each other more. Because it truly is a blessing.
1 Peter 4:9-10
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
**NOTE: I will be doing a Q&A blog soon, as I am nearing the halfway mark of the WR. I will answer any questions you may have, whether about what I have learned, the ministries I’ve been involved in, or what I believe. Send your questions my way, either through the comments section below, through facebook, or email ([email protected]).**
