Well after 24hrs in a plane ride over the course of 4 days, many layovers, and over 20hrs of bus and taxi travel, we finally made it to our first stop: South Africa! So what do you think my first thought was as we drove to our destination?……”Wow, this looks just like the Lion King!”
Arriving here, just broadened the thoughts of how I couldn’t be more blessed to be on this journey, and each day here has confirmed that. First, I would like to create some thoughts for you. Can you imagine having to walk 3 miles a day to fetch fresh water and then having to carry the jug, that weighs about 35lbs, all the way back home. And don’t forget, this is a daily trip. What about having to watch one of the most important people in your life die right in front of you, and you can’t help them because you don’t have a phone, or electricity, and the nearest hospital is over 10 miles away by foot. What about wanting an education or even more for your life but can’t afford it and you have to worry about the siblings you need to take care of. And lastly can you imagine having 12 children and losing 8 of them due to car accidents and illnesses? Well, these examples are the lives of many people living here in Port St. John. It is so often that we imagine these lifestyles, but it is a totally different circumstance when you get to walk next to a person on this journey. As heart wrenching as it is to hear these stories, this is the reason I am here. Without Christ, where is hope, where is strength, and what drive in your life keeps you going? The joy that Christ can give us doesn’t compare to any money, possessions or people in this world.
God says in Mathew 11:28-30
“ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
