I wonder if I will remember all of this. Will I remember going shopping in the market
in Kabuga? Will I remember the colorful
prints of the traditional skirts and dresses and the humming of the rows of sewing machines? I want to remember the sound of the crickets
at night and the coolness of the evenings.
I want to remember the sound of the rain pounding on the roof of my
Rwandan home and the taste of fried banana chips and fresh pineapple. I want to remember the countless bucket
showers and the way Mama Sylvie would smile and say “welcome� when our meals
were ready. I want to remember the
shining smiles of the mobs of children that practically attack us with hugs as
we walk down the dusty dirt roads…
in the streets of Kabuga, Kigali, Rwanda
There are so many things that that want to remember as clear
as the day that they happened. I’m not
so much concerned about the “big� moments.
It’s the little moments, the tidbits that make up my everyday life that
I want to remember.
I wonder if when I’m back in the US I’ll long to be
overseas. When I’m in an air-conditioned
grocery store with shelves and shelves of things to buy will I wish I was in a
busy, dirty African street market? When
I’m soaking in a hot bubble bath will I wish I was taking a cold bucket shower
over a squatty potty?? (I doubt THAT
one!) When I’m in a starch, well planned
church service will I miss the hours of singing and dancing that I experienced
at churches in Africa?
I wonder about what life will be like after this crazy 11
month trip. I wonder how I’ll fit
in. I wonder if I’ll ever get married
and have a family. I wonder how God is
going to use these experiences for my good and for His glory. I wonder how I’m going to process and live
out what I’m learning and living. I
wonder about these things and so much more.
my teammate Daniel Romo with some local children
There are some things I don’t wonder about though. I never have to wonder about God’s faithfulness and
love. I don’t worry about anything
taking Him by surprise. I don’t wonder
if He’ll love me tomorrow or not. I don’t
wonder if His grace and mercy will run out.
I am thankful that He is the same yesterday, today and
forever. Even though I wonder about so
many things I can rest secure in His unchanging character.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from
the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.�
James 1:17
