…
Loud music
Dancing
Strong smells
Battle Cries
Clapping
Dancing
Hallelujahs
Amens
Laughter
Praise offerings
Marriages and unions
Drum beats
Heart beats
Swirling skirts
Curious stares
Babies crying
Busy patterns
Life
Growth
Strength
No awareness of time
Beauty in abundance
Free Spirits
Joy
Squatty potties
Rice, rice, and rice
Dancing
Vulnerability
Servitude
Karibu
Joy Even in the presence of death
Dancing
Dirty feet
Children hanging off of Wazungu
…………
I wrote this while sitting in a church service one day in Mbeya. Africa is so much more than even these things. Every bit of it is beautiful when seen through the eyes of Christ. Of course, it's not just Africa. All of the nations are full of beauty and splendor, but Africa is where I am at the moment, so Africa is where I shall focus.
I spent last month in Mbeya, Tanzania with my beautiful team, Amani Warriors. We were warriors for amani (swahili for peace) as we preached the gospel in the community. We also had the opportunity to go to a remote village that didn't have any electricity, but had the most beautiful view of the milky way I've ever seen. I got to find my way through the night with a lantern. You can imagine how happy that made me!
(My team and I teaching the children Boom-shicka-boom)
This woman didn't know her age, but she said she was very old. She told me she was adopting me as her granddaughter. Despite her age, she was sooo full of life, and amazingly agile. I gave her a bracelet I had from Ukraine, and she danced around thanking me.
We spread the good news about Christ at the children's crusades, through both teaching and dramas.
I had the opportunity to teach music to a few children and adults last month. Through the donations from our supporters, my team sponsored to purchase school uniforms and supplies, as well as hygiene products for the little girl on my lap and her sister.
My beautiful team, AMANI WARRIORS! At the far left is Sarah. She was one of our cooks/laundry washer/servant for everything else we needed last month. She was SUCH an amazing example of a serving heart. The young woman second from the right is Alyssa, our exposure team member for the month. She got to join us part way through our race to get a taste of race life and culture. She was a brilliant addition to the Amani Warriors last month!
Just a quick note to future racers… and current racers… look for the beauty in all of your surroundings. Even the things that make you uncomfortable are blessings because they grow and stretch you. If you focus on the negative and allow your words and heart to reflect that, you'll be miserable on the field. If you center your every thought and motive upon how amazing Christ is, and how much He's blessing you day in and day out, you fall in love with the culture you're in and celebrate the differences. Don't miss an opportunity to immerse yourself and take advantage of every moment you've been blessed to spend away from the familiar. I've become jealous for chances to eat strange food, join in on hours of dancing, hand wash my clothes, play with dirty children, and help slaughter my meals. I'm only on this race once, and I intend to make the most of it!!!
