Tanzania
has left its mark…literally. During my time in Tanzania, I have gone running as
much as I can. I have also fallen hard three times. I would not consider myself
a klutz, but Tanzania
has made me wonder… My knees have born the brunt of my nasty spills, which will
carry the scars long after I leave.
There are many analogies or lessons that I could pull from
the Summer Saga of Running. Some of these include “the path we walk in life is
full of stumbling ROCKS,” “pride goes before a fall,” “I need to get out the
tears I rarely cry,” but I think that the best one is “the scars and wounds
represent all that Tanzania has been.” I have experienced the beauty of healing
and the ugliness of injury, the frustration of thorns amidst the joy of streams
in the desert, the sorrow of broken hearts given over to rejoicing in the glory
of God’s goodness.
God has been so faithful here in Tanzania. I have found rest on a
rock looking at Mount Kilimanjaro and I have
found action in traveling to different villages, meeting women and praying with
them for their individual struggles. Our contacts have given direction, but
known how to laugh and have fun. I have experienced growth in our team through
conflict, but also known real friendship that is available for hugs and
discussions lasting long into the night. I have laughed until I have cried and
cried until I have laughed.
All I can really think is “to everything there is a season
under heaven.” Now is the time to say goodbye to this beautiful place, knowing
that the Lord holds all things in His very capable hands – everything from the
relationships built in a month to my heart that is struggling to let go as our
team prepares for India. I am thankful that I poured out all that I was given
by the Lord for the people this month. I can say that I truly allowed myself to
care for people and to connect, despite the knowledge that goodbyes loomed on
the horizon. So it is with a broken and rejoicing heart that I say, “I TRUST
YOU, GOD.”
