If you give a missionary an African baby…
She’s going to want to hold it.
If she holds the African baby,
She’s going to want to stay in Africa longer.
If she stays in Africa for a longer time,
She’s going to need a place to live.
If you give the missionary a house,
She’s going to want a floor to sleep on.
(photo courtesy of Ash Garcia)
If you give her a floor and a mattress,
She’s going to want a candle for when the sun goes down.
If you give her a candle,
She’s going to need to know the way to the choo. (squatty potty)
(photo courtesy of Ash Garcia)
If you give her a choo,
She’s going to need some toilet paper.
If you give her toilet paper,
She’s going to need more.
If you give her enough toilet paper,
She’s going to want running water.
If you give her running water,
She’s going to want a water heater.
If the missionary is able to take hot showers,
She’s going to want a western toilet.
If she is given a western toilet,
She’s going to expect electricity.
If you give her electricity,
She’s going to want a wi-fi connection.
If you give her a wi-fi connection,
She’s going to want a chai tea latte in a cozy coffeeshop.
If you give her a cozy chai-selling coffeeshop,
She’s going to want to check her facebook and see what everyone is doing in America.
If you give her facebook updates,
She’s going to miss home.
If you give the missionary a ticket home,
She’s going to want to sleep in a real bed.
If you give her a real bed,
She’s going to dream of holding African children…
. . .
My mom was a librarian at Glenwood Primary School for 32 years, so sometimes the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” concept is applied to my experiences on the Race. Thanks, Mama.
It’s my month 10 on The World Race. My team is in Morogoro, Tanzania, a bustling town nestled at the foot of a breath-taking mountain range. We spend our days teaching Bible studies, visiting schools and preaching in Sunday services at Pastor Albinos’ church. The people here are so friendly; children offer dirty little handshakes, teenagers giggle ‘Jambo’ as the walk by and ‘Mama J’ keeps a stock of cold Passion fruit Fantas in her fridge for our frequent visits to her roadside shop.
I love it here in Morogoro. Life is simple and ministry is sweet and rewarding. The seven of us share a house, thankful for the luxuries of running water, electricity and a touch-and-go wi-fi connection from a nearby hotel. We are so blessed.
However, I find my mind alternating between my love and appreciation for the present and my hopes and anticipations for the future. With just a month and ½ left on the Race, I wouldn’t doubt that many of my squad mates share the same divided feelings. My mouth drools at the thought of a Wendy’s Frostie as I eat my bowl of rice. My hair requires the attention of a professional hair dresser, as I pull my split-ends into a sweaty ponytail after my Insanity workout. My body craves the comfort of my own bed, while I curl up on the floor for another night on top of my Therma-rest.
Needless to say, there are a lot of things I look forward to upon my return to America. However, I know myself…and as soon as I am able to step foot on American soil, I’m going to miss being on the mission field. I will sip a cup of Starbucks coffee, longing for the authentic, rich taste of a fresh Guatemalan roast. I will brush and straighten my hair, wishing the sweet Cambodian children of Bakong village were there to run their fingers through it. I will sleep soundly in my very own bed, dreaming of Glee and Gracious, the joyful 3 year old twins that lived with us in Kenya.
Throughout these next 7 weeks, it is my prayer to redirect my attention away from what my current situation lacks, and, instead, cherish each present moment God gives me here on the mission field in Africa.
