You know when you shake a can of soda, and open it right away? There’s a huge eruption of fizz that spills over the top and spreads all over the place. These kids are that explosion. They burst with joy when they hear a song and they start to dance. From as young as 4, they all have their feet moving in way’s I’ve only ever seen in a music video.
I think that was something that I was blown away by from the African people. They reminded me that this life we have is something to be celebrated. It’s the essence of the Father’s beauty that we get to participate in. He is the God who rescues us from our enemies, and He’s also the God who ignites the feet of a 10 year old boy dancing barefoot in the red sands of Africa. He’s the God who impresses upon a child to sing ‘Jesus loves me’ in the pouring rain on the walk to church. And he’s the God who gave us lemon leaves to make our morning tea.
As the clock winds down, and we prepare to say our goodbyes, something that really stuck out to me is how much of a refuge Africa on Fire ministries is. We as a team after spending a week away from Chibuto (our ministry site), were filled with joy when we stepped foot in the compound. On the days where the kids come into the compound, we can see them run down the road, full speed towards us. They know it’s a place of safety and peace. It’s a place where they get to be a child, even if only for a moment. They don’t worry about being the adult in the house, or if they will get food or not. They can finally breathe out misplaced responsibilities, and breathe in freedom. I can definitely say I will miss this place so much and all the wonderful people that work here. They’re filled with light and love and it gives me peace to know that we will meet again, in this life or the next.
Love,
Alisha
