Today was day six of painting. We worked hard all day long and finally got the final color onto the walls. Unfortunately we were running low on paint so we had to water it down and some of the walls came out with streaks. Gibson, the man in charge of the project has been so encouraging throughout the entire ordeal. He says whatever he can in order to lift our spirits and does not comment on our many mistakes. One of my favorite lines he says often is, “Look guys… painting is laborious, but you don’t need to worry and be so fastidious. Just do your best.” Gibson’s vocabulary is extensive and sounds even more impressive with his English-sounding accent.
Gibson comes from Zimbabwe, but departed his home country seven years ago with the promise of a better job. The job fell through and he was left unemployed with 5 children and a wife to care for. The couple has tried to gain citizenship in South Africa so Gibson can begin work, but thus far have been unsuccessful. The family was close to moving to the United States, but at the last minute decided to stay in South Africa in order to do ministry. For the past seven years Gibson has been without a job, “But the Lord has always taken care of us. We have been provided with housing, rent, and food.” Gibson is still striving to find a job or a way to get to the US. His oldest daughter, Tyra, was born deaf and Gibson wants to get to the US so she can receive a cochlear implant.
Joy and Tyra
After sharing all of his past struggles, Gibson continued to encourage our team. He spent time talking to every one of us pointing out the positive things he sees in each individual. His compliments were not shallow flattery, but were earnest observations. Gibson repeatedly told us, “Thank you for the work you are doing here; not just with this building, but in our continent.” My response to Gibson is the same as the popular South African reply, “Pleasure.”
