Goodbye Africa.
Goodbye my friend. The kind of friend who gives you amazing memories but can also get on your nerves. The kind of friend who you are glad you visited but might wait awhile to go visit again.
Africa will always have a little special place in my heart. I was born in Kenya and lived the first 4 years of my life on this continent. My parents were missionaries in Africa for over a decade and my Dad still works in East Africa. My sister is getting her PhD in studies that take her to the women of East Africa. This place will always be a part of my life.
I’ve now had the chance to visit 10 different countries in Africa and each one has its own personalities. A far cry from the western world’s ability to lump this massive continent of over 50 counties into one simple word: AFRICA.
These last three months spent in Africa have so many adjectives that could describe them. Challenging and demanding. Heartwarming and uplifting. Unforgettable and questioning. ZAMBIA, MALAWI, MOZAMBIQUE…three places that will mean so much more when I read them on the map or meet someone from those countries.
I saw African beauty. The natural beauty of Victoria Falls and Lake Malawi, but also the beauty of the people. Stunning sunsets/sunrises, beautiful smiles on the faces of little children.
I saw a contrast in people. Malawi and Zambia welcomed me with open arms and smiling faces. People that exude warmth and love and naturally embrace you as a friend. In Mozambique I saw the other side, a country that has been war torn and dark for decades. People were guarded and you could feel the control the witch doctors and devil had in that country.
I saw a church that was filled with joy and love for the lord. Dancing and singing praises for hours upon hours, where it was common to leave a worship service sweating and with a sore throat.
I saw people that were broken and hungry. People in pain from the hunger that tore through their body and begging for any scraps. One evening we threw out some old moldy bread, only to watch children fight over it because it was their only meal of the day. The physical need is so much.
I saw miracles and incredible testimonies to God’s power and love. In Mozambique I saw a man’s leg grow 3 inches to match the same length of his other leg, physical problems melt away in so many bodies, casted out demons and incredible testimonies. People came to know Jesus Christ as their savior, I was able to baptize people in rivers and share the word of the Lord from mud huts with straw roofs.
There is no way I can truly sum up the last three months accurately. It’s just not possible. I was challenged and pushed, saw god show up in incredible ways and had so many celebrations of the kingdom of God growing.
I have to be honest though, I am excited to be boarding a plane to Thailand today. I am ready for what comes next and the change of pace.
Africa can be tough at times but the need is great. People need to come and learn from the people of these countries, while also bringing them the truth and salvation of Jesus.
So I guess it’s more of a ‘see you later’ to my old friend. I know I will be in Africa again soon, for the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few.
