Rubbish Mountain (Part 2)

That first day at Rubbish Mountain was just the beginning. On the last day of ministry, my team along with team Manna was able to go back to Rubbish Mountain and meet more of the people. We heard more stories and prayed for more people. We were able to show more love and compassion to these people in need. Back into the heat, smell and filth. This time was different.

Usually, my camera is attached to me and I am so focused on taking pictures that I miss what is right in front of me. I never thought I would catch myself saying it – but here I am, bringing to light what has been holding me back. I love capturing the moment and being behind the camera. Yet, God had other plans today.

I took a few pictures as I was walking up, but before I got to the “heart” of the heap of trash, the batteries in my camera died. God knew. He knew he needed me and my full attention. It wasn’t a day about the pictures I would or wouldn’t take. It was about me giving a piece of my heart to those in need. To open my eyes and see the people for who they are from God’s point of view, not from the view behind a lens. To pray for the land and not be interrupted by a common distraction.

So often, we are looking at life from behind glass and miss out on being able to reach out and touch what’s right in front of us. We miss the opportunities to hold a child, pray with a stranger, or love the unloved. I was able to use my eyes – the eyes the Lord gave me – to see what I couldn’t see, capture or comprehend when I’m behind a lens. I needed to open my eyes.

Pictures often explain so much of what I see and experience here on the race, to try and share with you a glimpse of what the Lord has been doing. Yet, I can’t attach the smell to the picture. A picture is worth 1000 words – or is it? Seeing is believing…and now I saw with my own eyes, without having my vision shaded, or a different view. My view was real and what God allowed me to see. It went deeper and wider than my camera would have let me go.

There were reasons for me to not have my camera operational that morning. I could have, but God had something more in store for me. I broke down and positioned myself on a hill overlooking the dump. I cried out to God. I met a man named Sin who just became a believer a few weeks ago. He speaks English. He’s seeking. He is now connected with a church and believers. He has faith. He has strength in the Lord. I was able to pray for him with other team mates. He was the reason for me to not be distracted. I don’t just know faces on Rubbish Mountain. I have a friend on Rubbish Mountain!

We were in the middle of this mess for a few hours, and were able to come home and shower and wash our clothes. These people didn’t have that privilege. Being dirty and sweaty took on a whole new level. It’s the little blessings that we take for granted, that we don’t think of until it stares us in the face. Why do we hold onto and value the things of this world rather than the things of the Lord?