Just pondering on the beautiful ways I have been stretched this year and wanted to share the lessons I learned during the 3 months we lived in Africa.
Journal Entry April 30, 2013
Riding along in a "quantum" (14 passenger van) from Nsoko, Swaziland to the city of Manzini and then to Johannesburg, South Africa.The chapter of Africa is coming to a close. How blessed am I to have lived in this beautifully wild continent in some of the most rural areas for 3 months. Who am I to have held the loveliest children in the world? Children who's first instinct is to share everything they have with one another. Children who have joy no matter their circumstances. Children who are content playing with rocks and sticks, feeling entitled to nothing, not even a meal each day.
God has filled me with joy and the most laughter I have ever known here, taken my health and reminded me of the brevity of life, restored the strength of my heartbeat and gave it a new song, taught me how to exemplify love through actions and prayer, stripped me of any pride and humbled me beyond belief, quieted me and taught me how to be a better listener, grown my patience, instilled in me the ability to choose my responses based on Gods truths, wrecked any entitlement i carried, and showed me the value of being a spectator – opening the door for others to shine. Jesus you have done such a mighty work in me these three months. I will never forget how vast and numerous your sparkling stars are in Swaziland and how I sang to you as I swung on the swing set late into the dark nights. You responded accordingly with gusts of wind through my hair and shooting stars. You jump at the chance to romance me any chance you get my full attention. I stared in awe at the bigger and brighter milky way galaxy. I had never before seen it in such brilliance and detail. A gift to this side of the world. Maybe here, where people have less, it's beauty can be more fully appreciated. I'll treasure these chilly peaceful African nights with you Father. Your presence provided all the warmth I needed.
