Today was the first day I’ve truly been reminded of what it feels like to be thankful since leaving America. That may sound ridiculous, but this first month of ministry has been a bit chaotic and it has caused my mind to be in a state of chaos as well. Having traveled from home, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Johannesburg, Harare, and now to Bulawayo within a couple weeks, it was beginning to feel like things weren’t going to slow down and that we wouldn’t have a chance to pour into anyone within our first month of ministry. I started to fear this was the reality of each month. Silly me, I should have remembered God is always at work to delight us.
Our host, Mama Edna, takes in children from the street. In most cases these boys and girls have either been rejected by their parents or their parents have passed away, leaving them with no home to reside in. Our previous host in Zimbabwe, Brian, said that he has known parents in Africa to reject their children, so much so that they will actually name their child “Doesn’t Matter”. To be honest, I can’t say I was too shocked to hear this news because I had been preparing my heart to take on this type of weight. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, were the boys and girls who rose above their rejection, pressed forward toward the Lord, and knew that even though their biological parents had no interest in them or had returned Home, God is still working in their lives.
Today part of my team and I woke up to read, and apply, the girl’s daily devotional. During our reflection we were asked to share what God has done in our lives to make us thankful. Before I could even process a thought one little girl, named Esther, stood up and said, “Well I must say that I am thankful for God’s love. Even though my parent’s have died, He has provided me with a home and He has shown me that He is my true Father. For these reasons I give Him thanks.”
As we went around the group of girls, ages 13-15, they continued giving praise to God.
“Today I am thankful that I am able to pray.”
“Today I am thankful that I get to go to school.”
“Today I am thankful He has given me another day.”
Such simple, ordinary thanks I neglect to give throughout my day. I guess it depends on your “simple and ordinary”. When it comes down to the basics of your day, what are you most thankful for? It made me re-evaluate the way I thought about my day. Here are a few things I am thankful God provided throughout my day today.
Today I am thankful to be in Africa, learning from and growing with His children.
Today I am thankful for the people back home who think of me, pray for me, write to me, and encourage and support me throughout this journey.
Today I am thankful I was able to spend my morning in the garden, enjoying the life God has provided all around me.
Today I am thankful vegetables and fruit fit our budget (never thought I'd find myself saying that!).
Today I am thankful I was able to teach the boys who are not in school yet and for receiving their trust, respect, and hard work in the classroom.
Today I am thankful I am able to listen to the kids playing their marimba.
Today I am thankful I will be an Auntie for the first time, very soon 🙂
**Pictures will soon be added to this blog! The internet is slow and doesn't allow me to upload pictures yet!
