Our time in Africa is coming to an end. I’m trying to find adequate words to describe my experiences on this continent, but none are flowing easily. There is so much to reflect on—so many different ministries, so many new friends, so much laughter, and even a little pain. We’ve run camps for children in squatters’ camps, prayed for the sick in hospitals, held a teacher training day for the gogos at carepoints, fed the hungry, and loved on orphans. My heart has been broken for many people that I’ve met. I realize that God put each one of those people in my path for a specific purpose, a purpose that I may never fully understand. They have blessed me more than I have blessed them. I never expected to find myself in Africa, but God knew I would be here. He knew that He would be able to use me to bring Him glory and to see His Kingdom being built up. He could have chosen anyone to do this, but I stand it awe that He selected me.
I wish I were able to write a more in-depth reflection about Africa that would communicate the burning love in my heart for these people, but I am finding it impossible at this point. I am praying that the pictures will make up for the words I feel I am lacking.
When I started my journey in Africa on the Race, I wrote about my favorite song: “Africa” by Toto. Before arriving in Africa, the lyrics had little meaning to me. After living here for 3 months, I think I understand a little better what the writer was trying to communicate. My interpretations are in parentheses.
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you;
(It’s going to be really hard to leave this place.)
There’s nothing that a hundred men could ever do.
(I’m not leaving on my own accord.)
I bless the rains down in Africa,
(I bless the life here- the people who make this place what it is)
I’m gonna take some time to do the things we never have.
(But I have to go. There are new places to see and new hearts to love.)
The wild dogs cry out in the night
(Cows, buffalo, roosters, dogs, donkeys, goats, and frogs make never-ceasing noise, rendering a full-night sleep nearly impossible.)
As they grow restless longing for some solitary company.
(Longing for love is universal.)
I know that I must do what’s right,
(True.)
Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti.
(The above statement is most definitely true.)
I seek to cure what’s deep inside,
(There’s a void that I had been trying to fill, but I know only the Lord can fill it.)
Frightened by this thing that I’ve become.
(I’ve changed so quickly already; it scares me to think how much I will have changed in another 3 months.)
The view from our tents.
With our new friends, S’mah and Florence.
