We live in the Age of Chaco Tans. People wear their tan lines as a badge of honor broadcasting to the world how outdoorsy they are. Chaco tans say things like “Look at all the mountains I climb!” and “My feet definitely deserve to be featured on Instagram.” If you have ever seen a picture of me, you know that tan lines are something that I cannot easily achieve. I embrace the paste every day of my life. I won’t ever be able to tan well, but I can show anyone how to achieve the greatest sunburn – perfectly and painfully red.
The funny thing is, a couple of days ago I was standing in an African church in Abidjan and I looked down and saw tan lines. I was getting a Chaco tan! In this process of tanning the Lord has started to show me some really interesting things about myself and this crazy journey I’m on.
The first thing I noticed is that I have started to change. Just like the skin on my feet has started to look different, I have also started to change inside. We are staying in a host home during this first month and the family here is amazing. These people have affected me more than I thought possible. Ivorians are some of the most hospitable and kind people that I have ever encountered. They make it seem like people in America hate each other because of how well they love everyone. As strangers to this culture we have been embraced with open arms and hearts. The Masuka family has been so generous and willing to help us adjust and learn a new normal while living with them. Our translators are amazing and one of them has even declared himself the seventh member of our team. We welcomed Marius with open arms and we wish we could travel to the next ten countries with him at our side. These people are changing the way I see the world around me, and that change is a good.
Another lesson I have learned in my life is that tans are not permanent, just like the changes I’ve experienced are not permanent Unless I want them to be. I have to make the choice to stay in the sun and let the light of those around me continue to influence me. Those tan lines developed after constantly wearing my Chacos. You have to actively and frequently choose to invest in the people around you and in turn let them invest in you.
The last thing I’ve learned about tan lines is that sometimes they fake you out. Dirt is a very real thing in Africa; my feet are always covered in dust. At times I think my tan lines are crazy good, but then I take a shower. Turns out sometimes you aren’t tan, you’re just dirty. I am quickly realizing that there are areas in my life that I thought I had finished working through, but the Lord has shown me how wrong I was. I am having to work through past hurts and scars that I would rather leave in the past, but I serve a kind God who wants to sit with me in the pain and wash my feet.
The race is the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life and I haven’t even finished the first month. Please continue to lift me and my team up in prayer. Also be praying for the United Methodist Church in Côte d’Ivoire. They have been an amazing ministry partner and the Lord is moving and working through them in some really cool ways. I love you all!!
Ta ta for now.
*sneak peak to the next blog: there will be dancing involved
