I think we are going to learn more in Africa than we are going to teach. We have been blessed to live the past few days on an Iris Ministries base in Dondo. The base hosts 40 orphan boys and 72 pastors in training! We have been living in tents, hand-washing laundry, and washing our hair in the well pump!
We have connected with the boys quickly. They are so helpful and open to us, and they are very patient as we try to learn portugese and the local dialect. I am amazed at the kindness and love that I see in these young men. I am proud to think of them as my little brothers.
More than anything, they have taught us about simple living. Unlike the U.S., they do not have hundreds of ways to entertain themselves. Mostly, they play on a tire swing and kick around a half-deflated soccer ball. We spent some time the other day simply drawing pictures in the sand. For breakfast everyday, they eat bread and drink tea. They have rice with either rice or a leafy vegetable for lunch and dinner. They each have two or three outfits, and they share t-shirts. When it comes to material possessions, they simply do not have much.
Regardless of this, or maybe because of this, they are so filled with life and joy! They love to run and laugh and play! When they worship, they dance with abandon and sing with passion. They absolutely love God with everything that they are.
One little boy in particular, Antonio, is ten years old and has the best smile I have ever seen. He just fills up my spirit.
Even though we love this base and the boys, we are leaving tomorrow to head into the flood zone. We will be working alongside Iris staff in flood relief. I know my heart will be broken as we see people who have lost everything they own and don’t know where their next meal is coming from, but they still rejoice in knowing they have everything in Jesus! We will be taking His Message with us, along with food and other needed supplies. I feel so honored to be called to love and help God’s children who are in need.
Please keep us in your prayers and check this site and the World Race Video site (found from the main page www.theworldrace.org). I’m yours for the Journey.
Antonio.
