Dear Africa,
You are the second continent I have ever stepped foot on. I was convinced I was crazy the moment I boarded the flight to Cote d’Ivoire. I was reassured I was crazy when I first loaded the big blue bus with 18 other people. I can’t remember how many people really, but we had a guy specifically to make sure the door stayed closed. You know what though? All I could hear was my dad in my head giving me a pep talk for being so brave, and how he can only dream of ever setting foot on you. I made it through the flight with his words and through endless praying in my head.
Africa, when I first arrived I was riding a roller coaster of emotions. Then I learned I was going to a little hidden oasis in the crevasse of your Cote d’Ivoire. (We call it the bush). I was terrified at this point, I felt unprepared and so not ready for you. But, God had mercy on me. God put your children at the entrance of the Assafou Village we stayed at. I heard chanting, I couldn’t see because my team was so packed in one tiny van. I wanted to see so bad. Instead, I settled for just hearing. “They’re children!” my teammates shouted. I got instant chills and could not physically hold back my tears. It was absolutely beautiful. I felt your dirt in between my toes all day and night, I made my way underneath the mosquito net and woke up multiple times from the sweat running down my face at night. I got Malaria, because “when in Africa…” that’s what happens, and I fell in love. Your Baoule people found their way into my heart, settled in and made it their home. All of this because Jesus lives in you Africa. Jesus lives in your children and in your people.
Then, God took me to Ghana. You see, God knows his way into my heart and mind and spirit. He knows that he must drag this mermaid back into the ocean so she can feel her peace. I lived with a blessed family and fell in love here. I fell in love with the rough shore, with the fishing families, I fell in love with the hearts of people my age. I met missionaries of Ghana and have made life long friendships. I felt so loved and equipped. I even learned how to make concrete! My heart hurt at your shores though. I watched a beautiful creature our Father created get dragged away without being able to fight for it’s own life. I still ache at the thought. But, like every situation, God taught me something from this. I learned that it is ok to speak up without fear of offending. I learned that speaking up without fear can save a giant turtle’s life and I should not apologize for having the gift of mercy. God told me I will be coming back to you here.
Oh boy, Africa. You have a small place at your west called Togo. Togo is small, but fierce! It is known for being a voodoo hub and one of the most saddest countries there is. Yet somehow it brought so much joy to me. I shared a house with 2 other teams, we died laughing and we dedicated ourselves to just showering your people with the word of God. I met Elian, Albert, Mattias, Patrick, Mimi and Pastor Zank, some of your most beloved people. I know our Father is so fond of them. They spoiled us rotten and Mimi couldn’t hold back her tears as she waved us goodbye. I have never met such dedicated people.
My dearest Africa, you have been so good to me. You showed me that even in the most hidden and remote places of the Earth, God loves. God loves your people so, so well that they have enough to share that love with us. I found a place that felt like home in you. I cannot wait to visit you again. Thank you Africa, I will never forget the memories we share.
I love you so dearly,
Marilyn
