This week we did door to door evangelism before a viewing of the Jesus Film in two different villages in cooperation with local churches. Two of the women I got to pray with were Sadie (pronounced SaaDee) and Ballennah (pronounced Baileannah). I can’t help but think of how similar these names are to two of my nieces. Sadie is my niece who was born in September while I was away from home. The day she was born was one of the hardest days to be on the race. Bailey is my 8 year old niece, who I can’t wait to visit when I get home. She, along with her siblings, is following my journey and learning about the countries I visit.
This week we have also got to spend time with a few families that have boys ages 3 to 5…I was reminded of my 4 nephews that fall into that age range. The way they play in the dirt, find sticks to hit things with, talk about their thoughts on life, and finally the joy I feel when they snuggle in as they are falling asleep.
The other day I chatted with a few girls in their way home from school. They were 7, 8 & 9 years old. Their interactions with a stranger from another country (me) reminded me of how Bailey and her sister Danica might respond in that situation, a little shy, but also a little excited the stranger was treating them like they were big kids.
These interactions have warmed my heart. I can’t believe how fast this year is going. And with the risk of sounding like I’m wishing the next 4 1/2 months away, I can’t wait to be home and be an involved, present aunt again. So many times in my life I have been overwhelmed at the thought of being a parent and how they must love their children, I can’t imagine experiencing that kind of selfless love. Not to even begin to imagine God’s love for us. I love being an aunt and can talk about any one of my 12 nieces and nephews endlessly. I look at pictures of them daily and probably mention them to people almost as often.
This month is going great. I love our ministry (perhaps another blog will be about that later). I love my team. I love Botswana. I love that God keeps challenging me and teaching me. I love that I have seen elephants, giraffes, wart hogs, wild dogs, Cape Buffalo, huge vultures and zebras in the wild! I love that we get to share the greatest news. And I love how God has been giving me little nuggets that pull my heart home.
As I’ve said before, I don’t know yet what life will look like post-race. It may look very similar to life before the race. Or it could be totally different. My heart desire is to go and do what God leads me to do. But I do know that these interactions have made me feel connected to home, even though physically I couldn’t be more disconnected. As I write this, I am in Kasane, Botswana, in the north, near the Nambia border. I’m not ready for the race to be over (which is good because it’s far from over), but when it is I look forward to: hugs, tickles, pushing swings, bike rides, giggles, adventures, crafts, movies, stories, and even dirty diapers, dishes, and laundry…whatever the role of “aunt” requires.
So a shout out to my 12 amazing nieces and nephews ranging in age of 22 to 4 months!
Chris Cody Caitlin Bailey Danica Joel Shawn Gavin Lauren Ty Madison Sadie
And “Aunt of the Year” refers to a self-awarded award I jokinly created years ago with my older nieces and nephews…but I still think they should give it to me.
