This Christmas season I find myself in Mozambique for the second year in a row. It’s funny to be here again only because it feels surreal. I never expected to be back so soon, but I personally consider it God’s gift to me to be back in a place that feels like home and a place that brought so much joy to my life 1 year ago. And a place that yet again brought Kingdom perspective into my life at just the right time.
This week as I traveled up the coast of Mozambique on my way to visit two teams in Biera, I found myself worried about what “cool” thing I would be doing this year on Christmas. I found myself thinking about creating an event or experience, something to be memorable.
As I gazed out the window and saw the lush green landscape cascade by, I saw the faces of my brothers and sisters here in Mozambique. I saw dust covered women walking home from a hard day’s work wondering if food would meet them at home. I saw desperate men fighting outside a bar, struggling with the alcohol addiction that plagues so many. I saw tired, aged grandmothers carrying new life on their backs because their daughters had been taken during birth or because of AIDS. I saw children scattered throughout the streets searching for an adventure. My eyes locked with theirs. Our gaze seemed to last for minutes rather than just the few miliseconds. My heart leaped out of my chest. God is writing a story in their lives. He is a part of them.
Their gaze burned into my kaleidoscope, my perspective was being re-written.
I saw people with BIG suitcases streamed all along the streets traveling home for family gatherings as well. I wondered what filled their big bags. How long did it take them to work to fill those bags? My mind flashed back to America and comparing our suitcases. Christmas sales and commercials flooded my mind. I thought of Christmas trees and presents. I thought of snow….I thought of my family. Of my mom resting in bed this year recovering from her latest chemo treatment. For my dad and brother who are making steak and potatoes – a man’s dream for Christmas. For two men walking alongside my beautiful mother during her time of breast cancer and chemo.
A smile filled my face.
My heart shifted.
My perspective altered.
Thankfulness began overflowing, outpouring.
I found myself thankful for God’s healing hand in my mom’s life this year. Thankful that I have a family. Thankful for the gift of adventure I have been given. Thankful that my definition of family has expanded. That family is in America, in the Philippines, China, South Africa, Malawi, Moldova, Thailand, Malaysia, and all throughout the nations. Thankful that we all have family. Whether we find ourselves with World Racers, orphans, strangers, doctors or nurses in a hospital, fellow homeless people on the street, the check-out clerk in JC Pennys or at the grocery store, we are ALL family. None of us are alone, we are all created in the image of the God. We are all connected.
This year I don’t search for an experience. I seek after more of the Lord and more of my family. I am thankful for the two teams I am with and the many new family members I find myself around. I don’t have to carry a big bag with me. I simply carry LOVE and THANKFULNESS.
The gift of love I carry within me.
The gift of thankfulness overflows out of me.
Enjoy the people brought into your path today. Don’t miss the gifts God has for you because you are creating your own.
Merry Christmas from Mozambique!!!
