Imagine driving down a dirt road, stopping at a gas station, and seeing zebras and rhino’s outside the window as you buy a cup of coffee. Then, you step outside to view a glorious sunset with the deepest colors of red and orange you’ve ever seen. You wave at people through your window, and they actually wave back with bright smiles!
This is just a tid bit of what I get to enjoy every day living in Africa.
From last month in Mozambique to this month in Swaziland,
I have officially fallen in love with this continent.
Here’s some evidence of why I hold this to be true:
1. The giving of African names. It’s not every day that you obtain a new name (well, besides nicknames, which we all can attest to growing up… you can only imagine all the ones I’ve had thrown my way with the last name “Burger” 😀 ) I’ve learned that in Africa it is an honor when someone gives you an African name. I’ve been privileged to receive two so far, one from Mozambique and the other from Swaziland:
Thembe (Portuguese)- someone well known and popular in Africa
Lungile (Siswali)- kind one
me and my teammates, Rebecca and Dania
fully immersed in African culture, braids and all!
2. The vibrant, upbeat music of Africa. Never have I ever heard such incredible harmonies and unique rhythms beautifully blended together to create such a masterpiece! Some of my favorite church services have consisted of standing outdoors under a tree, singing and dancing to traditional African worship songs. Now I can understand why Africans are bored out of their minds at American church services!
3. The delicious, traditional African meals. Along with the great blessing of having an American contact last month who spoiled us with sweet tea and amazing, southern cooking, my taste buds have also adapted to the wonderful dishes of Africa, including ugali (note: so much better than how it tasted at Training Camp!), rice & beans, and this amazing root plant they cook that tastes heavenly 🙂
4. The warm, welcoming culture of people. I make at least 3 new friends every day here in Swaziland. Whether walking down the street, playing with kids, or going for an afternoon run, it is always expected to greet anyone you pass by, stranger or friend. In fact, it’s quite rude to ignore them! The extroverts from my squad have had no problem fitting in here. 😛
me and my little “Panda Bear”, one of the kids
we work with at our Care Point
me and my little “Panda Bear”, one of the kids
we work with at our Care Point
I wake up every day feeling so privileged that this is my life- ministering God’s love to people across the world. It still hits me randomly that I’m really doing this crazy adventure. That I get to
love on people all the time,
from my teammates to our ministry contacts to strangers we meet on a daily basis.
love on people all the time,
from my teammates to our ministry contacts to strangers we meet on a daily basis.
It’s an opportunity we have at every moment to display God’s love through our actions, words, and lifestyle. And guess what- you’re doing it too!
Whether you realize it or not, your love for Christ has spoken to more people than you think.
It’s just a matter of choice to daily ask Him how He intends for you to share His love, truth, and grace with others. So while I am currently in Africa, and YOU are somewhere else in this world,
let’s remember to grasp advantage of every second He’s given us to
spread His fragrance of love all over the PLACE!
