Several people told me before coming to Africa that they believed I would love it.
I had never been to Africa so I wasn’t sure what exactly about Africa they thought I would love, but I believed them and waited with anticipation for the day our plane would finally land in the dessert… or safari… or jungle… or whatever it is that Africa looked like.
Don’t get me wrong, I had a big imagination for the place I was supposed to love, but each time I imagined this country my ideas for it changed and so did my hopes and aspirations.
Now it’s time for me to tell you that reality hits a lot harder than imagination, Africa does, indeed, have a lot of different landscapes, and I have not loved being here as people said I would.
Now it’s time that I explain (I know, I know… that sounded harsh).
The reality of my time here in Africa has been this…
- the weather has been hotter than hot
- mosquitos are vicious and have attacked me ruthlessly
- my team and I were sent to a ministry host who ended up being unsafe so we had to sneak out of there like the CIA only 3 long days after arriving (this isn’t a joke… also our rescuers are some of the MOST WONDERFUL people and missionaries here that I have ever met!!!)
- we’ve had 2 squadmates who have gotten malaria AND typhoid (and counting)
- and a lot of our time here has been up in the air and we have been unsure of what we’re doing, where we’re going, and the purpose of even coming to this continent.
Then today I was blessed to meet this little child of God, Arielle.
I think God speaks to me through the faces of children- their innocence and eagerness, their faith and curiosity, their fearlessness and vulnerability. When I see children from all over the world, I see God’s love displayed. I see how he creates each one of us so very unique and different. I see how He loves us so much to give us all our own lives, on different continents, in different countries, with completely unique experiences, none like the person before them.
I think what I needed from Africa was a hug- and I got it through the arms of this sweet and tiny human (I mean, COME ON, just look at that smile!!!).
Although the beginning was rough, I am ready to hug Africa back. I’m ready to look past the tough stuff. I am read to love this place!!!
You are magnificently loved,
Sara
