Our time in Africa has officially ended and we’ve begun our time in Asia. We will be here for the next five months, starting with the country of Malaysia. Before I get acclimated to a new continent and new culture, I wanted to reflect on the past three months I spent in Africa…so I made a list of the top 12 (because 12 is my favorite number) lessons or things I discovered during my time in Africa:
- A hot shower, or any shower at all, is an appreciated luxury (I had to learn what a bucket shower was the hard way)
- African bananas (called matuke) taste like potatoes and I ACTUALLY like them
- There are angels on earth sent to help exactly when you need directions or translation or navigation through an unknown situation…like bartering with a taxi driver who’s trying to charge you double the price
- People LOVE white skin, which is funny because I really love their dark skin
- The concept of being “grossed out” by germs or bugs or dirt or smells goes out the window about two weeks into the trip
- You can get a $5 haircut, which includes the best shampoo and head massage I’ve ever experienced
- God will send you exactly what you need, or who you need, exactly when you need it. He is a constant provider…worrying is just a waste of time
- A welcoming smile and friendly conversation is certain to be had with almost anyone you meet, making the collection of friends a part of daily life
- You do not need instruments to sing beautiful praises to God, and sometimes it sounds even better when it’s just the combination of all voices to create one perfect melody
- Toilet paper is something you should carry with you at all times, otherwise you probably won’t find any when you get to the toilet
- Leaving and having to say goodbye is harder than ever expected or imagined. Return visits will be inevitable
- It is nearly impossible to grasp the joy and gratitude that people with so little find in sharing with people who have so much
On a serious note, it would take me days to write and hours for you to read all the lessons I learned and experiences I had during my time in Africa. I wish you could have been there personally to see God show His love to us and others by providing in miraculous ways. I know you would be changed in many of the same ways I have by witnessing so many answers to prayer and seeing so much joy and peace in the midst of what we would consider poverty. I hope and pray that you are seeing God move and hearing His voice in your own lives, because you don’t have to go half way across the world to recognize all He has given us or hear His gentle promptings to follow Him and serve others with His love. He gives abundant grace and peace to those who call upon Him…I’ve seen it even in the midst of tragedy. So my challenge to you is to reflect on the lessons you’re learning and the ways you are seeing God move in the middle of your circumstances. How are you growing and being challenged and changed? I know this for sure…even if you never make it to Africa, God will move mountains to show you how much He loves you!
