A little bit of Africa

One month ago today, I was caught up in the chaos of buses, airports, and luggage. Including running back through security, because I forgot something on the bus. Thankfully I have a loving boyfriend who ran from the bus, through the airport to deliver me from my forgetfulness. After one last look of home for two weeks, I and the team of ten (eleven, including me) started off on our roughly forty-two hour journey to Botswana. Four planes, five screaming children, brownies made with love, a beautiful sunset from a new perspective, movies, Mugg & Bean, sleeping in front of the ticket desk, and lots of laughter. All of this is a privilege, just to be the arm's of Christ to love His children.


While writing this all I can think about is the children and their joy. They are truly filled with such joy. No matter how many pictures of their radiant, smiling faces I could take to show you, I do not think you can wholly understand the level their joy. I wish I could share the experience with everyone I came into contact with, because of the effect that it has on your heart. To see the joy and feel it radiate from the children that we think we should feel sorry for. The commercials in-between your favorite late night talk show, tell you the truth. These children may not have shoes, running water, or clothing that fits them. They definitely do not have the cutest purse or headband, and we want to pity them all because we live in a society that tends to base happiness on what new gadget we have. We should want to help, and actually help, it is almost difficult for me to feel "sorry," because of the joy I will ever experience. But, saying that in that manner leaves a bitter taste, because I hurt for each of them. For they have experienced pain far greater than I could ever imagine.


I do not know why God has placed these people and children on my heart in the way He has. There is not a day that passes that I do not pray for them. Since my first trip in 2009, I have prayed for two special little girls named, Neo & Mpho. Now I have more faces that race around my mind through out the day. I would never trade anything for these experiences that God has allowed in my life. For teaching me that these children are real and for letting them teach me.