Today we were "off" from our assessment and went to a local game park to see some animals. We are so blessed to have such a great host in Stefan Felgenhauer who spent the day just driving us around so we could play tourist. He did the same thing yesterday after church in the village (we got the full experience) and a part of me feels bad that we kept him away from his family over the weekend working and carting us around. I don't think he has many days off in his ministry so I guess he's used to it. Either way, it was a fun filled day yesterday dancing in a village church (you all know me.....I danced just like the villagers do) and again today visiting the game parks. Below are pictures of adult confirmations and the presentation of the banner our church donated at church yesterday and on the right a photo of some of the animals we saw today.
As I reflect back on the past 10 days here I know that I have changed. My world and perspective have become larger and as such, I have become smaller. Seeing beauty in a place like this, seeing the struggles people have, seeing the joy they have here, seeing the poverty but also the wealth, seeing their opportunities or lack thereof and seeing how many view people with disabilities, I now see the world through a different lens. I see the similarities in the States and Africa and I can see the differences. But mostly, I see an abundance of opportunity for God's love to be spread around the world including back home. I see the need for God's love here where physical death is all around but I also see the need for God's love in the States where it seems like spiritual death is all around. Where an abundance of "stuff" overshadows the people at times. I was happy to learn that Bible Knowledge is one of the subjects they teach in school everyday! While Africa has its challenges (and they have enough to keep nonprofits in business forever), it also has its strengths. Not to mention, great people like the Felgenhauers doing God's work everyday! I'm grateful to know that they will remain after we leave and continue the great work they have started with people with disabilities here. I pray that our report (no, I haven't even started yet) will provide a boost to their enthusiasm and a reminder of the great things that are happening in Africa because of them. Regardless, I have met a family I will forever consider friends. I hope to come back and visit them (if they are still here) when my children are on their own. What do you say Kathy and Stefan....will you be around 6 years from now? :)
I titled this reflections and fears because as I will lay my head down on a pillow in Africa one last time, I am already worried about forgetting what I have learned. I'm worried I'll forget Africa. I wonder if I have changed enough to never forget. Sure I won't ever forget coming here but will I forget what I learned and what I felt? Will I forget how much closer I felt to God? Will I forget the struggles they have when I get caught up in my own? How do I take what I have learned and use it for what God intends?
I fear that the moment I step off the plane (okay maybe not the moment but soon after) and get back into the swing of life that the feelings I have felt here and the life lessons I have learned will become a distant memory. There is only one thing that I know ALWAYS works when I am fearful or filled with anxiety and that's God's word. I especially love this one:
I titled this reflections and fears because as I will lay my head down on a pillow in Africa one last time, I am already worried about forgetting what I have learned. I'm worried I'll forget Africa. I wonder if I have changed enough to never forget. Sure I won't ever forget coming here but will I forget what I learned and what I felt? Will I forget how much closer I felt to God? Will I forget the struggles they have when I get caught up in my own? How do I take what I have learned and use it for what God intends?
I fear that the moment I step off the plane (okay maybe not the moment but soon after) and get back into the swing of life that the feelings I have felt here and the life lessons I have learned will become a distant memory. There is only one thing that I know ALWAYS works when I am fearful or filled with anxiety and that's God's word. I especially love this one:
"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith." - 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Or this one:
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21
I read His word and I'm right back in the place where I belong....letting God lead my path instead of worrying about how I will do something. All I have to do is sit back and let him lead me. How comforting to know that He will do that for me no matter what my fears and anxieties are.
As I type my final words in Africa (I will still blog but not from Africa), I ask one favor of all of you that read this. That you add Africa (yes the whole continent), Kingdom Workers and specifically the Felgenhauers to your prayer lists. Pray for clarity in their work, pray for the people of Africa to embrace their ministry and pray that the work of all our missionaries and pastors over here will fulfill the purpose which God intended.
I can't wait to stay in touch to find out all the great things that He will do for Africa.
Until next time....there will be a next time :)
7:40pm in Blantrye, Malawi
As I type my final words in Africa (I will still blog but not from Africa), I ask one favor of all of you that read this. That you add Africa (yes the whole continent), Kingdom Workers and specifically the Felgenhauers to your prayer lists. Pray for clarity in their work, pray for the people of Africa to embrace their ministry and pray that the work of all our missionaries and pastors over here will fulfill the purpose which God intended.
I can't wait to stay in touch to find out all the great things that He will do for Africa.
Until next time....there will be a next time :)
7:40pm in Blantrye, Malawi