I set out this past April for Nairobi, Kenya. A much anticipated trip! I went there pursing a passion and returned with a confirmed calling. I lived and worked along side a wonderful group of people for ten days. I met some of the displaced women and children that had been affected by the post election violence. I talked with them. Danced with them. Smiled with them. One thing that I did not expect to witness was their pure joy. These women had it radiating from their souls. In the most devastating time they found it.
How does that happen?Â
We need to ask ourselves that. We here, as Mothers, have our share of trials and pain. But we have more resources than one can count. The resources on the continent of Africa are limited. In some areas they are nonexistent. I believe, we will never see the level of “poor” that they will see. That they have seen. My hope is to continue to assist with efforts to help.
The one thing that will always ring true to me, is that though they are poor in a monetary sense. They are far more rich in spirit. They have the biggest hearts and largest smiles that you will ever see. I hope we catch the spirit and help change their circumstance.
Amy, Im so blessed to share a calling with you! I can not wait for Dave and I to get to Tanzania! I will know then what God wants for my life. I truly believe this! I cant wait to share my love with the people there and to feel the love they have affect me forever! I anticipate this so much! I know its all in HIS time, but I surely am ready to board that plane tomorrow!
Love you!
What a wonderfully written statement. I can not imagine what these people deal with on a daily basis. It is amazing how bad we think our lives are and how easy it is to complain about what we don’t have, while these beautiful mothers and precious children live daily without many of the things we take for granted and still have smiles so brilliant and eyes so bright. So many people go to Africa to minister to the people there but from what I’ve heard from those that have gone, they left feeling as though the people of Africa ministered to them. What an experience!!!
Thank you Amy for sharing this!
So true and I can see it radiating off the girl’s picture you posted! Great journal sweetie!!
So true…
It just goes to show that the things that cause us the most stress are really not that important, usually. Most of the time, when it comes to our problems, the “worst case scenario” still leaves us with more than people in other places in the world have. We need to learn to appreciate the little things… which are really the big things… that make us happy — a baby’s giggle, or watching the kids play in the yard, or sharing a meal with family.
Thanks for the reminder!
Amy,
I am so thrilled that God has changed your life and given you a heart for Africa….I have seen for years that those people have something we are lacking. We are so blessed and as you said , “the resources we have are countless and theirs is almost non existant. ” That shows me that less is really more. May God continue to bless your efforts and your love for Africa.
Thanks for sharing! And yes, we need to be reminded constantly of how lucky we are to have what we have!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep on sharing!
Steph
As being a part of your group, I and my family were also struck by the genuiness and spirituality of the wonderful people we met there. My kids kept saying how much they wish their youth group loved & served the Lord like the young people of the Kenya churches we visited! Although many of them have a life dream of coming to America, we observed that they, in some ways, are far richer than we are. Without a doubt, we all came back changed & challenged to do more with every day that God gives us! A piece of each of us was left there in Africa. You did a wonderful job of putting it into words, Amy!
Marion
Amy, This is very nicely written, great job!
Love, Rachele