The first time I went to Africa in 2006 it was at the request of my husband to fulfill one of his life long dreams. While it was an awesome trip and I was captivated by the amazing landscape and animals, I had little contact with the people of Africa. I came back knowing that I had missed out on something important.
In 2008 I had the opportunity to return to Africa and be a part of a woman's conference in Mansa, Zambia. Additionally I spent some time in South Africa. While there I was stretched in many ways and had many new experiences (see blog at http://tlcwomen.blogspot.com/). We primarily interacted with the women of rural Zambia and they taught me about joy in the midst of suffering and heart-felt worship and true humility and service to God. I came back with a new perspective of gratitude, peace, and joy.
Sadly that new perspective was too quickly replaced by the needs of family and work, as well as with the self centered materialism of life here in the US. On more than one occasion I found myself missing the person that I was for the first month I was back from Zambia. I was kinder, I was not on the computer all the time or running mindless errands, I was not trying to be everything to everyone all the time, I was not worrying about the "small" stuff ("I have a pimple", "my jeans don't fit") and I was content that God was handling the "big" stuff (children's futures, relationships, finances).
When the opportunity presented itself to return to Mansa this summer to minister to the orphans there, I immediately knew that I was being called to return. Through God's grace we will be able to minister to the 90 orphan children with resources (shoes and books) and teachings and games and songs. I know we will improve the orphan center building with painting and new shelves. But most of all I know that I will be expanded as a person by spending 10 days with God's people in Mansa.
Ultimately the reason that I go to Africa is very self-serving. I could have spent the money for this trip on a nice beach vacation somewhere (and I can certainly see the value in these types of vacations as well). But when I returned would I have a changed perspective or just have post-vacation blues? I know that this trip will be have many unforeseen challenges, will not be comfortable, and will stretch me physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Yet I am confident that this stretching will broaden my perspective and grow my character.
Bring it on!
