I wanted to take this
time to give you a taste of a short-term volunteer’s life here by describing
some things that I have learned about working in Africa.
Working in Africa can
be very slow. The jobs needed to be done are very necessary, but
many times several different jobs need to be done to accomplish just one.
Factor in the concept of “African Time” (which just means that being
on-time is a rarity), the many distractions (i.e., screaming children, daily
chores, hospital visits, crazy chicken-eating wild dogs, etc.), and limited
resources, and you have yourself a very potentially discouraging
situation.
Alone and with
no purpose, it would definitely be very discouraging work, but I know why I am
here. I am here to glorify Him in everything I do, and to be a
light unto others and an encouragement while serving.
So, I’m very
thankful that He gives me purpose and a reason to be doing the seemingly crazy
things I do every day!! And many times, distractions and
frustrations are really blessings in disguise! When operating by
His plan, everything just works out better. :-)
“The LORD will keep
you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your
coming and going both now and forevermore,” Psalm 121:7-8
Please Pray
For:
-The kids and their
schooling. Pray that the kids will see the importance of their
education, especially in a developing country, and that they would be motivated
to study and do well despite certain difficulties.
-The growth and
integration of the older kids into the real world. Pray that they
(and me, as I’m going off to college soon) would keep strong faith and be a
light in a dark world.
-RESPONSIBILITY: I
know that this trip will be an exercise in responsibility for me with the
different tasks that I will be taking on. Please pray for me as
this trip challenges me and stretches me.
-My own personal growth
as a follower of Christ and as an individual. My hope is to come
out of this experience as a stronger, more mature, dedicated believer.
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