Back In Africa

It is amazing to me how spending even a little time in the US can make me forget just how much of a struggle life is for so many people here.  Nevertheless, it doesn’t take much time in Africa to be reminded of this basic truth.

During my second day in Entebbe (the city where the airport is located), Caleb and I were taking a walk near our guesthouse.  I passed a young girl carrying a large jug of water and a woman washing her clothes vigorously by hand.  I bowed my head and thanked the Lord for the blessing of water and a washing machine throughout my life in America...that so many times I have used without even giving it a second thought.

On the third day, Pastor Victor and I went to buy a few things at the nearby supermarket.  The moment I stepped out of the car, I was bombarded by four street children dressed in rags selling pumpkins and peanuts.  They pleaded with me to buy their products as they rudely shoved them at me and blocked my pathway.  It was not their shouting voices that broke my heart, but the silent cries of their eyes and their hearts.  As I walked into the supermarket, I struggled to fight back the tears as I thought about what life looked like for these children.  I could not get their faces out of my mind, especially that night as I laid Caleb down in his warm bed and gave him a kiss goodnight.

Then back in Kyenjojo…two days later…I wake up to find no water at our tap (a very familiar memory)…I go to the office to try to do some work, and there is no electricity...Power has gone and our generator is not working properly…During these last two weeks, we have greatly rejoiced if we have even one day where we do not lose electricity…I think that might have happened once…

When it comes to checking e-mails or doing things on the internet, you begin your prayers early…not for speedy service, but for any service…(I have been trying to send this blog for the last four days.)

Living in Africa definitely changes your perspective on many things...and helps you appreciate both the big and the small.  Most importantly, all these experiences and circumstances are continual reminders to me to direct my gaze to the Lord-the giver of all things, the healer of all wounds, the keeper of all hearts, and the sustainer of all beings.  No matter how much or how little one has, he or she lacks everything without the Lord; no matter how challenging or easy daily life seems, one needs the grace and strength of the Lord to carry him or her through.