(excerpts from my journal while in Africa this past summer)
July 10th: I believe that this trip is going to change me. I just pray that my fire isn’t dimmed, that when I get home I’ll be able to fuel it and spread it to others.
July11th: In Kibera, thousands of people get up every morning and don’t know how they are going to get food or money. Yet, they are God loving people who offered us the chance to come in their homes and lives.
July 14th: Seeing a lot of this isn’t the easiest thing in the world but it is meaningful and true.
July 20th: When we prayed for Jackie tears streamed down my face. I believe it is because I don’t see a stranger; I don’t see an African. Just as she finds herself in this situation one of my friends could be in the same position.
July 26th: Today, we went to Nyumbani…I first met a little boy named Nicholas. He was very energetic and lots of smiles. Next, I played with Anne, an adorable little girl; for the most part she just liked being held.
July 30th: We said our tearful goodbyes. How are we just supposed to get back on the plane and go back to our normal lives? Jesus, may you allow me to represent the stories and lives that I got to know, so that people in the states may have a better idea of what our brothers and sisters are going through. Action must be taken NOW…
How long… How long after September 11th do people forget to post their American flags outside their homes? How long before people forget our soldiers are still fighting in Iraq and support your troops signs disappear? How long will the NIU red and black ribbons remain? How long before we go back to our normal lives?
Is it possible for me to heal and move on with a normal life while still keeping this events in my thoughts and prayers?
My soul is the same as my brothers and sisters
We all travel many miles on our journeys
One experiences the struggles and joys of life regardless of wealth or poverty
Looking closely, I see the same red African soil covering our souls
Yet when I return home mine will be washed off and their's will remain
But in the moment this does not matter
We walk hand in hand, black and white, poor and rich
Because loves sees no differences, only the Lord in one another.
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