In this blog I've written a lot about how we were meant to live life with a spirit of adventure and risk. For the past three weeks I've been telling myself I wasn't going to spend the money on a Safari. A thought not very congruent to my words. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to go more than anything. It drove me crazy to think that I would be in the best place and at the best time to see the most renown animals on Earth, and not be able to go. It's just that the number on the brochure was bigger than the number that showed up on my bank statement. However, consistent with the rest of this trip, God provided at the last minute in the form of a graduation gift from my Grandmother.
The whole weekend I was completely stunned by God's creation. I felt like I was in Jurassic Park. Seriously, when our jeep went through the gates of Serengeti National Park I kept humming the theme song to the movie in my head. I think it was because seeing the animals walk around their natural habitat seemed so foreign to me that it was almost fake. Elephants are much bigger in person, and lions are a lot scarier without the bars in between.
Not only did I see more species of animals than I thought possible, but I picked up a few stories too. I love what it says in the book I'm reading, Wild at Heart. "Life is a hypocrite if you can't live the way it moves you". Perhaps I was overly inspired by this, but either way it led to quite the weekend. I owe most of this to my friend Dave. Through my 18 year old friend, my boyish 18 year old spirit was let out of it's cage as well. Dave and I climbed rock formations and later found out that lion's sometimes sleep there. We played "who can step closer to the water buffalo" (2nd most lethal animal behind hippos). And stuck the better half of our bodies out the windows of the jeep in order to get a close up of the lion beside the car. I felt alive, maybe even... wild at heart? I write about this not to gain credit, it sounds crazy but it never seemed like we were in any real danger, despite what the guides might tell you. I say this because in a strange way I learned a lot about my inner peace through this experience. So much that I would feel selfish if I didn't share it with you.
I realized why being in a room alone is one of my biggest struggles. It's because I continuously dwell on anything that doesn't logically add up in my head. It's like being alone flips a switch that starts calculating numbers with dollar signs; ones that translate to how many days I have left to live in comfort. Or it starts an internal debate about what in the world goes on in the mind of a female. These kind of thoughts are all thoughts that require thought and proper preparation, but it is far fetched from the inner peace I've been longing for. We benefit from these thoughts only in a railroad tracks sort of way. We need them foundationally in order to function, but they will not bring purpose.
Here's how it relates to the Safari. I think we all crave adventure in a physical sense. This weekend I was able to indulge in physical adventure and feel alive. Instinctively we all want these types of adventures, and we take pictures in order to prove their legitimacy. I realized that in the same way my heart, my inner peace, desires to act wild as well. Most of us want a drive fast take chances lifestyle, how about a drive fast take chances heart?
Our inner peace is released through imagination. We get sick of a job, or a class, or a routine that is the same thing everyday. We want variety and adventure, to be let loose on a Safari every once in awhile. In the same way, our hearts and minds want to get let loose as well. Our head gets stressed when we think practically all day. It's why tax day is the most stressful day in America, because everyone is forced to think practically. Maybe guys watch sports and girls watch The Bachelor because it releases our minds for an hour or two and we begin to imagine a life like that.
I racked up a good amount of Frequent Flyer Miles coming here. Enough that, with what I already had, I can fly to anywhere in the United States. A few times on this trip I've let my imagination wander about what I could do with the rewards miles. I kept thinking about what I'm going to get myself into next. I thought about going rafting in Colorado, having lunch in Central Park, or playing golf in Arizona. Without the frequent flyer miles I wouldn't have even considered putting energy into these thoughts, there is no way I could afford it. But my Frequent Flyer Miles was something on paper that says 'YES! You can go anywhere!'. Then I realized that maybe inner peace means allowing those thoughts to flow without barriers. Imagination is where it's at, it's the ticket to inner peace. Our imagination is like a mental account of frequent flyer miles. Invest in it. The more you invest in your imagination the more you'll accumulate and the more wild adventures it'll bring you to. Life is a safari.
There was once a guy that used to go around the country and speak in classrooms of students. His goal was to encourage the kids to use their imagination. He believed the coming generation could change the world if they used their imagination. He was a very successful man, but thought the potential from speaking to kids was better than the money he missed out on by missing work.
He would go into Kindergarten classrooms and ask "Who here thinks they are creative?" Everyone would raise their hands in excitement.
He would go into 1st Grade classes and noticed that when he asked the same question, about 90% of the kids considered themselves creative.
By the time he reached middle schoolers; nobody would raise their hands. A few would maybe point at the artsy kid.
The man was discouraged that with age we loose our imagination. He was discouraged because, remembering his purpose, he wanted so much for kids to believe they could do anything so long as they could imagine it. That if they let their creativity out on a safari they could accomplish anything. I think this man had it right, you have to dream big first. Begin with the end in mind, then start laying down the railroad tracks of practical thinking to see how you can make it there.
By the way the name of the man was Walt Disney.
Ironically his head is in a freezer somewhere with hopes that someday creativity and imagination can be restored to this planet. The same reason Disney went to classrooms to encourage kids.
The point is, God wired each of us to be creative and let our minds explore. When we are young our imagination dominates logic, our right brain is heavier than the left. As we grow older, nothing changes chemically, however the clutter of this world fuels logic to silence our imagination. It tells us we aren't good enough, smart enough, or have what it takes to succeed. It's a world that laughs at imagination, but at the same time is a little jealous when you follow your dreams.
The world says we are just another number, and to get in line. In contrast, Jesus says the only things that are numbered are the very hairs on our head.
"You are the light of the world. A city upon a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:14
Maybe what Jesus wants us to ask ourselves is not 'How can the needs of the world fit into me?' But more so, 'How can I fit into the needs of the world?' I think that's why, in the great commission, he put that 'GO' part in. 'GO! make disciples', not 'sit there until the world's needs fall into your lap'. I think that's why he gave us not just bodies to explore the world but minds as well.
So this is what I'm learning about inner peace. Sure, you have to give attention to the practical thoughts. You need them to execute. But what's the use of laying tracks if you don't know where they are going. I think before I was frustrated because I was spending my alone time figuring out how to lay my tracks and I didn't spend enough time dreaming about where they are going. According to Aerosmith "Life's a journey, not a destination". Romans 8:28 promises that if we love God we can expect something great. Use your imagination to deposit into that mental bank account, but don't forget to cash in on the journey that awaits.
A few wise words from Walt Disney for the road:
"If you can dream it, you can do it"
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."
"Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Kilimanjaro and Other Experiences
Most of this Blog has been about spiritual learning points from the trip, but a lot of you have mentioned you’re curious what all I’ve been up to. So I want to make sure and fill you in about the stuff outside of the
volunteer work.
The first two weeks of living in a Tanzanian home have been so enjoyable. At first, there were a lot of things you just have to ‘man up’ and get over:
One of the first nights I went into my room for bed, only to find a huge spider crawling on the outside of mosquito tent.
I woke up a few nights ago to use the bathroom and there was a rat crawling around the floor. I was half asleep, but my reaction was “Hey Buddy!”, and then simply to carry about my business.
At first I was a little nervous when each meal turned out to be the same thing… everyday. Bread and butter for breakfast, Ugalli and beans for lunch, rice and beans for dinner. Now I honestly crave it each day, and am going to have Mama teach me how to make it so that I can replicate it back home.
We had a good laugh the other night when Mama said she was going to make a very special dinner for Jeff’s last night. Without fail we had rice and beans again that night. We wouldn’t want it any other way.
We are having our fair share of fun, too. Yesterday we took a day trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is about an hour and a half hour drive. We had plans to meet my friend Jory (who many of you know). We were to meet at the gate at 9 AM. We were on Africa time, so despite leaving at 7:30 AM we were still an hour behind schedule when the drivers decided to stop for breakfast unannounced. Luckily, totally a God thing, Jory and her friend Monica were on Africa time as well and we all met conveniently at 10 AM.
It was SO fun to see Jory, hear about her travels, and simply see a familiar face. We hiked around, a group of about 10 of us, and saw the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro. I’ll admit that climbing around the base made me want to summit the beast, but I’ll have to save that for another time. Instead, we saw some of the most amazing waterfalls. II can’t wait to show pictures of this, it was awesome.
I decided I have to go on a safari. It’s expensive, but we get a great deal being volunteers. I think the regret I’d have coming this far and not going outweighs the cost. So now the anticipation is starting to grow, and I can’t wait to track down some lions and elephants.
I really enjoy the new dynamics of my homestay. Matthias (Sweden), Kazee (Australia), and Maria (England) all arrived yesterday. With Shane being from Canada, we have a fun mix of people. Five people and five different countries. We spent last night talking about adventures from all over the world.
I’ll keep you updated on anything else I get myself into! Two weeks, wow, I don’t feel a sense of urgency yet to get out and do anything. I think it’s a good testament that I’ve used my time wisely.
Hope this paints a picture of what it’s been like here! And hope everyone back home is having a blast. I’ve got to get going so I’m home for some Ugalli before getting rocked by Africans at futbol. God Bless!
volunteer work.
The first two weeks of living in a Tanzanian home have been so enjoyable. At first, there were a lot of things you just have to ‘man up’ and get over:
One of the first nights I went into my room for bed, only to find a huge spider crawling on the outside of mosquito tent.
I woke up a few nights ago to use the bathroom and there was a rat crawling around the floor. I was half asleep, but my reaction was “Hey Buddy!”, and then simply to carry about my business.
At first I was a little nervous when each meal turned out to be the same thing… everyday. Bread and butter for breakfast, Ugalli and beans for lunch, rice and beans for dinner. Now I honestly crave it each day, and am going to have Mama teach me how to make it so that I can replicate it back home.
We had a good laugh the other night when Mama said she was going to make a very special dinner for Jeff’s last night. Without fail we had rice and beans again that night. We wouldn’t want it any other way.
We are having our fair share of fun, too. Yesterday we took a day trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is about an hour and a half hour drive. We had plans to meet my friend Jory (who many of you know). We were to meet at the gate at 9 AM. We were on Africa time, so despite leaving at 7:30 AM we were still an hour behind schedule when the drivers decided to stop for breakfast unannounced. Luckily, totally a God thing, Jory and her friend Monica were on Africa time as well and we all met conveniently at 10 AM.
It was SO fun to see Jory, hear about her travels, and simply see a familiar face. We hiked around, a group of about 10 of us, and saw the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro. I’ll admit that climbing around the base made me want to summit the beast, but I’ll have to save that for another time. Instead, we saw some of the most amazing waterfalls. II can’t wait to show pictures of this, it was awesome.
I decided I have to go on a safari. It’s expensive, but we get a great deal being volunteers. I think the regret I’d have coming this far and not going outweighs the cost. So now the anticipation is starting to grow, and I can’t wait to track down some lions and elephants.
I really enjoy the new dynamics of my homestay. Matthias (Sweden), Kazee (Australia), and Maria (England) all arrived yesterday. With Shane being from Canada, we have a fun mix of people. Five people and five different countries. We spent last night talking about adventures from all over the world.
I’ll keep you updated on anything else I get myself into! Two weeks, wow, I don’t feel a sense of urgency yet to get out and do anything. I think it’s a good testament that I’ve used my time wisely.
Hope this paints a picture of what it’s been like here! And hope everyone back home is having a blast. I’ve got to get going so I’m home for some Ugalli before getting rocked by Africans at futbol. God Bless!
Update Letter - Halfway Point
Jambo from Tanzania!
I am about halfway through my stay here, and I wish to update you about the amazing progress in two short weeks.
I have spent my time at the Tuamke Orphanage. All orphans live with either grandparents or older siblings, therefore the orphanage doesn’t actually house the children. It serves more so as a school for orphaned children, specifically children who have lost both of their parents to HIV.
It is a small , two classroom, cement building. There are three classes for children ages 4 to 9. The younger students are grouped into 1 classroom, while the 8 and 9 year olds are in the other. Since the orphanage opened just over a year ago, they have only had one teacher for the 3 classes. She had to run back and forth between the 2 classrooms and attempt to teach all 3 classes (35 students) at once.
They needed a lot of help, and I am thankful for being placed in a spot where I can be used so thoroughly. I now teach the older kids, and the staffed teacher works with the younger. In addition to their dire need of teachers, I saw many other projects in desperate need of an answer.
The kids have about an hour break each day. We would send them outside to play, however there was no place to play except for a dusty alleyway. In back there was a large plot of land, but it was completely grown over with trees, bushes, weeds, and most sadly tons of garbage. It took a stretch of imagination to ever picture it a place where kids could play, but with the students help it became a reality. Now we play futbol everyday and the kids can actually work up a sweat.
During week two we took the initiative to repair the desks. Just about every single one of them was on the verge of collapse. It was disastrous. The kids couldn’t sit still if they tried because the whole desk seemed like ocean waves. Many of you, when you chose to support me, commented that you wished you could give more, or that you knew it wasn’t much. I spent $8 for a hammer and nails. You can’t even imagine the difference it has made. So I assure you that every little bit goes a LONG ways here. So thank you.
It’s now week three, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I love teaching, although it’s a tremendous challenge to teach orphaned children English. I love teaching because the kids love that I am there. I love it because I’m convinced it’s making a longer impact than fixing desks and building a field. However, I have plans to continue to make the orphanage more practical and a better place to learn. The next task at hand is chalkboards.
In my classroom there is an old chalkboard that, if you’ve seen pictures, is a sight for sore eyes. It’s been so deeply used that it’s difficult to see what’s even written on it. It also sits on the floor, so anyone other than the first row can’t see the lower half without getting out of their desk and walking to the front. Then, as I realized last week when fixing the desks, there isn’t even a chalkboard in that classroom. So this coming week we’ll use the left over hammer and nails to build stands, and bring in new chalkboards.
It’s been fun, too, to get the chance to visit a few other placements that other volunteers are at. On Wednesday I visited the Faraja Center for Orphaned Children. They were a far more developed orphanage, with a full staff or cooks, maintenance men, and teachers. They had a relatively strong set of resources; crayons, markers, games, etc. Not much by US standards, but compared to Tuamke, where the only resources we have is what I pick up at the store before arriving in the morning, they have a lot.
On Friday I visited what is commonly called ‘The Widows Project’. This was a show put on every Friday by a group of widows in a nearby village. They have all kinds of animals to go around and see, as well as an African Band, traditional African dances, and an acrobat show. It was started recently with the help of volunteers. People pay to get in, and they also serve food and drink to raise money. It’s a beautiful project because it has made them self-sufficient. The money raised goes 70% to widows who have lost their husbands to HIV, and 30% to the local orphanage. It has caused me to consider ways I can help Tuamke one day become self-sufficient.
To recap the three principles I originally set out for:
I am strongly encouraged by the way we have been able to impact the Tuamke orphanage. Everyday when I get home I am completely drained of physical energy, but so filled with emotional and spiritual energy. I love the kids and am truly going to miss them when I leave.
I have had so many great conversations with other volunteers. Originally I wanted to move to the volunteer house where there are 20 other volunteers. However, being at the homestay has allowed me to really invest in the two other guys, Jeff and Shane, that I have lived with the past 2 weeks. Jeff left last night, and 3 new people arrived. There are now five of us total. It’s such a unique experience because all five of us are from different countries (US, Canada, Sweden, England, and Australia). We already had some great conversation last night.
My inner peace; I feel I have been internally challenged in so many directions. Being alone so much has done nothing but encourage me to talk to God more. I am more comfortable than I ever was with just being myself. I couldn’t help but smile yesterday when one of the newbies asked me what there is to do once you get back from placement. “You mean other than just love life” was the only way I could think to respond.
Thanks to my home Pastor of Missions, I’ve added a fourth principle. He mentioned, and I agree, that so many of us go to a country like Africa and assume we are going only to help them. He asked me, “Andrew, how are you ready to receive love while you are there?“ We have the American mindset that they need us more than we need them. It’s not true, there is so much love we can receive from them if we are willing to accept it.
I can’t thank you enough for helping send me here. I really believe, and I hope you do too, that this will make a lasting impact on Africa, as well as all the many other nations involved in this program. God Bless, and I’ll see you soon!
Love,
Andrew
I am about halfway through my stay here, and I wish to update you about the amazing progress in two short weeks.
I have spent my time at the Tuamke Orphanage. All orphans live with either grandparents or older siblings, therefore the orphanage doesn’t actually house the children. It serves more so as a school for orphaned children, specifically children who have lost both of their parents to HIV.
It is a small , two classroom, cement building. There are three classes for children ages 4 to 9. The younger students are grouped into 1 classroom, while the 8 and 9 year olds are in the other. Since the orphanage opened just over a year ago, they have only had one teacher for the 3 classes. She had to run back and forth between the 2 classrooms and attempt to teach all 3 classes (35 students) at once.
They needed a lot of help, and I am thankful for being placed in a spot where I can be used so thoroughly. I now teach the older kids, and the staffed teacher works with the younger. In addition to their dire need of teachers, I saw many other projects in desperate need of an answer.
The kids have about an hour break each day. We would send them outside to play, however there was no place to play except for a dusty alleyway. In back there was a large plot of land, but it was completely grown over with trees, bushes, weeds, and most sadly tons of garbage. It took a stretch of imagination to ever picture it a place where kids could play, but with the students help it became a reality. Now we play futbol everyday and the kids can actually work up a sweat.
During week two we took the initiative to repair the desks. Just about every single one of them was on the verge of collapse. It was disastrous. The kids couldn’t sit still if they tried because the whole desk seemed like ocean waves. Many of you, when you chose to support me, commented that you wished you could give more, or that you knew it wasn’t much. I spent $8 for a hammer and nails. You can’t even imagine the difference it has made. So I assure you that every little bit goes a LONG ways here. So thank you.
It’s now week three, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I love teaching, although it’s a tremendous challenge to teach orphaned children English. I love teaching because the kids love that I am there. I love it because I’m convinced it’s making a longer impact than fixing desks and building a field. However, I have plans to continue to make the orphanage more practical and a better place to learn. The next task at hand is chalkboards.
In my classroom there is an old chalkboard that, if you’ve seen pictures, is a sight for sore eyes. It’s been so deeply used that it’s difficult to see what’s even written on it. It also sits on the floor, so anyone other than the first row can’t see the lower half without getting out of their desk and walking to the front. Then, as I realized last week when fixing the desks, there isn’t even a chalkboard in that classroom. So this coming week we’ll use the left over hammer and nails to build stands, and bring in new chalkboards.
It’s been fun, too, to get the chance to visit a few other placements that other volunteers are at. On Wednesday I visited the Faraja Center for Orphaned Children. They were a far more developed orphanage, with a full staff or cooks, maintenance men, and teachers. They had a relatively strong set of resources; crayons, markers, games, etc. Not much by US standards, but compared to Tuamke, where the only resources we have is what I pick up at the store before arriving in the morning, they have a lot.
On Friday I visited what is commonly called ‘The Widows Project’. This was a show put on every Friday by a group of widows in a nearby village. They have all kinds of animals to go around and see, as well as an African Band, traditional African dances, and an acrobat show. It was started recently with the help of volunteers. People pay to get in, and they also serve food and drink to raise money. It’s a beautiful project because it has made them self-sufficient. The money raised goes 70% to widows who have lost their husbands to HIV, and 30% to the local orphanage. It has caused me to consider ways I can help Tuamke one day become self-sufficient.
To recap the three principles I originally set out for:
I am strongly encouraged by the way we have been able to impact the Tuamke orphanage. Everyday when I get home I am completely drained of physical energy, but so filled with emotional and spiritual energy. I love the kids and am truly going to miss them when I leave.
I have had so many great conversations with other volunteers. Originally I wanted to move to the volunteer house where there are 20 other volunteers. However, being at the homestay has allowed me to really invest in the two other guys, Jeff and Shane, that I have lived with the past 2 weeks. Jeff left last night, and 3 new people arrived. There are now five of us total. It’s such a unique experience because all five of us are from different countries (US, Canada, Sweden, England, and Australia). We already had some great conversation last night.
My inner peace; I feel I have been internally challenged in so many directions. Being alone so much has done nothing but encourage me to talk to God more. I am more comfortable than I ever was with just being myself. I couldn’t help but smile yesterday when one of the newbies asked me what there is to do once you get back from placement. “You mean other than just love life” was the only way I could think to respond.
Thanks to my home Pastor of Missions, I’ve added a fourth principle. He mentioned, and I agree, that so many of us go to a country like Africa and assume we are going only to help them. He asked me, “Andrew, how are you ready to receive love while you are there?“ We have the American mindset that they need us more than we need them. It’s not true, there is so much love we can receive from them if we are willing to accept it.
I can’t thank you enough for helping send me here. I really believe, and I hope you do too, that this will make a lasting impact on Africa, as well as all the many other nations involved in this program. God Bless, and I’ll see you soon!
Love,
Andrew
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Green Bananas
I've been thinking a lot about what it means to have a calling. Namely, What does it means to use your life to answer a call? To do something or to be sent to somewhere by God? A number of people have commented how wonderful it is that I've been 'called' to Africa. I smiled because I think I know what they meant. But really I'm not sure. If it means to follow your heart then maybe I WAS called to Africa. Either way it has got me thinking a lot about all the truth that lies behind it.
I guess I have always thought there was one path that God has for us, and he gives us the free will to decide to follow it or not. When we stray from the path we learn from it and we get back on. Without turning this into my thoughts on predestination, I'll speak simply on behalf of what I've learned through my experiences leading up to coming here.
This all started back in October when it was merely an idea. A pretty raw and wild one at that. I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly where it came from or why, it just did. I'll argue that we have these types of thoughts quite often. However, they usually get swallowed away quickly by all the excuses we can come up with as why not to follow through. The idea is usually put to rest right then and there. We have logical thoughts that point to the conventional way of life. Then we have creative thoughts that get dubbed dreams, and for some reason are less likely to happen. The world tells us to make logical decisions, not creative ones. Logical thoughts are often the best choices, but not always. Why should we listen to what the world tells us? After all, it has been wrong before.
I think our callings lie in our creative thoughts.
There was one particular weekend where the excuses NOT to come to Africa seemed to far outweigh the reasons I had to go. At least logically. Not many people know this, but I actually e-mailed IVHQ and told them I wasn't coming to Africa and that I'd like my deposit back. They were OK with it, but my heart wasn't. For the rest of the weekend I felt sick, not just in my head but physically, too. And of course the story goes; here I am living happily ever after in Tanzania. That's the best I can explain it. This was just something I had to do.
From what people tell me this is a lot of what it's like to be in Love. You can't explain it, but when you meet that other person you absoluetly have to do whatever you can just to be near them. You do stupid and crazy things for that other person because you Love them. If the world saw, it would certainly call you an outcast and tell you that you are weird. Again, that's just what people tell me. On the outisde, to love something or someone has a different meaning than being IN love with them. At the core, however, I think that there are some similarities, at least in relation to a calling.
Just read 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter that's traditionally read at Christian weddings. It starts by talking about how 'I will show you the most excellent way'. Then it does the whole love is patient love is kind thing, and ends by saying this: "And now these three remain: Faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinth. 13:13) Therefore, the most excellent way is truly characterized by faith, hope, and love. I submit our callings should be driven by faith hope and love, but most greatly by love. I imagine that our calling is 'the most excellent way'.
The world operates like the airlines do. We're suppose to 'fix our oxygen masks before assisting others'. Then again the world says a lot of things that just aren't true.
Today was a big day for me, I think for the FIRST time in my life I felt what it truly means to love your neighbor as yourself. I was walking home from class today with the lady that runs the orphanage. I told her Janet hasn't been in class the past two days. Janet is my favorite, I actually played rock paper scissors with the other volunteer at my placement to see who got first dibs at adopting her. I won (best 2 out of 3 of course). Don't worry I'm not actually going to adopt her, it was just a creative thought.
I asked the teacher if she knew where Janet was. She said Janet was sick and would be back on Monday. After that she looked me in the eye and said that Janet gets sick quite often because she is infected with aids.
I felt like my life stopped for a moment. It was like someone just told me that it was ME that had aids. I realized that, at least at that moment, I loved Janet the same way I love myself. I don't know if I would have had that same experience if I didn't come to Africa. I don't know if I would have experienced that if I didn't say yes to the creative thought I had back in October.
A wise friend told me I wasn't going to serve the kids in Africa but to serve Jesus himself. Another friend told me that when I look at the kids at the orphanage not to be surprised if I saw Jesus. I didn't know what they were talking about until now. It certainly gave me a view of loving God with all my mind, heart, and soul.
I understand that the time between graduating college and getting a big person job is perhaps the easiest time to say yes to your creative thoughts. However, if it's God's will then it's your calling. Put your creative thoughts to the test and see if he doesn't open a door. It isn't a coincidence I felt sick the weekend that I temporarily canceled the trip. It isn't a coincidence that I was $750 short a week before departing, and that through all of you God provided me with $765 at the last minute. He gives you green lights when your on track the same way he'll put up roadblocks if you're not.
Before I came here I was at a Christian conference in Omaha, Nebraska. The MC (a good friend of mine) ended by saying "Drive fast, take chances, see you next year." He was just being funny, but in a way I think that's how life is. Perhaps it's the only way to live out your calling.
"You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." - James 4: 14-16
Thanks for listening. Drive fast, take chances, and don't buy green bananas.
I guess I have always thought there was one path that God has for us, and he gives us the free will to decide to follow it or not. When we stray from the path we learn from it and we get back on. Without turning this into my thoughts on predestination, I'll speak simply on behalf of what I've learned through my experiences leading up to coming here.
This all started back in October when it was merely an idea. A pretty raw and wild one at that. I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly where it came from or why, it just did. I'll argue that we have these types of thoughts quite often. However, they usually get swallowed away quickly by all the excuses we can come up with as why not to follow through. The idea is usually put to rest right then and there. We have logical thoughts that point to the conventional way of life. Then we have creative thoughts that get dubbed dreams, and for some reason are less likely to happen. The world tells us to make logical decisions, not creative ones. Logical thoughts are often the best choices, but not always. Why should we listen to what the world tells us? After all, it has been wrong before.
I think our callings lie in our creative thoughts.
There was one particular weekend where the excuses NOT to come to Africa seemed to far outweigh the reasons I had to go. At least logically. Not many people know this, but I actually e-mailed IVHQ and told them I wasn't coming to Africa and that I'd like my deposit back. They were OK with it, but my heart wasn't. For the rest of the weekend I felt sick, not just in my head but physically, too. And of course the story goes; here I am living happily ever after in Tanzania. That's the best I can explain it. This was just something I had to do.
From what people tell me this is a lot of what it's like to be in Love. You can't explain it, but when you meet that other person you absoluetly have to do whatever you can just to be near them. You do stupid and crazy things for that other person because you Love them. If the world saw, it would certainly call you an outcast and tell you that you are weird. Again, that's just what people tell me. On the outisde, to love something or someone has a different meaning than being IN love with them. At the core, however, I think that there are some similarities, at least in relation to a calling.
Just read 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter that's traditionally read at Christian weddings. It starts by talking about how 'I will show you the most excellent way'. Then it does the whole love is patient love is kind thing, and ends by saying this: "And now these three remain: Faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinth. 13:13) Therefore, the most excellent way is truly characterized by faith, hope, and love. I submit our callings should be driven by faith hope and love, but most greatly by love. I imagine that our calling is 'the most excellent way'.
The world operates like the airlines do. We're suppose to 'fix our oxygen masks before assisting others'. Then again the world says a lot of things that just aren't true.
Today was a big day for me, I think for the FIRST time in my life I felt what it truly means to love your neighbor as yourself. I was walking home from class today with the lady that runs the orphanage. I told her Janet hasn't been in class the past two days. Janet is my favorite, I actually played rock paper scissors with the other volunteer at my placement to see who got first dibs at adopting her. I won (best 2 out of 3 of course). Don't worry I'm not actually going to adopt her, it was just a creative thought.
I asked the teacher if she knew where Janet was. She said Janet was sick and would be back on Monday. After that she looked me in the eye and said that Janet gets sick quite often because she is infected with aids.
I felt like my life stopped for a moment. It was like someone just told me that it was ME that had aids. I realized that, at least at that moment, I loved Janet the same way I love myself. I don't know if I would have had that same experience if I didn't come to Africa. I don't know if I would have experienced that if I didn't say yes to the creative thought I had back in October.
A wise friend told me I wasn't going to serve the kids in Africa but to serve Jesus himself. Another friend told me that when I look at the kids at the orphanage not to be surprised if I saw Jesus. I didn't know what they were talking about until now. It certainly gave me a view of loving God with all my mind, heart, and soul.
I understand that the time between graduating college and getting a big person job is perhaps the easiest time to say yes to your creative thoughts. However, if it's God's will then it's your calling. Put your creative thoughts to the test and see if he doesn't open a door. It isn't a coincidence I felt sick the weekend that I temporarily canceled the trip. It isn't a coincidence that I was $750 short a week before departing, and that through all of you God provided me with $765 at the last minute. He gives you green lights when your on track the same way he'll put up roadblocks if you're not.
Before I came here I was at a Christian conference in Omaha, Nebraska. The MC (a good friend of mine) ended by saying "Drive fast, take chances, see you next year." He was just being funny, but in a way I think that's how life is. Perhaps it's the only way to live out your calling.
"You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." - James 4: 14-16
Thanks for listening. Drive fast, take chances, and don't buy green bananas.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Running the Race
I asked my friend Ohmie, the housing manager for my program, how he was doing. I love how he responded, "My friend, physically fit... mentally stable... emotionally perfect." I think Ohmie might be on to something.
I fell asleep at 8 Wednesday night. Not just because of Jet lag, but also because the work I am doing demands it, that is if I want to keep up with my friend Ohmie. When you go to sleep at 8 you naturally wake up at 4 am. Therefore, I laid in bed and waited for the sun to rise. That's when I got the crazy idea to go for a morning jog. I've always thought people that go running at 6 am are both admirable and totally stupid at the same time. But here I was, probably more stupid than admirable.
I made it to the end of the block and wanted to fall over and die, I was so tired. I'll blame it on the altitude. I stopped and acknowledged the fact that I was crazy, and reminded myself that everyone else is sleeping and I should be too. I considered walking back. However, I mustard up what I could and kept going. While I was running it dawned on me (haha get it?) that this was more than a 6 am jog, but a symbol of my entire journey. It was then that I really believe God revealed something very beautiful to me.
If you're following from home, I arrived a week ago and went straight to the Masaii village where we killed goats and slept under the stars. I had the excitement and energy to stay here forever. It was like how I imagine Forest Gump felt when he put on his shoes. Much like most of us feel in life when we first start out on a journey. Then you hit the 'crucial point', your adrenaline gives out and what you're really made of gets put to the test.
For me, the beginning of this week was the crucial point; physically, mentally, and emotionally. I can't blame that on the altitude:
Physically, my body hurt. If I had enough sunscreen then I probably didn't have enough bug spray and vis a versa. Not to mention I was paranoid of all the fun diseases that you're exposed to just from being here. I was going through Pepto Bismal as quickly as drinking water... you get the idea.
Mentally, I was starting to freak out at the thought of having 6 hours a day, alone, for a whole month. It's like the extroverts worse nightmare. That principle about inner peace was a lot easier to talk about then actually follow through on.
Emotionally, my heart hurt. If you've seen the pictures or read my post about 'a broken heart'... then you know I was far from emotionally perfect.
I wanted to quit, give up, throw in the towel. A month seemed like a very very long time. At one point I even toyed with the idea of at least checking to see how much a plane ticket home would cost. I was trying to create an option to quit. It was either that, or let go of yourself and ask God to carry you. If you're familiar with the footprints story, the part where there are two sets of footprints in the sand, until one of them disappears. Then God says, "I didn't leave you my son, that is where I picked you up and carried you"... yeah, that was me on Tuesday.
On my morning jog I chose to fight through the pain and keep going. Once I got passed that crucial point it became so much easier. The initial suffering produced an inexplicably uncanny perseverence. I finished the route I had planned, and I decided to do it again. It was even easier the second time. I think it's funny how God wired us to be capable of SO much when we team up with him, but only after we realize that we are not that great and can't possibly make it on our own. Then we just sit in his arms while he carries us to great distances. He puts those crucial points in our lives so that we stop, realize that we are broken, and lean on him to make our paths straight. And he will.
I'll be OK from here on out.
Of course this analogy doesn't come from me but from the bible. When I got home from my run I read this at breakfast, you've probably heard it before:
"Let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-3
Chances are you are in a race right now, too. Maybe more than one. Maybe one too many. The scenery might not be the same as mine right now but I'm sure its incredibly challenging in its own way. I encourage you to think of those races and determine what point you are at in the race. Perhaps the only way to finish the race is to fix your eyes on things above. And if you're at that crucial point, remember that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.
I now have a new definition for hope: Physically fit, mentally stable, and emotionally perfect. Thanks for that one Ohmie.
I wish you the best from Africa! As Mama tells me every morning before I leave, Be free but be SAFE!
I fell asleep at 8 Wednesday night. Not just because of Jet lag, but also because the work I am doing demands it, that is if I want to keep up with my friend Ohmie. When you go to sleep at 8 you naturally wake up at 4 am. Therefore, I laid in bed and waited for the sun to rise. That's when I got the crazy idea to go for a morning jog. I've always thought people that go running at 6 am are both admirable and totally stupid at the same time. But here I was, probably more stupid than admirable.
I made it to the end of the block and wanted to fall over and die, I was so tired. I'll blame it on the altitude. I stopped and acknowledged the fact that I was crazy, and reminded myself that everyone else is sleeping and I should be too. I considered walking back. However, I mustard up what I could and kept going. While I was running it dawned on me (haha get it?) that this was more than a 6 am jog, but a symbol of my entire journey. It was then that I really believe God revealed something very beautiful to me.
If you're following from home, I arrived a week ago and went straight to the Masaii village where we killed goats and slept under the stars. I had the excitement and energy to stay here forever. It was like how I imagine Forest Gump felt when he put on his shoes. Much like most of us feel in life when we first start out on a journey. Then you hit the 'crucial point', your adrenaline gives out and what you're really made of gets put to the test.
For me, the beginning of this week was the crucial point; physically, mentally, and emotionally. I can't blame that on the altitude:
Physically, my body hurt. If I had enough sunscreen then I probably didn't have enough bug spray and vis a versa. Not to mention I was paranoid of all the fun diseases that you're exposed to just from being here. I was going through Pepto Bismal as quickly as drinking water... you get the idea.
Mentally, I was starting to freak out at the thought of having 6 hours a day, alone, for a whole month. It's like the extroverts worse nightmare. That principle about inner peace was a lot easier to talk about then actually follow through on.
Emotionally, my heart hurt. If you've seen the pictures or read my post about 'a broken heart'... then you know I was far from emotionally perfect.
I wanted to quit, give up, throw in the towel. A month seemed like a very very long time. At one point I even toyed with the idea of at least checking to see how much a plane ticket home would cost. I was trying to create an option to quit. It was either that, or let go of yourself and ask God to carry you. If you're familiar with the footprints story, the part where there are two sets of footprints in the sand, until one of them disappears. Then God says, "I didn't leave you my son, that is where I picked you up and carried you"... yeah, that was me on Tuesday.
On my morning jog I chose to fight through the pain and keep going. Once I got passed that crucial point it became so much easier. The initial suffering produced an inexplicably uncanny perseverence. I finished the route I had planned, and I decided to do it again. It was even easier the second time. I think it's funny how God wired us to be capable of SO much when we team up with him, but only after we realize that we are not that great and can't possibly make it on our own. Then we just sit in his arms while he carries us to great distances. He puts those crucial points in our lives so that we stop, realize that we are broken, and lean on him to make our paths straight. And he will.
I'll be OK from here on out.
Of course this analogy doesn't come from me but from the bible. When I got home from my run I read this at breakfast, you've probably heard it before:
"Let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-3
Chances are you are in a race right now, too. Maybe more than one. Maybe one too many. The scenery might not be the same as mine right now but I'm sure its incredibly challenging in its own way. I encourage you to think of those races and determine what point you are at in the race. Perhaps the only way to finish the race is to fix your eyes on things above. And if you're at that crucial point, remember that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.
I now have a new definition for hope: Physically fit, mentally stable, and emotionally perfect. Thanks for that one Ohmie.
I wish you the best from Africa! As Mama tells me every morning before I leave, Be free but be SAFE!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Random Shots on Culture
1. The kids at the orphanage are absolutely fascinated by my arm hair. They've never seen anything quite like it.
2. When walking down the street people often yell "Jambo! Muzungu!" and point at me. It means, "Hey! White person!".
3. On the dala dala we stopped once for gas which seemed odd enough in and of itself. Then the driver drove off without paying.
4. There isn't a mirror to be found in my home stay. I suggest you try avoiding them and see how you like it. It's actually quite refreshing not caring what you look like.
5. The other day the girl I co-teach with asked the class if anyone had a rubber. I gasped, and then realized that's what the name for eraser is in England.
6. Every time a local asks me where I am from, the reaction is without fail "Hey!! Obama!!!" Followed by a high five or a pound. You were right Grandmother!
7. I really like sleeping in a mosquito net. It's like my fortress against the world of mosquito's, bats, bees, cockroaches, mice, and giant spiders that come in and out of my room as they please.
8. For breakfast each morning I eat bread, not toast, and butter.
9. You see some of the most bazaar Tshirts here. I get a kick when the biggest, toughest, meanest looking African men are sporting a Looney Tunes or Winnie the Poo Tshirt.
10. I'm a little jealous walking around the city. I feel like the only person in the world who can't carry a basket of fruit over their head.
11. There is no need for an alarm clock. The 2 cows and coupe of chickens that live outside my window make plenty of noise once the sun is up.
12. I can't tell the difference between Brit's accents from different parts of England, and they can't tell the difference between me and the Canadians.
2. When walking down the street people often yell "Jambo! Muzungu!" and point at me. It means, "Hey! White person!".
3. On the dala dala we stopped once for gas which seemed odd enough in and of itself. Then the driver drove off without paying.
4. There isn't a mirror to be found in my home stay. I suggest you try avoiding them and see how you like it. It's actually quite refreshing not caring what you look like.
5. The other day the girl I co-teach with asked the class if anyone had a rubber. I gasped, and then realized that's what the name for eraser is in England.
6. Every time a local asks me where I am from, the reaction is without fail "Hey!! Obama!!!" Followed by a high five or a pound. You were right Grandmother!
7. I really like sleeping in a mosquito net. It's like my fortress against the world of mosquito's, bats, bees, cockroaches, mice, and giant spiders that come in and out of my room as they please.
8. For breakfast each morning I eat bread, not toast, and butter.
9. You see some of the most bazaar Tshirts here. I get a kick when the biggest, toughest, meanest looking African men are sporting a Looney Tunes or Winnie the Poo Tshirt.
10. I'm a little jealous walking around the city. I feel like the only person in the world who can't carry a basket of fruit over their head.
11. There is no need for an alarm clock. The 2 cows and coupe of chickens that live outside my window make plenty of noise once the sun is up.
12. I can't tell the difference between Brit's accents from different parts of England, and they can't tell the difference between me and the Canadians.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Day My Heart Broke
You've heard the term, today it happened to me. This morning was my first day volunteering at the orphanage. It's about a 2 mile walk from where I live. To get there I walk past poverty far worse than anything I could ever have imagined. There are homes smaller than an American bedroom, walls made out of dirt and sand, people without limbs begging on the side of a muddy dirt road. If my heart wasn't fully broken already, then it certainly was after I arrived at the orphanage.
It consisted of 2 classrooms each the size of a toolshed. There are about 35 children to fill the two inadequate classrooms. Before I got there, there was only one teacher to jump back and forth and teach two classes at once. Since arriving, I co-teach with another volunteer from the program, Jemma, who is from England. We work mostly on Math, and reading and writing in English. Although the majority of the work will be teaching, I am excited to clean up the yard so the kids actually have a place to run and play. There are also a few desks that are on the verge of collapse, I want to fix those ASAP.
On a lighter note, I'll mention the 'Dala Dala'. This is like the metro transit, only African style. It's quite exhilirating actually. It is a series of 15-passenger vans (each no less than 30 old) that they pack nearly twice the amount one would consider 'safe'. I fear for my life everytime I get on it, but that's what makes it fun. The driving here seems crazy and wreckless to me, but to the locals it's just normal. Everytime you cross the street you may as well flip a coin to see if you're going to make it to the other side safely. But don't worry Mom! I'll be ok...
I am finally settling in. So far I've been here 5 nights and slept in a different place each night. I am starting to really favor the homestay over the volunteer house. It's pretty wild over there. People are up 'til the wee hours of the morning and you have to get real scrappy if you want to eat enough food. At the homestay, I get the best of both worlds. Mama takes good care of me, and I can still go visit whenever I want (although it means getting on two dala dalas).
Overall I am thrilled by the way things have come together. When I got home today my body ached, and my heart hurt. I got home and fell into bed. I was overcome with a smile, because I knew for certain my first day took all the love I had to offer from me. I have also been able to talk to a handful of volunteers about my faith, and I've also encouraged my host family (who has gotten 'lazy') to start attending church services again. I was talking to the program coordinator about his beliefs. He says he is a weak Christian, and has trouble with giving to God. His view is that God has enough money. I was quietly frustrated, and thought 'how can you think you don't have to give to God'. I was reminded of 'whatever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me'. I went and read a note from one of my friends about how I'm not just serving others, but serving God. I'll end with a quote from Donald Miller in his book Blue Like Jazz.
"Can you imagine if Christians actually believed that God was trying to rescue us from our own self addiction? Can you imagine what Americans would do if they understood over half the world is living in poverty. If we believed the right things, the true things, there wouldn't be many problems on Earth."
I guess the coordinator was right, God DOES have enough money. He just leaves it up to you and me to make sure it gets where it needs to. I can now say I've seen the worst of the worst. I'm just thankful that I'm able to help.
It consisted of 2 classrooms each the size of a toolshed. There are about 35 children to fill the two inadequate classrooms. Before I got there, there was only one teacher to jump back and forth and teach two classes at once. Since arriving, I co-teach with another volunteer from the program, Jemma, who is from England. We work mostly on Math, and reading and writing in English. Although the majority of the work will be teaching, I am excited to clean up the yard so the kids actually have a place to run and play. There are also a few desks that are on the verge of collapse, I want to fix those ASAP.
On a lighter note, I'll mention the 'Dala Dala'. This is like the metro transit, only African style. It's quite exhilirating actually. It is a series of 15-passenger vans (each no less than 30 old) that they pack nearly twice the amount one would consider 'safe'. I fear for my life everytime I get on it, but that's what makes it fun. The driving here seems crazy and wreckless to me, but to the locals it's just normal. Everytime you cross the street you may as well flip a coin to see if you're going to make it to the other side safely. But don't worry Mom! I'll be ok...
I am finally settling in. So far I've been here 5 nights and slept in a different place each night. I am starting to really favor the homestay over the volunteer house. It's pretty wild over there. People are up 'til the wee hours of the morning and you have to get real scrappy if you want to eat enough food. At the homestay, I get the best of both worlds. Mama takes good care of me, and I can still go visit whenever I want (although it means getting on two dala dalas).
Overall I am thrilled by the way things have come together. When I got home today my body ached, and my heart hurt. I got home and fell into bed. I was overcome with a smile, because I knew for certain my first day took all the love I had to offer from me. I have also been able to talk to a handful of volunteers about my faith, and I've also encouraged my host family (who has gotten 'lazy') to start attending church services again. I was talking to the program coordinator about his beliefs. He says he is a weak Christian, and has trouble with giving to God. His view is that God has enough money. I was quietly frustrated, and thought 'how can you think you don't have to give to God'. I was reminded of 'whatever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me'. I went and read a note from one of my friends about how I'm not just serving others, but serving God. I'll end with a quote from Donald Miller in his book Blue Like Jazz.
"Can you imagine if Christians actually believed that God was trying to rescue us from our own self addiction? Can you imagine what Americans would do if they understood over half the world is living in poverty. If we believed the right things, the true things, there wouldn't be many problems on Earth."
I guess the coordinator was right, God DOES have enough money. He just leaves it up to you and me to make sure it gets where it needs to. I can now say I've seen the worst of the worst. I'm just thankful that I'm able to help.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Joy Like None Other
I don't know where to begin, the past 3 days of my life have been so incredibly different than anything I have ever experienced. The flights were fine, and to my surprise went quicker than I imagined they would. For one of the flights I sat next to a Christian missionary headed to Kenya. She had been many times and so it was great to be able to quiz her on what to expect. The most interesting thing she said was that Swahili has no direct translation for the word "future". They will talk about 'later on' but they won't talk about future in a 'what do you want to be when you grow up' sort of way. She said one of the most uplifting experiences I'll have working in an orphanage will be to help the kids dream about the future.
After landing in Kilimanjaro I was relieved to see two people waiting for me with my name on a sign, Erik and Nelli. We took an hour or so van ride to the volunteer house, where I spent my first night. It was late and I was tired but there were a number of volunteers up, so I took the chance to get to know them and ask them all sorts of questions. The other volunteers are AWESOME. Most are from either Canada or England. I've met a few people from the New York and California area as well.
The first morning I enjoyed my first African meal. It consisted of Chappati (fried dough) and the usual toast, tea, and coffee. Shortly after, I was offered a choice to go to my home stay or on an adventure with about 13 of the other volunteers. Of course, I chose the adventure. However, I had no idea what was to lie ahead.
Where we were headed was Masaiiland, where the tribe of Masaii lives. It was about an hour (North?) from Arusha. The Masaii are what you would imagine if you were going to watch a National Geographics episode about tribal Africa. They live in mudhuts, farm animals for survival, and the chief had a huge belly along with 9 or 10 wives and countless children. The kids loved us. It was almost as though they were on vacation when they saw us. Always touching you and wanting to play. I learned quickly from them to embrace culture differences and find joy in others. I initially felt bad for them. The mud huts smelled awful, it was hot, and there were so many house flies EVERYWHERE you had to pretend to swim just to be able to keep them off of you. To my standards the living conditions were horrendous. Yet the Masaii had a joy for life like nothing I had ever seen before.
At night we sacrificed a goat. By sacrificed I mean we watched them kill a goat and cook it over a fire. The whole process was quite disturbing but I felt compelled to watch. I was feeling fine when they killed it and then skinned it. It was when they pulled out the organs and started feeding them to each other raw that I started to feel queezy. Then when the other guys in my group volunteered to taste the blood a chill of fear overcame me as I knew I had to follow. I'll spare you the details. After the meal, we witnessed the tribe dance around the fire. It wasn't a ritual or ceremony like you'd perhaps imagine, but more of a Friday night hang out and celebrate type of situation. I was very pleased to see 'the train' has found it's way over to tribal Africa. We danced and celebrated like we didn't have a care in the world. And we didn't.
My interaction with the Masaii taught me a lot of things. How blessed I am, but also how much I am missing out on the simple things in life. They don't have cell phones, because everyone they know lives in such close quarters. They don't have social classes, everyone is treated the same (other than the fat chief of course). We couldn't understand each other very well but when we were dancing around the fire I had the resounding feeling that God was smiling. That two very different breeds of his creation were laughing and hugging. That for only a night we truly cared about each other. It was once I realized this that I think I started to realize how much God loves not just Americans, but the whole world and everyone in the world.
I'm now with my host family. They are extremely caring and helpful. I'll have orientation tomorrow morning and will then begin my work at the orphanage. I'm right near the center of the city, and pretty happy with my situation. I am planning on moving to the volunteer house after 2 weeks or so. I want the experience with the host family, however I feel my best place of ministry will be with the other volunteers who are all roughly my age. I feel a push to spend a significant amount of time over there building relationships.
I hope you are all well back home! So far I'm safe and sound, but I'll admit I'm quite paranoid about becoming ill. Look for another update towards the end of this week or next weekend.
In him,
Andrew
After landing in Kilimanjaro I was relieved to see two people waiting for me with my name on a sign, Erik and Nelli. We took an hour or so van ride to the volunteer house, where I spent my first night. It was late and I was tired but there were a number of volunteers up, so I took the chance to get to know them and ask them all sorts of questions. The other volunteers are AWESOME. Most are from either Canada or England. I've met a few people from the New York and California area as well.
The first morning I enjoyed my first African meal. It consisted of Chappati (fried dough) and the usual toast, tea, and coffee. Shortly after, I was offered a choice to go to my home stay or on an adventure with about 13 of the other volunteers. Of course, I chose the adventure. However, I had no idea what was to lie ahead.
Where we were headed was Masaiiland, where the tribe of Masaii lives. It was about an hour (North?) from Arusha. The Masaii are what you would imagine if you were going to watch a National Geographics episode about tribal Africa. They live in mudhuts, farm animals for survival, and the chief had a huge belly along with 9 or 10 wives and countless children. The kids loved us. It was almost as though they were on vacation when they saw us. Always touching you and wanting to play. I learned quickly from them to embrace culture differences and find joy in others. I initially felt bad for them. The mud huts smelled awful, it was hot, and there were so many house flies EVERYWHERE you had to pretend to swim just to be able to keep them off of you. To my standards the living conditions were horrendous. Yet the Masaii had a joy for life like nothing I had ever seen before.
At night we sacrificed a goat. By sacrificed I mean we watched them kill a goat and cook it over a fire. The whole process was quite disturbing but I felt compelled to watch. I was feeling fine when they killed it and then skinned it. It was when they pulled out the organs and started feeding them to each other raw that I started to feel queezy. Then when the other guys in my group volunteered to taste the blood a chill of fear overcame me as I knew I had to follow. I'll spare you the details. After the meal, we witnessed the tribe dance around the fire. It wasn't a ritual or ceremony like you'd perhaps imagine, but more of a Friday night hang out and celebrate type of situation. I was very pleased to see 'the train' has found it's way over to tribal Africa. We danced and celebrated like we didn't have a care in the world. And we didn't.
My interaction with the Masaii taught me a lot of things. How blessed I am, but also how much I am missing out on the simple things in life. They don't have cell phones, because everyone they know lives in such close quarters. They don't have social classes, everyone is treated the same (other than the fat chief of course). We couldn't understand each other very well but when we were dancing around the fire I had the resounding feeling that God was smiling. That two very different breeds of his creation were laughing and hugging. That for only a night we truly cared about each other. It was once I realized this that I think I started to realize how much God loves not just Americans, but the whole world and everyone in the world.
I'm now with my host family. They are extremely caring and helpful. I'll have orientation tomorrow morning and will then begin my work at the orphanage. I'm right near the center of the city, and pretty happy with my situation. I am planning on moving to the volunteer house after 2 weeks or so. I want the experience with the host family, however I feel my best place of ministry will be with the other volunteers who are all roughly my age. I feel a push to spend a significant amount of time over there building relationships.
I hope you are all well back home! So far I'm safe and sound, but I'll admit I'm quite paranoid about becoming ill. Look for another update towards the end of this week or next weekend.
In him,
Andrew
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Predeparture Update!!
Dear Friends and Family,
One week until I leave for Tanzania! The days leading up until the trip have been filled with a wide array of emotion; excitement, anxiousness, happiness, and nervousness. Overall it’s incredible how much I have already learned, and I haven’t even left yet! Mostly, I am learning to fully rely and trust on God for the things that are out of my control.
I want to take a minute to share with you my dreams for the next 6 weeks of my life. There are many things I am dedicated to accomplishing while in Africa. Most all of them fall into three principles that I will strive for each day:
(1) To sacrifice my own desires and wants to better the lives of African children.
To quote the book The Irresistible Revolution, “True love is not measured by how much you have given, but by how much you have left”. I am determined to leave everything I have with the orphaned children of Africa. When I look back on this trip I want to be able to say that I couldn’t possibly have given any more of myself.
(2) To invest in the relationships I build with Staff and the other volunteers, and share with them the love of Jesus.
The love of God is contagious. Emerson once said “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”. This phrase has become of great inspiration to me, because I truly believe that with passion and enthusiasm others will come to know the Lord. The word enthusiasm literally means ‘the God (enthos) within (iasm)’. If they see this within me, then they will have an open ear for me to tell them about Jesus.
(3) To develop my inner peace.
Most of you know how much of an extrovert I am, and how I gain energy from simply being around others. Actually, I’m convinced that I don’t truly know the meaning of “down-time”, nor have I had much experience with it in college. I don’t want to overuse famous philosophers, but Pascal is known for saying that “All man’s miseries derive from not being able to quietly sit in a room alone.” I’ll have plenty of down-time while I am there and I can not wait to learn more about myself, and develop my ability to sit still and listen to God.
I realize that these goals are not measurable. This was intentional. I want to leave room to see what the Lord puts on my heart and makes me capable of accomplishing. As my supporters who have devoted both your prayers and financial contributions, I encourage you to hold me accountable on these three principles. You can be sure I will be keeping you updated how they are going as things progress.
As I mentioned in my opening, I am starting to learn what it means to fully rely on God. Right now I am about 80% of the way to my goal of $4,000. I am asking God to provide the additional $750 I will need to cover the expenses of my journey. If you are willing to support me further in all or in part of the remaining expenses please simply contact me. I have already felt so blessed to make it as far as I have. It’s funny how much money loses it power when we love each other like family.
Here we go! One week, and I’ll be off to an entirely foreign place, where upon arriving I won’t know a single person by name. In the next week please be praying for my safety in travel. I encourage you also to pray specifically for one of the three principles, that together we will reach success. I can’t thank you enough for your support and all the encouragement I have received, it has meant the world to me. If you have any advice, comments, prayer requests, or to tell me an update of your own life, then I would love to get an e-mail back from you.
Sincerely,
Andrew
“Run – Dance – Skip – or Jump… but don’t ever tiptoe through life”
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