I thought I would share some stuff of when I was in Africa last summer :)
I left for Africa on June 11th and came home July 10th. It took 15 hours by plane to get to Johannesburg which is the capital of South Africa, then we had to drive about 5 hours to get to Maseru. I lived with my best friend Katie and her family. Katie's parents are missionaries there and have eight kids. Six of them were adopted and they have two of their own. They are such an AWESOME family!
Africa is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I have been to other countries, but none can compare with the beauty of Africa. I remember writing in my journal: "As we are driving, I see the land, the buildings, the people...I feel like my heart is about to burst. Everything is so beautiful. Not because so much money has been invested, not because everyone is dressed in suits and expensive clothes...but because its Africa."
I would go to the orphanage every morning and stay till that afternoon. I was in charge of one of the play rooms with kids from the ages around 6 to 13. I kept a key to a file cabinet and they would come ask if they could get things like puzzles, paper, crayons, or games out. I would draw pictures with them, most of them being rainbows. I don't think they knew what that was before I came. We put together puzzles and play games and of course...sing Beyonce (their favorite singer). One day, I brought colored paper and paint so they could put their hand prints on the paper. When they were done, I helped them write "He has the whole world in His hands". It was extremely messy, but the kids loved it. On pretty days we would go outside and play on the playground or play soccer. I spent most of my time with the kids in my playroom, but occasionally I would go to the baby room and see the little ones. It broke my heart how badly they long to be held and loved. As soon as I walked in the door I would have at least 5 kids pulling on my clothes, holding their hands up wanting to be held. That is something I don't think a lot of people understand..it's not always about just sending money or giving them toys. What they want is to be loved. Names on checks won't be remembered, what will be remembered is the love you show them. Don't get me wrong..sending money is important and they NEED people to send money, but they also need help where they are at too. Seeing those kids smile and laugh was such a blessing for me to see. It ministered to me beyond words, how they (none of them..not just a handful. None) would complain about anything. And how they were thankful for the little things they had that seemed like nothing to us. We are all so fortunate to have everything we do: clean water that doesn't have to be filtered, hot showers whenever we want, a kitchen filled with food that we let go to waste, and the list goes on and on doesn't it?
Never let us forget to the grateful and thankful for everything we have, and pray for the ones who aren't as fortunate and blessed as we are.
