There are moments here where I look around and say, “well how cools is that”. One of them was a few weeks ago when we went and had a picnic with our church.
As we were there together with our family fellowshipping and having fun, I couldn’t help but think how neat it was to be here. Here we were on the other side of the world and enjoying a picnic the family of God in a way that was so foreign and yet so familiar. Our kids were playing with the kids, the women were talking together, the men gathered in discussions and all just seemed to right and natural.
Then there are other moments. Like the moment when I touch a bump that has been on my toe for a few days, itching like crazy. A bump I had assumed to be an ant bite, which is common enough for me, but now that bump had spread and I can feel the straight line and circle on the top with a hook at the bottom. The horror then hits that this is no ant bite, but instead is a worm that had entered my foot. One of those moments when you think, “how uncool is that”. Time to pull out books, research online and figure out how to rid myself of this unwelcome guest and the eggs.
So that is life in Africa – so cool in many ways and at the the same time so uncool in many ways. Yet we can’t separate the two, the reality is to enjoy the cool moments we also have accept the uncool moments. And gradually we are learning to do exactly that – to not be shaken when those uncool moments arrive, but just to look forward to cool moments that are sure to come.
Dear Andi,
I hope you can get rid of the worm soon. That sounds really uncomfortable.
May our Lord bless you and your family as you minister to the people to whom He has given you.
You and your family are in my prayers often.
It was good that you were able to enjoy the picnic with your church and friends.
As usual Andi you have shared youself, your delights, and your problems in such a warm, natural and realistic way that we all feel like we are all there with you. Thank you for being so open. I pray that you will continue to enjoy the spot in life God has placed you, the mountains and the valleys. I also pray that each one of us reading this will take a lesson and share your enthusiasm and your wisdom the situations we find ourselves in in the life on the side of the world.
Please know, Andi, Joel, and boys, that you are in our prayers often and in our hearts always. God bless you keep you safe and keep you willing to follow him always.