August 4, 2006 - Kangari, Kenya

     The most common question I still get is “what are you doing there?”  Very good question – in fact I had to give it some thought.  I came here to serve.  God told me to go to Africa – unfortunately he wasn’t more specific - and Africa is really big.  Until I find the “place” that I’m supposed to be I’m doing by best to serve where I am.  Although day-to-day activities vary greatly depending on where I am, it all kind of boils down to 3 tasks:  Listen, Learn and Love.

LISTEN

            For the small, still voice of God.

            To my heart.

            To the elderly for their wisdom and experience.

            To the young for their vision and dreams.

            To missionaries, aid workers – all those who have gone before me.

            Don’t speak, don’t think, don’t judge – just listen.  I don’t know how many people have really listened.   I think most come with pre-conceived notions of what it means to help, and what these people need, and then do what they think is best.

LEARN

            Who I am – what I need.

            Who they are – what they need.

            The cultures, languages and ways of life.

            What has worked, what has not.

            What it really means to help someone.

            What it really means to love someone.

LOVE

            The Lord – with all my heart, all my soul and all my mind.

            My neighbor as myself.

            These people –

The happy and healthy

The passionate and motivated

The beggars and thieves

The impoverished, broken and defeated

The sick and dying.

            Love them as I have been loved - unconditionally – just like they are, right where they are.  Pray, speak and act out of love.  Love them enough to listen and learn.  Shine.