Daydreaming

This morning I spent quite some time looking at blogs and articles about ministry in Africa online. I now find myself in dreamland while I go about the mundane American tasks of my day. I long to be there, yet have a firm grasp on the reality that life will be difficult. I won't have conveniences of material things and the ability to call up a long time friend and see her at moments notice. I won't have the ability to worship the way I am accustomed. I will have a language and a cultural barrier. I will be dependant on God in a more desperate ways for my food, shelter, community and health.


Yet with all these daunting and inconvenient things, I cannot wait to be among the people where God places me. I want to walk along a dusty path to the creek with my African women friends. I want to wash clothes beside them in the river or basins. I want to smell the dried grasses and bush fires. I want to hear the goats and sheep. I want to use my stethoscope and listen to little gaunt chests of children and teach their mothers about nutrition and clean water. I want to write home about the events of the day and try to convey the joy I know I will experience serving Jesus the way He wants me to serve.


If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
-- Henry David Thoreau