I’m in Africa.
The place that has pulsed through my soul since I left it so many months ago. The place that forced me to think things and feel things that I didn’t know to exist before coming here. The place that taught me how small the world is and how truly similar its inhabitants are, regardless of where they happened to be born.
From a very external viewpoint, my first seven days back on this wonderfully bizarre floating world that I have so quickly come to call home could be considered far less than perfect. My luggage did a 4-day African tour prior to being reunited with me – its rightful owner. Neither my lungs nor my stomach have been terribly compliant with the travel and new environment. And, as any fellow Mercy Shipper could attest, the transition from unlimited personal time and space to this can take a small bit of adjustment.
But, as much as my world has done a complete 180 in the past seven days, something about that just feels..."right"
I knew it the moment I walked up the gangway last Saturday night and was greeted by the warm embraces of friends that I have only been able to dream of for the last year. I knew it the first time we went out to Africa and saw mamas sitting on stools under palm trees, washing babies on their laps and knowing that in a few short days, mamas just like them will bring their babies to our ship and allow me the privilege of caring for them. I knew it when I was sitting on the beach yesterday watching massive, powerful waves crash against the shore and became so conscious of God’s great might.
And the best part is that the best is yet to come…
posted by Jenn on Africa
Comments Off
I’m in Africa.
The place that has pulsed through my soul since I left it so many months ago. The place that forced me to think things and feel things that I didn’t know to exist before coming here. The place that taught me how small the world is and how truly similar its inhabitants are, regardless of where they happened to be born.
From a very external viewpoint, my first seven days back on this wonderfully bizarre floating world that I have so quickly come to call home could be considered far less than perfect. My luggage did a 4-day African tour prior to being reunited with me – its rightful owner. Neither my lungs nor my stomach have been terribly compliant with the travel and new environment. And, as any fellow Mercy Shipper could attest, the transition from unlimited personal time and space to this can take a small bit of adjustment.
But, as much as my world has done a complete 180 in the past seven days, something about that just feels..."right"
I knew it the moment I walked up the gangway last Saturday night and was greeted by the warm embraces of friends that I have only been able to dream of for the last year. I knew it the first time we went out to Africa and saw mamas sitting on stools under palm trees, washing babies on their laps and knowing that in a few short days, mamas just like them will bring their babies to our ship and allow me the privilege of caring for them. I knew it when I was sitting on the beach yesterday watching massive, powerful waves crash against the shore and became so conscious of God’s great might.
And the best part is that the best is yet to come…