What's the Big Deal?

I've told people that when I was asked to consider joining this Africa prayer team, my first reaction was an overwhelming sense of humility and gratitude for being considered.  My second reaction (which came very quickly after the first) was there is NO WAY I am going to Africa.  Why?  At the time I had a host of reasons, most of which I cannot even remember now.

There are so many ways God is blessing us by this adventure already, and we haven't even left Greenville. One of the greatest ways is by how excited OTHERS are for us.  Certainly we are not the first people to travel to Africa.  I have had the privilege of knowing students and friends who not only traveled to Africa, but LIVED in Africa.  There are world travelers among my extended family members.  I work with colleagues who have had multiple experiences working and living abroad. 

But this marks the first time that I will leave the North American continent.  It is also the first time for Christie.  And while Dan has been to Rwanda and Burundi, and the Newtons have been to Northern Africa, this is the first time the rest of us have ever been to Africa.  Honestly, I had my doubts that I would ever need a passport.  It wasn't that I had no desire to travel -- I just didn't think it would happen in my lifetime.

But here's the deal:  I was actually praying that God would expand my outlook on life.  I was praying that God would help me see the world as He sees it.  I was seeking new experiences, new ways to deepen my faith and love for God and for others.  I wasn't necessarily praying for an opportunity to travel to Africa, but I WAS earnestly seeking God and praying He would work in my life.  And this seems like the beginning of an answer to that prayer. 

We are humbled by the excitement others are showing FOR US.  We are so very grateful for the many ways you are demonstrating that excitement.  What wonderful family and friends we have!

God is very much alive and well and working all around us -- in the United States, in Kenya -- "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).  And we have the incredible privilege of joining His work in Africa, if only for a brief time.