Every tribe, tongue, and nation or bust, right? I got to appreciate this scripture in a whole new way this weekend, as I spent the night on Friday with a Maasai family. From choir performances to prayer to dinner to getting to read them English scripture, it was an experience that taught me so much about appreciating the cultures of others. This night fired up my heart for missions even more as I felt myself falling in love with my brothers and sisters in a broken world. We got to spend quality time together and they had such servant's hearts. It was inspiring.
First meetings and unexpected blessings. Some blossom into lifelong relationships, others last only a few minutes. Each first "hello" is so important when we consider the fact that God wants us to minister to others, if only for a moment. You know those times that you're in a bad mood and a stranger on the street smiles at you, giving you the push you need? This night at the village reminded me that every second you spend with people is an opportunity to introduce them to God's joy again. Every second that you're around others is a chance to serve, encourage, and love others… even if just for a split second. You never know whom you might meet today. Your smile may light up the day for someone hurting. Be alert for first meetings and look forward to the surprises that Christ has in store for you.
In the meantime, here's some of the blessings and surprises that He has introduced me to over here in Tanzania. Here's some of the smiles that He's given me.
Then for the second part of my weekend, I decided to participate in the Kilimanjaro Marathon in Moshi. How many times am I going to be able to run up the side of Mount Kilimanjaro in a world renowned marathon? This was my thought process when I decided to sign up last minute on Thursday. Little did I know, crazy adventures this way would come.
My friend Beth and I piled onto the greatly overpacked bus (equipped with chickens) and began our adventure. About halfway to Moshi (a town that lies on the base of Mount Kilimanjaro) as I was looking out the window, praying, and reminiscing to a very meaningful iPod playlist, I got suddenly distracted by one of the tires of our bus rolling past me in the opposite direction down the road. Suddenly, our bus began to swerve and one side tilted down. We ended up in a broken bus on the side of the road climbing out the windows in a panic. Peace = destroyed. Then we hear in the distance in English (when you're abroad it becomes a really interesting sensation to understand someone without lots of effort so you always notice it) "Hey, do you girls want a ride??" It was two American's from California named Brandon and Melissa who were married and were actually on their way to their home in Moshi from Arusha after a doctor's appointment to get sonogram pictures for Melissa! We climbed into the back of their car and got to hear about their experience as missionaries in the Moshi area at an orphanage, and their aspirations to one day start their own orphanage. It was so wonderful to get to spend time building community and learning about other missionaries in Africa and hearing about their take on things. God puts people in your life for a reason. That was made VERY clear.
After getting to Moshi they said that they would take us to the hostels we were looking into, but we were stupid enough not to book a reservation on the weekend of one of the world's biggest marathons. At every hostel that they took us to we were greeted by laughter and no open rooms. However, Brandon and Melissa insisted on taking us in and feeding us. True servant's of God, they humbled me and were so loving and considerate. Anyone out there who wants some prayer requests, pray for the work that Brandon and Melissa are doing in the Moshi orphanage, and for a safe pregnancy. They cooked us a spaghetti dinner and we shared stories of missions worldwide, and then we went to bed.
The next morning I ran the Kilimanjaro Marathon up Mount Kilimanjaro, in the pouring rain, surrounded by Tanzanian residents cheering along the sides of the road shouting "Nitamaliza!!!!" (you will finish!) as I ran past shouting "NIMECHOKA" (I am tired!!) and "NITAKUFA!" (I am going to die.) About halfway through the marathon I ran past a village of children and they all started running with me and joining me in the marathon. Soon me and about 10 children under 13 were all running down the side of the mountain towards the finish line. Right before I entered the stadium to complete the marathon most of the kids stopped and waved goodbye, but one girl that I had been running and kept holding my hand looked at me hurt and longing. I stopped for a second looking at her and just said "Tuende!!!" meaning "Let's go!" She looked at me and got a huge smile on her face. She ran towards me and we ran to the end, dashing across the finish line hand-in-hand. 26.2 miles later, I can say that the highlight of my weekend was seeing her feel empowered, accomplished, and proud.
Tanzania. There's something beautiful about this place. Anyone who knows me knows that I love kids and knows that I love people. Anyone who knows me knows that I love love. Not even I expected to fall quite like this over here, though. It's not Africa, it's not the location, and it's not the scenery. It's the people. The children. The looks and smiles. The Skype dates back home. The distance. The feeling of being abroad. The feeling of serving my Lord. I'm falling in love in more than one way, and it's an amazing feeling.
Yours Truly
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