As I gathered my belongings, I began to pray.Lord, prepare me to speak clearly and enjoy this time. May those that attend see Christ in me and may this time of fellowship be sweet and unique. Amen.
I kissed the children goodbye and told my husband that I loved him and was on my way.
This time was different, it was special, I was excited and happy to see friends.
The only thing I had in my possession besides my keys were 52 squares of construction paper.
Upon my arrival, three precious, young faces greeted me and all had a child on their hip.
"Mauwoka bwanji?!...Nauwoka bwino, kanamwe?"
(How is your morning? Mine is well, and you?")
Greetings were passed among smiles, hand shakes, and giant hugs.
Today was different, today was special.
We gathered underneath the shade tree, removed our flip flops to expose our dusty feet and sat on the handmade reed mat that I brought along.
"Lero, tizasewera Memory!"
(Today, we will play Memory!)
Smiles eased upon the faces of my sweet friends and laughter accompanied the happiness.
I gently placed the blue and red construction paper upon the beige, worn, reed mat.
At that moment, my world seemed to slow to a speed that was photographic in my memory.
The breeze was gentle, the voices of children speaking were soft, the wrinkles that were exposed around the eyes of my friends as they enjoyed their time together made me peaceful, the colors of the construction paper on the dry land was so vivid, and in this moment I knew that I had finally come to have a deep passion for the women that I have come to know and love.
Marcy, Zeria, Damares, Alaida, Elizabeth, and Tetamenje
We played a simple children's game...Memory...to help them learn their letters and phonetics a little better so that they can read the Bible on their own.
It brought joy to our worlds and once again reminded me that sweet time with friends is memorable and is what adds color to our lives.
More importantly as a missionary, I can honestly say that I love the Nsenga people.
I love them because God has called our family to minister to them,
I love them because Jesus Christ first loved me.
" Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all people."
Psalm 96:3
2 comments:
Beautiful, Joy. I could feel your passion and the breath of discovery that you do truly love your people group. What an amazing testimony. Thank you!
How beautifully you write...and I know it's Christ in you, but it's also the gift of God to be able to draw us into your world to experience with you your joys, pains, happy moments, anguish and peace. Thanks for the blessing of this blog and your faithfulness to it!
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