Good morning to all....I have to say that each day brings a new perspective on life. I have befriended a little boy the age of 10. His name is Clinton. He is the boy who runs to greet me each afternoon when he arrives home from school. The other day, he showed up at my door. He looked so sad. He proceeded to tell me that he was at school from 7 in the morning until 2 and he had nothing to eat the whole day. He fell two times in school due to being so weak. I almost wanted to cry right there. I went up to the kitchen and brought down some bread for him to eat. He is absolutely a sweetheart. I would love to bring him back to the states....he said that his mom would let me do that....!!! I felt so sad for him. After he left, I went to my room and wept. He told me that he saw an american on tv that was riding a bicycle and he wished so badly that he could have a bike.....I began thinking about how I could get a bike to him...you do not see many bikes here. It proved to be another eye opener for me. Then after that experience, I traveled down the hill to go to the internet and I saw a man with a macheti and a HUGE log that he was trying to get down the hill. I took his picture and was amazed at how hard he was working. He told me that he has not eaten in days. I could sense the hopelessness within his soul. I took out some money to give him and told him to go get some bread to eat...He was so thankful. I have seen him since and he never hesitates to greet me with a big smile. All these situations have touched me in such a way. There is so much struggle here.
But, on a brighter note, I taught yesterday and the students were great...they really think that I am funny. We laugh and learn and enjoy each others company. It feels so good to be in a room with all of them.....all 78 of them....!!!!!
Later today I will be visiting Amado...he will be my guide up Mt. Cameroon. I will be talking to him about the materials to bring and the details of the trip. He has been a guide for the mountain for over 20 years. He is a very nice man. I will let you know the details as I receive them. I am planning to do the trek in 2 weeks..I am hoping to leave around noon on a Friday and return Saturday evening. I have run up and down the hill for the past two days. I recall a few years ago taking my running route in Wheaton during the hottest part of the day and repeating to myself...."I am just getting ready to handle the heat of Africa." I have to say that two days ago when I did my first official run down the hill, it was such an incredible feeling...I was actually running on African Land...it has come true...I felt so HAPPY! It was a deep moving moment for me. I have to say that today I can barely walk. My legs are so sore. I am hoping to run again today, but I may need to recover and do it tomorrow...It takes me about 15 -20 minutes to go down and then back up the hill. It is a challenge going up but I know that it will help me to do the mountain when the time arrives.
I hope all is well. I will let you know how the rest of the week proceeds. I am being observed tomorrow so that is always a bit of a stress. My love to all back home. Take care and have a great rest of the week. Love, Nancy~
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2 comments:
Hi Nancy!
It must be horribly difficult to see all of the struggle and hunger there. I would have to think that that is probably one of the most difficult things to adjust to when coming back to the US.......all of the waste and "excess" that we Americans live with and don't think twice about. I wish everyone could do what you have done.....experience hardship firsthand. We'd all appreciate our abundance so much more (and I put MYSELF at the top of that list. I know God is calling me to do something like this for that exact reason).
Imagine a mother giving up a child because she knew that he could have a better life somewhere else! That is the ultimate sacrifice. I don't think I could it, but that is because I don't live with hunger and poverty.
You are a bright light to those people, and that light will stay with them even after you depart. They will long remember your loving spirit, your brilliant smile, your upbeat energy and your physical beauty. I think one of God's greatest gifts are memories, don't you?
Let it shine!!!
Much, much love and many, many blessings Nancy!
Marzita
Nancy,
As I was reading this prayer from Ron Roth, modern day mystic that I studied with for years, and who lives right here in my little hometown, I was directed by the Holy Spirit to send it to YOU! There is no doubt something in one of these that will be meaningful for you. Love, Marzita
Come, Holy Spirit, you replace the anxiety and fear within me with the calm serenity, quiet confidence and courageous faith that comes from knowing there is a rock upon which I am able to lean during the storm, a rock that will not falter or crumble, a rock that is sturdy, strong, and always there waiting with arms outstretched in love.
Come, Holy Spirit, you replace the scars of bitterness and resentment within me with the ointment of joy and gladness which comes from knowing the Forgiver and Healer who wraps me in His tender care.
Come, Holy Spirit, you replace the coldness and hardness of my heart, the dullness of my mind, the darkness of my spirit with the soft, warm golden rays of your never-ending Light. You penetrate down deep into my very being, uncovering all that is hidden and you enliven within me once again the dying ember of a great love for God, for others and for myself.
Holy Spirit, thank you for letting me see myself as you see me, a wonderful being made in Your image, vibrant and alive with abilities and potential for doing great things for You and Your people.Holy Spirit, thank you for this tremendous, powerful truth that You are with me, in me, and for me all the days of my life, healing me and filling me full of your Presence, Love, Peace, and Joy. Amen
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