Only in Africa (Africa Part 3)

Only in Africa would you have to plug your mixer up to a transformer to keep it from shooting sparks!Since returning home from Africa I have replayed in my mind 100’s of moments and priceless memories that were made while we were in Africa.  This was my third trip to Mwanza, but yet it was way different than any other.  Since that’s where Liv and Brian live now, we were able “live” like “African’s.”  We did not stay in hotel or eat all of our meals at restaurants or do all the “touristy” things that first timers and teams do.  We got down in the dirt.  We stayed in the guesthouse and I got to experience what cooking in Africa is like.  We were able to experience what it’s like living there and being apart of the culture.  It, to say the least, was eye opening for me.  Not only did God open my eyes to new and incredible things about Himself and His character, He opened my eyes to His work and His children.
I saw and experienced so many different things while we were there.  There were definitely a lot of moments where I could shook my head, smiled and thought to myself, “Only in Africa!”  There were many, many of those moments.  So, I would like to take a moment and share some of them!

Only in Africa would you find a shirt sporting your last night at a random market for $2!Only in Africa…
Would you let a lizard stay in your bedroom just to eat the bugs.
Would you get a plate of rice and beans and want to eat them with your hand.
Would you find a dead bat in a bag in your room.
Would you take a deck of cards to play between courses at dinner because it takes so long.
Would you hear random Christmas carols (in April) and Pomp and Circumstance playing from the streets at night.
Would you pay over $3 USD for a small Gatorade.
Would you buy something from the market and then have the guy chase you down and take it back because the owner didn’t like the price they sold it for.
Would you have to eat dinner twice in one night just do be respectful.
Would you be asked for money just because of your skin color.
Would you go to bed with no bug bites, but wake up with 23... on one leg.
Would you get in a taxi and they automatically start playing 90’s pop music.
Would a person turn off the car while sitting at a red light to “save money.”
Would a person ask for money because they helped you back out of a parking spot
Would a semi-hot shower feel glorious.
Would people walk miles in the rain just to hear God’s Word.
Would a church allow dirty, homeless boys to sleep on their floor every night.
Would a young boy who only gets 4 meals a week offer to share his food with you.
Would a pair of hand-me-down clothes be the best birthday present ever.
Would $30 feed a boy for an entire month.
Would $50 feed and shelter a boy for an entire month.
Would $100 feed, shelter and provide school supplies and clothes for an entire month.

My mind was blown in each of these moments.  I was happy when I saw the lizard on the wall and thought, “Good, he’ll eat the bugs!”  I laughed and sang along when I heard the Christmas carols and 90’s music.  I was thankful to have running water to take a shower, even if it was cold. I was frustrated with American “churches” when I realized that in Africa they feel blessed to allow hungry, dirty, homeless boys sleep in their church, but here in America we turn up our noses if someone comes into worship with a stain on their shirt.  I was humbled when the boys offered to share their food with me.  I was overjoyed to watch the boys pick out their clothes and enjoy their birthday party. 
Look into these eyes and think about all the things he's gone through and try not to be broken, mad and called to action. I dare you.And…I was broken.  I am broken.  I am mad.  I am called to action.  I am broken, mad and called to action knowing that such small sum of money can go such a long way in Africa.  HOWEVER, we choose to sit on that money and keep it because we “NEED” it.  People, we don’t need it, we want it.  Africa needs it.  These boys need it.  Only in Africa do they need these things.  Only in America do we selfishly keep them.
Join me in this call to action.  May we all stop “NEEDing” things and start WANTing to give.  May we all become and stay broken and frustrated so much that we have to do something. 
May we all work so we can turn “Only in Africa would you…” to “In Africa God is…”

Comments

[Terry Weaver]

Thanks for sharing this Meredith! So glad you gals are pouring into young ladies and giving them a passion not just to rise up and lead but to change the world. I will never forget seeing my 1st orphanage and kids living in filth the best give you can give to them is not all allow yourself to erase that image from your mind and never stop sharing their story with other. You may not be able to be in Africa to day but you can raise your voice like you did in that post and that is a great start.