A Day of Déjà vu

Right now, I’m sitting at a quiet little guest house in Dar es Salaam, enjoying the quiet evening as our newly arrived guests sleep off some of their jet lag. Meet Shaina and Nathan, a brother and sister who love each other and love the Lord so much. That was evident in spending merely one day with them! I’m looking forward to serving with them at camp in June. 

It was so interesting being on the receiving end of the journey this time. As we entered the airport to wait for them to walk through the gates, the nervous, overwhelming, yet exhilarating feelings that were so familiar to me on the day I arrived came rushing back… I felt like I was in a déjà vu the entire day, as if I was re-watching myself go through all the culture shock, jet lag and the surreal feeling that I had actually arrived. In a way, I really was watching it through Shaina and Nathan.

I hadn’t realized how independent and confident in the language and culture I had grown through these last few months until I had returned back to the place where my journey began… obviously I have a LONG way to go in all of this, but it was encouraging being able to feel like I sort of new what I was doing. I also hadn’t realized how much my perspective has changed. Oh darling reader, how dearly I appreciated a chance to use clean restrooms with actual toilets, classy restaraunts with soothing atmospheres, and of course, a chance to order a good latte.

Enjoying the view at the Indian Ocean.

But not only have I come to appreciate these simple comforts I used to take for granted, the lack of cleanliness no longer makes me turn away, the smells associated with poverty no longer makes me cringe, and the sight of all things unfamiliar and foreign no longer frighten me. I suppose living in a 3rd world country will do that to you.

I can’t say that none of that bothers me, I hope it always does to some degree. For the moment that I become so comfortable with all of the poverty and needs surrounding me will be the moment that I cease to care. I hope that day never comes. I hope I always care enough about the world around me that I always do everything I can to better it. May I see the world through Christ’s eyes, so that I can be His hands and feet. …

I covet your prayers as we prepare for camps in June!
Blessings,
Em

P.S. Bartering at souvenir shops is much more fun when you can speak some of the language. Hooray for some successful good deals!