It's been 3 months since I returned home from South Africa. On any given day you could meet someone from Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Congo, or Nigeria. In the last 4 years I have traveled to Uganda, Ethiopia and most recently, South Africa. There are a few things that remain the same and keep me in love with this beautiful country.
You can walk the streets and feel their eyes watching you; they can't help it...being white they watched your every move. They laughed as I tried to carry things on my head and struggled to speak even the little bit of their language I had learned. They would share their stories of traveling to provide for their families, their struggles, and their desires in life. I came to share hope and love but we received more than I could ever give.
Africa is a country that welcomes you in and allows you to stay. These people know what it's like to have nothing, to lean on each other, to have open doors and open hearts, and to laugh when the opportunity arises. Everything is day to day.
They are often late because while on their way to you, they stop to talk to everyone they knew and are eager to listen as though they have no where to be. Time isn't a restriction it's a gift to be given.
Most of the children speak 7 different languages because all of their friends are from different countries within Africa. They are smart, talent, and carefree. They take care of each other and are as responsible as young adults in the United States.
They understand appreciating the simple things; they would pinch my skin to see it turn red, play with my long hair, and talked as if I understood what they were saying. Their laugh is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. It's how hope sounds, beauty looks, and love travels. Through their eyes my whole world changed; through their love my heart softened. Africa is a mirror, that shows your how selfish you can be, how blessed you truly are, and that you can make a difference even if it's just for a day.
"If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go with others."
-African Proverb
No comments:
Post a Comment