I started 2009 in one of my favorite places on earth...the bush of Africa. There is no place more simple, serene, or sincere. The pace of life is simple. There is no doubt that basic, everyday tasks take more time to accomplish; but who cares about time, schedules, or agendas when you are with great people. The experience and the people become the focus not the agenda. Everyday involves a prayer to God "God in whose life are you at work today? How can I join you?" Then I watch to see the simple hand of God at work, and try to join Him. The serenity of Africa, with its distinct aromas, amazing sounds, and breath taking sunsets, causes me to stop, turn off my ipod, and absorb it all. Enjoying the serenity of my surroundings with all five senses, soaking it up and trying to capture some of it to bring home with me becomes the goal. The people of this village, we call K-village, are so loving and sincere. It doesn't matter if you are talking of Fumba, Zan, Ingee, Jaco, or Manata. When you are with the people of this village, you know they sincerely love and will care for you. The barriers of language and culture run deep and wide, but their loyalty and love penetrates it all. Oh, the joy of being back in Africa.
Day 1
Over the course of the next 4 days, I want to turn the pages of my journal and let you travel with me day by day through God's beautiful work in me, around me, and prayfully through me. You will read of my lows and highs; about set backs and breakthroughs.
I must confess the first day in the bush was the worst for me. I was quickly hurled into culture shock. My mind said, "culture shock happens to everyone else, not to an experienced traveler or or a missionary." Wrong! Culture shock happens to everyone to some degree and intensity whether you live internationally or simply visit for a couple of weeks. No drug will cure you. Only time, rest, and perspective. The real problem with culture shock is if you don't identify the shock, you can't get past it. The result is crippling. I faced the shock to the point that I was regretting taking the trip. I was thinking of my family back home, all the work I needed to do on my doctorate, etc. I just wanted out. I didn't eat dinner the first night in the bush. I said I was feeling nauseous...actually I was nauseous of Africa.
I don't know what triggered my shock exactly, but I know the language barrier was hard for me this time. I am a communicator and communicators communicate...but I couldn't communicate. Was it the constant dirty, gritty feel from the Sahara winds, jet lag (30+ hours of travel time), or all the above.? My response: I sat silently in the hammock until bed time and could only pray that the a good night sleep outside under the moon and stars would bring a brighter tomorrow.
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