Incredibly, today marks the half-way point on this adventure. On one hand, the time has gone amazingly fast; but in another way it feels like I have been in Africa forever.
Of the fourteen countries planned for on my original itinerary, three have been dropped – two of them, sadly, because our only pastor in those countries has died, and one because our only pastor in that country is too busy with other things and not able to host me.
So far I have been to six of the eleven countries left on my itinerary, and twice to Kenya. I have ministered 72 times, in 21 different churches, including five conferences for pastors and leaders, and two youth conferences. Eleven people have found Jesus as their Lord and Saviour – and whilst an evangelist might not be excited with that number, I am thrilled with it.
Praying for a new Christian
I have been on 11 different flights, and three very long bus trips, as well as multiple long trips by car, in some instances over some of the worst roads in the universe.
Some of the biggest challenges have been mosquitoes (in spite of Deet and my mozzie-zapper bracelet, I look like a pin cushion), and cockroaches (having to chase cockies out of my suitcase was definitely not on my wish list of things I wanted to do in Africa. The only solution has been to keep the cases closed when I am not actually putting stuff in or taking stuff out.) And of course African Time, which I have already talked about elsewhere.
Physically, I have had to contend with muscle cramps (which mercifully passed after the first couple of weeks) and the infection in my leg (now fully cleared, praise God) as well as a small dose of “international belly” and the general tiredness that results from a very busy schedule.
There are also the ongoing challenges of visas, communication from home, and communication with the people here.
All that might sound like I am trying to deter my readers from considering missionary service, but I’m not – I’m just being realistic. Sometime people have a very false view of missions as being glamorous, and all about “cuddling babies.” It isn’t. What it is, is an amazing privilege the joy of which far outweighs all the challenges. I think I have said before, I know without a doubt that I am exactly where God wants me to be, doing exactly what He wants me to do – and that is more than worth all the challenges that this beautiful continent can throw at me.