A whole new world

After more than 30 hours of traveling, I finally made it to Africa.  The flights were long and exhausting, but I was excited to finally be going to Gabon.

When I got off the plane, I immediately realized I was in a different world.  The humidity was stifling, and I started sweating instantly.  We had no problem getting through customs, and it was only minutes until we had our luggage and were driving in the van to our new home for the summer.

I have spent this past week processing my thoughts.  Everything here is different.  The climate, smell, language, food, and culture is totally new to me. 

Over the past few days, we have been visiting the various ministry sites in the area.  Driving to the sites is an adventure in itself!  We have visited the Hope House (orphanage), the mobile health clinics, and a missions school.  The one day, we went to a small village to help with a church plant.  We helped clear an area of weeds with machetes (a new experience...I was relieved that I didn't see any large bugs in the weeds!).  As we were working, a group of kids from the village approached us.  As a sat on the ground, a few of the girls played with my hair and then another jumped on my back.  It was great playing with the kids, but I was saddened that many of them were not of the best health.  We had chicken-on-a-stick (a Gabonese favorite) for lunch, and gave some to the children.  They ate every last piece- even the bone.  I had learned about malnutrition in many of my classes, but seeing it in person is much different.  It is hard for me not to feel guilty- why is it that I have so much and they have so little?

Although I have only been here a  week, my perspective has already changed.  It has been humbling to interact with people who have much less than I do, and to be served and loved by them.  I have a greater appreciation for the blessings God has given me.  It is a totally different way of life here.  I am trying to learn as much as I can and not be overwhelmed by the differences. 

We will travel to the Bongolo Hospital on Tuesday.  The trip is about 12 hours long and the roads will make the trip very interesting.  Pray for a safe trip, and that the van will survie the rugged roads in Africa.  Also, please pray that I wouldn't be overwhelmed by the "newness" of everything.  I am starting to adjust, but it is a lot to process.  Thanks for your prayers :)