I'm Going to Africa: Part 2

Now? How about now? What about now?
Several times I wanted to find my way to Africa on my own. The World Summit was one time. Another time was when Genesis sent teams there to serve. But it didn’t seem right. Like it wasn’t my time to go. I even told my boss in Detroit that I wanted an assignment in South Africa. He laughed, and said maybe, maybe I could hope for an assignment at our Latin American, Africa, Middle East office headquarters in Miami. I remember sharing all of this Africa-love with my sweet friend Bethany, who had a similar desire to participate in something in Washington, DC. We both agreed that there are some dreams you leave buried at the foot of the Cross.

So now, imagine it’s 2008 and I’m living in Brussels, Belgium. Haha! That’s still funny. And the Well says ‘hey! Anyone want to go to Malawi, Africa to help dig a well?’ I can remember sitting in the All Well service where it was announced, but at that time I didn’t even know if I’d still be in Belgium…remember, I was only coming here for 6-months! Haha! Again, still funny. So I thought, well, if I’m still here, maybe I could go. Malawi isn’t South Africa, but it’s Africa. Maybe the South Africa love affair was just a way for God to open my heart to Africa at-large.
But I didn’t move very fast.

Even after my assignment here was extended, I still waited. But then I think God helped me move myself through my friend Janine. We had plans to meet for dinner one night. She emailed to ask if we could meet earlier because there was a meeting for people interested in going to Malawi that night too. Oh, a Malawi meeting…hmmm…I guess I could go too…I might be interested. (Totally playing it cool, huh?)

And so it began. Plans for Malawi. Baby steps to Africa. (I should note that officially, God answered my prayers to go to Africa, I suppose, back in March when Sumreen and I went to Tunisia.)

Slowly, but Surely. And then………..get this!
But the planning for Malawi has been slow, but steady. Sometimes wondering if we’d really go. Maybe this wasn’t the time. But, I remained committed unless God told me, told us, otherwise. One day, not too long ago, my friend said we might be able to go to South Africa too. I think I tried to play it cool. (Why do I try?!) But even typing those words now make my hands shake a little. Did he say we might also go to South Africa? Yep!

It’s all true
On 11 September, God willing, we’ll take off to Malawi. Then on 17 September, we’ll head to South Africa. I know! Pinch me! Pinch you. Pinch somebody!

I can’t believe it most days. But I have a flight itinerary that seems to confirm…I'm going to Africa!