Why?

Drinking from the tap is fun!

“You must have really loved it to be going back!”

I’ve heard that idea expressed countless times, yet I continue to take issue with it. Yes, there’s a part of life in Africa that gets me and pulls me back. But if it had to do with loving a particular place, I certainly wouldn’t stay on Clove Island. It’s not a very easy place to live. I dread the nosy questions of strangers, the weird smells, the inconveniences, frustrations, and being at the mercy of somewhat capricious authorities and seemingly capricious circumstances. I love the people, but not always because they're being lovely.

“What a wonderful calling!”

I’ve never felt like my calling was location-specific. I’m called to “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow.” But aren’t we all called to that? I’m called to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and to love my neighbor as myself. But aren’t we all called to that?

As a young, single person I’m uniquely capable of being mobile for the sake of a greater cause, and I’m taking advantage of that opportunity. Is it forever? Who knows. But I want to leverage “all that I am for all that He is.”

As Thomas Aquinas put it, "If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever."

When I left Clove

Is it because I love Africa that I go there? Nope. The romance of adventure dies after prolonged exposure to the banalities of life overseas. The cost is real.

Is it because I’m “called to Africa”? Not really. I get that some people feel a pull to a certain location. So far that’s not been me.

But I’m invested, I’m qualified, I’m committed to seeing Him glorified around the globe. And I’m going back.

Stay tuned for fun stories as I resume my African existence!


P.S. This isn't meant to be a downer post. It's just real. And it's also real that I have fun, laugh, treasure the moment, enjoy the adventure, and try to keep a positive spin on life whenever possible. Don't worry, folks.  :)