Dirty, Dusty, & Delighted

[this was written Friday, July 21, 2006]
Today was a day of lifting, lifting and more lifting. It was all for a good cause though, because we were unloading supplies from the container. It finally arrived….two months behind schedule…but it arrived just the same! We were so happy to hear that it was about 30 minutes away from the mission when we arrived back here on Thursday evening. It was late, so it wasn’t off loaded until the next morning. After an organizational meeting at the guesthouse (my old house from 2002!) we were off to Seven Fountains to collect 2 lorries full of boxes. They were filled with supplies for the schools and we have at least one more lorry-full of shoes and t-shirts to take to the schools. We were able to find all of the Teacher’s, Steping Stones’, and VBS materials that were shipped this past February. It was some serious team work, but we got it done and we are all feeling quite organized and ready to begin out work.
I am really excited to get to Simakakata on Monday to begin VBS! Our theme is the, ‘Joy of the Lord is my Strength’….I know that we will certainly be in for some joyful singing from these kids! Actually, I must admit that as I think about this theme…I may have very little experience at living it out. The more time I spend in Africa the further convicted I am that our material blessings actually hinder true J-O-Y. There is a song that we will sing with the kids at VBS that says:
J - O - Y, J - O – Y
This is what it means:
Jesus first,
Yourself last, and
Others in between!

Is this really my focus? It is just way to easy to let myself be first, my life and things second, and Jesus and others in between. I don’t want my life to look like that. His plan for true Joy is just so much….bigger. I have seen some very happy people here who are also generous beyond comprehension. My friend even adopted a child when she has no family, no career, but just said, “I had to have her...” Wow. I guess it really is that simple to love.

I continue to be amazed by the lessons to be learned in this place. I came wanting to give and to help….but somehow I seem to always be given and blessed more in return. May you also find this happening in your life where you are today.