Africa Eve

Excitement. Anticipation. JOY!

Overflowing tears of happiness come, as I realize that Roger and I get to travel to Africa tomorrow. I can think back to all the many Christmas Eves when my children were small (and even big!) feeling the same restless anticipation, thinking, “I just can’t wait!”

Today, as we fill suitcases with last minute items, I think about who we’ll will see, where we’ll be, and what we’ll be doing, my heart ignites with oh so many emotions. For months there have been lots of feelings stuffed down into the reality that its easier not to feel the sadness of being so far away than to acknowledge it. To be away is painful. I miss the people, the smells, the sights, the different tribal customs and the gentle background of African languages spoken all around me. Most of all I miss the familiarity and comfort of being with people I know and love. Just to think of seeing them tomorrow my heart swells from the pit of my gut bringing tears to my eyes. It’s God’s love. It his love for them, for Africa and for the nations and the thousands and thousands of people who love so much, have so little and give it all in so many, many ways.

So, it’s Africa Eve for us! And, we can hardly wait…to step off the plane and smell Africa, see Africa, touch it, hear it, and embrace it and be embraced in return. My prayer is that you may also be experiencing a “Christmas Eve” of your own today, full of anticipation, hope, and excitement for who you might get to see tomorrow, as well.