Dear Zambia
What to say for these last two months. For your smiles, dancing, conversing and listening, slow and steady pace, selflessness, zest for life, and passion for Jesus. What to say.
While the term 'mission trip' connotes that I come as the one with something to offer, I can say that you have been the one teaching me, loving me, ministering to me.
You have taught me that life isn't about getting stuff done, it's about loving those around us. It's not about racing around, but steadily entering into each day with trusting calm.
You have shown me what it means to serve, to selflessly attend to the needs of others, to not shrink back at the sight or smell of boogers, odors, urine, mud, spit, stains, or even illness, but to open your arms to every living soul with reckless abandon.
You have ministered to my heart, my spirit, by showing me how to play. You've invited me to freely dance and sing and laugh and touch. You've slowed me down enough to see the beauty in the everyday, in the unpolluted giggles and innocent imaginations of children, in the simplicity of sitting quietly with you, in walking slowly and methodically, in an everyday greeting.
Thank you. I will walk away having learned more than I could have ever given to you.
Bless you.
Kristin....
ReplyDeleteWow you are truly a remarkable young lady. I have relished in hearing your stories and insights into the lives of the people in Zambia. I have shed tears in reading your so eloquently spoken words and pure love for what you are doing. For giving of your time and talents to others as well as the beyond mature insight into your own soul. You are someone very special and have so much to offer others through your gift of art as well as your passion for ministering and living through Jesus Christ. I wish you well in the pursuit of your new career. Sincerely, Laurie Klett