Walking through our Village

The day didn’t go exactly as I had planned (I have found it rarely does)…but it went perfectly according to God’s plans!  I have learned to let my own will and ideas be flexible and allow Him to lead and direct.  That doesn’t mean I don’t make plans and prepare.

I planned and prepared my lesson to begin a children’s Bible lesson in a nearby village, but at the last minute we were unable to go because of a funeral there.  Instead we went out in our village.  Eric took 3 kids with him and Pastor Nelson and I took 3 with me and Shadrick.

As we started down the little, dirt paths, how I wished I had brought a phone or camera so you could see everything!  I don’t feel like I can describe it well enough with words where you can correctly get a good picture of everything! But I shall try!

Walking down the dusty paths, we came to different houses, most a mix of brick & clay or cement.  Many tin roofs held down with rocks, bricks, & other things. I don’t remember seeing any glass in windows, just bars.  Some have a piece of roofing tin placed up to “close” the window.

When we approached the first house and yelled out our greeting, they immediately rushed around getting chairs set outside in the shade. We waited until they called us over to sit. Shadrick said you can tell if you are welcome or not if they bring out chairs or mats.     My mind has been so busy and unclear lately.  I feel like Moses, “Lord! I cannot speak!”  I prayed and asked the Lord to give me clarity of mind to present the Gospel clearly and use my tongue.  For about 20 minutes, the Lord gave me liberty to share the Gospel.  The Lord opened up 5-6 homes for us.  If the Lord can use me, with a mind that draws blanks  and someone who almost cries making returns to Walmart because of shyness, HE CAN USE YOU to be a witness as well!  Study the Scriptures, memorize verses, and ask the Lord to use them and bring them to your mind!

Wherever we met them, women were busy working- some peeling potatoes, others hand washing laundry in bowls, many carrying water from the village pump. They need to gather water for cooking and washing, sticks for their fires to cook over.  There is no electricity or running water, yet they smile warmly at us!  Even with their work load, they stop to sit and listen.  It is so humbling!

One of the ladies we stopped to visit with had a 6 month old baby.  Oh, how distracting he was as he continually flashed me the biggest smiles! By the time I finished speaking, about 15 kids had gathered around to listen.

Continuing down different paths, we made our way to the tiny market area. The path leading there was a little bigger.  Several rode by us on bicycles.  One boy had about 6 crates piled up like a tower on the back of his bike.

To the side was a girl in her front yard with a very large, carved wooden pestle and bowl.  The bowl was shaped like an egg serving cup, except very large - maybe 3 feet tall. When I asked Shadrick what she was beating in it, they invited me over to look.  She was beating rice to separate the hull from the rice!  Again, how I wished I could have gotten a picture, especially when she gave me a beautiful smile!  It might have looked beautiful, but so much work!  How often do we complain about cooking supper after a hard day going grocery shopping in an air conditioned store! How spoiled we are! Lord, help me!  I often feel so entitled to these luxuries you’ve blessed me with!  Teach my heart to be grateful instead!