Paris

For those of you who attempted to follow my blog, I apologize.  My ability to get online was extremely limited.  Thanks for trying.

I had a great trip.  My many meetings were generally very successful.  I feel that after each time I'm in Africa my understanding of my Burkinabe and Nigerien friends grows dramatically.  And, God also showed me a lot.  Every trip, I continue to be challenged in news ways in my walk with Him. 

Some of the things I've been contemplating are: do I really consider other's better than myself?  Am I really willing to lay down my life for others like Jesus did?  If I am following Him, then He will probably lead me down a path that he went down himself.  So, where and when do I consider it a privilege to put others ahead of myself and sacrifice my desires for them?  Do I, would I, do this for people who may not even appreciate that I am doing it?  Would I do this for someone who the world might say is not even valuable to society?

God's love for us is amazing.

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Paris is always a dramatic contrast to my time in Africa.  The pace is incredibly fast.  Friendly "hello's" can be hard to come by.  There's a slight obsession with image and high-end fashion here (has anyone else ever noticed this?).  And everything is very expensive.  In light of this juxtaposition, I think I go through more significant culture-shock than the times I go home directly.

But in some ways, Paris is like West Africa.  While there is much that is ugly, dirty and uncomfortable, in both cities there is pervasive beauty.  Perhaps the beauty of Paris is more obvious to most, but after having been in West Africa I find Africa to be more beautiful.  It's greatest beauty is found in the people.  The people who face so many challenges, which I'm sure would break me, have an inner joy and demonstrate profound generosity and hospitality.  Their faith in God is humbling.  The warmth of their culture just draws people in.

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I'm thankful to be headed home tomorrow!  I will try to blog about a few more of the lessons I learned while in Africa.

Connection!

I am in sunny and warm Niger.  I have been here since late Sunday night, but I haven't had internet connectivity until now at my hotel.

It's wonderful to see my Nigerien (and American) friends and to hear about their ministries.  Yesterday was a full day (as is everyday).  I visited the Cure Hospital and saw the amazing work they are doing.  They are truly making an impact here in Niger though some days, for the staff, it might be difficult to see.

Then I met with three other gentlemen who are overseeing a multi-media project, a Christian kindergarten, and a micro-lending program respectively.  They are each dedicated to serving God and using their talents for His glory.  It's impressive and encouraging!

In the evening I had dinner with Pastor Ali and Hadiza and a surprise guest, Pastor Omar and his wife and child.  Pastor Omar shared his amazing testimony of coming to know the Lord.  He was very sick and strongly opposed to Christianity.  But, he found his way into a church and God healed him, he believed and he had his first night of sleep without being tormented by demons.  AMAZING!  God is so gracious!

Today I had a first...my first motorcycle ride on the crazy streets of Niamey.  I reflected on how my parents disallowed me from riding on motorcycles when I was kid.  I had to chuckle.  But, they would be happy to know that I was wearing a helmet. 

The rest of today will be some more meetings, dinner with another pastor and his family.  Tomorrow I will be flying to Galmi and Maradi on SIMAIR to see the work of SIM.  I look forward to that.

Thanks for following me on my blog!

My first flight on my journey was uneventful, and get this; 45 minutes early! Crazy! Way to go Delta. I'm off to Paris in 2.5 hours.