South Africa

I wrote this while I was in South Africa but never posted it...so enjoy!

Entering into a world unknown, I was bursting with excitement from anticipation. Always picturing myself in Africa surrounded by the helpless, in a place of desolation, I felt guilty flying 19 hours to reach this country knowing that was not my final destination.Desiring to at least get a glimpse of the reality of Africa and the pain this country suffers daily, my eyes were willing, but my heart not ready for the agony it would soon experience. It did not take me long to figure out that just because it is South Africa, and not Swaziland or Botswana, does not mean there is no one suffering and the needy are not present. 

My itinerary was suppose to go as follows: 9 hour flight to the Netherlands, 2 hour layover, and an 11 hour flight from the Netherlands to South Africa. My itinerary ended up being as follows: 9 hour fight to the Netherlands, 8 hour layover, 1 hour flight to Paris, 4 hour layover, and then FINALLY..the 11 hour flight to South Africa. WHy you may ask....An emergency landing was needed for a little boy with stomach obstruction. So, we turned the plane around and 1 hour after flying in the opposite direction of our destination, we land in Vancouver,Canada. God was pulling at my heart the entire time to pray for the little 4 year old boy. So, finally I stepped out in faith. Knowing I wouldn't regret it, I nervously walked over to the worried family from Uganda and asked if I could pray for him. To me, this was huge.. The first time I had ever bravely stepped out and prayed for a stranger. His crying increased as I began to pray and I thought Oh great...I wonder what this family is thinking. Which should not matter..but anyway...eventually his crying died down. Was he healed instantly? No, it was one of those things where you plant the seed and have faith for the harvester.I believe that Jesus healed that little boy. I believe that as soon as he got to the hospital the doctors found nothing. But more than that, I believe that was the first step for me walking in fearlessness.  

Sometimes in life we pray for things and nothing happens.( that WE see at least) And, sadly, even more times, that means we  give up.We give up in perseverance. We give up in hope. We give up in believing. Whether it be for someone dear to us to change and live their life on the RIGHT path. Or, maybe we are praying for something in our own life to change. Whatever it is, we can't give up. We CANNOT give up. Whether it is seen in the natural world or not, things are happening. As soon as those prayers are lifted up, Heaven gets busy... Whether we are the planter or the harvester, we must continue in faith, knowing things are being done, whether we see it or not. 

Maybe this was the reason I couldn't get the 4 other flights I tried to get for days. Maybe those prayers were the only ones that little boy would have. All I know is, the extra 24 hours it took to get to South Africa was COMPLETELY worth it for this short 10 minute experience. And plus, I got to go to Paris!...where I ended up getting lost and stepping into Paris without even going through immigration or customs...hmm...oh and not to mention the airport in the netherlands was incredible!! It had a huge place with recliners to sleep and a mediation center and tons of other really cool stuff!.... When we were finally on our way to South Africa I was in the aisle seat,sadly. However! The girl with the window seat asked if I would want to switch and I smiled,said a huge thank you to Jesus, and quickly accepted her request! At the end of the flight I noticed the African woman sitting next to me trying to read my Heidi Baker book with me, Compelled by Love. With an occasional head nod, I noticed her interest. I gave her the book and believed God would use it in not only her life, but her family's life and even her communities life in a tremendous way! 

Then...South Africa! After making my way through the airport, there they were...waiting and very excited! The kids jumped over the divider to run and hug me..welcomed with love.