Recently I went on a trip to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in Africa. What
can I say? It was the most incredible place I have ever seen. I was so
blessed to have been able to have that experience. I was there for 52
days. We visited orphanages and schools and shared the Gospel with them.
Over all, 54 kids that we know of received Christ. It was so awesome!
The people were wonderful. They were all so polite and the children
spoke in unison when you asked them, "How are you?" They would each say
something like, "I am very well. Thank you and how are you?" They spoke
with rich accents and had rich dark skin and rich bright smiles. They
were amazing. They treated us "makiwah's" (white people) like kings and
queens. I will never forget their hospitality and generous hearts. Here's the problem: I left. I don't know what to do with myself because I don't see my precious friends Tando and Michael every day. My heart is broken because I can't play with the greatest orphaned babies that ever existed. My eyes are filled with tears because I can't hug my friends at church every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. Where did the time go?
My heart did not come with me back to America. It stayed in Bulawayo with my friends and orphans of whom I came to love so dearly. I miss them. I miss the baby snot I would have to wipe off their face every time I held them. I miss the white girl hip hop jam outs I would have with my team at one of Tawanda's concerts. I miss the freedom of going into schools and praying with students and sharing with them the love of Christ and what He did for them. I miss telling them that Jesus wants a relationship with them if they only surrender their lives to Him. I miss the responses. I miss the hearts of each person I came into contact with. I miss the thirst and hunger to hear truth. I miss being asked the hardest questions.
I miss Zimbabwe. It's not easy not being there. It's not easy being here.
The hardest thing I ever had to do was leave Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
But God is a faithful God. If it weren't for Him, I would not be able to get through the day. He constantly provides strength and endurance. He is even giving me countless opportunities to serve Him in America.
So, Africa, until I return, I will be praying for you. Know that I love you. Know that you have stolen my heart. But most importantly, know that God is with you. You are so important to Him. Don't forget about me. I'll be back soon.
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Acts 20:22-24
-Alex
Zimbabwe