Journey to Africa and Beyond Part 1

I've been thinking a lot lately about my trip to Africa in 2005. I'm not sure why it's so prevalent in my mind these days, but since it is, I'm going to write about it while the memories are still there.

It started years before when I heard my first "missionary" speak. I put that in quotes because we are all on a mission.

I remember something stirring in me. I don't remember where he was from, what his name was, or what he said, but I know something in me changed that day. I think it was the first time I realized there was a great big world out there and we could be a part of changing it. Sad that I didn't learn that until I was in my late 20s, which really speaks to the selfish me-focused part of the world I live in. That's another post for another time, though.

Fast forward several years... I think it was 2004 and I was sitting in a meeting of the missions council at church, listening to all of the different areas that are available to serve. Many of them sounded interesting, but every time I would get the nerve to volunteer, someone else would take it. (This was just a few years ago, but back then I was so quiet and wouldn't hardly say a word to anyone.) I was sitting next to my pastor, and he leaned over and said something like "you didn't sign up for anything". My response was something like "I'll do whatever is needed. If there's a hole I'll fill it." He replied, "I have the perfect job for you." Then he scribbled something on a piece of paper and slid it over to me.

It said "President".

I laughed.

to be continued...   Part 2