Thursday, May 8, 2008

Journal Thoughts- on way to Africa

We are such a reserved people.
I want to scream from the top of my lungs, "I'm going to Africa!" Instead I walk around like I have a secret quietly rejoicing-smirking-my life will forever be changed.

We are always trying to protect "our space". Walking around void, guarded, closed, lonely. Sitting in the Dulles airport I met a wonderful Ethiopian woman. I loved being out of my ordinary, surrounded by Ethiopians. Some Muslim, some Christian, some traditionally dresses, but all ready to meet you with a smile. Open, warm. Extraordinary beauty.

A man and woman sit down with a girl around 6-very skinny, drooling, babbling. She lives in the states with her mom, dad and siblings. But they thought the best thing for her was to send her to Ethiopia where other family members could care for her. There she would have a nanny and family that would be available around the clock.*My heart and thoughts cannot begin to wrap around their choice* However my heart broke for her dad as he paced around after he handed her over to her Aunt who volunteered to take her to Ethiopia. It was apparent he was grief stricken.

Before I left I prayed, "Lord fill my heart with your love for people. Put people in my path you want me to be your light. So you are glorified"

After an hour into the flight the 6 year old girl got more and more uncontrollable and agitated. "mom dad I'm sorry." she would yell. " I want my mom" She was thrashing all over the floor. She was confused, scared. Her poor Aunt tried to calm her. The flight attendents tried to calm her. They sang Jesus loves me over and over to soothe her. I got up and went into the bathroom and cried. I cried. "Lord please help this girl".
When I walked out the little girl ran to me. She stroked my hair and for the remainder of the 17 hours flight I was her momma. She calmed down and melted into my arms. I was humbled, honored. Grateful.

On my way to Africa. I know I'm a dork.

14 comments:

Salzwedel Family said...

How awesome that you could comfort this sweet child!

By the way, dorks are cool! I happen to be one myself.

amy smith said...

that is absolutely incredible. what an amazing honor.

crispy said...

What a story. I love how you want God to use you everywhere.

BTW...I don't know if I would call you a dork...you are a confident gal and I love it. =)

Ginny said...

That's a neat story, and you don't look like a dork. I think you look pretty cool in that hat.

Laura Lu said...

Super cool that you were open to the Lord using you to bring some form of peace to that precious girl's life!

Dork--um, yea! I am pretty fluent in all things dork...and yes, you are a dork!

Sintari said...

OH MY GOSH!!!
That is such a sad story. My heart is breaking for that girl. That must have been such a hard start for your trip. At least you were prepared for hard - not for vacation or anything. But WOW.

Incognito said...

NEAT story! You are a hottie momma! I wish I could pull off a cool hat like that!

HAPPY Mother's day!

Brandi said...

What a cool story! I love that! God uses us WHENEVER we choose to be available! I love your heart!

Love you,
Bran

Mrs. Hammer Time said...

What an incredible story... and that was just the beginning.

Dorks unite! ( But I really don't think you are:) )

Natalie said...

wow1 that breaks mtbheart for that family

what an incredible experience.

Anonymous said...

Wow. I wonder how she is doing now. That's so awesome that God literally used you to comfort her. The lives we touch along the way...even if only for a moment.

Laura said...

Steff, you are one of the most amazing women I know! Your heart is so open and I absolutely love that about you. I am thankful that you were there for her. I hope that she is doing all right. May God continue to bless you daily! xoxoxox

Unknown said...

SO GOOD to talk to you today! Thanks for the encouragement... can't wait to see you all Thursday! :)

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