Receiving Graciously

As of yesterday I am back in Africa.  Armed with new flip flops and a missionary haircut (I so wish I could wear a cutie pixie cut like my friend Grace can!) I am ready continue life and work in Kara.  In many ways, I am back in my comfort zone.

One thing I bring back with me is an overflowing cup of love and support from friends and family back in the U.S.  As someone who is in "the business" of ministry, it has been very easy for me to get used to the role of the one who helps others.  We listen to people when they need to talk.  We pray with and for people.  We help sick people get medical care.  We connect orphans to the generous support of people in the States.  We feebly attempt to share wisdom when we can.  We feed and house people when there is need.  This is our role.  It's our job, so to speak.  It is our mission.  It is our comfort zone.  

All of that changes when we go on furlough.  Since the month of October we have stayed in the homes of 20 families.  We were fed by more people than I can even remember.  People gave us money to buy food, clothes, gas, books, have a date, free medical care, we were hosted for a Disney World vacation, and many other things that do not fall into the category of "needs" but "wants."  It is so humbling to sit in the living room and visit while a friend is in the kitchen making dinner for you, and then to do the same while your friend cleans up.  It is humbling to have friends prepare special food for you because you have a stomach virus while staying in their home.  It is so humbling to have someone purchase luxury goods for you that you would not buy for yourself, just because they love you.  These things are outside of my comfort zone.

I have struggled on many levels with receiving the outpouring of love and generosity of others.  At times I struggled with being greedy (I am ashamed to admit that,) and at times I have struggled with refusing those outpourings because I felt like I shouldn't be given so much.  I have been on both ends of the spectrum and everywhere in between.

As I gain a little distance from our time in the States, I reflect on the hospitality and generosity that we received and I land in the spot of amazement and gratitude.  I am so touched by how good people have been to us.  I am encouraged by their uplifting words and their sacrifice for us.  I am grateful that people were so kind even when we weren't the best guests.  I am grateful for honest words of wisdom from my friends Cathy and Linda.  All of these things are gifts from God, and they reflect how sweet God is to us.  He gives us to us generously and does not hold back.  He takes delight in giving to us beyond what we need and deserve.  I am determined to count my blessings, and to follow the beautiful examples I have seen in our friends and family across America to show that same love to the people in my community here.