June 15: Oh Heavenly Day
My eyes were wide, and my heart was full at 6:30am. I was so eager for the two day safari, I could hardly stand it. I was finally going to see the animals I'd only viewed on a television screen or in a circus, for the first time in real life. We had safari jeeps that were rented for the two days, which picked us up swiftly at 7:00am from Vernon & Mary's house. I, along with the Griffin family (Mom & Dad, Lindsey, Grant, and Jonathan...my second family ;) ), Candice, and Todd, piled into the large dark green safari jeep. The roof could rise up, for the purpose of having clear animal sightings ;). We left the house with cameras ready, and headed to our first destination: Lake Manyara National Park (approximately a 3 hr drive). Along the roadside to the park, I loved seeing the locals starting their day. We passed by little children who herded goats with sticks...women carrying buckets replete with fruits/vegetables on their heads...for miles. It was a beautiful thing.
His creation surrounds us always no matter where we are, but there's something unique about Africa, in how it displays the works of His hands.
As we finally passed through the park gates, my eyes filled with tears (I'm passionate ;). Words cannot capture my heart's emotion in that moment. Lush green forest tress stretched like a canopy over the road, and we were immersed in thick jungle on both sides of the jeep. Everyone in our car had already made the oath to be "intense" when it came to spotting animals...so we were all standing up (for the remainder of the afternoon), heads peering out over the rooftop in search of life. Alongside the road baboons appeared and disappeared from the thick jungle. At one point, as the trees separated somewhat, an elephant began walking towards our car. Our driver instantly turned the car off as the elephant came closer (within approx 10-15ft of the jeep). My heart was racing, and not a word was spoken from the jeep. Our mouths were literally below the car floor. The elephant strolled passed our car, across the road, and down to a nearby stream. He began casually playing with the water and blowing it through his trunk. It was absolutely amazing. Our God is an amazing God.
I realized, His fingerprints are everywhere, but for me, they're so evident here. As we made our way along the road the canopy of trees broke away, leaving one of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever experienced. It was like candy for my eyes. Beautiful yellow/green plains...mountain peaks beyond the plains...and acacia trees scattered throughout the herds of wildebeest, buffalo, gazelle, and giraffes. Situated in the middle of the landscape was a small pond filled with grunting hippos. There was a spot at which cars could park (and with a safe distance) we took pictures of the beautiful landscape and wildlife. Your heart is truly at a loss for words. I kept having to literally repeat to myself where I was, in attempts to let the beauty saturate my heart and mind. From there, our group made our way up to a lunch spot overlooking Lake Manyara, a beautiful and massive lake. You could see a faint pink rim lining the lake, which we later realized were flamingos. It was a day I pray I never forget.
After lunch, our team left the park and pressed onward to Ngorongoro Crater, which is nestled up in the mountains. This crater is the largest unflooded volcanic caldera in the world, stretching over 102 miles in diameter and over 2,000 feet deep. The crater was formed after a giant volcano collapsed on itself some 2-3 million years ago. The crater is well renown for having some of the most lush and beautiful African landscape and some of the most diverse animal species, on the entire continent. Needless to say, our team was pretty excited to make it there ;). As we pulled up to Sopa Lodge (our hotel for the evening), the cool crisp 60 degree wind made for the perfect sunset watching environment. We were all greeted with a warm towel for our faces and a glass of fresh mango juice (which I happily took :) ). The outside porch of Sopa Lodge overlooked the entire Ngorongoro Crater, which was simply breathtaking. We watched the sun slowly fall behind the rim of the crater, and I was in awe of my Creator.
We had a lovely dinner with our team at the lodge, and were so eager and ready for safari day 2, down in the crater.
Currently Playing: Oh Heavenly Day - Patty Griffin
June 14: So blessed are we, in loving Thee
We slept in this morning (until 8:00)! Needless to say, I was pretty excited. Everyone took their time waking up, and we had time for private devotionals. I sat outside on the front porch of Vernon & Mary's home, which overlooks their beautiful garden. I had a beautiful and humbling devotional, as I read and prayed through Isaiah 48:8-10:
But you O Israel, my servant Jacob, whom I have chosen, you are descendants of Abraham, my friend. I took you from the ends of the earth, from the farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant." I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 48:8-10
He is with His people, here. How beautiful to read and be reminded of this reality.
Our group loaded into the land cruisers, and we headed off to Sunday church at Bible Baptist.
It was truly amazing to worship with the local Tanzanian community at church. In a simple cement room with tall ceilings, people of all nations worshipped our Savior and Redeemer. We worshipped in English, and we worshipped (or attempted to ;) ) in Swahili. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful and powerful morning; truly indescribable to experience the Holy Spirit unite a people in this way. James Waagstaff, the Pastor from North Metro Church in Denver, Co., gave the morning sermon. While he preached in English, Vernon stood alongside him and translated in Swahili, so all members understood James's words. What a beautiful sight and example of how the gospel is spread. My heart leapt when myself and a local Tanzanian I was sitting next to, simultaneously gave a soft "Amen" after a certain point in the sermon. Two different languages, but the Lord's truth resonated just the same in all of us.
After church, our group headed off to eat lunch at a local restaurant. It was a great time to ask Vernon/Mary more questions, and hear of the various stories related to the Tanzanian healthcare (or lack thereof) system. It honestly broke my heart, with the numerous stories they shared about the corrupt/disorganized healthcare system. In response to their stories, my heart just exclaimed, "There's got to be a better way to do this."
Overall, it was a beautiful and restful day. There was a 5:00pm church service as well. In the afternoon before the evening service, our group played outside with the children. I've gotten pretty good at various patty cake games ;). It was a beautiful evening, spent worshipping Christ.
Tomorrow we're up early, to begin our two day safari! I can hardly believe it. His goodness has no limit.
Currently Playing: In the Hours - Emily Deloach
But you O Israel, my servant Jacob, whom I have chosen, you are descendants of Abraham, my friend. I took you from the ends of the earth, from the farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant." I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 48:8-10
He is with His people, here. How beautiful to read and be reminded of this reality.
Our group loaded into the land cruisers, and we headed off to Sunday church at Bible Baptist.
It was truly amazing to worship with the local Tanzanian community at church. In a simple cement room with tall ceilings, people of all nations worshipped our Savior and Redeemer. We worshipped in English, and we worshipped (or attempted to ;) ) in Swahili. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful and powerful morning; truly indescribable to experience the Holy Spirit unite a people in this way. James Waagstaff, the Pastor from North Metro Church in Denver, Co., gave the morning sermon. While he preached in English, Vernon stood alongside him and translated in Swahili, so all members understood James's words. What a beautiful sight and example of how the gospel is spread. My heart leapt when myself and a local Tanzanian I was sitting next to, simultaneously gave a soft "Amen" after a certain point in the sermon. Two different languages, but the Lord's truth resonated just the same in all of us.
After church, our group headed off to eat lunch at a local restaurant. It was a great time to ask Vernon/Mary more questions, and hear of the various stories related to the Tanzanian healthcare (or lack thereof) system. It honestly broke my heart, with the numerous stories they shared about the corrupt/disorganized healthcare system. In response to their stories, my heart just exclaimed, "There's got to be a better way to do this."
Overall, it was a beautiful and restful day. There was a 5:00pm church service as well. In the afternoon before the evening service, our group played outside with the children. I've gotten pretty good at various patty cake games ;). It was a beautiful evening, spent worshipping Christ.
Tomorrow we're up early, to begin our two day safari! I can hardly believe it. His goodness has no limit.
Currently Playing: In the Hours - Emily Deloach
June 13: You've gotta go down, if you want to go up.
We awoke at 6:00, and began preparing for our first day in the Olorien Medical Clinic. Our group piled into several Land Cruisers, and made our way to the Olorien neighborhood. Our car turned off the main paved road, and made our way onto a narrow,dirt, and pothole filled road. The car was instantly surrounded by mud/wooden framed homes with rusted tin roofs. The front doors were tattered curtains which hung in open doorways. My heart melted as children began running alongside the car: screaming, waving, laughing...barefoot and all. Their joy is not defined by their circumstances, and it's beautiful and humbling to witness.
Today was the first day the clinic had ever opened, and thus Dr. Byemba requested that all medical care be free. We saw approximately 200 patients our first day. My heart was overwhelmed with God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and love. I am learning so much more from these people and their love for Christ, than I ever fathomed.
Halfway through the day, Dr. VanFleet ushered in a baby to me that was now term, but had been born 7 months premature. My heart instantly melted at the sight of this baby. The mother began explaining (via translator) that he had been born 2 months early and sent home immediately (NICU's are lacking in Africa ;) ). I began my assessment, and his lungs sounded clear, and I could not hear a heart murmur. Other than a slightly runny nose, this child was now a healthy full term baby. My mind could not grasp the fact that a 7 month premature infant could survive in Africa without any medical intervention, and was now healthy. I have seen so many 7 month old infants in America, with top medical care, struggle to survive...and here was this one child who had beaten the odds. I could feel my nose grow pink and my eyes fill with tears at the sight of this beautiful baby. What a beautiful picture of God's sovereignty, strength, and might over His people. I gave the Mother newborn infant tips/education, and she emphatically thanked me for the tips. I told her, "No no, thank you" for bringing him. To see the Lord work in this way with this child, truly blessed my heart. What a beautiful and mighty God we serve.
Lindsey another RN, and I worked with various patients throughout the day complaining of specific symptoms characteristic of STD's, which are very prevalent here. We also assessed and loved on so many children. It was a beautiful thing to simply hold the children, as you were assessing them. My heart was truly overflowing.
After working in the clinic straight from 9-5, our group walked across the road to eat dinner at the Bible Baptist School. Mama Glory (aka the best cook I know!) cooked fresh goat and potatoes. I have to say, it was absolutely, positively, delicious!
After a full day of assessments/prescriptions my body was tired, but my heart was full. It is such a joy to use my giftings for His glory. I'm attempting to uncover the tip of the iceberg in the meaning:
But it is not that way with you, but the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. -Luke 22:25-27
I'm in love with a King who became a slave
I'm in love with a God who is humble.
You gotta go down if you want to go up.
And you've got to go lower if you want to go higher.
You've got to hide and do it in secret if you want to be seen by God.
Because it's the inside outside upside down Kingdom,
Where you lose to gain and you die to live.
Currently Playing: Servant of All - Misty Edwards
Vernon & Mary Smith and Bible Baptist Church in TZ.
A video created in 2006 showing the Smiths and their hearts to share Christ, in the Arushan community.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfDnfMaR8X8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfDnfMaR8X8
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