Brokenly Whole

Bogere, one of the boys from Zirobwe enjoying his balloon!

This week has been yet another beautiful span of time in the Pearl of Africa. Early in the week, I had the privilege to Skype some of my best friends, family, and some of the kids in our church all at once. It was such a blessing to hear their laughs and see their smiles. However, the biggest thing that's happened this week was finally getting to stay in the village of Zirobwe.

We left Tuesday morning with three vans of volunteers, bags, and supplies. After setting up camp, we split up into two teams and went to different sides of the village to put on a program. I was lucky enough to go to the same area where we do our Sunday School, so I got to see many of my little friends from Sunday. We also did feeding programs and went to visit a local high school during our time there. There were always kids around to play with and love on, and despite the fact that we had to carry water everyday, sleep in tents, and   wear bug spray and sun screen everywhere (without getting to shower), I loved it there!

The team at the future church building in Zirobwe.

One morning as I was reading in 1 Corinthians, God made me realize in a new way the power of love, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). As I was in Zirobwe, I witnessed an outpouring of love from God, my family here, and myself. I realized that, if nothing else, the most powerful thing you can do for the people and children here is love them. I've also learned through the course of several months that loving people is a choice; it's not about your feelings. We have to show these people love through our actions. While loving the children has been relatively easy for me through the love of Christ, loving them also opens my heart for them. Every time I see a child with clothes that are completely torn apart or young ones carrying around a younger sibling with them, my heart breaks. It pains me to see them in such need, but they're always so joyful. I honestly didn't want to leave. I'm just in love with seeing God work there, the children there, and everything about Zirobwe (well, minus the sharp seeds that stick to everything!). Being there humbled me, opened my heart and my eyes, and made me truly depend on Him. That's the kind of life I want to live, and leaving there broke my heart, but at the same time I'm so full! Even though I'm sad because I can't be there right now, I'm comforted because my Savior will always be there for those people. Even though I'm broken because there is so much sickness and pain, I'm at peace because I know that the Divine Healer is in that place. God calls us to, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." (Colossians 3:15a). I'm continually learning what that means. Mukama Yebazibwe! Praise God!

Blessings!


(Credit to the Honorable Cassie Wilson for the title and team picture in this post!)