Convicted

I cannot brag enough about our group that has come to Zambia. But should I be surprised that the students that committed to a three month mission trip in Africa are the greatest people I know? Should I be surprised that the greatest group I have been a part of includes students from Harding that are willing to give up anything they have? The nurse, Jessica that has traveled with us gave up her job in the states in order to volunteer her time here at the mission. I could go on and on, but I will save my praises for another time.
Trey Carlock has a tremendous desire to serve those around him and spends much of his time here walking and forming relationships with people in nearby villages. Although his knees are weak, he has spent several days walking up to 20 kilometers to reach out to the local Zambians. He would not like me to brag on him; however, I would like to share the journey that we took today.
Yesterday, Trey met a man who had his house burn down and lost many of his possessions. He did not have a name, but he knew that the man could not speak English and that his three children had no clothes to wear. This morning Trey decided he would trek back into the villages and try to find this man’s house. I agreed to set out with him, both of us having no idea where to find the man. We figured we could ask around; Trey has picked up on the Tonga language very well and was able to communicate surprisingly well.
Before our journey, we collected first aid supplies, food, and shirts to take to the man’s family. Once the students knew the trip we were taking, everyone was willing to give. Several people gave of their own clothes and food while others gave medicine and ointments that they have brought. Several of the ladies in our group wanted to walk with us once they found out about the trek. We warned Kristin, Katrina, and Katy that we may not return until evening and that we would be walking fast. This did not faze any of them and they did an incredible job of keeping up.
A mile in, we ran into our friend Elvis who pointed us towards another friend, Belvis. Belvis escorted us to the man we needed: Given. One of Given’s ears is missing and he cannot speak English well. We eventually discovered the man’s nickname (Diabu Diabu which may mean march in Tonga) and had a rough map that was drawn in the dirt. Eventually, we found the man that could help us find Diabu Diabu. He has three children and one of his children apparently has seizures. We are not quite sure of his situation, but his family is for sure living in poor conditions. We left what little we brought and agreed to visit them again soon. The children were very respectful and received our gifts with two hands.
I look forward to learning more Tonga and visiting Diabu Diabu’s family again. I admire Trey’s willingness to travel and serve those around. I also admire Kristin, Katrina, and Katy for their endurance and caring hearts. There is much to say about this experience, but there is one thing that bothers me. There is a question that constantly bugs me while I am here and there is no answer. Why did God choose us to be so blessed? Why do we have so many material things, while some people in Zambia are lucky to feed their children? For this I feel convicted. It has never hit me from watching television or reading National Geographic. It never hit me until I found myself staring at Diabu Diabu and his children in the dirt, as if I was having an outer body experience. I continued to ask myself, “is this really where they live?” How can they live in this small hut with no door?
Once we arrived back at the mission I was exhausted and fell asleep on my comfortable mattress with my white sheets. After I woke up I took a shower with clean water. Only two hours away there are children the color of dirt. We eat three meals a day and each meal is different food. When I am thirsty I drink water out of the sink. For all of these things I feel convicted.
The only thing more surprising than these conditions in which many Africans live is the fact that they are more content than many Americans. Although I will never have the answers, it is comforting to know that the Zambians are very content with what they have and are able to live a life of joy no matter what their situation; something many wealthy Americans do not possess.