– by Melanie H. (volunteer September 2015)
“No, what? Africa? No, no that’s not for me – I’m not coming!” That was my initial response after Michelle, my friend and roommate for 3 years, asked me to join her on her next trip, this time to Tanzania. But the following months I found myself thinking about it every now and then – so I started praying about it earnestly … and … here I am – half a year later and probably a million experiences richer – just returned back to Austria from 8 weeks in Tanzania.
I won’t lie – the past two months weren’t always easy. On the contrary, there were challenges and struggles along the way and there were days when I thought about taking the next plane home. Why? Because life was just so different there, because it was hard to communicate with people, in regards to language AND culture, because I didn’t like the feeling of sticking out, because plans kept changing all the time, … because I was forced to reflect on certain attitudes and mindsets, because I had to acknowledge how selfish I often am in my thinking and how much I am trying to be in control instead of trusting Him with everything.
Because never will I forget the smiles and laughs of the children that lightened up my heart every time I saw them or the fact that there is just always time for a friend in need. It was humbling to feel and see the joyfulness and peace of people I met on my journey, especially after learning about their own personal struggles and hardships.
And it was an absolute privilege to be able to experience Gods love and kindness on a whole new level. I got the chance to dive deeper into the ocean of God’s love and to learn to trust his guidance in my everyday life – no matter where I am or what I do.
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
Therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!“
God showed me, that this promise he gave in Isaiah 30 verse 18 holds true even today, and that no matter the circumstances, his love, peace and joy are stronger. He is worthy to be trusted. Fully. Always.