Sometimes
in travel, I feel God’s presence in the moment. Other times, I see it through reflection. But both happened to me in Okurase, Ghana during a mission trip
with medical students from MUSC and pharmacy students from Albany, New York. We had different reasons for being there, but we all found a joy in feeding hungry children.
Hundreds of
children- tots to teens- sat quietly as they waited for a free breakfast of
porridge with a splash of condensed milk, bread, and a sachet of clean water.
They were asked to bring a calbash (a bowl), but half of them came empty handed. We quickly found plastic
bags, which were messy to fill and burned our fingers. We were determined to
give every child a meal so we took turns scooping the hot porridge and tying
the bags.As I wiped away tears flowing down my face, I made a promise. Next year every child will have a bowl. I didn’t know how this would be accomplished. All I knew was my desire to help these people obtain the necessities of life- clean water, food, and a small plastic bowl.
The lyrics
of a song we learned upon arriving in Okurase, Ghana ran through my mind as the
scene played out.
Everybody, everybody
Bring your calbash
Bring your calbash
Everybody should bring along
their calabash
We are going to eat porridge
The Holy Spirit's presence encouraged my family to travel to Africa to be God's hands and feet. He created a passion to share our good fortune in a way that blessed others. Mission trips are important because when we work side by side with new friends, amazing accomplishments happen. Time allows for a greater impact to our lives and spiritual growth.
Water Missions, a company based in the
Charleston area, whose mission is to bring safe sustainable water systems to remote areas all over the world, found a well site while we were there. Fundraising has begun. Until then, the villagers continue to drink from water contaminated by human and animal waste. This process takes many years of community and international resources. Now I appreciate the water that flows through my house- water I can drink from the faucet.
Where was the Spirit of God in this covered open-air
market that provides the villagers a place to gather? His presence was in the
hope these kids feel for a better future, where people care about them. He was in my tears and my promise. He
was present in the students who traveled far distances to
bring health care to people who otherwise would go without. He was in our faces as we served hot porridge and love. A beautiful new
understanding grew between our two cultures. Language barriers couldn’t stop
the connections made with smiles.
Inspired by her visit, my 15-year-old daughter, Annie wants to do something. She has a mission. Can it be OUR mission? Can each of us reach out to one other and make a significant difference whether it’s locally or internationally. The place doesn’t matter. God can work through us anywhere. Do you want to join us?
If you need suggestions, email me. I will send you a list of possibilities. If you know of a reputable nonprofit organization that needs our help, let me know and they will be added to the list. We don’t need to go far to find neighbors in the lowcountry that need a helping hand. Together we can change the world one person at a time.
