Dear family & friends,
Although I’m as excited as the first time, I am sure that none of you will be surprised to hear that I am going back to South Africa this year! You have all been instrumental in both my ability to go and my personal growth through these trips. This is without mentioning how generous you have been to the people of South Africa. This year, my goal is to be more raw and transparent with my supporter family. I want supporters to see all sides including the “ugly” side of me, not just the “do gooder” who goes to Africa every year so please hold me accountable to that and feel comfortable to ask me anything.
I still sit back in wonder when I think about the journey that has made Africa become my heartbeat and passion. In the past, it was just a foreign place I said that I never wanted to visit, which I think hinged partly on personal experiences I had growing up that resulted in displaced anger and partly on misconceptions about Africa in general regarding their situation (TB, HIV, hunger) and a feeling that, while it was sad, it was “brought on by themselves.” As you could probably infer, I did not first choose Africa; rather, it chose me. Well, as with every other “I never” statement I have made in life, it is exactly what came to pass. I took my first journey to Africa in 2007. I think God has the best sense of humor [or at least he has fun with my life anyway].
I soon learned that the existent problems aren’t THEIR problems; they are OUR problems, which means MY problem. No matter where you go, we are all the same – the difference is that some of us are born into better circumstances. Many of us, like I did, allow negative experiences and misconceptions (ignorance) to shape us and create a veil to shield us from loving our neighbors, including those thousands of miles away, and becoming the person we were meant to be in order to leave our mark on the world.
A quote I just read can better put this into perspective and says just enough…
“Sometimes I would like to ask God why he allows poverty, suffering,and injustice when He could do something about it.”
Although I’m as excited as the first time, I am sure that none of you will be surprised to hear that I am going back to South Africa this year! You have all been instrumental in both my ability to go and my personal growth through these trips. This is without mentioning how generous you have been to the people of South Africa. This year, my goal is to be more raw and transparent with my supporter family. I want supporters to see all sides including the “ugly” side of me, not just the “do gooder” who goes to Africa every year so please hold me accountable to that and feel comfortable to ask me anything.
I still sit back in wonder when I think about the journey that has made Africa become my heartbeat and passion. In the past, it was just a foreign place I said that I never wanted to visit, which I think hinged partly on personal experiences I had growing up that resulted in displaced anger and partly on misconceptions about Africa in general regarding their situation (TB, HIV, hunger) and a feeling that, while it was sad, it was “brought on by themselves.” As you could probably infer, I did not first choose Africa; rather, it chose me. Well, as with every other “I never” statement I have made in life, it is exactly what came to pass. I took my first journey to Africa in 2007. I think God has the best sense of humor [or at least he has fun with my life anyway].
I soon learned that the existent problems aren’t THEIR problems; they are OUR problems, which means MY problem. No matter where you go, we are all the same – the difference is that some of us are born into better circumstances. Many of us, like I did, allow negative experiences and misconceptions (ignorance) to shape us and create a veil to shield us from loving our neighbors, including those thousands of miles away, and becoming the person we were meant to be in order to leave our mark on the world.
A quote I just read can better put this into perspective and says just enough…
“Sometimes I would like to ask God why he allows poverty, suffering,and injustice when He could do something about it.”
“Well, why don’t you ask him?”
“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question” (-Anonymous)
I love serving the communities, who on a daily basis, deal with issues that I will rarely if ever face: death, disease, hunger, thirst, despair, and the list goes on. What I love most is partnering with the South Africans who are stepping up to change their communities (all communities including White) and be a beacon of light in times of darkness and the Americans who have sacrificed very successful careers to make LOVE their full time careers and strive daily to replace darkness with hope, love, and faith while respecting their culture and not pushing “the American way.”
This year, I have felt more convicted to follow the sacrificial example of the American missionaries and South Africans. The Americans have given up successful careers, comfortable lives, and time with their children in order to serve and love. The South Africans will give anything needed, even if they need it more. I want to love like that. I give out of “excess” as most of us do in America. Although I am very generous with my “time,” I never truly sacrifice financially to the point where giving hurts. I have made that my goal in 2010: give generously financially and give until it hurts. Even at that point, I know I will be okay and my needs will be met.
Even though it is in spirit and community, I challenge you to partner on this journey with me to South Africa in 2010 and to follow me in sacrificial giving. There will be plenty of ways to get involved this year, and I will update you shortly. Until then, I just ask that you now think or pray about how you may be involved in the journey. I look forward to seeing what we come up with!
With much love and appreciation,
Danielle
