I know I'm in right line of work when burning garbage makes me nostalgic. A crisp morning with the smell of burning brought me right back to Africa today where between the cooking fires, fields, and trash heaps, something's always burning. I remembered how much I love that continent and how much I long to invest and make an impact there. I can't wait until I finish raising support and can start my regular work of teaching and mentoring in Zambia, the Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, and (hopefully someday) Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, and beyond.
I have a vision for whole-heart transformation there... catalytic, missional, Christ-centered wholeness: Jesus-style. But right now that vision is still inside my mind, gathering steam, waiting for the right time, for financial backing, for a critical mass of experience and networked relationships. I'm eager to get going.
But for now, my job is support-raising. That's exciting too. I enjoy kicking ideas back and forth with people, connecting, casting vision, gathering a team to accomplish that vision. As long as I can keep in perspective the fact that I have no wisdom or power within myself to make this thing work.... That if I'm gonna make the right connections and accomplish my goals it's gonna have to be the Lord's strength working on my behalf.... well, then support-raising is fun... it's really just cultivating relationships in the context of mission.
So I suppose I'll do my best just to relax and enjoy the season now. But when I smell burning rubbish, I'll dream of the season to come.
This made me smile. I was driving home with my windows down a few nights ago. It was hot and humid and someone was burning something in the distance. All I could think of was how it smelled like Africa. :)
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