I Left My Heart In Africa

I have learnt a lt this year. I learned that things don't always turn out the way you planned, or the way you think it should. And I've learned that there are things that go wrong that don't always get fixed or get put back together the way they were before. I've learned that you can get through bad times and keep looking for better ones. This year wasn't always pretty. It wasn't always comfortable. Some things and situations even break your heart. But that's okay. The journey changes you - it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness and on your heart. You take something with you, and hopefully also leave some things behind. I will forever remain humble because I know I could have less. And I will always be grateful because I know I've had less.

 

Africa is the best moment I have ever know. Her mountains still teach me how to stand tall and proud. To see life much more clearly with my head above the clouds. Her rivers with currents swift and fast that show you it's okay to allow God to wash away your past. I am still humbled by the vastness of her endless plains that make you feel like you are free. Her stars remind you that there's beauty in the dark. And even though the distance seems far while you roam, it always feels like home. I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.

 

I left my heart in Africa.

 

I left it in the beautiful souks and Riads of Marrakech and the clear blue passages of Chef choaen in Morocco.
I left it at the great ancient pyramids of Giza and the beautiful, peaceful and blessed pathways and shelters of Anaphora, a true spiritual Oasis.
I left it on the billion green hills of Ethiopia and the tasteful coffee beans, crushed and soaked to give you the taste of life and freedom.
I left my heart in Masaailand, where campfires burn 24/7 and the sound of simplicity and the glory of God echoes between the canyons of the beautiful river bed with fallen trees.
I left it in Uganda where the importance of family, fellowship and the necessity of the true gospel of our dear Jesus was emphasized and reastablished. I left it in the refreshing waters of the ancient white nile.
I left my heart in a country and its people that live with open hands, leaving space to be humble and vulnerable at the same time. Rwanda and the people I now call friends , is and will always be an inspiration.
I left it next to Lake Victoria and with Tunza sunsets.
I left it in a house that feels like home, in a town named after stones and in the clear blue waters of the indian ocean.
I left my heart in Pemba, where true and willing hearts work to win hearts for the Lord, and at the same time showing others what living with true faith guided by the Spirit truly looks like. I left it at the foot of a baobab tree.
I left it in a village that taught me how to be grateful for everything, where sunrises have new meaning and beauty. I left it at the foot of powerful waterfalls that show once more the beauty and power of the creator Himself. Oh How He loves us.
I left my heart in Zambia, where worship was given new meaning, where team became family and where simplicity speaks louder than words. Love has a door and it is always open.
I left it in the wavy waters of Lake Malawi and the shady hammock spots, where Meditating on the goodness of Jesus throughout the year became a habit that I never want to lose.

 

I left my heart in Africa

 

How do I begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can I explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent to one whom has never seen it? Could it be because Africa is the place of all beginnings, the cradle of human Kind? God's favor rests on Africa. It has been held in reserve for the Lord. It is one of those special places where you can see the glory of God, the wonder and miracle of life unfold before your eyes. It is truly beautiful. Sometimes It feels like God visits everywhere else but lives in Africa. What amazing luck I have that God created such beautiful things and gave me the eyes to see them.

 

I left my heart in Africa...but "here is the deepest secret nobody knows. Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called Life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide."

 

AFRICA...

 

"I carry your heart,I carry it in my heart."- E.E Cummings