Monday, September 26, 2011

Beautiful Africa

Over the weekend our church hosted the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda - this is the second year we’ve had them at our church. Beautiful children. Beautiful faces. Beautiful music and dancing (that’s right... dancing! in OUR church of all places!)


The evening made me miss my own trip to beautiful Africa. A few years ago I had the privilege of visiting Niger, West Africa. It truly is a beautiful place with some pretty amazingly beautiful people... I couldn’t help but desire to share some of that trip on here. Mostly because I wanted to reminisce again. 

I love this first bit... the singing and dancing is filled with so much joy. HOPE. If you watch for 2 minutes or so... then you can join in on their version of “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands”

Why isn’t my worship filled with this much joy? When I am surrounded by so much more stuff... Shouldn’t I have a reason to be joyful? Happy? Blessed? Hopeful? 
We make it difficult to see God when we are blinded by what is around us...

Blessed to see beautiful Africa...

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who HOPE in his steadfast love. Ps33:18

Since being in Africa, the word HOPE has taken a new meaning in my life. It’s why I believe. I can clearly say with conviction that I saw HOPE in Africa like I’ve never experienced before. I can’t really explain it - and if I tried it would be longer than a blog could handle - but I looked at faces and I sat one of those first nights, opened my Bible and the Lord said... 

There is Hope. In all of this. Hope in me.


Oh Lord, for what do we wait? My HOPE is in you. Ps39:7


Why are you cast down? Oh, my soul. Why are you in turmoil within me? HOPE in God. Ps42:5








8 comments:

  1. I'm visiting from Michelle's today and I loved remembering Africa with you. My husband and I visited this past May to celebrate our 30th anniversary and I have a very similar picture of the two giraffes! Such graceful animals. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amazing post! I think if I went to Africa, I'd never want to leave!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. awesome! i will find my way there one day, Lord willing! very cool!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. These photos are incredible - I've seen those children at my church. They are really remarkable.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh I loved this ... I visited Watoto Children's home in Uganda in December and recently became a Watoto ambassador. I have blogged about it and also started an art blog after being so moved by beautiful Africa and wanting to share my journey. Nice to meet you and discover your lovely blog.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What's up, after reading this amazing post i am as well cheerful to share my know-how here with friends.
    My webpage : small sheds

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for another excellent article. Where else could anybody get that kind of info
    in such an ideal means of writing? I've a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such info.
    My website ; Fat Loss Diet

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by!!