It truly is the little things in life that bring the most
joy. On the way back to the orphanage after a meeting with the village
committee, I saw two little boys playing ninja (or perhaps the Tanzanian
equivalent of kick fighting) on the side of the road. As I greeted them in Swahili
they stopped their warrior dance and began to walk with me. One boy, Nuru, I
recognized from the local primary school, boldly grabbed my hand and the other
little boy scampered around to follow in suit with my remaining hand. We walked
on in silence, toothy grins plastered wide on all three faces.
I have only been back in the village for a few weeks, and it
has already been the most emotionally tumultuous experience of my entire time
here in Tanzania. It is a difficult confession, as my pride wishes to feign
indifference or even preference for my life at the orphanage; however that is
far from the truth. In fact, during my 4 week stay in back in my home town over
the holidays, there were days when I wished that I didn’t have to return to
Sunrise Children’s Home. My heart longs to remain with my friends and family,
where life is easy and comfortable. But then I think who can accomplish
anything in a life when complacency and mediocrity reign? I must not settle for
ease and comfort, but strive for purpose and growth, only then will I attain
any measurement of success or achievement.
So here I am, living day to day, trusting that God has some
sort of a plan for me, for Sunrise, for these children. Each day is a struggle,
but as I focus on being grateful for the many blessings presented to me, then I
have the strength to carry on and bless others.
