Africa

Yesterday some friends of ours that are originally from Kenya West Africa left us to return home and assist with the family business. The father of one of our friends passed away last year and left his mother to maintain/run the school they had started years ago. We gathered yesterday morning before church to hear them speak about what they intended on doing and what life would consist of once they returned.
As they spoke about the days to come I couldn't help but reflect back on the time I spent in both South and West Africa just a few years ago. Both places hold a special place in my heart as I  have always had a passion for the African people and a desire to return. When Ryan and I first met it was one of the things we had in common. A desire to return and see what the Lord would have us do. But of course things never go as we planned and now that we have a child of our own the idea of hoping on a plane isn't as easy as it once was.
I can't explain the feeling I have inside when I think of Africa. There are few things in my life that cause this sort of reaction, my husband, my daughter, dancing and Africa. There is something about that place that locked onto my heart long before I got there several years ago and hasn't left me yet.
Ryan and I have discussed going back next year to visit our friends. To help with what ever it is they may need and just have the opportunity to be back in a place that tugs on both of our hearts so strongly. We have thought also of seeing about speaking to our church and turning it into a large group trip, which would be amazing, there isn't anything like this in the works just yet but it is my prayer that the Lord open the doors as he see fit.

I have always had a passion for the mission field and when I returned a few years ago I knew that I wouldn't be returning again as  a single woman. Here I am married now and the opportunity has presented itself in a small way. It is my hope that I can use the gifts the Lord has given me to some how be of use here and there. Who knows what happens next but I pray that some time soon it might be returning to one of my loves with my love.