The people are amazing

On my first trip to Zambia, I did not know what to expect.  I thought long and hard about what my perceptions were of people in Africa, particularly in rural Africa.  I found myself thinking these people were less fortunate, impoverished and much less successful than myself, than us, in America because they did not have the 'goal oriented' nature to create a better life for themselves.

What I found was surprising to me and completely different than my perceptions.  I found a humble, kind and happy people.  I found that they had the same 'root' desires as myself, those of love from family, friends and community, longevity and peace.  I found that the struggles they had were of the most basic needs of water which prevented them from healthy crops to feed themselves and protect themselves from disease causing death to those they love.  I found I had more in common with them than I had different.

I discovered a new place in my heart, one of a desire to live simply like them.  I was amazed at how happy these people were with as little as they had.  I could not imagine how they could be happy without the big house, large salary, fabulous toys until I found that the very things we in America strive so hard for are the very things that keep us from the peace and joy we seek in these very things.  We think these successes, these toys and material possesions will fulfill some need, only to find simple emptiness that can not be filled without God and human connection.  A part of me envied what they had, this surprised me greatly.

These very thoughts are what drive me to help the people of rural Africa, to help them meet their basic human needs.  I am not there to give them the biggest homes, material luxuries or abundant toys to distract them from the core of peace and happiness they embrace.  My hope and prayer is to offer them assistance to meet their most basic human need and allow them to enjoy the fruit of family and community they already own, hopefully with a longer life with greater health to enjoy.  They already own far more than many Americans, peace, love and joy.  Now if I can bring them water, food and vaccines...maybe they can teach me something.  Or everything :-).