Monday, September 29, 2008

Running

Tonight, I went for a run through the local village. Running in Africa is so different. Everyone waves and yells "Mzungu, mzungu" - especially the children. How could I not like running here when I have constant encouragement from the community?!? They all smile too because they think I am crazy to be running in the name of exercise. When they walk, they walk for a purpose - to get to work, to go to the garden, etc. They hardly ever run. Tonight, so many children ran up to me to shake my hand and ask, "Mzungu, how are you?" It was so sweet! The real kicker came at the end of my run. Some children started running alongside me - they think it is so funny. There is a fairly steep hill right before the entrance to Rafiki. One little boy ran with me all the way up. Mind you, I usually walk up that hill, but with a little barefooted boy beside me giving me encouragement, you better believe I made it up!

It made me think about what it would look like if we encouraged each other in the same way in the race of life. If we truly ran alongside one another and encouraged each other through the most difficult times. If we welcomed one another with smiling faces, shouts of joy, and arms wide open. I know I made it up one daunting hill because of the encouragement of a young boy....

5 comments:

Heather said...

Hey! Yea, I was at Amani for 2 months this past summer. I absolutely loved it there. How long have you been in Uganda?

Anonymous said...

You need to start writing a book..."Life Lessons from Uganda".... serious..... I LOVE the things God is teaching you through every day life there!!

Mike said...

Nice to read your comment on my blog, Andrea! We miss you. I like reading your posts. We keep praying for you and know God is using you to spread the gospel.

Anonymous said...

Great comments Andrea....glad that God is showing you so many things in your time in Uganda.

Paul

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear you finally made it up the big hill!!!

Sara