A Little Off

Africa has not been exactly what I thought it would be. I am staying in a house that is nicer than mine at home, yet I live in a city far different from Oshkosh, Searcy, or Jacksonville. The place that I'm staying at is truly wonderful, however, not just because I have a toilet, shower, and bed, though they are a blessing that I'm grateful for, but more so I'm blessed because of the people that live in the house.
I have had the experience of going to a village, learning some Kabiye (local dialect), climbing mountains, and meeting new people. I have never been more grateful for the resources I have in the states. We are so rich, physically. We are rich in medicine, shelter, clothing, and food. Yet in Kara I feel like they are rich in ones way that we are not. They are rich in relationships, because they actually have a community that communicates. Many neighborhoods in America have lost a sense of community. The Kabiye people eat as a community and garden as a community. They understand how to work together and that is powerful.
Relationships are greater than accomplishments. This a concept that I have always believed in, yet in Kara, Togo I am truly learning this. The power went out at my house yesterday night and the six of us in the dark room had a meaningful conversation and I loved it. Too many times I have lost the ability to talk with people that I do not know very well. However, starting this point in my life I want to take time to get to know more people deeply. When I have conversations i always try to look people in the eye. I want to truly care about all people, not just the ones like me. The children and and people in Togo have such big smiles and kind words. They want you to embrace them and love them, as they do to me. I pray I can continue to learn as I meet more and more people of God.