I am sure many of you have been wondering as to what happened to my blog. I ran away from the cold of Boston and lost all my coats not knowing that I will need them very soon. I wanted to come back with a story about great weather we are enjoying across Africa. But before I tell you about Zambia, Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, I have something to share with you.
My trip across Africa has taught me so much. I have realized that I have all the reasons to be thankful. If you think I am saying this because I am a pastor, just wait. I have met so many people who have nothing and I mean, nothing!
One little girl by the name of Siimwe Betty comes to mind. I met this beautiful girl on the streets of Kampala. She is very religious and well mannered. She was walking the hills of Kampala at a very slow pace. It was one of those hot days and I could tell that the little girl was thirsty and hungry. As I walked passed her, I realized that something was wrong with her. So I stopped to inquire about her well-being. She told me she was doing her hairdressing course at one of the church run-centers. However, she was just about giving up. When I inquired why, here is her answer.
"Imagine sir, a girl of my age, walking more than 12 miles a day! I don't have breakfast because I wake up about 5 am in order to get to school at 9 am. I don't have lunch because I can't afford! I still have to walk back home until 10 PM when I take my supper! It takes me 3 hours to school and another 3 back home! I have no father or mother! Nobody knows me! But as a Christian, I know that Jesus is aware of all my struggles!" I asked about how much it would cost her to get a bus to school! Only 500 Ugandan Shillings (less then 25 cents). I paused for a while before encouraging her not give up. I told her that she has the power to change her life once and for all.
Well, I suffered during my childhood but when I meet people like Siimwe, I realize how fortunate I have been. The difference between Siimwe and myself is that I had a mother and she does not! I had brothers and she does not. Yet we both have one thing in common. We had Jesus on our side. For sure, nobody knows our pains and fears, our joys and sorrows better than Jesus. I am reminded of the hymn, "What a friend we have in Jesus!" For that little girl, the only person she can trust to come to her aid is Jesus! Maybe, you are that Jesus who will give her 25 cents for her transport! What a lesson to all of us who are paining!
