For years, we've heard about, read about,
and seen images on TV and in movies. We knew about Africa's dying
generation...at least we thought we did. But now we KNOW. We know that seeing a
child in complete poverty, surrounded by hundreds of other children in complete
poverty does something to the soul and spirit that images and words can't.
It's heartbreaking and it's overwhelming. Your first thoughts are to do what so
many have done in so many similar situations around the world...to block it
out, to leave it for another person, another group, another generation to deal
with. In the first 48-hours, Gina and I questioned our decision to go. Our
being there couldn't possibly make a difference. We were disheartened.
Over the course of the next five days, we were changed. The people we met,
worked with and worked for compelled us, not to walk away, but to dive in, to
get more involved. We weren't discouraged...we were encouraged. We wanted to
make a difference, not in the lives of the millions in need, but in the life of
that one person we would come into contact with.
During one of our team meetings, a member of the "Dream for Africa"
leadership team made a statement I pray I never forget. She simply said,
"Now you know." Now I know and now I am responsible for acting, for
doing something.
Over the next few days, I'll be posting info about our trip. I hope the stories
will be entertaining, compelling and encouraging. I hope they will make us all
want to get more involved in ending poverty, not just in Africa, but worldwide,
even in our own communities.
I also hope that what I write here will help me process what I've seen. And as
I look back on them, I hope these posts will compel me to use the talents and
resources God has blessed me with to do more than acquire and consume.
THANK YOU ALL so much for your thoughts and prayers. Our team was amazing and
we were completely protected from even the smallest problems and distractions.
We worked hard, encouraged each other and got to experience God's incredible
imagination (and maybe his sense of humor) during an open safari through Kruger
National Park...zebras, elephants, giraffes and hippos...God is amazing!
Look for a photo album sometime in the next few days. In the meantime, here are
a few teasers.
Jason
(Return to www.atlantaclimber.com)