So, I’ve now spent 5 months in the continent of Africa. Between the Race and this G42 practicum. I’ve been reminiscing on my time here in Swaziland and in Africa in general. It is interesting to note that I never really had any desire to visit Africa. I was perfectly fine never coming to this continent and marveled at people who were so sold on Africa, especially those who lived a missionary life there. The route I chose for the Race included Africa but I chose it for its 4 Spanish-speaking countries and Africa was just a bonus.
Honestly, I was relieved the first 2 countries were Africa so we could get it over with. I first stepped foot in Africa in January 2018 on the Race and had my birthday there shortly after arriving. Definitely a different birthday than I’d ever had before. We were in a village where most of the people had never seen white people before. It was an eye-opening, lovely experience. And, it was then that the Lord started growing my heart for Africa. The people were so kind and welcoming and gave all they had, which oftentimes wasn’t much. Their smiles, hugs, and laughter were a joy and it was hard to leave after 2 months.
Fast forward to a year later and I requested to do the practicum option in Costa Rica, since I love Spanish and have a heart for Hispanics. I was told I was approved for Costa Rica and got excited to return to Central America. However, I had requested to do a medical mission trip initially. Upon arriving to G42, the director met with me and told me of an opportunity in Swaziland with a nurse. It was their only medical option through their network and they switched me to that one. I was excited to do medicine but I was a little crestfallen that I was no longer going to a Spanish-speaking country. I really hadn’t planned to return to Africa anytime soon. And, in my head, I envisioned doing missions somewhere that spoke Spanish. But, I was grateful for this opportunity and was pretty good at being flexible (ahem the Race) so I geared up to go to Swaziland.
I wasn’t particularly excited to start practicum and leave Spain and my tight-knit community to go to the African bush by myself. I was nervous and felt out of my comfort zone. Everyone else was paired up and I felt alone and out of my element. Especially since I was leading a World Race Semesters team for the first month and didn’t feel qualified nor did I have a co-leader. G42 classmates encouraged me and gave me words about it being a sweet season of deeper intimacy with the Lord and rest. I tried to hold onto their words and actually believe that I was ready, Abba would be with me, and it would be good.
And, now, after being here for 3 months, it really was a sweet season of solitude, rest, friendship and people who became family, growth, contemplation, deeper understanding of the Scriptures, beautiful Swazis, flexibility, and ministry. The slow pace of Africa has allowed me to reflect, process, learn, and rest like never before. It’s been such a gift. I can’t believe it’s almost over. I feel like I’ve always been here but yet, I just arrived and where did the time go?
I don’t know the future. Or when or if I’ll return to Africa. But, I do know that the Lord is developing a heart for Africa in me and it’s growing ever stronger. I have a feeling I’ll be back. And, this time, I’ll come eagerly and expectantly. There’s something about these people that just gets in your heart and your soul and you can’t place it, but you just feel closer to God somehow and things become simpler and you see sides of yourself that are often buried in the busy bustle of the States. Africa is healing and gives you space to grow and become. The distractions and the trivial fall away and you see clearly what really matters. Love. Loving people. God. Loving God.
Africa, AFRICAN love you.
‘Til next time,
Raina
“God places His saints where they will bring the most glory to Him, and we are totally incapable of judging where that may be.
From “My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition” Oswald Chambers
