As the jeep pulled to a stop, I had a moment of panic.
I was utterly exhausted, it was brutally hot, I was already sunburned and we had a rather harrowing walk to reach the village. As my eyes filled with tears, I told our team leader “I’m not sure I have this in me”.
She offered to go for me. But after a momentary internal pep-talk, I plopped a team-mate’s floppy hat on my head, swallowed my tears and set out determined that I was going to do what I had promised I would do for my friends in Canada.
What started out as daunting, turned out to be invigorating. The walk, while crazy in places, was through the most incredible valley surrounded by the haze of blue mountains. You know when the bridge you’re crossing is made of woven bamboo, you’re really in the heart of Africa.
Later that day, one of my team-mates told me “I felt so sorry for you when I heard how far you had to go”. But after our walk in the valley, I felt sorry that everyone didn’t have that experience.
The little boy in this video, Misheck, is sponsored by Jacquie, the sponsor of a psuedo-village of her own. At my last count it was 17 kids. But if I know her well enough, her heart has probably expanded again. She is an astounding example of generosity.
I am so glad – not only for her, but for us – that this trek was ours. In every way, it was worth the walk.
This one was especially endearing. What a handsome little guy
I had tears in my eyes at his mother’s message to Jacquie. What a brave soul! I’m so glad God has tied these two woman together through World Vision. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Bethany! All of these visits have their own amazing story – I feel like every time I do one, it’s a little like giving birth.