Personal Reflections
Personal Reflection from Lisa Niewolny, member of Willow Creek Community Church
Life is funny isn't it? Just when we think we are "in control" we are ever so humbly reminded that we are not. I was reminded of that this year when I was the only female in a group boarding a plane with 5 others on our way to South Africa and Zambia, for a global poverty and AIDS vision trip with Willow Creek. Never, in my wildest dreams did I think I would be making such a trip as this, and never without family. But as I boarded the plane and found my seat, I sat down and chuckled internally at my stubborn self, a trait I have come to be very aware of. I thought, He did it again. Once again, the Lord did it. You see, sitting there on the plane I recalled a conversation I had with my sister-in-law many years ago. I remember so vividly saying, "what if God calls me to South Africa? I don't want to go to some third world country. That's not me!"
Sitting on the plane I began to pray for God's strength and his hand to be on my heart and actions from beginning to end. I knew that nothing or no one, but God, could prepare me for what I was about to see, taste, and feel over the next twelve days.
We learned of the 22 church partners (Samfya Community Care Providers) and their projects; each one custom designed to the needs of their community and each one reaching out beyond the church parking lot. There were care-givers walking five to ten miles a day in scorching heat to visit their clients infected with HIV/AIDS to check in on them, delivering their medicine and much needed items such as toiletries and clothes. There was an orphan village of homes that host orphaned children and a "house mom." My heart sank to find out that not only had they lost their parents, they, too, are infected. While visiting a few homes I had the chance to do what any mother does best. I loved on these kids. I met a little girl named Peqweenta. To say that she was shy would be an understatement. In the short amount of time I was able to visit her and her siblings I could feel her fear. I wanted to love on her and let her know everything was going to be ok, but I found myself in the thick of a realization that that is one promise I can not make.
One thing is for sure, not everyone is infected but everyone is affected by this disease. On this trip I ran the gamut of emotions. I visited orphan villages, saw devastation and poverty through the eyes of innocent children, heard the cries of the hopeless in hospice. I saw ugly and I saw evil. Yet, through it all I found God. I saw him in the smiles of the orphans. I felt him as I held the hands of the sick. I touched Him while holding a fear-filled little girl on my lap and sensed her fear dissolve. As much as I thought I would and could minister to the people of South Africa and Zambia, they ministered to me. I found my compassion and heart grow every time I walked into a village. I found the burning in my stomach turn to warmth in my heart when I realized my God is an amazing God and He is working in the hearts of many to help make a difference in this pandemic.
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