Looking

A long, winding, and (at times) bumpy road was our day's journey today. From Douala to Kumba with a diversion to Limbe for lunch overlooking the ocean, there was much to see- plantain farms, fields and fields of tea plants, and frothy waves crashing over a rocky coastline. I rarely have seen so much green. Clouds wove in and out of the foothills, blocking our view of Mt. Cameroon, but produced stunning views of muted greens and greys with each layer of the hills, fading into mist. It reflected a calm back to me when I was feeling slightly overwhelmed once again that I was 6000 miles from who I know myself to be. And an intimidation that this trip bears more than the weight of just our English lessons and assessments, but the potential for growth and change in me.

In someways I'm the outsider even within this group as the only first-time-to-Africa-ite of the crew. At many points I felt like I had nothing to contribute, on any topic. My opinions or thoughts seemed small, given the experiences and backgrounds of Pastor and Karen Kroll and Mick, so I listened carefully and took advantage of the time I had to sit and look. 

My eyes were glued to the scenes whizzing by as we wove through traffic that has no abided-by rules. This style of driving was no shock to me after traveling in the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia (and in many ways this actually felt safer due to the slower speeds due to the police checkpoints and speed humps every several miles). We only got flagged to stop at one checkpoint where we gave the policeman our passports, but it was all part of the experience. A hassle for our hosts, but a point of cultural interest for me. The real joy I found was watching the people. The clothes, the jobs, the modes of transportation, the children, the smiles exchanged through our window panes. It all breathed of LIFE. I think that's why I enjoy travel so much - to glimpse at humanity playing out in such drastically different ways. 

Already in two days I have experienced and seen more than anyone would care to hear about...but it is so vital that I process it. Before we left, we were asked to watch 4 of 5 video clips about missions trips. My biggest take away from the video was the idea that we can see different aspects of the image of God through encounters with different cultures. The concept absolutely blew me away. It seems so obvious to me now that it is stated, but what an amazing blessing God has showered on us by giving our world so much diversity. We have not only countries, cultures, and communities to see God in -- we have 7 billion opportunities all around us. I'm just going to meet some of the ones on this side of the ocean. 

I am so curious to see what God wants to teach me about Himself through these people, and then in turn, about myself. As my eyes take in the beauty of the people and the land, may my heart take in the beauty of God through it all.