Out of Africa: Part 2 – Letting My Brain Catch Up

On my recent trip to Africa, I disciplined myself to keep a daily journal of what transpired and how I felt about it. These entries are from that journal.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

For the most part I spent the day becoming acclimated to the time change. I took a 2-1/2 hour nap which is very unusual for me. I discovered a Business Center here so I was able to do some email in addition to getting to know some of the rest of the team. Most are my age or older. About 75% are pastors and 75% are male.

At the opening dinner which included 45 minutes of sharing why we were here, I had an interesting experience. As the others were sharing their reasons I wondered what I would say. After hearing a couple of personal stories from World Vision folks about how this had impacted them and others, I caught myself saying, “God, what are you up to?” When it was my turn to share I very briefly told about the miracles that took place just to get me here (and there were several), and how I tried to get out of it but God continually removed every obstacle. So my final comment was to share the above question and say, “I want the answer to that question.”

Out of Africa: Part 1 – Leaving on a Jet Plane . . . Three of Them!

On my recent trip to Africa, I disciplined myself to keep a daily journal of what transpired and how I felt about it. These entries are from that journal.

Sunday, October 16, 2005 and Monday, October 17, 2005

Today I flew out of Pittsburgh with a certain amount of trepidation. I am sure I am doing what God wants me to do for this time, but what will He call me to do as a result when I return? The answer to that is weeks away.

The flight to Detroit out of Pittsburgh left 25 minutes late. With only little over an hour to make an international connection, I was surely wondering what was happening. The plane was overbooked by about a dozen folks so we spent time deciding who would not make the trip. I was almost one of the ones bumped, they talked to me about it, but international travelers with connections are usually not bumped I am told; so I was spared. However, I was told that returning, and they see it is the final leg of my trip, if this same thing happens my odds of being bumped are pretty high. I will cross that bridge when I come to it . . . if I come to it.

When I boarded the plane there was a brief moment of concern. My seat was assigned by the airline. This was the only seat I was not allowed to pre-assign when I booked with Orbitz. They arbitrarily gave me the first row in economy, which is the last row to board the plane. With it being so full, there was zero room for my carry on and my briefcase. They told me I would have to check it. I told them I could not. I had a short transfer to an international flight to a location that loses 20% of the bags and I had already checked one bag. I explained that this was my emergency bag. I was nice about it, and they seemed to understand. We found a seat to put it under.

Somehow we arrived on time. I assume they sped up or shortened the flight route to make up the time. When I arrived in Detroit my plane was already boarding, so I barely had time to hit the bathroom.

My flight to Amsterdam was okay. My legs are long so I usually ask for an aisle seat so I can stretch out and so I can go to the rest room without disturbing anyone. When I got to my seat, an Indian woman asked me to change with her husband so he could sit with her. He was about 25 rows up and a window. At first I declined, but it became apparent I would spend the next 9 hours listening to her complain if I refused. So I squeezed in to a window seat next to a Croatian man who spoke bad and little English, although it is much better than my Croatian! He was a nice enough guy who drank Irish Whiskey directly from a large bottle the entire flight to ease his fear of flying, and talked about how much he loved French Cognac. He offered me a drink of his whiskey every 30 minutes or so the entire trip.

The transfer in Amsterdam was okay when I finally read enough to hit the gate. I had time to get a orange juice, use the rest room and begin the slow process of boarding, and it was a slow process with excessive security measures. The flight was on KLM (Royal Dutch Airways) and I was very impressed. First, I had my aisle seat, and had the seat next to me empty. The staff seemed cheerful, acted like they enjoyed their job, and fed us mercilessly! They even gave us an ice cream break!

My arrival in Kenya Monday evening was actually pretty uneventful. It ended over 24 hours of travel. While waiting on my bag, which did indeed arrive with me, I was able to exchange American dollars for Kenyan Shillings (Ksh) the local currency. The exchange rate was 70 to 1. So I was carrying almost 20,000 Ksh in my pocket! Do not be impressed, an ice cream cost me 150 Ksh at one rest stop.

We were met by World Vision personnel who transferred us to our hotel, where we were met with African hospitality. Here they greet you with a glass of fruit juice and a hot moist wash cloth to wash your hands and face. I could get used to this. I wonder if my staff will be doing that when I return? Na-a-a-h.

My roommate was from Flushing, NY. He works for World Vision and also a ministry called Pray New York that unites NY churches in prayer. By the time we got to our room it was 11:00 pm or so. We went to bed and after about 2 hours I finally drifted to sleep inside my mosquito netting. About 4 hours later, I awakened ready to go. I disciplined myself, however, to lie in bed and pray rather than getting up and stirring around potentially disturbing my roommate.

Why did I awaken so early? Well, there are at least five reasons.

1. My biological clock is no where near on Kenyan time.
2. I am anticipating what God will do over these next two weeks.
3. I left my church knowing that I have several major staffing issues facing me. I want to do what is best for Fountain Park and the kingdom. I am sure these issues will lessen in my consciousness as the days pass; but for now they are very evident in my mind.
4. There are a lot of personal issues rolling around in my mind presently. Some of them are pretty serious decisions that I feel I am facing in the upcoming weeks and months.
5. I am concerned for Gavin as we decide how our decisions regarding his treatment will play out.

Day 1 and 2 are over. Things are just starting and already I can tell, in the words of Bob Dylan, “Things they are a changing.”

Africa - Day 14

I arrived back in the states yesterday after a hectic travel schedule. Beginning later today or early tomorrow I will be posting a daily journal I kept during this experience. It will share about the trip, its impact on me as well as my present and future considerations.

I hope my brain arrives soon since I have to preach this morning! :)

Africa - Day 13

Friday, October 28

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

Final travel day. Pray for safety and the acclamation to home once again. Pray for clearance in customs in Detroit and the flight to Pittsburgh late in the day.

Pray for me and Fountain Park Church as we seek to determine what exactly God wants us to do in a budding partnership with the African church. Pray for wisdom and discernment.

Africa - Day 12

Thursday, October 27

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

Continued debriefing discussions then return flight to Nairobi to prepare for the long journey home. I fly out at 10:10 pm arriving in Amsterdam at 5:30 am. Friday morning. Pray for safe travel, and any contacts I make with persons in route.

Africa - Day 11

Wednesday, October 26

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

Debriefing continues with the group. Pray for me as I unpack what I have experienced. I will have been among the poorest people in the world and must allow them to serve me in the midst of their life struggles. This promises to be one of the most difficult parts of the trip. The fun part will be game drives among the animals in the wild of this vast park.

Africa - Day 10

Tuesday, October 25

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

I will travel with the reunited full group to our debrief site at the Masai Mara. This will include a six hour return van ride followed by a 45 minute flight to the site. The Masai Mara is where the most extravagant wildlife in Africa lives. We will end the day by beginning our group sharing and debriefing. I expect some intense discussions here as we unpack our visits and share in the beauty of God’s creation in a way that most never see.

Africa - Day 9

Monday, October 24

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

Additional project visits will continue to open my eyes and challenge my heart. This very special day I will be visiting the child and family that I will be personally sponsoring upon my return. Sponsoring a HIV/AIDS affected child is an honor. To actually meet them and their family . . . well that is something that I know will impact me greatly being the Myers Briggs “F” that I am.

Africa - Day 8

Sunday, October 23

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

I will worship in an African church. This promises to be a wonderful experience. Each time I have worshipped in a culture other than my own, I am impacted. Pray for that to occur once again. Worship will be followed by lunch with local pastors. We will discuss what a partnership looks like as well as what opportunities there are for growth on both sides.

Africa - Day 7

Saturday, October 22

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

I will be visiting project communities and interacting with World Vision staff, Community leaders, and local Pastors. I will begin to observe the rate of change in ministry focused projects that seek to address the physical, spiritual and social needs of children and families. I will learn a great deal about the impact of HIV/AIDS in the lives of children, families and churches. One of the realities I am becoming more and more aware of in my maturing state, is that Jesus really did care about the social issues of his day. He fed the hungry because they were hungry. He healed the sick because they were sick. He did not do it with a hook attached to it as I was taught in my earlier evangelical days. That is another story however.

This night in Pittsburgh U2 will be playing. I gave up tickets to this concert to make this trip. It is, as you probably know, one of Bono’s heartbeats. It is rapidly becoming one of mine. As much as I love concerts, this is a bittersweet day.

Africa - Day 6

Friday, October 21

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

This will be another travel day for me. I will be taking a six hour van ride to Korinda where my next four days will be spent learning about this World Vision Project site. Upon arrival I will meet my local hosts and spend time with the other pastors who are making this section of the trip. Other pastors will be going to Uganda, Zimbabwe, and other countries. I was originally to be in Tanzania on this leg. It changed when the local head of World Vision said his area was not ready to host pastors. With my change to Kenya, it means God has plans for me in Kenya. Help me to learn exactly what God desires for me and Fountain Park.

Africa - Day 5

Thursday, October 20

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

Pray for me as orientation concludes with a visit to the home of Karen Blixen made famous in the film Out of Africa.

Africa - Day 4

Wednesday, October 19

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

Orientation begins for what will be ten of the most intense days of my life. This orientation will include education about HIV/AIDS and its impact on children, communities and churches. I will learn about the World Vision Southern Africa ministry model. I will begin cross cultural preparation for my Project visits. I will also begin to learn about how the Africa church plays into the fight against HIV/AIDS, hunger and other issues.

Pray that the pastors in attendance, me included, would drop our pretenses and just be real with one another. That is something I only have with 2-3 guys in the states, but how much it will be needed in this venue.

Africa - Day 3

Tuesday, October 18

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday, October 16)

First full day in Africa. Pray for me to quickly become acclimated to the local area. Tuesday evening is a welcome dinner with other Pastors and our in country hosts. Pray for me to have an open mind and clear thoughts about what God wants me to learn from this trip.

Africa - Day 2

Monday, October 17

(For information on what this prayer guide refers to read post on Sunday October 16)

Today I fly from Amsterdam to Nairobi, Kenya arriving @ 7:50 pm local time concluding a full 24 hours of travel.

Pray for safety during a second long flight and any further contact with passengers and airline staff to be Christ honoring.

Pray for safe travel to the Safari Park Hotel and ease of transition on my body into local time and local customs.

Africa - Day 1

Today I begin my 12 day adventure to the continent of Africa. I am visiting with World Vision to HIV/AIDS community projects to explore how and if my church should partner with the church and World Vision addressing the AIDS Pandemic. I will be traveling with about 25 other pastors form Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Colorado and Florida. This is not a work trip but a vision trip. The purpose is to listen, learn, be changed, and begin the process of finding God’s leading for Fountain Park Church.

Each day there will be a prayer post here. As you think of this, please pray for me in this issue. It is one that God has laid heavily on my heart.

World Vision C2C Pastor’s Vision Trip
Church to Children, Communities and Churches

Sunday, October 16

Fly from Pittsburgh to Detroit departing @ 5:00 pm
Fly from Detroit to Amsterdam overnight flight arriving @ 9:10 am local time

Pray for safety, health during this long flight time. Also pray for any contact with other passengers and staff that it will be Christ honoring.