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| My neighbourhood. |
All my previous trips to the Gambia have been during the dry season (good time to come); right now we’re towards the end of the rainy season. People are thankful for good rains this year (for the crops), but they (not just me!) have also been struggling with the extended heat and humidity. When I arrived it really was a dramatic physical shock. Temperatures were high 30s˚ (forecast says “feels like” mid-40s˚) and humidity was in the 90%s. Anyone who’s been on a summer holiday or played sport with me knows that it doesn’t take a lot to make me sweat…
Well, I'm writing at night as the water and power are both off (power = fan; water = shower) so, instead of just soaking my bed sheet with sweat whilst lying awake, I thought I’d do something productive and write a few words!
One of my main concerns about arriving was loneliness. On my previous 4 trips to the Gambia I’ve been a member, leader or visitor of a team. This time it’s just me. But I’m so thankful to God that I’m no stranger to a number of people here.
So I’m really thankful for all these people and more. And I trust that current and new relationships and friendships will grow and deepen in time.
But when I am lonely, how thankful I am that I am never alone. Before he physically left Earth, Jesus promised:
Lonely? Sometimes. Alone? Never. God is with me for ever by His Spirit. Oh what peace that gives!
Furthermore, I have the following keeping me company in my compound:
Well, I'm writing at night as the water and power are both off (power = fan; water = shower) so, instead of just soaking my bed sheet with sweat whilst lying awake, I thought I’d do something productive and write a few words!
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One of my main concerns about arriving was loneliness. On my previous 4 trips to the Gambia I’ve been a member, leader or visitor of a team. This time it’s just me. But I’m so thankful to God that I’m no stranger to a number of people here.
- Pastor S is the one I’m here to serve, and I’ve had enormous respect and admiration for him since we first met 10 years ago. He has been tremendously generous and helpful in all kinds of ways already.
- Brother P is a dear friend and great fun - he and I will be teaching some material together at SOW (Servants of the Word) and it’s been great to reconnect with him (and deliver to him his beloved Haribo).
- B is a young Christian who’s become good friends with recent UK teams out here. I loved meeting him 18 months ago and it was a treat when he popped round the other night (during an evening power cut, which can be a lonely time). We shared and laughed together and had a precious time reading the Bible (Hebrews 10:11-25).
- I await Mama’s return from Sierra Leone, where she’s been for a few weeks. She’s desperate to look after me here and I’m desperate to see her! She’s the legendary Mama of the annual Gap teams here and is a source of big hugs, delicious food, many laughs and much wisdom.
So I’m really thankful for all these people and more. And I trust that current and new relationships and friendships will grow and deepen in time.
But when I am lonely, how thankful I am that I am never alone. Before he physically left Earth, Jesus promised:
“The Father will give you another advocate to be with you for ever - the Spirit of truth… he lives with you and will be in you…
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:16-27)
Lonely? Sometimes. Alone? Never. God is with me for ever by His Spirit. Oh what peace that gives!
Furthermore, I have the following keeping me company in my compound:
- Rupert the Rooster: meaning I won’t be needing an alarm clock
- Helen the Hen and her friends: helpfully eating my scraps
- Larry the Lizard and his friends: whom I love to watch running all over the walls
- Colin the Cockroach and his (many) friends: would really rather they didn’t get in the fridge though...
- Anthony the Ant and his (very many) friends: we’ve come to a peaceful co-existence
- Mollie the Mosquito and her (many) friends: I’m trying to keep my distance
- Jimmie the Cricket and his (noisy) friends: giving that tropical background noise
- The mysterious creature in the roof with remarkably heavy footing...!
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Your post reminds me of a story Amy Carmichael told in one of her books:
ReplyDelete"One day, many years ago, I went alone to a cave in the mountains, called Arima. I have feelings of fear about the future. That is why I went there to be alone with God. The devil kept whispering ‘it’s was all right now, but what about afterward? You are going to be so very, very lonely.’ He painted pictures of loneliness. I can see them still. And, I turned to my God in a kind of desperation and said, Lord, what can I do? How can I go on to the end? And, the Lord said, Amy, none of them that trust in Me shall be desolate. That word has been with me ever since.” Betsy Howard
Thanks Betsy. Wonderful how God's promises have expulsive power over Satan's lies.
DeleteI think you may find that Larry the Lizard is in fact Geraint the Gecko. (Or at least, that's certainly whom you've photographed there...!)
ReplyDeleteYou're quite right - they are geckoes!
DeleteI think the heavy creature on the roof is either a cat or a very fat bird. Always liked to stalk around in the early morning when we were there.
ReplyDelete