For the past few days we’ve been working on clearing and smoothing out dirt for a driveway in the village. We have the six oldest boys helping us make progress during our free time, and it is a wonderful opportunity speaking to them about life. Jason, Ben and I have been sharing experiences of our lives to them and trying our best to pull out the classic father teaching moments. Whether its relating why in the world moving dirt two inches is important to integrity or why their education is so meaningful, it’s funny how I can put myself in their shoes. Thinking back to all those moments when my dad had me out back pulling weeds or doing yard work and always complaining in my mind but never out loud. Really is odd how that changes with age! Thinking back, I really did cherish all those moments I had spending time with my dad. I started thinking the other day; these kids here simply wont have any memories of such. All the times I played catch or went fishing or anything like it, absolutely none of the kids here have that. I know that it is all over the world and even at home but it has never hit me like it does here. Maybe it is because of the numbers or simply because there is nothing for them to cover up anything with here. Back home there is always something to be occupied with or engulfed in, here they just have each other. Some may think I am crazy to say that my fondest memory of spending three weeks in Africa will be swinging an axe—but to have the opportunity to allow these boys to have a memory of me like I do of my father is priceless.
As time nears its end here for our trip, we are already beginning to reminisce. For our last day here--tomorrow—we have planned a field day event! It immediately takes me back to elementary school. Field days always marked the last days of school, a goodbye to that grade level. For us here in Zambia, our field day will mark our farewell to the children and workers we have fellowshipped with for the past three weeks. Leaving this village will be bittersweet. We will finally be able to freely go out and grab something quick to eat or not have to worry about the power being cut off randomly. However, we are leaving with the impression for what the Rafiki organization is all about. Rafiki is a Swahili word for friend—that is just what we are leaving behind. These children are no longer strangers to me; they are no longer orphans to me or anything else other than friends. That is how it will always be.
-Shane D. Maloney, Kansas State University
As time nears its end here for our trip, we are already beginning to reminisce. For our last day here--tomorrow—we have planned a field day event! It immediately takes me back to elementary school. Field days always marked the last days of school, a goodbye to that grade level. For us here in Zambia, our field day will mark our farewell to the children and workers we have fellowshipped with for the past three weeks. Leaving this village will be bittersweet. We will finally be able to freely go out and grab something quick to eat or not have to worry about the power being cut off randomly. However, we are leaving with the impression for what the Rafiki organization is all about. Rafiki is a Swahili word for friend—that is just what we are leaving behind. These children are no longer strangers to me; they are no longer orphans to me or anything else other than friends. That is how it will always be.
-Shane D. Maloney, Kansas State University
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To God Be The Glory!
Or, Donate directly to our cause quickly and easily via our PayPal Account HERE.
To God Be The Glory!