I traveled to Africa on the other side of the Globe NOT as a trip, but to witness God's compassion and GRACE. Upon arrival you get the feeling that you have taken a trip back in time to a civilization that could only be described at best as primitive. By that I mean that there is no running water, no electricity, no sanitation and barely a way to provide a meek existence for yourself. Basic needs as those just described, as small as they may seem, are something we as Americans take for granted. However, they take a hard second place to what I saw and experienced when it comes to survival and mortality.
One day when returning to our quarters, on the side of the road I witnessed a man on his knees in front of a hole that was about a foot wide and two foot long. This man was weeping as he took a bundled up blanket which I believed contained a small infant child who had suffered death and was burying the child on the side of the road where everyone walks. It seemed that people were passing this gentleman by as if he was bent down tying his shoes.
Myself and the rest of the team in our vehicle were moved to tears as the reality of what was happening was REAL, and most of all, an everyday occurrence. I remember lying in bed that night crying to myself and praying for God's mercy for these people who are no different than I, who want the same things out of life as we all do, yet are coming up short.
What I discovered the next day was even more of a reality check when we traveled to a small village and there was a young boy who could not have been more than 7 to 8 years old. He was holding an infant who could not even crawl yet and was approximately 8 to 9 months old. This boy was raising this child because the parents had died from AIDS and his only recourse for that child's survival was to be the mother, father and brother to it. I have no doubt that the child will make it because of the compassion of its sibling. I was saddened once again by the reality of life here as compared to the one I have. God, I pray that you lift these people up in spirit, mind, and body and provide them with your grace, love and care.
Shawn Messick