Renewed Focus

by Amy Hanley

When I tell people that I am going to Africa for the fourth time this summer they usually look a little perplexed.  They ask, "What do you do there?" My inclination is to give them a quick summary of the things that I have done (and will do): educate women and build their faith at conferences, help with repairs at orphan centers, teach children about health issues and how much God loves them, provide shoes and supplies to needy children.

But that doesn't really get to the heart of why I keep returning.

The children of Zambia were as intrigued by my hair as I was by their joy

What I really do in Zambia is learn about hope in the midst of suffering, heart-felt worship, true and humble servant-hood.  By spending time with the people and dealing with the some of the day-to-day hardships and challenges that they experience, I discover deeper gratitude, peace and joy. I am pulled out of my self-focused life full of first world problems and am changed.

However I have found that after a few months home from Africa, it is easy to once again be absorbed by the demands and routines of my life. Some of that gratitude turns to grumbling, some of that peace turns to worry. So that is why I return again and again - to renew that focus and be inspired to love better, trust more, embrace gratitude, and sing loud!