Rethinking purpose.

This trip has re-defined how I think about things. I have been reconsidering how I view different aspects in my life, I have changed the way I view the Lord and the power in Jesus name and I have realized that the everyday objects I have in America have different purpose here in Africa. 

With my trip coming to an end I have been reflecting and laughing about how I have used items differently and how the people here used their resources differently than I do.

So… 

• Sunscreen is used as lotion.
• Bug spray is the newest perfume sent.
• Baby wipes make the best showers and are the softest brand of toilet paper.
• Hair conditioner is the best shaving cream.
• Gum makes the best mouth wash.
• Your water bottle serves as a running faucet while brushing your teeth.
• T-Shirts make the best hair towel.
• Sweatshirts make the best pillows.
• Underwear serves as a clean face towel.
• Dental floss comes in handy when you need string to tie up your mosquito net.
• Airplane blankets serve countless purposes. 
• Sugar makes a great toping for dry white bread.
• Baby powder is helpful for greasy hair. 
• Hand sanitizer is the new air freshener. 
• Your shirt makes a great nose plug when using the squatty (toilet)
• The can lid of a jelly jar is helpful when making PB&J sandwiches on long bus rides.
• Nail polish helps cover up the dirt under your nails. 
• A gallon zip-lock bag makes great drawers for cloths.
• Soap is the new body wash.
• Earplugs help you escape reality. 
• Books are circulated around team members and provide many conversations and lots of entertainment and insight. 
• Dirt is the new face foundation.
• Bed sheets make a warm scarf. 
• Shampoo is used more as laundry detergent than to clean my hair. 
• Mosquito nets are the barrier between you and Malaria.
• Coffee is my saving grace. 

• Tied grass makes an awesome jump rope.
• Sticks from trees are used as a toothbrush.
• White skin is attention grabbing. 
• Bikes are the main mode of transportation and their form of an 18-wheeler. 
• Magazines and posters are used to make jewelry.
• Beads are many peoples source of income.
• Fire is used as a kitchen stove. 
• One basin is used for serving food, used to wash dishes and washcloths. 
• Mud is the foundation of many homes.
• Thorns are used as clothespins.
• Trash is a fire starter.
• Water and flour provide the basic diet and are used for most main dishes.
• A community well is the main water source.
• Paper bags are the covers to textbooks.
• Large flour bags are used as backpacks.
• Bras are optional.
• A pencil is a young child’s most powerful tool in the classroom and most treasured possession.
• Shoes are a privilege. 
• Rocks are the best hammers.
• Dirt floors are kitchen counters. 
• Head nods are the new jester for agreement. 
• Empty peanut butter jars are used for holding sugar.
• Plastic sacks are filled with water and sold.
• Colored fabric makes great church decorations. 

• Ears are used to hear the testimonies of the people we interact with. 
• Hands are used to work for the Lord. 
• Arms are used to hold children.
• Legs are used to stand and worship.
• Feet are used to make disciples of all nations. 

• Prayer is powerful.
• 12 random college aged students became my new family and support system.
• The Bible is the source of all understanding, education and many peoples most treasured item. 
• …And Jesus is used to provide courage, comfort, strength, growth, guidance, purpose, love and the source of life.

Although I though I would help change the lives of many people, (which I have had the opportunity to with the help of the Holy Sprit) Africa has changed my life. 

It has rocked and flipped my world. 

I know that I will never take toilet paper and a toilet seat for granted again. 

I know that I will view how I spend my time and how I use my resources differently. 

I know that in everything I do I want to honor the Lord and use every blessing He has given me to expand his Kingdom. He gave me grace not to keep to myself but to experience and share with the world and with that I’m eternally grateful.