To many the land surrounding the Maasai in Engikaret probably appears desolate and harsh. But even if those descriptions are true, there is a strange beauty describing the land, from the Acacia gesturing towards the sky to the dust devils that pass by almost constantly. It was truly an honor to build a small house for this child’s grandmother while being surrounded by the vibrant culture of the Maasai. We came to help, yet we leave feeling that the hospitality and the strength of these people has left a deeper mark on our hearts than we could leave with the physical structure we built.
Maasai
Leaving Our Comforts Behind
Central Asia will forever hold a special place in my heart. Oily, vinegar-esk noodle dishes to rising mountains cloaked in powder, to a resolute yet beautiful backbone of tradition. Each individual has so much to offer and every culture brings its flavor to the table. This is why I encourage people to travel and experience new and different places. We can learn so much from each other. This image is a moment where I had the opportunity to spectate the national dance of the country. Naturally, I proceeded to get out of my comfort zone and take part in the traditional dance. Although my friends and I looked extremely foolish there were broad smiles all around.
Intricate Handiwork
Looking at all the incredible details of this basket as this man worked reminds me of the way we are God's handiwork. How he pays attention to so many small things and weaves the basket together over time. God cares about even the small things in our lives and sees every part of who we are.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
The Little Things
Sometimes the small gestures can make the biggest impact. This photograph actually had many days of interaction before it took place. Continually this man and I would cross paths on the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Each time we met I would give him a small amount of money. We would try to communicate through the few Amharic words I knew. This man when he saw me would come and thank me over and over bowing and shaking my hand.
Refresh Yourself
Often we become so caught up in everything we need to do and all the things we are so easily distracted by. The difference it can make just to get outside and enjoy nature is huge. Even if it is a couple miles of hiking and a good amount of work, the rest your mind can receive while your body does the work is so refreshing. After just a day hike into the North Cascades I feel inspired and am full of energy. Ready to take on whatever the world brings my way and achieve my God given goals.
Iban Man
We met this man in a longhouse out in the bush of Southeast Asia. He was from a tribe called the Iban and was so appreciative of us taking time out of our day to introduce ourselves and speak with him through our translator. We learned that his tattoos in the old religion that used to be believed in this village would be his lights in the afterlife. This man has as much character in his face as any person I have met and I was so thankful that he was willing to spend time with us and allow us to pray with him.
Beards to Friends
Although we were only able to speak a few words that the other could understand we were able to establish a connection. It was so rewarding to see this mans eyes light up when I complimented his beard by gesturing towards mine and giving him a thumbs up. He smiled and from that icebreaker on we had established a bit of a friendship.
More Than Another Face
On the streets of Southeast Asia there is a large homeless population. We can always do something to make a difference. Whether we buy dinner for someone we meet or even just sit down and offer a listening ear. The difference a small gesture can make is truly incredible. Seeing the lines and wrinkles stretching across these feet cause me to wonder how far these feet have walked. Where have they been? Did they once play soccer with friends? These people have so many stories and are often overlooked as less than human. We can make a difference.