A Gift From My Father

Today was one of the best 4th of July celebrations that I can recall. I and about six others went over to my friend Danny's house. Danny is a fellow corps member and a fellow believer. Though he is a bit older than myself and has a wife and baby, I have found him to be an excellent comrade and source of encouragement.

At his house we had hot dogs, apple pie, watermelon, grilled corn--the works. The company was so wonderful and it was great to not think about Teach for America for just a day. I also got to spend a lot of time playing with their eight month old daughter Elena. I love children so much and really missed being able to hold a baby. I am glad I will get to watch her grow these next few years.

In addition to the wonderful time I had with the corps, my Father in heaven sent me a gift in the form Chaiko and his son Ali. Chaiko is Danny and Sandra's neighbor and wife of a Teach for America corps member. She has been placed in Houston and is at institute with us. Because she is teaching all the time and enduring the same grueling schedule as the rest of us, Chaiko cares for Ali, their fifteen month old son.

I was immediately taken with the pair. Ali is absolutely gorgeous and I admit that black children hold a special place in my heart as they remind me of those I love in Uganda and Rwanda. But there was something that struck about Chaiko. He has a quick smile and sweet spirit that seemed to me to be a bit out of place. Upon inquiry, I learned that Chaiko was from Guinea, West Africa.

I know that I will not be able to convey to you how amazing it was for me to be able to speak with African and hold a child who has Africa blood running through his veins. I spoke with Chaiko for a few hours. We talked about development, African politics, HIV, feminism, cross-cultural marriages, etc. He told me how he met his wife, who is an American. He had met her on a program called Teach for Africa, a teaching program similar in mission to Teach for America but not affiliated. Story after story, he told me about his country and I could hear the longing in his voice. And I understood. Even now, tears of joy come to my eyes as I think of our conversation.

In talking to Chaiko, I realized how passionately and deeply I care for the people of Africa. It is not a trend or a fad or a love that can be replaced. Though I am here in Houston giving everything I have for my babies in Room 208, a part of me knows that this is not where my heart is. I am here not because I am pursuing a passion. I am here as an act of obedience. My sister, always the wise one, noted that it seemed that God was showing me that He knows where my passions lie. That alone is so encouraging to me.

I honestly don't know why God has brought me to Teach for America, but I do know that He has brought me. And whether I spend my life serving the people of South Dakota or the people of Uganda, I will first and foremost serve my Father.

It is all for Him.