First Tears

I cried last night, not because of being homesick or because of a physical injury; but simple because for the first time, living in a third world country really hit home.  

What would you do?

Poverty and oppression is something Nigeria is not lacking.  As you navigate through the day you're approached numerous times by kids, women, and those suffering from physical deformities begging for money to simply eat.  Last night, as I was reflecting on the day, I felt the presence of the Lord in a way I haven't felt in a long time.  Tears began forming as a particular beggar came to mind that I had seen the past few days. He sits outside on a mat of a store where I shop because he's paralyzed from the waste down.  Feelings of conviction came about as I started to realized that I was already becoming numb to the oppression that you are surrounded by here.  What was it about this guy?  Why did I feel so much compassion for him?  Was it his genuine smile, his physical condition, or his sheer hopelessness. 

Today I made it my mission to show him Christ's love. After spending the morning visiting the one of our care centers I intentionally stopped by the market to find him after lunch.  Sure enough there he was leaning up against the same trash can as the previous days with a piece of cardboard wedged between the can and the lid to to protect him from the afternoon rains. I sat down next to him and introduced myself.  I pointed at my chest and said "Dustin".  He then pointed at his chest and said "Adam".  Quickly realizing that his English didn't go past hello I offered him my leftover lunch, a bottle of water, and some crackers that I intentionally bought for him. As I left I just said to him "Yesu Allah"  which simply means "Jesus God".

It's difficult....it really is.  You want to share everything.  Why are some so blessed and others not?  We truly live in a fallen and broken world...thank God it's only temporary!