On February 3 2008 I fly out of Auckland with my sights set on the continent known as the 'White Man's Grave', i.e. Africa. I am writing this blog for the purpose of allowing people to get a taste, if somewhat mild, of the adventures and challenges I have ahead of me, to share my thoughts, feelings, insights, and reflections with anyone who cares, and to remind people that I am still alive.
I am heading to a small mission station in the southern Omo Valley, South Ethiopia. It is very remote, very isolated, and very different from everything I know. Very Africa. As a nurse, my main responsibilities will be health-related, but I imagine I will be utilised in every way possible. I like to think I am a man of many talents, without blowing my own trumpet too loudly, so will likely find myself doing a lot more than vaccinations and health check-ups.
Truth be told, I have no idea what I will be doing, or what the hell I am getting myself in for! I am going from almost complete comfort and knowledge of my environment to a world that is so different in so many ways. A world that is not viewed through the same lenses, where life is not seen the way I see it, where God is not seen the way I see Him, or worshiped the way I worship Him. A world we would like to think we have some understanding of.
In saying that though, I am also going to a place where there are other people who God also made in His image, who love as I do, even if they don't live as I do. People who have an incredible amount to teach me and who are blessed to live in one of the most harshly contrasting continents in the world.
They are a huge part of the reason I go. To meet these strange and wonderful people, to live with them, to offer them what I have to give, and to be changed by what they have to give back.
I also go because I am selfish and want the adventure of a lifetime. I want to see a different world on the same planet. I want to be challenged and changed and broken and remade. I want to have my eyes opened.
I also go because this person called Jesus has put in me the heart of an adventurer. He has given me a passionate and compassionate heart. He has told me there are greater things to strive after than riches or fame or possessions. As a follower of this Jesus, I go to invest in people, as He chose to invest in people.
I will endeavour to keep my thoughts and words flowing as I can. It will be difficult with limited communication at the station, but I will update whenever possible.
Thank you all for your encouragement, your thoughts, and your prayers.
Blessings
Rowan
