Last Friday some other MAF wives and I went shopping in a busy part of town. Busy is a nice word for chaotic, confusing, crowded, and slightly dangerous. One girl in our party is new here. She received a nice welcome when she was pickpocketed. Then as we were walking, I was bringing up the rear and a van hit me with its side view mirror. I wasn't injured, but I was a little shocked. People drive as though there are no laws here, and it isn't uncommon for pedestrians to get "bumped" by vehicles. I've seen it happen a number of times but it always happened to someone else. One of our friends heard what happened and even though I wasn't hurt she brought me a cake just to express solidarity and empathy. So my kids are thinking maybe I should go walking more often in order to keep the desserts coming to our house. Yeah, right.
Today is our "Congoversary!" We've been here one year, sometimes thriving and sometimes surviving. I think we deserve medals, or at least hot fudge sundaes. We have discovered some dear friends here and learned a lot about God and about ourselves. I find the Congo to be equal parts frustration and enchantment. The people are beautiful, friendly, hard working and resourceful. The flowers, birds and animals are amazing. The music is catchy and the fabrics are bright and colorful. Yet there is a lot of corruption here, both in government and the business community. I've already touched on the water and electricity issues. Even among the evangelized there is still witchcraft and superstition. People who should be free in Christ are still in bondage, and there are many who still haven't heard the gospel at all yet.
Getting angry doesn't do much good here. People don't really care if you are angry. It's a great lesson. Sometimes we are angry because we ought to be. Sometimes we are angry because we want vindication, maybe even retribution if we are honest. As a Christian, God is my judge now. It's not about me. I gave my rights to justice and vindication to Him when I gave Him my sin and asked Him to take it away. I need to trust Him. He sees all and knows all and He is just. When I don't see the results I think I should, it's because his plan is so much bigger than just me and my little sphere. Am I willing let my anger go and suffer a little injustice if it brings glory to God and leads to someone's salvation somewhere down the road?
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