Look, They Remembered Me!

By Sam R. Missionary in Senegal

A good friend of mine recently shared with me that self-knowledge is self-gift. Hearing this quickly summarized what has been surely the most difficult, yet probably the most rewarding part about being here so far. They come in the form of two French and two Slavs. 

I am met daily by things about my brothers and sisters that annoy or frustrate me. 
However, with each of these situations, I observe something in reality, then I observe the emotions and reaction in myself. From this, I have come to know myself in very unexpected ways. Then, as my knowledge of myself is deepened, I am consequently able to give myself to others more deeply. It is truly phenomenal how those things that bother me about the others actually allow me to love the other! This must be a gift from God. 

Furthermore, I am finding that I am starting to really love them. To articulate, that does not just mean some desire to be around them or some familiarity with them. It is, however, a real desire to live for them and give myself for them. I rejoice when they do, and I suffer when they don’t. I believe that what I experience is a fraction of what is meant by when one speaks of the Body of Christ. We are different parts who are finding some union in this mission, which ultimately is to love. 

Praise God for this community and our mission. A recent memory comes to mind of our neighbor whose birthday we celebrated not too long ago. She is a mother of young children and doesn’t seem to have the easiest life at home nor many friends. But on her birthday, as we do for our friends, we brought her a cake and ate with her in her home. As people walked by, she would call for their attention saying, “Look! Look at what my friends have done for me! They remembered me!” Praise God for this community and our mission.