MX3 Blog #4 – Happiness and Hospitality
By: Heidi Wohlgemuth
Wow, the last week has flown by!
So much has happened. Culture shock, tears, spiritual things, lack of sleep, jet lag and a pace that did not have much down time. Yet in the midst of that, God was working his sovereign hand. There has been so much to process but one thing that has stuck out to me is the hospitality of the people here. There a pride and joy with showing you their culture and food. It warms my heart so much. The warm culture here is something I try and practice in my home back in Canada, which is a bit tougher being more of a cold culture country. They are so eager to have conversations even though we barely know any words. Google Translate has been our best friend.
Today I was reminded again of the hospitality as we hung out with refugees. These beautiful people have had to face so much in their life, yet the joy and happiness they have in the midst of it all blew me away. As a mom of kids, I can’t imagine how they must stress and feel. Or the kids having faced so much uncertainty. They were so full of joy. I loved watching the laughter even in the adults when we were trying a clapping song. I mean I couldn’t even get the hang of it this morning (the clapping). I can say there was pure joy. They didn’t know the English words, but they were having the best time.
God just reminded me in that moment – “these are my kids, and I am proud of them. Do you see me in their faces? They have been through much, but they still trust in me.”
What a challenge to me! I have met people whose whole life has crumble and there is nothing stable left. Yet they have an unwavering trust in the Almighty God. My prayer is that when times are tough, I can look back at this moment and be reminded how to trust God.
