No expectations

I am a planner, I like to think things out and know what to expect.
I believe in the instance of preparing for South Africa I could have driven my self crazy with what to anticipate only to be let down. God did not let this happen, he put my mind to rest and my feet in motion. I had no idea what to expect to see and to learn, no amount of information could have prepared me for what I did experience.

I was astounded by the love that we received when we arrived, and by the hospitality of the Mafu’s. I truly felt comfortable and at home in their house and with the team. In addition to being a planner I am a person who likes my space, let me just say God breaks down all barriers that we inflict upon our selves.

Amidst the travel and preparation for clinics it took me several days to realize that I was on another continent. I remember the moment this sunk we were walking from the house to the church across the street for evening devotions, I looked up at the dark blanket sprinkled with stars and realized that this is a different sky then what is at home. I was in Africa.

God uses our dreams and I remember telling the team in the very beginning that I had dreamt of Africa but did not know that God would use this dream of mine to do His will. This realization was so profound to me and facilitated my trust and reliance in God to provide for the safety and necessities on this trip. With out Him I never would have made it. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says to not rely on your self but to acknowledge God in all you do. This is something going to South Africa has taught me and that I continue to need reminding of. What is great is, this is an example of God’s continued teaching as result of going and doing in His name.

My favorite moment, if you know me you would expect me to say watching the elephant tear a branch from a tree, which was amazing however God placed me where I again am not the most comfortable. There was a young child; less then three that one of the guys on the team was trying to administer mebendozle (worm medication) to, this child was not receptive. We realized that this was going to take more then one person and a packet of fruity flavor drink to pass this med. As he cradled the little child in his strong arms we were able to coax the med down. The scene was picturesque.

So you might ask your self what I did experience that was so unexpected. The amount of people who were waiting for us at the clinics, the joy and hope of the people in the community and the ACM staff despite their living situations, the openness and reception of God’s love and care. These things are humbling and greater then inspiring to me, I hope that I will be able to hang on to the smiles and the warmth that the people shared, for it is truly of God, for the rest of my life.

Message from Megan O.
2007 & 2008 Medical Missions Team

Still Collecting Medicine

Please help us fill these bins with life saving, pain thwarting, symptom relieving medicine? Here's a list of what we need.

This past Saturday we continued sorting through medicine, cataloging it, and packing it into the bins for transport to South Africa. It is amazing how God uses the people of our community to touch the lives of the Zulu people and that our efforts here leave an indelible mark on the trajectory of others' lives.Team members prepare Ziploc bags for distributing medication.

Team members work with the new eyeglass apparatus.