Over the mountains and through the woods

... or so it felt, at least.

I was walking as fast as my feet could carry me, not having had time to put on my gumboots before I left the compound, nor to grab a jacket against the cold wind. I cut through strangers' yards, stopping to shake hands and ask, "Where's Mrs. Sawe's place?" They'd point me in the right direction: a footpath that led through marsh land. At the worst part, my feet sank into the muddy water up to my calves. But I kept going, determined to find this house where I was to meet with someone in distress.

As I sloshed my way to the little iron-sheet house, I kept praying for wisdom and discernment. (I had just studied the passage in Genesis 41 this morning where God's presence was with Joseph, resulting in him having wisdom and discernment!) Some time later, I sat on the lawn with a young woman crying puddles on my shoulder while sheep were grazing all around us and frogs croaked in the adjacent swamp.

And then she started sharing...

"Be a peacemaker," I had sensed God nudge me earlier as I set out on the safari to find my young friend.

"Show me how, Lord," I had replied. This issue is far bigger than I, bigger than my limited understanding. It forces me to keep my eyes on God for direction and understanding. "Reveal it to me through your Spirit," I remembered yet another passage from this morning's study. (1 Cor 2:9-10)

This journey will continue in the days to come, and I'll continue to cling onto Jesus' words in Matthew 5:9, "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family." (The Message)

Thank you for praying for continued clarity in this situation.