A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara

We had a friend visit from Africa recently. His visit has forever changed the way I look at life.

Every time we got into the car, he commented on how nice the roads were. They are smooth and wide and not closed due to fighting.

The state has put a median down the middle of one of our major roads. This has caused unbelievable complaining – letters to the editor, protests, petitions. People here must now plan their routes based on where they can turn left. People in Africa must plan their routes based on which roads are being blocked by militant groups with machine guns.

I think about that when I am tempted to complain about medians.

As we drove to Dallas, we passed fields of cows. Our friend was surprised to see them grazing unattended. In his hometown, all animals must be guarded against theft – 24 hours a day. Unattended animals are stolen.

I think about this as I close the chicken coop at night and climb into bed. The only threat they face is raccoons or hawks.

While we were visiting the grandsons, Alex built an elaborate zoo using all his plastic animals.

When my grandson left the room, our friend got down on the floor and looked closely at the animals. He picked up a rhinoceros and asked what it was called. He mentioned how fortunate Alex was to have these toy animals to help him learn what real animals look like. Children in his town must use their imagination.

I will remember that as I try not to trip on the toys when I am there this weekend.

Then there was the food he had never had – hot dogs, peaches…

I took him to the library where he asked if people could buy the books there. We think nothing of checking books out regularly.

A trip to the local feed store revealed rows of beds and toys for pet dogs. I couldn’t help but be a little embarrassed at the luxury our pets are afforded.

He never complained about his living situation. He simply said that it was difficult. He has learned dependence on God in a way I will never have to.

I wish I could share more details and pictures. Doing so could put him and his family at risk. If certain people in his country knew he’d been to the US, they might seek him out to rob him or kidnap his wife or children. It is a very difficult life indeed.

I pray these images do not fade from my mind too soon. And I pray every day for my brothers and sisters in Africa.