Watering Trees

When I was preparing for this trip to South Africa and Swaziland I entered into a period of discernment. During those rich, quiet moments of reflection I kept hearing these words in my mind, "Pay attention!" I came to Africa to pay attention. Everyday I awake with those words in my mind. During the day, when my mind moves to other things, I will hear again, "Pay attention!" And I have paid attention. It surprised me how much I have paid attention to the wonderful group I have travelled with-- incredible youth and adults, who are always cooperative, never complaining, hearts full of love and joy to share--all of us growing together in our journey. I have paid attention to Africa and to our encounters here. Each day I write a paragraph in my journal of these people and events that have captured my attention and drawn me closer to God. I have noted the generosity, smiles, and warmth of the people of Africa, the depth and commitment of 3 young pastors we met in South Africa, and the beauty and diversity of the land. It has been a heart changing experience for all of us.

Today the "pay attention" moment came at the end of the day. I had been given the task of using a weed whacker, much like our weedeaters, but using a sharp rotating blades instead of string. Stephen Bryant and I put on our harnesses, protective eye gear, face masks, and some cotton in our ears and went to work. We looked like aliens from a science fiction movie. We cut tall grass and brush along the fence line where trees are being planted to provide a windbreak. In the afternoon, I assisted in planting and watering these trees. When school was out a little boy from the second grade followed us around. He watched what was happening, found 2 empty jugs and filled them with water to add to the newly planted saplings. The jugs were heavy, but he was determined to help us. He came up to the giant rain barrel where I was filling jugs and handed me two jugs. I filled one and thinking it to be enough for him to carry, I said, "One," and held up 1 finger. He shook his head and said, "Two," and held up two fingers. He won and he won our hearts as well--all afternoon working as hard as the rest of us. He received great joy from being allowed to pour his water on the trees.

Planting trees, building buildings, moving dirt, playing games with little children in Africa are rewarding experiences. The thought of leaving something behind that is lasting is a powerful thing. We hope to leave something of ourselves here, something of our hearts and souls, something that will continue to make a difference. I hope that a little boy will grow up to see the trees he has watered. And I hope he grows up to have enough of what he needs to be as happy and fulfilled as he allowed us to be today.

Ken Edwards