Often when we make the trek across the ferry to Mombasa, Sean will lift one of the girls up on his shoulders. It is a real treat for the girls because it gives them a feeling of being more a part of things. Instead of staring at feet, pavement, dirt, squished by knees, hips and belts, they can have their own personal space among others while enjoying the beauty of sky and ocean. They can look out on the faces of those around them and smile. Anchored by strong arms, it is a safe perch from which the lucky passenger catches a glimpse of the whole rather than a part.
This trip to Africa has been our family riding on God’s shoulders. He scooped us up from our little life on the prairies and set us on his broad shoulders so we could see so much more. While riding safely, anchored by the strong arms of our Father, our family has been given the gift of a new perspective. It has been an amazing opportunity for us to feel a part of God’s work in another country and a different culture.
Over a year ago, we heard God say, “Come up on my shoulders. I want to show you something.” We climbed up, trusting those strong arms and shoulders to carry us through anything. The view has been spectacular. We are so thankful.
Now we are coming to the end of the ride. The ferry is docked on the other side, the crowd is dispersing and it is the time when Sean gently lowers the girls back down to the ground. God is ready to set us down again. The gift of a new perspective, of life shared with others, of all the new experiences and the beauty of learning and loving in the midst of a strange new world, these are all things we will treasure from our time up on God’s shoulders. And just like Sean with the girls, God still holds our hands as we walk side by side into our next adventure.
~Mandy
Davidsons in Mombasa: There and Back Again 