In the book, African Safari for Jesus, Herman Bauman tells the story of a young missionary's prayer: “Lord send me anywhere to do whatever I can to share the message of Your love.” God’s reply: “Would you go to Africa?” His response, “Oh Lord, please, anywhere but Africa.”

Biases and prejudices are often formed due to lack of knowledge, education, and exposure. We often base our expectations on appearances and environmental factors placing limitations and restrictions on individuals that often are unwarranted and ill conceived. I am no stranger to this behavior and recently had an opportunity to take a step back and have a closer look.

What did you accomplish in 2018? You had a part in changing eternity. Let me explain.

Like me, I’m sure many of you have heard family and friends voice their complaints of the cost (and sometimes quality) of our healthcare here in the United States. While I agree with much of these complaints—and find myself guilty at times of expressing my dissatisfaction—I make it a personal endeavor to remember the millions of individuals around the globe who face the reality of no healthcare options—not even a local “free” clinic to dole out aspirin and bandaids.

Travel throughout Kenya has been fantastic (although my luggage was temporarily lost, requiring an extra day in Nairobi until it caught up with me). This afforded the opportunity to check in with Gideon, 20, who attends a technical school in Nairobi. The delay also precipitated the need for a 9-hour ride across Western Kenya in a “matatu”. A matatu is a small van, designed to seat 7, but crammed with 12 seats. It’s not fast, but it is very inexpensive, offering a wonderful opportunity to partake of the sites, sounds, and smells of the region (no A/C so I contributed to the aroma).

As I set out for a couple weeks in Kenya and Uganda I realize it has been 16 months since my last journey to East Africa. Not certain why that is…it’s a long flight, not fond of diarrhea and scabies, I miss my wife too much? Possibly, but most likely it’s the fact that it is easier to avoid the reality of hardship a big chunk of the world struggles with daily. Stuff I take for granted without concern.