Weary for a Reason

When I am in Sudan there are some days when I honestly wonder, “Why am I doing this? Why am I traipsing along these dusty paths, squinting into the equatorial sun, swatting mosquitoes and dodging scorpions?  Why am I eating ugali (gruel made from ground maize) at every meal? Dousing myself in cold bucket showers? Traveling in dilapidated public buses and on the backs of motorcycles over miserable roads?  Why?”  

And then I visit the modest mud huts of the women with whom Mercy Beyond Borders partners. I see the incredible resilience of the women, their determination to rebuild after years of loss and war.  I see the small businesses they have launched with MBB micro-loans.  I listen to their stories. I hear the pride in their voices as they say, “Imagine! I am now a successful business woman netting $3 profit every day!” 

So I have my answer: this is why I go to Sudan. This is why Mercy Beyond Borders links with displaced women and girls.  We see their lives improve. We share their joy.  It is more than enough.