I’ve been in Zambia for over a year and a half now. I have reached this weird moment where life is no longer constantly about new and exciting things. Life has just turned into the mundane “this is just life” phase. When I first moved here, everything was new and exciting. Some things were challenging, but for the most part there was a lot of joy in discovering things. Now, there are fewer and fewer big, new cultural things. I learn something new all the time, but I have found a rhythm to life here.
I’m in this in-between of life in Zambia being so different from my life in the States, but at the same time, it has now just become my ordinary life. My prayer lately has been for a renewed joy and excitement for life here. I don’t want to get stuck in the mundane, monotony of life. I don’t just want to go through the motions without acknowledging or recognizing the beautiful parts of this culture. I want to constantly be surprised by God and his diverse creation. I’m praying for fresh eyes to see this beautiful country like I did when I first arrived. Eyes that have seen the hard, and also the refreshing. Eyes that understand the culture a little better, but never want to be complacent or think they have seen it all.
It is a surprising time to feel somewhat comfortable in a culture I did not grow up in. There are good things to this for sure, but I don’t want it to lead me to pessimism or stagnation. God, help me to see the culture and people here as made in your image. Give me fresh and new eyes to see your presence and your hand in the creation that is Zambia. Help me seek out new and exciting things that reflect your character. Help me to see your Kingdom in Zambia. Amen.