Someone asked me recently, “What did God teach you in South Sudan?”
I thought of the people in Malakal and how different their lives are compared to mine. No electricity. No running water. Unsanitary conditions. Lack of nutritious food. Lack of health care.
At home, I live with so many conveniences. I spend money on so many unnecessary things. Because I can. And yet, you can hear me complaining about what I don’t have or wishing for more.
I thought of my team and how we found so much joy in the simple things like bread and tea and watching sunsets. All of which cost little to nothing.
I thought of two different Sudanese who told me they want to be a doctor someday. “That’s great,” I said because I love to see people with goals and dreams and ambition. Yet when I look at their conditions, it seems so impossible. How would they ever afford medical school when they can barely afford food?
At home, my opportunities are almost limitless and I take it for granted.
So what did God teach me in South Sudan? He taught me to find joy in the simple things and to live a life of gratitude.