That's the Spirit!

By Magda vanZyl
October 2003

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From the airplane, just before landing in Guyana two years ago, I saw a lush green country and two huge chocolate-brown rivers. Peter and I were about to begin mission with our first wild ride in a minibus from the airport. At the missioning ceremony in Canada when we made our commitments to Scarboro Missions, my prayer concluded with: "May my time in mission be a true journey in faith."

Little did I know that travelling in the minibuses here would be literally journeys in faith as I find myself hoping and praying that I will arrive in one piece.

On our first day in New Amsterdam, members of the parish gave us a heartwarming welcome that brought tears to my eyes. We are blessed with a parish community that is active and alive.

Life is different here. Getting around town on foot or by bicycle, going to the market to buy our food, doing the laundry by hand, taking cold showers, having no electricity some days or evenings, living more simply, learning about the Guyanese people and their way of life.

I see many people who are struggling to survive and I am humbled knowing that I do not have to worry about my next meal, that I have sandals on my feet and a roof over my head. There are so many needs and I pray that I do not get overwhelmed by them all. Early this morning, I met a woman on her way to work or to market, walking proudly and singing praises to God with a beautiful voice. That's the Spirit.

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