November's sun

It's November and the sun is shining warmly on my back. Next year we will be bundling ourselves in layers of winter clothing in hopes of feeling the distant sunlight on our faces. After years of home assignments planned during Canadian summer months and after enjoying 12 months of summer year after year, I am fearful....of a climate change.

It's November and our children are barefoot, playing soccer on the sandy dirt.  It's November and the warm sunshine is pouring into our open classroom windows.  It's November and I can't even find a pair of socks between the children and myself.  Flip flops are sitting neatly on their shelf waiting to be worn into the village.

It's November and the leaves of most trees are beginning to turn colors and fall. They will begin their time of hibernation not from the cold but to survive the dry months ahead. The temperature is rising and the grass will soon wither. Meanwhile, the mango tree will begin to pour its nutrients into sweet fruit; its' bright green leaves glowing in the midst of a barren land. A symbol of God's faithfulness. His provision in the most difficult of times. 

 Next November, I may yearn for the warmth of Ethiopia's sunshine but I trust that He will still provide a symbol of hope in a cold and barren land.