There's Beauty in Everyone

As we arrived in Burkina Faso, I was overwhelmed with questions about how I would relate to this very distant country. My mind flew back to courses on the history of Africa, International Relations and political science. The socioeconomic, political and educational barriers seemed insurmountable and colored my prayers as we met the Burkinabe.

Still, as I administered eye exams, I realized that there I had more in common with the people who we were serving than I originally imagined. The language barrier made it possible for me to listen more closely and observe the mannerism and habits of a people who I have never met yet seemed like family after only hours.

Watching two young women assist an elder as she completed screenings in her tribal language warmed my heart. Observing the variations in morale as the team encountered thirst and fatigue reminded me that I did not have to speak Korean to empathize with a thirsty and tired laborer. By the end of the first day I was more thankful than ever to live and work with people despite the language barrier because I learned so much about people and how beautiful God's children really are.

As I worked with a variety of people, I learned how to quickly identify the beauty in each person. From the prison to the fields, the people of Burkina Faso humbly came out in droves. As we debated on the most fashionable eyeglasses and discussed issues of politics and religion, I saw each person for who they are or could be in Christ and appreciated the economic difference as a bridge to see people apart from how the World sees them. This is the foundation for true relationships and a beautiful gift that I will take with me everywhere.

Upon returning to the US I was able to see through the social labels that we put on people and recognize that everyone under the sun is a potential recipient of the love of Jesus Christ.