Six weeks ago, with only days left to go before I was deployed to Africa, I had a problem.
I had no shoes.
Well, not quite. I did have sports shoes. And office shoes. I also had a pair of in-between shoes which would have been perfect, except it was a new gift and brilliant white.
I just didn’t have the RIGHT shoes for this mission. And I didn’t have time to shop anymore.
I knew I’d run into problems -wearing sports shoes to office in image-conscious Africa would be travesty. Yet, I knew my broad flat feet would suffer walking long distances in formal flats, breaking out in blisters and corns.
Just three days before departure, a wonderful mentor met me for my last social lunch.
Without knowing a thing about this, she said excitedly, “I know you’ll have your birthday in the field. I don’t know why, and I’d totally understand if you said no, but I’d really REALLY like to get you this special pair of shoes! But only if you have a need for them.”
I stared back at her, dumbfounded.
Over the past six weeks, as I walked over rocky paths and hilly roads, muddy sidewalks and grassy fields, these shoes saw me through presentations with government officials at UN offices and treacherous treks through rural villages.
My mentor wrote, “As I was driving home, I was thinking of your beautiful feet bringing the gospel of peace and good news of glad tidings to the children in Africa :’) I am honoured to give you beautiful soles as you minister to beautiful souls. 😄”
As I took a picture of my last wear in them before I said goodbye to Eswatini, it reminded me- that when God calls us to a task, He always first requires a yes.
And with that yes, comes His unthinkable provision, even if it’s down to the detail of adorning our feet- with comfort, joy and beauty.
