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An Observation


 
 
                                                                  An Observation

     Recently, Lindsey was hired by World Bible School to hand out lessons and see that they are graded. She thought that stopping by the Arusha Library she might be able to find a few English speaking people with whom she could conduct a bible study. The library is about 30 minutes from our house and in the middle of town.


     You can not see it, but it has a downstairs area where the children's section is located. (This picture was not taken by me) 


     Lindsey asked that I accompany her and I agreed. For those of you who do not have a twin, you have missed out on several things in life:

1. Someone in your own family that's your exact age. 
2. A partner in life, someone you can ask " How do you see...*name a situation   or happening*...?" and get their opinion and outlook.
3. Someone whose nearly always (as in the paragraph above) is willing to accompany you here and there and your parents agree to let you go because there is two of you.
4. A playmate (in our younger years) and someone that makes you realize just how individual you actually are. Everyone compares twins; it's a natural thing. They do it in a America and they do it here. When you compare Lindsey and I, you come up with a lot of differences. Not only in looks but in personality.

     Sure, there are a few disadvantages, like having to share your birthday, but...you get over it, because you can't change it. To think of it as a blessing instead of a burden only makes life easier.


But, back to my story...

     Not only did I go to help Lindsey, I also thought it would be beneficial to look around in the Arusha Library. I had visited this house of books (which is somewhat small and crowded) some years back, but I had forgotten just what it looked like.

     I was pleasantly surprised to see some 30 young people engaged in something the library had to offer. They all had books open, either reading or copying from them. The tables were full of people! While I have never seriously worried that I would have trouble attracting people to the Parker Memorial Library, this put aside any fears and greatly encouraged me. "Here are people that want to learn!" I thought.

     Lindsey and I spent a little time browsing the shelves, and saw quite a few familiar titles. But the more I looked, and considered, the more it convinced me of something. All these young people come to this place of learning, to grasp onto hope of a better life through education, but unless they know English well, there is no hope of truly gaining what these books have to offer.

     I just can't wait to start translating books and open the world to them. Books like "Convicted" by Brad Harrub, Apologetic Press' Early Reader (and Advanced) Series and their wonderful book  "Truth Be Told" refuting evolution, "Charlotte's Web" by E. B. White and the Classics like "Tom Sawyer", "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Little Women". Books that have much to offer.

     Think of the books that you read as a child, the titles that you picked up time and time again. They don't have books like that here, but we can change that!  Together, we can put these books into their hands, in their own language.


Until Next Time,

Abigail Gee


      

          

 

 

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