Quiteria’s family visit May 1, 2009
We turned of the the highway that was covered with potholes unto the little dirt track. Our Toyota Condor is not four wheel drive, but we hope for the best as we drive past many grass huts grouped into little villages. Eventually we reached the place where Quteria’s family live. Under a tree I saw loads of Marula fruit, which the villagers use to brew a local wine. Family started to appear from everywhere all them smiling broadly when they see Quiteria. We waited a while for her grandfather and grandmother to come home. They arrived on a bicycle, grandfather peddling in the front and grandmother on the back. They where extremely happy to see Quiteria and we could also experience how grateful they are that she is doing so well. We spent time visiting with the family and friends. Our boys and children from the village start chasing chickens through the village. We had a really good time visiting with the family, it was also good for Quiteria to spend time with her family. When we left we were given a live chicken as a gift. As we drove back I realized how happy these people were. They farm together as a community, the are completely dependent on one another, they lived in a small mud hut, yet they lacked nothing. 
The were absolutely content and happy. As westerners, we try to be independent, self sufficient and try to find our joy in material things. This trip to the family of Quiteria made me realize how little we really need to live and to live a life of abundance. We are really creatures of comfort, everything we do is to make our life more comfortable. Even when we go to church we go to receive and be comfortable. Rarely are we challenged to move from our comfort zones and reach out. Jesus should be our example as we follow Him. When last have you stepped out from what is comfortable for you? Today Jesus ask us to stop and to reach out to the people He places in front of us. (Photo’s: Marula fruit and Quiteria with family)