I was born in Mozambique and raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa. There is no denying that Africa is in my blood!

Life in Africa can be complex, challenging, scary, unsettling, unsafe, politically unstable and at times overwhelming.

But there are many, many beautiful things about Africa – the sunsets are like no other I’ve ever seen (how my heart misses African sunsets!), the red sand that gets in everywhere is a sign of the richness of the land, the abundance of African languages you hear throughout the day, the unique and creative tribal dancing, the beautifully hand crafted and colourful art, the celebration that is a braai (BBQ) regardless of the weather, the great outdoors to be enjoyed however you wish: watching rugby or cricket, taking a hike up mountainous terrain, swimming in the ocean, coming up close and personal with an elephant, lion, rhino….you name it! And of course, the African bus! Yes, the African bus!

The buses in Africa are like most buses in other countries. The beauty of the African bus however lies in the rules and the attitude of the bus……No matter how full the bus, no matter who is on the bus, people will squeeze in and be uncomfortable in order to make room for someone else. There is always room for ONE more! Nobody complains, nobody questions the possibility of another person fitting in or even the safety of it, it’s just a given that there is room!

Regardless of age, race or sex, regardless of social standing, political views or upbringing, regardless of education, culture or experience, we as Christians should have this same inclusive heart towards others. A heart that embraces, that includes and that makes room for ONE more!

Romans 15:7 says “ Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” ESV

Romans 2: 11 says “ For God does not show partiality.” ESV

Philipians 2:4 says “Don’t look out only for your interests, but take an interest in others too.” NLT

Matthew 10:40 says: “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me.” NLT

Hebrews 13:2 says “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it” NLT