Bittersweet Chocolate

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

The classic line “Life is like a box of chocolates” does somewhat describe our lives at the moment; but to be more specific a bar of Lindt Dark Chocolate, Coffee Intense flavor with 85% cocoa!

Way back in 1999 Jon and I fell in love with amazing Africa. And it was like having a taste of that Lindt Dark Chocolate bar but then finding it is out of stock; not being able to have a taste of it again but remembering…..longing for just a small square of it. Then in 2002 we were given the assignment (after such a LONG wait) to go and serve with the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in South Africa as development workers. At last….we could experience what we had been missing!

And over the last 8 years we have been privileged to participate in some amazing ministries and have enjoyed and savored every part it. From learning about the many cultures and languages of South Africa, to building relationships with new family and friends, and assisting in many development projects, we have indulged our lives and the lives of our children with so much of what this stunning country and her people have to offer to the world.

And now it is 2010. It is time for us to finish off the last piece of this experience for now and to remember once again that lasting essence that lives on in our memories; to remember how we longed to open its cover and peel back the foil to taste its pleasure. The joy of its flavor, the intensity of the experiences, and the lasting aftertaste that made you want more.

But we know we now have the pleasure of sharing this with our sisters and brothers in America; opening up that foil once again, yet in a new country. We get to introduce this divine joy to people who have never tasted it in hopes that, they too, will long after it and fall in love with Africa. And what a joy it is to share…..

yet it is bittersweet.

Until we meet again………………

Revs. Jon and Dawn Barnes

Jonathan and Dawn Barnes are missionaries with the Kei Regional Council of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, South Africa. They serve as development officers in the Kei region of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.