We stepped into the courtyard and looked around. a building was emerging from the ground and we had been invited to look at it. It was a Bible School and the builders we so proud. We mounted the steps and climbed to the top floor. A beautiful melodious song filled the cavernous space. A bird nesting near the unfinished roof had made the sounds. We asked if we could slip past the construction materials and go out on the roof. Eventually a deal was stuck and we headed up. The bird flew away and we squeezed out onto the roof.

The view was amazing. This was our first time in Mekelle, Ethiopia. High in the mountains in the far north of the country, the town was surrounded by rolling hills and lush farmland. The horizon was dominated by a cross. Recently added, this 10 story cross is illuminated at night and can be seen for miles around. The people we met were excited that their town was become known as a the town under the cross.

After visiting the founder of the school and listening to their amazing testimonies, we headed back down to the courtyard to head to our responsibilities. That is when I saw the bike. It was leaned against the wall. At first I was drawn to the vibrant colors. Then I really noticed the seat on the back. A small childrens chair had been lashed to the rack. I’m sure that it would be deemed unsafe, but it looked like so much fun. I can think of a hundred things that could go wrong, but I can also picture the kid urging her mother on as she pumped the pedals or the child squealing with glee as her dad raced down a hill.

The more I travel the more I know that people are all the same. People want the best for their families. They want the best for their kids. They might not speak our language, but they speak the same heart language. They are not monsters, are villains are lazy. They often live in places with less resources than we have. They struggle with unrelenting poverty. I also notice that so many people I meet traveling are filled with unreasonable joy. Their circumstances are often bleak, but their attitudes are let you know they feel blessed. I keep looking at this bike and thinking about the family that is using it. It keeps making me smile.

I walked out of the courtyard and looked up to see the cross. The more I travel the more I know that everyone needs to hear about the love of Jesus and it makes the whole world my neighbor. We are all members of one family.