Manry Family

Hands down the thing in Africa that grosses me out the most is the Marabou Stork. Now I know many of you have written in response to my Top Ten List and commented on the worm in Lydia Jane’s leg. I will not minimize just how gross that really was to remove. However, in a moment’s time, it was done and over with…until the second one was discovered! But Mark had the honor of removing that one, which he claims was older, and therefore, bigger. But still, worms in our legs is not something we encounter very often. The Marabou Stork, on the other hand, is something I see everyday. I feel that I must further explain why this creature made it as number one on my list.

The Marabou Stork is a large bird that looks more like an old man than it does a bird.  It walks with a definite hunch, and its balding head hosts a small amount of long straggly hairs. This bird is the size of a small child, and in the evening when the light is dim, you might actually mistake it for a child walking down the road. Because this bird is so large you may think it can’t possibly fly. And then when you see that it actually does, you wish it wouldn’t because it’s so unattractive. It’s long, lanky legs drag behind it, toes spread wide, as its wings make a loud flapping noise as it ungracefully glides through the air. Surprisingly, it is able to perch on branches high within a tree as if it were as light as a small nesting bird. The Marabou Storks tend to travel in groups and it’s possible to see over thirty perched in the same tree, the ground below showing evidence that they have chosen this tree as a frequent residence. But it’s the behavior of these birds that really gross me out. The Marabou Stork is also known by many as the “Trash Bird” because they have made a habit out of eating trash. They spend hours each day on top of the local dumpsters, feasting on what everyone else in the city chose not to eat or use. I’ve tried very hard to avoid these creatures, especially while I’m out running, but it’s impossible because where there is trash, there is a “Trash Bird” – and in Jinja, there is trash on every street! So when I’m out exercising and I come across the Marabou Storks, I simply close my eyes and hold my nose, and quickly run past. However, today, I didn’t do that. Today I watched them more closely as I ran, and questioned why on earth they were creatures of such a gross habit. And in case you were wondering if this article was ever going to lead to anything meaningful, this question about the Marabou Storks led to a more purposeful thought that I want to share with you.

 There are two reasons I can think of that a creature might consume garbage. One, they actually enjoy it. It may taste good to them and even satisfy their cravings or desires. Or, a creature might choose to eat garbage because they don’t know there is another option, or may even think they are not worthy of another option. Sadly, when our household throws away what we think are unusable items or inedible food, there are people, usually children, who are waiting to pick through it to see what they can find. Even though I imagine there are times that those children think they may have found a treasure among our trash, I believe the reason for their interest in garbage is the latter. Digging through the waste of other people is actually a way of life for some here. Out of hunger they may in fact eat wasted food. Or, they may dig through the dumpster to find something to sell at the Market, like empty water bottles or food containers. I experience so many emotions when I witness these children scavenging. Sometimes I’m actually annoyed, to be totally honest. Other times, staying true to my nature, I’m grossed out! But usually, I find myself pitying them, and at the same time convincing myself of the reality that there will always be children on this Earth who will have to dig through garbage to satisfy their needs – there really isn’t anything I can do about that. So I do pray that I am able to show even just one of these children that they deserve so much more than the garbage they are picking through. And more than that, I want these children to know that there is a feast that awaits them at the table of Jesus Christ. There are treasures far greater than anything they will ever find in those dumpsters. 

However, even though I already know this truth, I wonder if God looks at me and sees me as one of those children digging through trash to find a treasure. I know God is able to provide abundantly for my needs and desires, and yet I look all around looking for satisfaction in other places so much less satisfying. I’m not the Marabou Stork that enjoys the less satisfying option. I long for fulfillment, but I’m often left empty because of two reasons. One, I’m distracted by junk food (specifically Twix Bars!) that leaves me wanting more. And two, I believe there are times that I actually doubt whether I’m worthy of a feast. God has proven Himself faithful to me this year. He, indeed, has been Jehovah Jirah, my provider. Matthew 7:7-12 has become real to me. I have a very generous Dad, and he would never give me a stone if I asked for bread, or a snake if I asked for fish. He is a great gift giver and has provided abundantly for me and my siblings. “How much more will my Father in heaven give good gifts to me if I ask!” 

It is my prayer that we know our value as children of God. Through His grace, we are worth the abundant life He offers us. May we have confidence that God will give us what we need for life and godliness. May we look to him for satisfaction instead of that with which the world distracts us.  Children of a King don’t need the leftovers of other people. There is a feast available to us. So, if you’re digging through dumpsters trying to find fulfillment – stop! – ‘cause that totally grosses me out!

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