We'll, we left at 4 a.m. today from Vincente Guerro and now we are home safe in Edmonds, Washington. Everybody was well from any sickness as we left it felt so great to be back in the U.S.A. However, as those that have been on mission trips before will tell you, one bonds to the place in which you serve and you leave part of your heart there while also taking home the memories and experiences God teaches during the project.
As our team left we thought about how many more features we would like to have been able to equip the house with. We thought of how much Natividad still does not have and the possibilities of returning to bless her and others again with things we can provide. Yet, we were all anxious to get good showers, rest in our own beds, and be with our loved ones again.
A few years ago someone who had just returned from an African mission trip said, "there are definitely things to help in places like that, but there are so many things we would never want to change about other cultures." I always leave with a profound respect for these beautiful people who make the most of everyday in conditions we can only visit for brief moments. I wish for them the joy of freedom, the pleasantry of comfort, the availability of justice and health care, but the protection for their perseverance and happiness.
The thing is, we all live on a pretty small planet, the economic power and the compassion of people is enough to truly relieve the suffering of poverty if not poverty itself. I hope that the last half of my life I see humanity reach out more and more often to share and supply each other as we spin around this sun of ours. And, I am so blessed to have been with this wonderful group this past week. My life will always be richer for having done so.
Thanks in immeasurable quantities to those who met the need of those traveling with prayers, finances, and supplies. A special mention for the Vancouver, Washington First Church of God and the Impact Fellowship class of that church family, my wonderful friends who gave to our mission after already giving to one that went out from their own congregation. You are wonderful!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
Hi friends. Glad you're home safely. We had a fairly quick time at the border and hope you did, as well. The R&R sure hits the spot. Our friends, David and Donna Araya (Calvary Chapel East Anaheim) hosted us royally and we attended an English service - first in a long time - a blessing. Another blessing is that we mentioned our plan to go to Disneyland for an anniversary treat,and Donna said, "I can get you in free!" Her daughter and son-in-law both work there. Another blessing.
Steve wanted you to know that Natividad moved into the house the very first night. On Saturday, Peter and Tony helped her move the remainder of her things. They also moved in two sets of bunkbeds; we'll work on finding mattresses for them. They are also trying to help get some water to her; found out the water truck won't go to her place, but Tony is going to build a trailer to haul the water.
Blessings and love to all of you from Jackie & Steve
Post a Comment