This past trip gave me the most adventure I have had in a while and not necessarily the enjoyable type of adventure. However I would do it again in a heart beat because on the whole it was a great trip. The family I visited have been without their teammates for a few months now, so they have been quite isolated in their village. They came out for our conference, but ended up sick the whole time. They are studying one of the most difficult languages we work with and they are managing this while caring for their 4 young kids. It is a heavy weight they are carrying and I know at times it is hard to press on. This trip was the first time I had been to their village since they had arrived. It was great to see them in their home and to meet those they are getting to know. I spent time with their kids reading new books and playing new games that I had brought with me. I spent time with them in their language sessions, listening to their activities and giving them as many ideas as I could to make their time as effective as possible. However most importantly we spent any spare moment talking about the realities of their life. The things that are going well and the challenges they are facing. For one week, they were not alone, but had help there with them. I was reminded once again how important these trips are as we are. It is important to break up the normal routine, to reflect on what is working and what is not and to have someone to share that with who can bring in a fresh perspective.
A little glance at the view from Liberia
My Small Miracle
Remember how the delay in my travels meant I would miss Joel. Well when I got off the plane there he was waiting for me at the airport. I was so happy and surprised to see him. It so happens there was a mechanical problem on his flight and so he was now delayed 2 days as well. We might have had a bad string of problems with travel, but at least they aligned so that we could have them together. So in the end we got two days together before he took off to Guinea. God is Good!
You’re blogs are so wonderful in helping us see a small part of your work. Continued prayers for God’s guidance and strength, spiritual and physical.