Home, again

We arrived safely back at O'Hare early this afternoon, and the cell phones quickly came out to alert family and friends of our return. We are all now back in our own homes, soon to be in our own beds. But I think there is a greater awareness of those who don't have cell phones, beds, or even blankets. In some ways I wonder if I'd be better off being less dependent on all my techno-gadgets (the 300 e-mail messages pretty much confirmed that).

I know most people return from short-term mission projects with (1) a heightened sense of their blessings, and (2) a deeper wondering about what we can do without. I can go without my gadgets, but could I go without a bed? I can go without breakfast, but what about going without breakfast AND lunch every single day, as many children do in Samfya (and other parts of the developing world)? Guilt isn't really helpful here -- action is. We will continue to pray for God's guidance in our actions; please join us.

I know I'll be processing the cultural whiplash of going from Samfya to London in 36 hours -- from deep physical poverty to a place of wealth and excess. At this point I'm justifying it by saying we witnessed the human experience more fully by seeing both extremes.

Highlights and successes of the past few days:

1. Marianne and Michelle helping the SCCP staff and volunteers work on the after-school program curriculum. This provides much-needed support in English literacy for these little ones. Pray that the resources will be provided for a morning session, as children attend school in 3-hour shifts. Students who attend school from 1-4 p.m. can't attend the after-school program.

2. A seminar on motivating teachers (by Steve) provided much-needed info for a few headmasters. While we had hoped more headmasters and school administrators will attend, we know that those who did will be better equipped to support their already-stressed staff.

3. Content-area seminars for teachers of geography and chemistry. It's been encouraging to hear the teachers who have been in previous years say that they see improvements. Lisa has identified some gifted science teachers (Moses, Humphrey, and Fred, I think) who are great role models for their students.

4. Training for over 30 child advocates -- leaders in their communities and churches who LITERALLY defend these orphans. In one poignant home visit, some of the community adults had labeled a child as "crazy." This sweet girl, an orphan, had the responsibility of caring for younger siblings and didn't go to school consistently. The advocate, a wonderful young man named Kelvin (with some coaching from Kelly), was able to stand up for this child in a situation where she has no voice, no rights, no power.

5. Matt playing football (soccer, futball, whatever) with the kids. It was easy to spot the muzungu among a crowd of excited children, especially when we presented them with several soccer balls and basketballs to play with.

6. The singing. Indescribable. Thank goodness I have a video of that.

Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayers. We stayed healthy, relatively rested and stress-free, and all of our luggage made it home with us. :)


Grace & peace.

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