Two weeks later . . .
Life is back to “normal”. Preparations for Holy Week, laundry, spending time with family, grocery shopping . . . all of the activities that I would have been doing no matter a trip to Guyana or not. But has anything really changed?
When I come back from a mission trip – whether here or abroad – there’s a period of adjustment for me. There are moments when I realize how “good I got it”, how we don’t appreciate our blessings, how thankful I am for clean running water . . the list goes on. Yes, there’s also some frustration with the world around me when I see petty complaints and selfishness. Then I realize that I can’t point any fingers. I can be just as petty and selfish.
I have been changed. I will not forget the faces I’ve seen, the experiences I’ve had, and the love we’ve shared. I will remember WHY we go with notes like this one written to Jeff:
I am a boy. I love to play.
I will miss you all the best.
I need you to come back again.
To play with you again.
I am playing football at home with the children.
I love you.
Paul
I will remember that Paul needs us to come back. He needs to believe that teams will come back and play with him. I will remember that his home is an orphanage – that “the children” are just like him – in need of love and attention.
And in remembering, I will continue to be changed.
Something More 