Back and There Again

None of us are newbies, so we know what we're in for.  And it's all good.  Even here at almost midnight, we're feeling the excitement in these pre-boarding minutes.

Norma, Megan and me.  And once we get there we'll meet up with Esther who's been away for six months now.  What an experienced team we are!'s

For this second trip back Norma says she's going back to see her sponsored child Praweet, for sure.  But also, and here she pauses for emphasis, just to be there.  I get it.  Most of us who've been get it.  There's something truly healing and joyful about the place, the people, the way life is slower and simpler.  And there's so much love.

This will be Megan's fifth trip.  She's looking forward to seeing all the faces that she's missed.  She's also looking forward to some of the cooler evening temperatures and lack of humidity this time of year, compared to the record-breaking 'cooker' trips we've shared in the past.

I've lost count.  Honestly.  I'd have to go back and figure it out.  But I'm heading over with the same excitement, anticipation, longing as I do every time.  Can't wait.  Just....can't wait.

There are fun times ahead with planned out Bible lessons in the book of Exodus, a whole slew of new games from Esther's outreach experience, outings, singing, reading, and - like Norma says - just being.  At least that's what's more or less planned.  Then there's all the adventures we don't know about yet.  The ones waiting for us.

In our commissioning on Sunday Erin Ogilvie-Fisher prayed that we would be "safe but not comfortable".   Such a wise prayer.  That's what we'll press into.  Those places that challenge and change us, mess us up in all the good ways such adventures do.

Boarding soon.

Stay tuned for more.
Much more.