We’ve had some wonderful opportunities around here for the past almost 7 weeks. It’s so crazy to think that we’ll be wrapping up our time here in the next two weeks. Where did the time go?
I mean during all this time we have gotten to:
Play in the rain.
Go fishing.
Go to cross-cultural worship times.
Ride the city bus with friends.
And even some really great family movie nights with our quad mates.
So as the last two weeks begin our transitions to the ends of the earth, I just can’t help but thank the Father for opening His heart in delight to us through those we have embraced during this opportunity. We don’t deserve such blessing. We don’t deserve such love. It truly has been such a wonderful opportunity for the past almost 7 weeks.
It wasn’t a normal goodbye in their classrooms. No, not a hug at the door as they dance into intentionality crafted lesson plans. This time it was outside of the airport.
Do you have your passports? Here’s your bags.
The hustle and bustle. The chaos and confusion amidst goodbye hugs.
Immediately they were absorbed into the airport rush. A swarm of uniforms and smiling faces. Passports checked and on to ticketing.
“Why are you going to Mozambique?” she was questioned while struggling to keep track of her baggage and her preschooler in tow.
She and her sister choked back hysterical laughter as they later told me of elaborate broken computer problems in ticketing and malfunctioning staplers played out by familiar faces.
Then came the lady speaking French that no one understood. What exactly were they supposed to do with their bags? Body language overcame language barriers.
Then extra fees for stuffed animals! And confiscated toothpaste!!
And that delayed flight that took “forever” of just waiting… and waiting…
Why not use the bathroom while you wait? Only to discover your bags stolen upon your return!
Calming a sad four year old. Finally you were able to board the plane.
No snacks for anyone not in first class.
“Turbulence!!!” as the walls rattle and the girls struggled to relay that part through choking laughter.
And then finally you successfully arrived in Africa!
I just adore how the teachers are so intentional to prepare these little ones for life ahead. Such deliberation. Such intentionality.
Oh, of course, they add in the fun. Afterall, they do just adore these little ones. But a hint of experienced truth permeates the lessons. Intentionality breathes confidence into little hearts, encouraging, “You can do this. Even when it goes wrong. This is doable.”
I love how the teachers are shaping their new normal.
Sunday evenings we have the privilege of sharing in a cross-cultural worship service from around the world.
Last week was sub-Saharan Africa week. Through six languages covering some twenty countries and a week of practices and hard (sometimes stressful) work, we worshipped our Gracious Father in the late afternoon shade. We enjoyed African songs, collected a missions offering, heard a sermon in Hausa, prayed over those God is sending and just had a wonderful time of fellowship.
And what African worship would be complete without a little African dress? 🙂
I just adore our dear “African family” who helped to make last Sunday’s cross-cultural worship quite a joy.
We were all blessed indeed!
Such heart.
Such love.
Such family.
Such is the Body of Christ.
– Thankful, grateful and beyond blessed.
– We’re still singing the praise songs. They just go so well with walking to our classes. 🙂