Our week flew by. Before we knew it, it was Friday and there was only a day left before half of our group, which included Zach and me, flew home and left the other half there for a second week of helping the Bruskis in any way they could.
Fridays are full of driving. The mornings are spent visiting the abandoned babies at a local(ish) hospital. As much as I love that they are so invested in the lives of these babies that they hired a nurse to be with them and give them interaction they wouldn't already get, it is such a hard place for me to visit. However, that Friday we got to see a mom and dad bring a baby home to care for as their own and the excitement on their faces and their social workers' faces gave me another very needed glimpse of Hope.
Another glimpse came shortly after as we visited a village and DID NOT experience a riot while passing out candy. That might not sound like an incredibly hopeful thing but to visit the village of Bogei which is so big and still so new to not having to steal and fight to make sure you get what you need, it's a HUGE accomplishment. We were able to stay longer and play and left on a high note. It didn't happen when they visited the next week but they know it can happen and sometimes that's the exact glimpse you need.
Friday night was full of goodbyes that I didn't want to make. Goodbye to our Statesboro friends. Goodbye to the missionary families who live and work there that we love so much and grew to know even more over the week. Goodbye to the beautiful countryside. Goodbye to the many faces we saw knowing how different they'll look when we get to see them again. Goodbye to the time away where our main focus was Christ in us and around us. We spent the evening worshiping with singing and sharing last thoughts and experiences.
Zach and I were gifted with some lovingly encouraging and challenging words from Aaron which are still swimming around in my heart and head wondering if, how or when they might be a part of our future.
This place means more to me than I ever thought it would and I pray you have a place that means the same to you. Whether it's local or international, I pray you have a ministry, a country, a people who God has placed on your heart to be a part of, to support, to love, outside of your comfortable community of believers you see every Sunday.
Above and below me
Before and behind me
In every eye that sees me
Christ be all around me
~All Sons and Daughters
