Reflections from Ethiopia by Pastor Jared. Day 5. Today was our first day actually doing the real work we have spent months planning for. It was a real learning experience for all of us. At first, things did not exactly go off without a hitch. This really wasnt a surprise, but it was frustrating. We got the kids separated into their groups well and began different stations. Some would be in the medical clinic while others played games, sang songs, did crafts or a bible lesson (today Gretchen led them in the story of Joseph). The problem was getting the kids to stay in their groups. Different stations became a bit overwhelmed because some of the kids preferred to be doing things other than what we had planned. Some of the team became frustrated (I was among them), some felt overwhelmed. Overall to be honest it was a rocky start. I think we got some of the kinks worked out and we may have a better system now. But here is what I think we are learning: grace and trust. Those of us on the team are learning to extend grace to one another more. For that I am glad things didnt run too smoothly. Nothing is more important in community than extending grace toward each other and any bit of frustration is worth learning that valuable skill. And we are learning to trust that God is in control. We say it and we believe it. But experiencing what that looks like is worth giving every bit of ourselves. We are doing that. And at the risk of upsetting my teammates I hope we continue to experience enough loss of our own control to see God prove himself. Far more important, we got to spend time with the kids we support. One teammate (I will let her tell her own story) was blessed by a home visit where she saw how much her support means to the family of her sponsored child. What we are doing here matters A LOT. I makes a tangible and significant difference in many lives here. But lets not allow that reality to over shadow the amazing gift we get to receive by our own transformed lives and view of Gods world and mission. Be Loved. Go Deeper. Live It Out. Pastor Jared
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 02:30:00 +0000
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