Journey
We made it safely. While long, the trip went well and everyone did fantastic. It has been neat to watch everyone’s reactions and responses to everything that is so new to them.
My favorite part of the journey so far has been to watch the teens that have never been overseas. Everything is such a joy, everything new, everything an adventure. I have said it before and I will say it again, airports are gateways to unknown adventures. Watching the teens walk through the airports I can see the adventure in their eyes and it gives me joy. The buildup for this trip has been hellacious and long. Last week was a blur filled with late nights and long days. As we packed everything needed I got lost several times in the sea of paperwork and details. After 6 months of working I was starting to wonder if the price was too high. Walking through security at the Midland Airport erased almost all of my doubts. From Midland we flew to Houston, from Houston to London, from London to Nairobi. Each airport brought me more joy as I watched teens, young men and young women, start to experience the joy of the journey.
Journey.
We take them every day. We journey to find ourselves, we journey to understand love, and we journey to be made whole. Spiritual wanderers, we are in constant journey. My own journey has been long and sometimes confusing. Stops, starts, and wrong turns have all served to make me who I am. Today some of these teens are discovering their journey for the first time. They are all at different places on their journey, some have already had their short lives filled with pain, others only blissful memories of family and friends. As we land in Nairobi all are taking a next step, each day of this trip will add a new piece to each team members journey puzzle. As we cruised over North Africa at 652 miles per hour my prayers, my hopes, and my expectation is that everyone on this trip will see what God is doing in their own journey through this group journey we take together.
My favorite part of the journey so far has been to watch the teens that have never been overseas. Everything is such a joy, everything new, everything an adventure. I have said it before and I will say it again, airports are gateways to unknown adventures. Watching the teens walk through the airports I can see the adventure in their eyes and it gives me joy. The buildup for this trip has been hellacious and long. Last week was a blur filled with late nights and long days. As we packed everything needed I got lost several times in the sea of paperwork and details. After 6 months of working I was starting to wonder if the price was too high. Walking through security at the Midland Airport erased almost all of my doubts. From Midland we flew to Houston, from Houston to London, from London to Nairobi. Each airport brought me more joy as I watched teens, young men and young women, start to experience the joy of the journey.
Journey.
We take them every day. We journey to find ourselves, we journey to understand love, and we journey to be made whole. Spiritual wanderers, we are in constant journey. My own journey has been long and sometimes confusing. Stops, starts, and wrong turns have all served to make me who I am. Today some of these teens are discovering their journey for the first time. They are all at different places on their journey, some have already had their short lives filled with pain, others only blissful memories of family and friends. As we land in Nairobi all are taking a next step, each day of this trip will add a new piece to each team members journey puzzle. As we cruised over North Africa at 652 miles per hour my prayers, my hopes, and my expectation is that everyone on this trip will see what God is doing in their own journey through this group journey we take together.
posted by Paul at Sunday, July 19, 2009
3 Comments:
I am so thankful that Spencer has you, Paul, to guide him on this journey through Africa. Not only the physical part of the journey but through his spiritual journey also. I know in both he will have some bumps, turns, and forks in the road. I thank God daily that you are there to encourage him, direct him and pray with him so he will know the will of God and the path God has chosen for him.
I know God has great plans for all that are on this trip. I pray that each are open to His calling.
Spencer, take time to be still and know that He is God. Bask in His presence. Let Him fill you and make you whole. God has great plans for you, Son.
Let Him work within you and through you.
As always, I will be praying and lifting you up as you travel and go about God's work.
In Christ,
Diann
Hello! Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of all of you, praying for all of you and wishing I could be there. May this trip be for God's Glory and your joy.
Love y'all more than you know,
Shasta
I'm so glad to hear everything is going well and smoothly. I got a phone call from my parents and sister yesterday- it was so good to hear their voices, and so strange to think that they were halfway around the world!!
Mom, Dad, and Steph: I love you all and I'm praying for you (and everyone on the trip) every day. I can't wait to hear about all the many things God is doing through you and for you while in Africa!
I'm praying for you now, as you start the day, and every time I think of you (which is very often!)
I wish I could be there.. But I know God will do amazing things through those that went on this trip! I love you all very much and can't wait to hug your necks again! :)
love,
Alli
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