When I said things were going to come fast and furious, apparently I meant it. Eden, the missionary in Kenya I have been talking to and who is helping plan all this, let those of us who are traveling as ambassadors know about our choices of itinerary. There are eight of us and I believe we mostly come from the United States and across Europe. It will be nice to have people to process the experience with. Between Eden’s traveling tips sheet and a packing list I found, I have my work cut out for me this fall. I am sure you will be hearing more about all that.
Yesterday I mentioned that I am thinking about the question of what I am bringing to the people of Africa. In Eden’s tip sheet, there was a beautiful and powerful answer: “Your very presence is a tremendous blessing to those you meet. Your willingness to listen to stories, to meet people where they are, to pray with them, to take tea with them, to shake their hands and affirm your oneness in Christ — these are all gifts you can give that will build the kingdom of God.”
My next steps include working with Terri in Philadelphia and Eden and Bainito on an itinerary, formally registering, and choosing a safari company. (There are SOOOO many!) I also need to buy my plane ticket. Vaccinations are also on my radar. It will be very interesting to see that all come together over the next week.
As we work on planning this out, I am aware I am basically asking them to break my heart and destroy my blindness to things I cannot see. I imagine the process will be quite painful, exhilarating, and certainly life changing. How I look at the world and the culture around me will be changed forever after. It is what I want.
365-09 #269