Ms. Bond here. If I were a martini, I would be well shaken by now. Or, to put it another way, if I had brought a pint of cream with me in the car, I would have had butter for supper. We bumped and scaped our way through gullies, washes, rocks, you name it, to visit three of the sponsored children this afternoon. These families had descent homes if compared to others, but still the bare minimum. We took gifts and a month's supply of food. They are so welcoming, hugging and offering their best to us as guests.
Before we left at noon, we had our last sessions with the students. I guess the previous talks had given me the strength to hear the last one. I can't repeat the indescribable story she shared with me; it was just too awful. Man's inhumanity to man will never cease to amaze me. Sin in its finest form is pure evil. And it reigns over this earth. We don't fight earthly battles, but spiritual ones. Unfortunately, we are often unaware of the greatness of it until you hear some of the awful, horrible, disgusting, vile personal stories. I don't think there is a word to adequately describe what happened in this land. And yet, hope abounds. Faith is foremost in most lives. Even in their dire circumstances, they express gratitude. Only God could sow such seed.
The rain chased us all afternoon, but thanks to God's grace we were either in front or behind it. At the new church build in Gashora, with thanks to a generous donation from Summitt church, we did get a chance to muddy our feet. The new building was large, airy, with rooms for counselors, nurses, and other offices. They were finishing up on the last construction details before they will hold their first service.
No alarm wakes you from a dead sleep like a mosquito buzzing inside your net on the bed! Funny how one tiny little insect can rattle us so much. We heard stories today of various places we passed in our travels. I will share another day, as well as the incomprehensible Reconciliation Village. Not a believer? I defy you to visit with those people and not find God everywhere. I never felt such peace. I will devote one or more blogs to this amazing place. Forgiveness is a God given gift that we often chose to not use.
I can't say enough about our interpreters that aided us in the story sessions. Lovely, compassionate college students, they, too, were educated about the sad situation in their country. Aline, Sharon, Esther, and Jessica went above and beyond. Responsive and caring, and yet they maintained unexpected decorum in a difficult situation. Kudos to you girls!
Tomorrow, we begin our trek home but not before putting in a full day. Pray for us always.
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