Fountains, Friends, and Fears

We are coming close to the end of our first week of orientation with the Presbyterian Church (USA) staff in Louisville, Kentucky.  Each day here has involved sessions on personnel policies, technology, security, communication, training on faithful and effective mission, communities of mission practice and information on the three critical global issues that we focus on in World Mission.  Those issues are: 1) Addressing the root causes of poverty, particularly as they affect women and children, 2) Peacemaking in the midst of cultures of violence, including our own, and 3) Sharing the good news of God's love as embodied in Jesus Christ, in respectful and authentic dialogue.  There is a lot to learn, including a new strategic plan that is very exciting.

One of the reasons I feel so blessed to work with PC(USA) is that they truly seek to follow a partnership model of mission, working at the invitation of global partners, as guests and co-workers, emphasizing that we are all transformed as we do mission together. Community Health Evangelism, the program I will be working with in Zambia, does just that.  It is a holistic, community-based program, that creates sustainable development through community empowerment.  It affirms God's vision of health and wholeness for all of us, addressing spiritual, physical and emotional needs.  At the same time, it allows for everyone to grow through community ownership, in a true model of partnership and common ministry.

It is a beautiful gift to be a part of this work, and at the same time, it can be somewhat overwhelming.  The very long days have created some stress in our family, as Frankie and Johnny have spent more time away from us than they usually do.  PC(USA) has run a wonderful children's program for the kids while we have been in our sessions, but our boys are really in need of some time with Mom and Dad, too.  So, we went on a walk the other night, and passed a fountain on one of the Louisville streets.  The boys took off their sandals and ran through the water, and listening to thier giggles was an enormous joy.  We have also been blessed with new friends here, including another mission co-worker couple with two little boys, about the same age as Frankie and Johnny.  They are wonderful children, and Joel and I really enjoy their parents, as well.  So, even in the midst of long, hectic week, God's blessings abound.

We do ask for your prayers for us and for Frankie and Johnny in the midst of orientation.  They really are doing so well, considering all the change in their lives, but they also have some fears about the future, and Frankie has been expressing his concerns about making new friends and living far away from the people he loves.  It is good to hear Frankie, who is only 6 years old, communicating his concerns, but I just ask for prayers that he and Johnny are able to feel the love that surrounds them, and to know that God is there, in the midst of their fears.  It is hard to understand all this when you are 5 and 6 years old; as a 34 year old, I have similar fears.  So, please, please pray, and thanks so much for your support and love!