So we are definitely off and running as we travel through 6 different countries learning about the MDGs, how they are being addressed, if changes are occurring related to the goals, and how we can use this information in our own neighborhoods and campuses and maybe more importantly how God is working through the goals and the people that believe these goals can make a difference globally.
Honestly, my mind is overwhelmed with the immense amount of information I have received so far. Washington, DC may seem so very far away in both time and distance but the truth of hunger and poverty is very much close at hand and heart. It is too true that for so many people around the world and yes, even in the so-called “rich” United States, hunger is an absolute fact. The good news is that quite a lot is being done to meet this need. There is, however, still a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done, and that does not always mean the obvious of providing food. It goes beyond a one-time meal.
We live in a world full of hunger–hunger for information, for justice, for answers–and often receive just more questions. The MDG Team visited the offices of Bread for the World, Baptist World Alliance, The One Campaign, and the Micah Challenge. I received wonderful information that fed the already growing ideas and thoughts within my mind. And, I found reassurance in the projects, legislation, and simple acts being put into play around the globe in regards to the MDGs.
Thoughts about these last days race through my mind, I have found it difficult to settle down at night and sleep. Even the 7 hour flight to London and the 8 hr layover offered very few results in my minds scramble to make sense of or put to order all the information. This I do know, there is much to be done in this world but God is working. I see Him in all of this!
My final thought is this…Just when I find myself getting comfortable with this life my journey with God has brought me, it seems He shows me something better. In this experience, I am an active participant and a passive observer. And, in that, I wonder what God has planned, what does being on this trip mean for now and for later! How and where do I fit in all of this? It is quite perplexing, amusing, frustrating, exiting, and just plain weird. I am scared and I am so full of joy that it is hard to express. But I know my God and he is so very wonderful with amazing gifts to give. His love know no bounds and I feel that now, wrapped tightly around me and it is enough. So for now I sit back and enjoy the ride!
Today we split into two groups, one going to an HIV/AIDS conference and the other touring the Ruth School and meeting with a Romany Human Rights group.
I was in the group touring the school. We had a lot of interesting conversation and learned a lot about the difficulities of service from the teachers at the school. Every one of them seemed so deeply to believe in the efforts of the school and they shared the understanding that every child has the right to be cared for and loved.
Some of the children live in literal holes in the ground, many are taken out of school and returned a year later, and most do not have the support of their parents back home.
I think the thing that I most remember about today was a simple statement about charity. We expect that the poor, and those who receive our charity, will be overjoyed by our generousity. But the truth is that most times they are difficult to work with because they did not want it to begin with. How can you serve those who will not receive your service?
Sometimes a simple act of love can become very complex…
Keep faith and keep energy and know you are loved and thought about and prayed about.
MB,
Remember that not all of those that Jesus came to serve accepted his service either. I was reading somewhere recently (I think in my devotional guide) that love does not always have very much to do with our feelings, but everything to do with our acts. We are called to love. If that always had to do with my feelings, then I’ve failed to love those that Christ has called me to love, particularly my “enemies.” Real love begins with our actions toward the others…maybe someday our “feelings” will follow.
This is what God put in your way today.
Love,
Dad
Dear MB,
Remember God’s promise…He is with you always. Some days you will see him more clearly; other days you will struggle to feel his presence. He will always surprise you with “Oh, my gosh!” moments. That’s the joy we experience when we serve him. When you seek the unusual, the unfamiliar, you will never have to worry about getting too comfortable with what you think you know. Maybe that’s the secret of being open to God’s love. We are praying that God is re-creating the world for you each and every day.
Love you! Carolyn and Charlie
Your experience sounds somewhat Christ-like. How often to we reject his presence in our own lives?God’s love for us can be inconvenient and even painful when it compells us to offer ourselves as a “living sacrifice.” I agree with your Dad. Love and faith are active verbs. If we wait on feeling love, we will never become the lovers God intended us to be.
Love you,
Aunt Carol
Mer,
Reading news of your work and travel is wonderful. We pray daily for good health, mental and physical energy, and patience with each other and those you serve. This is an amazing adventure God has blessed all of you with! Daddy said you would fall in love with the Romany children!
We are reading Luke while you all are gone. The first day this verse jumped out at me….regarding why Luke wrote his gospel…”I have done this to let you know the truth about what you have heard.” This is what you can say as you share the story of Christ to those in need and as you share with everyone when you return.
We love you!
Mommie and Daddy
Praying for the entire team. Trusting that God is going to do unthinkable things through your hands and feet.
to the fam-
thanks for the encouragement. It was just what I needed at this very moment.
I love you all verry much.