Yesterday, we had a time of reflection. I thought about the things that happened on the trip and the things God has been saying to me. A theme in my work group was listening to Him and what He is trying to say to us. God has constantly been reminding me to give up things. Throughout this trip, He has told me that the closer I am to the world, the further away I am from Him. Through giving up things of the world, I would be able to more fully serve Him. In the time of reflection, I was able to see that he was constantly telling me this, hoping I would hear.
On another note, I genuinely never cry. Normally when in emotional shock, I just freeze up and comprehend everything. Yesterday, I came closer to tearing up than I ever have. Everyday with an exception with one, we played with children of a children's home for orphans. It was there I met a little boy named Roger. He couldn't have been older than 7. Everyday since day 2 he would ask for me to put him on my shoulders and walk around. We would talk a lot and play even more. On the last day, we were given time to say goodbye. He was awfully quiet. When I asked if he wanted to play, he would say no. When I asked if he wanted a piggyback ride, he would say no. He was awfully withdrawn. I spent a few minutes just hugging him and saying that God loves him. It hurt a lot to see him hurt like that. Knowing that it was because of me he was hurting made matters even worse. Afterwards, I prayed that God would use my time here to prosper, not harm.
This entire trip was amazing. Many relationships were forged, knowing that being a senior, I would probably not see them again. I enjoyed serving a lot and rarely thought of home. I was able to see God work in so many ways. I am forever grateful for this trip. Although I am sad I will be unable to return next year, I am happy for my underclassmen in knowing that they would also experience God working.
-David
On another note, I genuinely never cry. Normally when in emotional shock, I just freeze up and comprehend everything. Yesterday, I came closer to tearing up than I ever have. Everyday with an exception with one, we played with children of a children's home for orphans. It was there I met a little boy named Roger. He couldn't have been older than 7. Everyday since day 2 he would ask for me to put him on my shoulders and walk around. We would talk a lot and play even more. On the last day, we were given time to say goodbye. He was awfully quiet. When I asked if he wanted to play, he would say no. When I asked if he wanted a piggyback ride, he would say no. He was awfully withdrawn. I spent a few minutes just hugging him and saying that God loves him. It hurt a lot to see him hurt like that. Knowing that it was because of me he was hurting made matters even worse. Afterwards, I prayed that God would use my time here to prosper, not harm.
This entire trip was amazing. Many relationships were forged, knowing that being a senior, I would probably not see them again. I enjoyed serving a lot and rarely thought of home. I was able to see God work in so many ways. I am forever grateful for this trip. Although I am sad I will be unable to return next year, I am happy for my underclassmen in knowing that they would also experience God working.
-David