Just prior to our departure, most of the members of our very diverse team had never met each other. We have both urban and rural people from Washington state to Texas to North Carolina and Florida. Most of us reside in Kansas. Our youngest member is 11 months old. Our oldest member is, well, in our culture, we don't talk about such things. We are a mix of academics, artists, athletes, baby-bottom-wipers, ministers, medical professionals, retirees, and cattle ranchers, sprinkled with a bit of "granola". An outsider looking in might say bringing a group like this across the world together is a bit risky; sparks could fly.
And yet, we experienced 40+ hours of international transit together, five of which were spent dealing with mostly indifferent and inefficient Kenya Airways staff amidst the sights, sounds, and "aromas" of an African airport; we remained intact.
We spent hours haggling with an inconsistent customs department at the Harare airport, as they dug through the team's feminine hygiene products and underwear, looking for something valuable enough to justify duties; with prayer, we remained at peace.
We spent three hours in vehicles, driving down narrow, congested highways and bumpy dirt roads to arrive in Doma long after dark; still, we encouraged each other.
And with sacrifice comes reward. Together, we're experiencing a holistic way of life and a culture that treasures the things we overlook or throw away. We're coming to know missionaries who value our time with them more than the money required to get us here.
We've witnessed Savannah Jenkins, our 16-year old team member come out of her shell and build relationships with at least a dozen children, many of whom ran up to her as a group and embraced her with love. As she was leaving their home, they jumped up and down, chanting her name in unison.
We were inspired by the courage of Tim Walter, who shared his fears and vulnerabilities with the rest of us, giving each of us the privilege of going second.
Many of us shared the emotions of Jerry and Nancy Voorhies, as they witnessed the smiles of the twin children they've been sponsoring for the past three years.
We've heard the enthusiastic, dream-come-true report of Jaimie Dungan, our young medical school applicant, who was able to assist Dr. John Birky in two major surgical procedures at Karanda Mission Hospital.
We've seen JT Vickers, our Texan tradesman, spend time with two young Shona men, patiently teaching them how to build new living room furniture for the orphan cottages. JT has taught us that the relationship with and development of these two young men are more important than the work of our hands.
We've heard the account of Justine Anthony, our early childhood development major, who spent time with 12 children in a preschool classroom the size of an American bathroom.
We've heard the laughter of dozens of orphans, as Kate Dibbern and Robbi Lee taught them new, fun ways to stay active by playing games.
We have all appreciated the delicious meals diligently prepared by Joy Haggard, who even spent the time making tortillas and rhubarb cobbler from scratch (and wonder if Joy will try to disappear the day of our departure; these are her people).
A few of us tried to hold down that food as Melissa Bender described her trip into the African bush to treat the wound of man who would otherwise not receive care. A highlight for me was Melissa meeting Dave and Cynthia Fortescue, the Zimbabwean missionaries her parents have supported for over a decade.
Last night, Hailey Weston and Maddy Martin joined their peers for a late-night lock-in with local teenage girls, connecting with them as role models and providing support to the young, female missionary who is working with them.
And I am so grateful to Ashlee Alley, who has shepherded not only her Southwestern College students, but many of our other team members. She has done much to create a safe, stable environment for our team to grow and serve.
I am honored to be among such servant-hearted people who are willing to surrender themselves to the Lord's call to care for vulnerable people and am pleased to report that the best of this trip is yet to come. Stay tuned.
Benjamin
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