A Challenging Road Home
Sunday morning...The 2006 G.O. Team is pointed home. We began our re-entry process with a long road trip to Etosha Thursday. The entire team of 29 made it to Etosha - there were doubts as to whether the band would make it in, but they surprised us all. Our arrival was not without incident, however.
One of the two combees of teenagers had an accident on the challenging gravel roads of Etosha. Mike and the six teens in the combee were all in seatbelts and other than being emotionally shaken, walked away unscathed. That evening each of the teens involved called home to talk to loved ones and those calls went a long way to bringing us all comfort. The accident sent an emotional wave through our entire team - each of us overwhelmed with thanksgiving to God for the safety of our team members.
The emotional challenges of the trip's end are also visiting this team deeply. Each of the two nights of debrief saw lots of tears and hugs - but they have also offered us much needed time for reflection and processing. The team's sharing last night was by the side of the Reho Spa, which played host to a few of our more adventurous souls who took an 'after-midnight' swim.
This morning Sylvia Beukes offered us a great opportunity as we worshipped together to 'hear God's voice' about this trip. We also got to pray for a young lady that Amanda Lafave led to Christ last night named Sinovia as she joined us this morning for our worship service. Sinovia heard Amanda speak at the High School earlier in the week and made her way to the By Faith concert last night. Her story is more painful than I could put into words here, but suffice to say God's grace in Amanda's life was used to profoundly touch her. I plead for you to pray fervently for Sinovia.
As I type, the team is shopping for gifts for you - our friends and loved ones awaiting our return. Trust me when I say that every team member longs to be home.
Amanda, Katie, Becky and Emily... see you Tuesday - and we'll have a blast driving home from Florida together! I can't wait. Mom and I love you, and we're very, VERY, proud of you all.
We'll try to get some postings up from the various airports in transit home. Thanks for your prayers and for sharing this journey with us! Blessings!
posted by Darin @ 5:48 AM
