Marial Bai, Sudan April 29th, 2008

Who am I? Inadequate. Inadequate. Inadequate! That is what I’m thinking, That is what I’m feeling. Yesterday we landed and immediately as we gazed over the colorful group of people awaiting our arrival, we heard the most beautiful welcome. Hundreds of people had gathered to greet us and among them some brightly dressed women were singing to us in the purest of voices. They all had smoothly carved crosses in their hands which they were waving as they joyfully sang. We were quickly surrounded as the children, particularly, swarmed around us. We were introduced to the community and then asked to all speak some words of greeting and encouragement. We were quite the center of attention, to put it lightly. No, but seriously, I wanted to weep the whole time. I felt so humbled and unworthy of the honor they were giving us. We represent hope and relief to them, but what do I have to give them? Nothing really. It is only the presence of Christ in my life that offers them anything. What comfort and relief there is in that! God has called me to be here and he will do whatever he wills in and through me.