Why we come . . .

One of the first questions our leaders ask us to answer or consider as we begin meeting for our trip is "Why go?"  Why are you going?  Why do we go?  Why am I going?

The answers and motivations are different, but in the end, the reason is the same: To be changed.

Before I my first trip, I had gained the mistaken impression that Africa and Malawi needed to be fixed.  And then I came.  Though poverty is all around and every person's story is filled with heartache; it's not Africa that is broken.

It was me.

I had wandered away from church and slowly back again.  I was searching for a faith that gave me peace.  Malawi began to shift my perspective just over two years ago.  Last year I shared the experience with the most important person in my life.

Malawi can be summed up as this: Infinite faith in the face of impossible odds.

Every time I come here, I am reminded of all the blessings I do not deserve and that God has given me anyway.  I look the most faithful people I have known in the eyes and must face the fact that, despite I have been given, I have done little.  I pray that I might some day use a fraction of my talents to bring a fraction of the amount of glory to God I see in the people every day.

I come because family is here.  A brother and sister in Hastings and Alice.  My niece Jaydiel.  Their lives inspire and strengthen me each day.  Knowing Allie and I are in their prayers has encouraged us the past year.

To God be the glory.  Amen.

Phil

PS - Allie, I can't wait to see you. Mom & Dad / Mark & DeAnn, thank you for all your love and support.  Jim & Sara, I can't wait to see how big my "real" niece is getting.  Drew, never forget the ways Malawi changed you.

Mom, tell Grandma V. I love her.  I think Africa is sending some elephants to greet her in heaven.