I can't even begin to wrap my words around the anticipation that welled up in my heart as 5:20 pm approached, Wednesday January 13th, 2010. Exactly 31 hours ago, we got word that Sarah was leaving for the Niarobi Airport to make her long journey home. And now, we are just minutes away from seeing her for the first time in a month. Oh we saw her a few times on skype during her stay....but nothing lights up the room quite like Sarah's real live, touchable enthusiasm and person-hood.
From Niarobi to London and finally on to Philly....the journey has been filled with stories to last a lifetime....almost, and even if the stories don't last, the impact will.
We sent a young, spirited, independent girl off to see the world and make an impact, and she came back a little more grown up, but every bit as independent and spirited. There is no doubt she made impact, but what she received in return, regarding character and her relationship with Christ, vision for the poor and the lost, future goals, wants and desires, schedules and possessions, and overall attitude................................... WAS TEN-FOLD. Walking through the international arrivals gate, as tired and travel weary as she was, she look radiant, and very happy to be home.
You know the saying goes, "it takes 21 days to make or break a habit"....we weren't in the car long before Sarah asked Rick why he was driving on the wrong side of the road. And, she was serious (for a moment). She thought it was Thursday (when it was only Wednesday) and she left for school this morning without her phone and/or her ipod. Pretty Cool huh!? The one thing it didn't take her long to appreciate and dive right back into was nice cold running water with some "uummpphh". Brushing her teeth with running water is no longer something she takes for granted....it is a luxury and something she will give thanks to God for, everyday at least twice. :)
I had a nice spread of taco salad fixings ready and waiting, but it was the American cereal she craved. Two bowls of lucky charms later, and I think we'll save the taco salad for supper tomorrow. (haha)
As I write this morning I am enjoying the most amazing cup of coffee----freshly ground beans straight from Kenya, indulge me for a moment because it goes down like pure silk. Really! You don't find a better cup of coffee. But, one thing you will find all over our living room coffee table is jewelry! From earrings, to bracelets and necklaces galore, there is a story behind each piece. Being tasteful in her selections, as she walked out the door for school this morning, no one could deny she just got off a plane from Africa. Truly, an opportunity of a lifetime for this 16 year old girl from eastern Pennsylvania. She's got her first interview with the school newspaper sometime next week.
We give thanks that she is back home safe and sound.
We give thanks for so many of you who made this trip possible and memorable.
We give thanks for the seeds that have been sown into Sarah's life, but even more, we give thanks for the fruit that is born out of one young girl's desire and one mother's (and father's) obedience, in letting her go "into all the world" to be a part of sharing the "good news".
So Long for now,
Crystal
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