Faces

Final post, prior to travel. Thanks for going along for the ride. Even at home, time zips past so quickly. We hardly get started with something before the time is up, and we have to move on. We start our families, and then the kids move out. Puppies and kittens end up in the family pet cemetary along with the hampsters.

I think it is the faces that mean the most to me. Your face, the face of strangers, the faces of my church family. I see Him in each one of these photos. The smile of the old woman, the coy glance of the young girl, the old man with the coke bottle glasses. Then, there is this aging, fat, white guy. Where did those bags come from under the eyes? What is he looking at -- is it the future? Why so much gray in the beard?

In the mountains, the Gujjar say that a person's life story is written in their face. I hope my face tells a story that is pleasing to God, and that will lift up others. The team tells me that I have the gift of teaching and encouragement; I will embrace that thought.

As I look at these Gujjar people, and said good-bye to the men this morning (they have all left for their villages and family), I am hoping that they remember my face. I trust that I have given them all something to keep. I am hoping that it is the power of knowledge, the wisdom of compassion, and the understanding that we all serve the same God. I am aware that is a very large request for a short-term trip like this, but my prayer is that I will remain faithful with what God has given me.








These people don't need us. They have been doing fine for many generations. What they need is to empower themselves with knowledge that enables them to provide for themselves. I can say that I have been to the mountain top, and seen over the other side (literally)!! I can't, and won't say this is the last mountain that I will climb. There is much more work to do, and I will embrace that when it comes. Maybe another CVM trip, another day, another place, another time. My old high-school Timex, my favorite hunting watch, has given it up on this trip, so I truely don't know what time it is. I do know that it is time to pack.







We talk about life-changing experiences. This has been a huge chapter in my life, along with many others. The team here has challenged me to be more spiritual, to be more focused on what God desires for me to do, and I have challenged them to listen to Him as they proceed on their journey. We have all gained from the experience.

The next time I post, I hope to be at my dining room table. It will take me a total of 17 1/2 hours flight time to get home. Who knows how long that will be in airports!! I would ask for your prayers for safe travel, and I hope to greet you in your homes soon, 'Inshallah' (God willing). You have all blessed Nan & I by your support. I hope my mom & dad are proud of me. .. .. .. .. ..
BLN