Hey folks. We arrived safely home yesterday. We landed around 12.45 at Dulles. Our parents were very excited to see us (so much so that some tears were shed I believe). The flight was long - we had been traveling for over 24 hrs by the time we got home. But we made it home safely, soundly and very tired.
The end of our trip was memorable. The people at the Anawim Home sang songs and gave us hugs to send us off. We were all very inspired by their faith, hospitality and community. It was definitely difficult to leave, but it is also nice to be back home.
Our experience in Nigeria was one that we will never forget. We will never forget the people we met. We will never forget the experiences we had. But our goal was not to go to Nigeria and have an amazing experience for ourselves, although we definitely did. Our goal was and is to determine how Nativity as a parish can serve the people of Nigeria.
The best part about returning home for me is knowing that this is not a one time thing. This is just the beginning of a long-term relationship. It's more like saying "see you soon" to a new friend rather than "good-bye" to an old one. Whether or not I will go back to Nigeria, I cannot say. But I know Nativity will. I know that our parish is committed to serve the people of Nigeria in the way that God calls us to serve. That doesn't mean hanging out with them for two weeks a year, but a true to commitment to understanding, appreciating and loving those people.
Our group has tons of ideas, thoughts, questions and experiences that will help shape what that means in the future. But right now we are committed, and that is the most important thing.
Thank you so much for reading this blog and participating in our experience. Like I said, this isn't just a good time for the four of us, but a first step for Nativity. And we couldn't have made that first step without the support of the entire parish. So thank you for that.
Keep checking back regularly. We will post as new ideas and plans come to fruition. As soon as we can we will make sure to get some pictures up as well. Thanks again.
2 comments:
Thanks so much for all your blog postings. I've enjoyed following your adventure to Africa and I'm looking forward to hearing more and seeing the pics.
Thanks for being our ambassadors,
Carol C.
Every time I look at the blog and notice Bob's picture, I think of the book Flat Stanley that we read to our children 652,134 times when they were young...On a seriuos note, PTL that you guys returned safely
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