All of YOU

Traveling half way around the world might seem like an attempt to escape life in the form it presents itself to you on your doorstep. During my planning stage of this trip I had a few friends ask if I felt I was running away from something. It is a reasonable question which I also asked myself a couple times as my heart and my head, my fears and longings battled inside. I never came up with anything substantial.

I understand that there is poverty, suffering, injustice, and pockets of the developing world within the borders of the US. I have considered that I might make a greater impact using my skills in a country where I understand the greater context simply because it has been the context for my own life and growth. I have not eliminated the possibility of returning to contribute to positive change in the US in the future, but up to now something has been pushing me (or maybe pulling me) out and away.

Now that I am here, things are as I expected in most ways. This is not to say that things are easy or that I have fully adjusted or that I understand even 10% of what happens here. But rather that I expected what is difficult to be difficult and I expected that I would still find comfort and peace here. That is how it is.

What I did not expect were your reactions. Your support, love, concern, and compassion surpasses anything I have previously experienced. I have known that I am blessed with wonderful people in my life, but usually awareness of that blessing comes in pleasurable sips, not with the force of a waxing tide. Close friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers have reached out to me personally and to the Malawians whose stories I have shared here. Ironically in some ways I feel closer to many people now that we are separated by thousands of miles of land and water. Perhaps the meaning for my trip really comes from you . . . your generosity provides an opportunity to distribute not only material wealth but also to distribute the love and grace you pour into the world. As I consider all of this, I am shocked to tears and words seem insufficient to express my gratitude. Just know that I am grateful. Truly.