Counting Down
As I tried to convince my slumbering body this morning that it was time to wake up, I managed to figure the time change backwards to Arkansas, and realized that in exactly two weeks, I will be at home in my own bed again! Confession – I can hardly wait! I’m in countdown mode again, but with mixed emotions. I remember the countdown to June 5th as we prepared for our trip to Kijabe – the packing, planning, studying, praying, being blessed by God’s ongoing provisions, the anticipation and excitement. Now it’s countdown time again, but with different feelings. While I am looking forward to getting home and I am counting down to our departure -- how many more dress shirts will Gene need before we leave, how many days before starting to pack the souvenirs we’ve purchased, will we need these clothes again while here, how many more times will I need to go to the duka for eggs or milk, how many more times do we need to hike the steep 1000 foot climb from Moffat up to RVA – there’s not the excitement and anticipation in leaving that there was in coming.
Counting down now includes sad things – how many more times will we meet with our students, will we see the many new friends again before they leave or we leave, can we take the students to Mama Chiku’s one more time, will we see Kijabe again, have we seen all we can see, and mostly, have we done all we can do!
Yesterday morning, Gene and I were asked to share our testimonies in the Moffat student chapel. The student who introduced us is not in our class, but he knew us. It was obvious the students have been watching us. He said, “The speaker I will introduce to you today I have known about . . . one month. But I know that the love he had for his wife when he first met her is the same love he has for her today. And I also know he loves God and he believes God’s Word. So I would like you to welcome our speaker today, Dr. Luber and his wife.� (Yep, Dr. Luber, no less!)
“Lord, have we truly been "living letters" telling others of Your love and Your truth and Your faithfulness?�
Perhaps yesterday was our “sign of encouragement� from the Lord that we have been doing what He brought us here to do. And for that we are grateful and blessed.
posted by Ginger | 4:42 AM
3 Comments:
Dear Gene and Ginger -- This is the eldest of your nephews adding his two cents. I've been following your journey with daily anticipation through your blogs and photos. I don't know if there is anyone at Rift Valley Academy who would remember this name -- Yasmin Adhiambo. She was a high school student at RVA from about 1977-81 or so and then played basketball at Biola when I was Sports Information Director. After being gone from home for nearly 2 months in 2000 (a month of baseball ministry in Czech Republic and Slovakia, Grandpa's 90th birthday bash and moving from Missouri to California), I understand the whole deal about counting down the days until you come home and feeling mixed emotions. It was a great experience, but it was so great to finally get back and stick for a while. No doubt you will be talking about this trip for months and years to come and sharing your pictures over and over. Many people will come to know more about the ongoing ministries in Kenya because of your courageous step out of your comfort zone, and maybe some will choose to get involved in some meaningful way because of what you are doing. As I said before in one other reply to your blogs, I envy your opportunity to travel like this, because I used one of those opportunities before and would not trade in the experience for anything. Being there is great and leaving later this month will be bittersweet, no doubt. I'm sure you will truly enjoy your final weeks. Your nephew, Steve
Dear Gene and Ginger,
Just today, July 12th, I was finally able to catch up with your postings...what a wonderful time you are having, but we know it has been a faith stretching experience at times. I especially loved the pictures of the cookie making day and Gene with his students - we are so proud of you two in the Lord! And grateful to know you and to be stimulated to love and good deeds by your selfless example. Love, Judy (& Eddie)
What a wonderful thing to talk about your love for Jesus and each other... I am so happy that you have had this wonderful experience... I know that God is using you a ways that we cant even understand! Praying for you and yes I understand the wistful "I miss home but leaving will be hard!" We look forward to having you home again!
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