Jambo!

We just returned from 4 days at the Refugee Fellowship Retreat in Karen. Here are high/lows from each team member...

Mark:
High - During our fourth teaching session together we talked together about forgiving others who have wronged us. People opened up for the first time and started sharing their stories of suffering and pain. I was overwhelmed and amazed at what God began to do right there in that room and the healing steps that were beginning.
Low - The first night of the retreat we were so tired and had a late meeting to coordinate the next day's activities. Then we were in dorms with other families and the happy noise of children lasted well into the night. I was reminded that we're here to serve and not for my own comfort.

Cyndi:
High - Our worship time last night...singing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" in African.
Low - Today at lunch...just before our departures...realizing the hardships that our new friends are returning to...

Kathy:
Low - The first day with our new friends, trying to communicate with and get to know each other. Language and culture barrriers were obstacles.
High - Getting to know the teen group, and hanging out with them. Telling them that the teens in the USA are praying for them, and having them respond "Well, bring them here!"

Grant:
High - Seeing the kids proudly display their medal given to them on the last night that reminds them to press on toward their prize in heaven as spoken in Phillipians 3:14.
Low - Hearing stories of people suffering from real pain and not knowing yet what you can do to help other than to listen.

Sarah:
High - Seeing the refugee women of the group living out the freedom they have because of their faith in Christ.
Low - Being very tired at the end of the first day and discovering I still had a meeting to attend before I could go to bed and sleep.

Andy:
High - Seeing the joy and excitment on the kids faces when they were given disposible cameras and watching them take pictures all day!
Low - Saying goodbye to new friends and not knowing the situations that they were going back to later that afternoon.