Today was our last day in Beirut. We started the day off by attending a local church service. David brought a message about when Peter decided to follow Jesus. Peter knew about Jesus, and respected him. He even referred to him as "Master", but after his encounter, Peter called Jesus "Lord". He then left his nets and followed after Jesus. It was a great message.
Afterward, we had one last meal with Dani and Gladys. We then spent some time just talking, as always they proved to be gracious hosts to our team. We said our goodbyes to Dani and Gladys, and returned to the seminary to freshen up and begin packing and preparing for our 20+ hour trip home on Monday. Around dinner time, we gathered to have a small meal (we were all still pretty full from lunch) and debrief from the trip as a whole. There where the little things that (with hind sight 20/20 vision) we would have changed a little, but what was really amazing is how much we wouldn't have changed. This team was put together so fast. The timing of it falling on this week worked out for at least three people involved where the original time would have been problematic (if not prohibiting). Over and over, we as a team saw how God pulled us together. Each member of the team brought a strength to the group, and the group let that person work that strength to its potential. I know a lot of that is good leadership and Jon, with his openness to adaptation and persistent positivity, definitely was the right team leader for this trip.
After the debrief we all took turns praying back and forth. Some were prayers of thanksgiving, for the safe travel we have had on this trip, for receptive kids, and for cohesion within our team and the workers we came to help. Still other prayers were for the kids and families. Prayers of protection and provision repeated over and over for these refugees and displaced people. And of course, there were the prayers for the team we leave behind.... And you see that is just it, we want to make sure that while we get on a plane and leave physically, we don't want to leave them in our hearts, our spirits, and prayers. It's so easy to go back home and return to the life as we knew it. But, I know that is not why God brought us here. There is work to do, and if we can not be there to lend a hand physically, then we need to reach out a hand in some other means. Praying daily, giving freely, and of course loving always.
Thank you friends for helping us go. I hope I have given you something to think about, because I know I'm still processing everything. I would imagine in a day or two I will stop myself and say "Oh man! Why didn't I talk about that?". Thank you again family, and friends. I couldn't say it enough, thank you. I had heard from others who have gone on mission trips that it can really have an affect on you.... "It can change you" some said.
I hope so.
See you all very soon.
With love,
Tim and the entire Westover Beirut Short Term Team 2016
Afterward, we had one last meal with Dani and Gladys. We then spent some time just talking, as always they proved to be gracious hosts to our team. We said our goodbyes to Dani and Gladys, and returned to the seminary to freshen up and begin packing and preparing for our 20+ hour trip home on Monday. Around dinner time, we gathered to have a small meal (we were all still pretty full from lunch) and debrief from the trip as a whole. There where the little things that (with hind sight 20/20 vision) we would have changed a little, but what was really amazing is how much we wouldn't have changed. This team was put together so fast. The timing of it falling on this week worked out for at least three people involved where the original time would have been problematic (if not prohibiting). Over and over, we as a team saw how God pulled us together. Each member of the team brought a strength to the group, and the group let that person work that strength to its potential. I know a lot of that is good leadership and Jon, with his openness to adaptation and persistent positivity, definitely was the right team leader for this trip.
After the debrief we all took turns praying back and forth. Some were prayers of thanksgiving, for the safe travel we have had on this trip, for receptive kids, and for cohesion within our team and the workers we came to help. Still other prayers were for the kids and families. Prayers of protection and provision repeated over and over for these refugees and displaced people. And of course, there were the prayers for the team we leave behind.... And you see that is just it, we want to make sure that while we get on a plane and leave physically, we don't want to leave them in our hearts, our spirits, and prayers. It's so easy to go back home and return to the life as we knew it. But, I know that is not why God brought us here. There is work to do, and if we can not be there to lend a hand physically, then we need to reach out a hand in some other means. Praying daily, giving freely, and of course loving always.
Thank you friends for helping us go. I hope I have given you something to think about, because I know I'm still processing everything. I would imagine in a day or two I will stop myself and say "Oh man! Why didn't I talk about that?". Thank you again family, and friends. I couldn't say it enough, thank you. I had heard from others who have gone on mission trips that it can really have an affect on you.... "It can change you" some said.
I hope so.
See you all very soon.
With love,
Tim and the entire Westover Beirut Short Term Team 2016
Thank you for your work Tim !
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