As I drank in the sight of my slightly sunburned husband walking through airport security today, I didn't realize that I was going to receive a life lesson from the unpacking of his souvenirs. As he spun me around in his arms, heedless to the staring crowds, my heart nearly burst with love for this... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 11
Dear David, Soak in the words of these verses from Isaiah 54:9-10: ""This exile is just like the days of Noah for me: I promised then that the waters of Noah would never again flood the earth. I'm promising now no more anger, no more dressing you down. For even if the mountains walk away and the hills... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 10
Dear David, End of a long day . . . I'm sure yours have felt even longer. Although I have only received a couple of emails from you, I treasure the knowledge that you are okay. No news is good news. After almost missing my flight this morning due to an alarm clock malfunction, I... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 7
Dear David, I dropped two pennies in an Italian wishing well today, arched my neck in laughter, and then prayed for miracles. Surrounded by "Make a Wish" messages at Disney, I've been making several. Praying for the safety and health of your team in Africa. Praying for purpose in the face of your students' exhaustion.... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 6
Dear David, Six days have already begun to weigh heavy on my heart. On this day of Thanksgiving, this day of celebration, I miss you sharing in the magic of what has been. After sleeping about four hours in the last forty, my fingers can barely type the words I so desperately want to share... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 5
Dear David, I eagerly logged on to my friend's computer this morning in her adorable clapboard house in North Carolina, hoping for an email update. Hoping to hear your voice breathe life through black-and-white words. Hoping to know how the Talibe street boy outreach went yesterday. Hoping to know how the team is handling the heat and... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 4
Dear David, It is 12:35 p.m. in Dakar right now. Lunch time. Maybe. Last year, food was often late. Never once, however, did a single student complain. They had made a student-initiated pact at the beginning of the trip to not whine about anything. Although they were pushed to their spiritual, emotional, and physical limits, they... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 3
Dear David, Remind the kids to remember. Write it down. Keep a record. Fill a journal. Etch memories into their hearts. "Taste and see that the LORD is good." I am coming to realize that remembering is integral to giving thanks. Remembering is the precursor to trust and faith. Without remembering how Christ has performed... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 2
Dear David, Your weary body and your team have landed in the humid, wild coastal capital city of Dakar, Senegal. For that I am so grateful. My first waking thought this morning included calculations of what time zone you were in and how you must be feeling. I pray that you slept deeply on the... Continue Reading →
Between Denver and Dakar, Day 1
Dear David, This morning I clung fiercely to your neck, wrapped tightly in your embrace, while high schoolers snickered nearby and teary-eyed parents snapped photos. You smelled of Old Spice body wash and fresh winter air. I buried my nose in you, memorizing even these smallest details. Saying "Goodbye" never gets easier. Stacks of black-and-white passport copies... Continue Reading →