Eyes to See With

March 8

Eyes to see with.

In spite of sleeping only 4 hours last night, I woke without the anxiety that was weighing on me last night. My three teammates have continued to be such an inspiration. And, of course the children here remind me why we are doing what we are doing. 

Well, it's evening seven of our two week mission and I have again managed to split a small portion of my noggin open by walking into the corner of an open window. Crap! So grateful to have had all of the required vaccinations before leaving the country. It's pretty embarrassing because when we arrived in Kampala 4 days ago, I walked out of the airport and into a solid steal post which split my left eyebrow wide open. "No big deal" I thought, but this evening's incident has me wondering if I shouldn't consider wearing my "specs" on a more regular basis. 

The timing of the incident was quite perfect providing comic relief for all (including myself). And while Hugh attended to my head wound yet again, my team helped re-tell the story of the "old guy" in the group with the the eyes that weren't so good that night we arrived... We all enjoyed a long laugh, at my expense of course. We and our new African brothers and sisters are all beginning to feel the sting of knowing the Sole Hope Team must soon leave this village whose people have stolen each others hearts... We leave tomorrow morning. I am very sad as I write this. But it is a joyful sadness. I will deeply miss George, Christie, Moses, Zziwa, Brian, Chairman, Paul, Daniel, and all of the families and children who have opened their homes and welcomed us with such sincerity... I am certain that my God arranged this divine appointment for me. It is an experience that I will share with anyone who will listen.

Good eyesight or bad, I leave this village tomorrow with tearful eyes wide open and forever changed. I pray that any of you who have had even the slightest interest in visiting Africa take the steps to make it happen. If you need someone to go with, contact any of us at Sole Hope. We will be going back this summer. And will need as much help as you are willing to offer.

Thank you for your prayers these several days. My heart is filled with  a hope that our hearts can recharge over the next 36 hours. We must arrive in Ndola Zambia both healthy and rested so that we can continue to the the "good work" we have been called to do.

Serving Him!
Patrick