Sue's Final Thoughts

It is 5:30 a.m. in Niamey and I am the only one awake.  My current company is the morning call to prayer.  This has been an amazing trip.  I have experienced things that I never thought I would and have been challenged by some of the most basic things in life: taking a bath without running water, eating the same thing every meal (although it is called something different it is still sauce over rice or pasta or mashed yams)  and I began to understand why Abraham rested during the heat of the day.  Not understanding the language, the smells, noise, and digging have all challenged me.  I would not call this a vacation, but the experience has changed me.

All this being said, I still have a full day of activities ahead of me- more digging and a visit to the Ambassador.  Each day has brought a new adventure, but none of it would have been as great if I was not sharing with Kay.  Traveling to a developing country and living with others that one does not know can be lonely at times, and having Kay share this with me has been a very special gift.  We have laughed so many times with each other, at each other, and about each other and is has been so joyful.  I want to thank Kay's family for all the support that you have given her and me was we travel.  Your e-mails, prayers, and thoughts have encouraged us along the way.  Thank you to the Colts Neck Church for supporting her on this trip and making it possible for us to share this experience together.  I thank God everyday for her.  She is a very special person in my life and she is a rare person who shares her love of Christ in so many wonderful ways.  It is my privilege to know her.

I also want to thank each of you for sharing in the blog.  It has been so much fun for Kay and I to check it each day and hear reactions about our experiences.  We have no idea how many people have shared in this trip for all the support that they have shared with me.  The prayers, help, emotional support, and financial support for the project have all been wonderful.

Trying to sum up my experience here and bring meaning is difficult.  I have learned so many life lessons that it would be hard to put them into words, but I feel called to share the love of Christ that I have felt here.  I have felt encouraged to speak about my faith, to share the joy that it brings and also the challenges that it represents.  This time ahead of us in America and the world will be challenging, but it is a time for us to be bold, to trust that God has a plan for each of us and for the redemption of his world.

When we met the other night with Dr. K, someone asked him how can you tell who a Christian is here when everyone dresses the same.  His answer was immediate and firm.  He said, "all you have to do is look in one's eyes, the Christians are the ones who's eyes shine.  they are filled with joy."

Do you shine?  If not, do you want to?  If life is empty, Jesus can fill it and all you have to do is ask him to.  I want to encourage and invite anyone who doesn't know Jesus as their Lord to seek him and get to know him.  It will change your life and you will become like the stars in the universe shining because joy is overflowing in you and your life will be empty no more!

Thanks be to God!

Sue