We met one more time in late afternoon with Dr. Emily, Dr. Peter (president of the Board of Directors of LIA), and Dr. Florence for our formal debriefing and to prepare for our return home. It was the first time we had met Dr. Peter and he talked to us about possible 'culture shock' upon returning home and urged us not to feel guilty for all that we have after witnessing such extreme poverty. He quoted the apostle Paul about 'being content' and enjoying the blessings God has given us (and using them as He would have us to).
Then Dr. Florence spoke very eloquently about the significance of 'Homecoming', reminding us that 'home' gives us identity, a sense of belonging and a place where we can be ourselves and function at our best. She recounted the stories of several individuals in the Bible who went out proud, rich and confident and came back humbled and willing to take on the servant's role. She said there was great significance in 'going back' - that it's a type of milestone that begins a new line of history. She told how Jacob went out, wrestled with an angel and had his name changed. She talked about the prodigal son and how he was willing to accept a lesser role in order to be back in his father's household when he returned from a 'far country'. She explained how we are about to begin a new chapter in our lives - that a new story is being written. The story begins with a plan that is blessed by God. She acknowledged that we will come back forever changed and urged us to return to fulfill whatever it is that we were meant to fulfill - reminding us that we will have to give an account on how we use the opportunity God gives each of us. She pronounced a blessing on each one of us then closed by saying, "May it never be said that we did not do our part." Powerful words from an incredible woman - and a great challenge to live up to.
Then it was time to head for the airport and begin our long journey home - from Nairobi to Amsterdam, to Newark, to Detroit.
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