Counting down!

The final countdown has begun! We leave for Sierra Leone this coming Saturday, July 16, and there is so much left  to think about and do ahead of time!

I find myself reflecting on the spiritual growth of this trip. I've heard everyone describe this as life-changing. Some said they came back feeling guilty for all the material abundance we have in the US. Some said they came back inspired by the happiness and spiritual depth found in the people there.  Some said the day-to-day connection with devotion and God brought them personally closer in touch with the Divine. (Each work group we visit begins their day with devotions and we will have nightly devotions as a team.) I wonder - how will I come back?

God will be really close in all we see and do at Sierra Leone.  Here at home, while God is certainly present with me, I keep God mostly in the background of my everyday life. I can't say I read my Bible daily. I can't say I even pray daily, unless Tommy prompts me. Yet, of course, I race to God when anything challenges me. Will two weeks in Sierra Leone shape me? I pray that it will.

Then, there is preparing for the work Tommy and I will be doing. At least the plan is straightforward - but will things go as planned in a country where our American sense of timeliness and organization won't likely exist? Hmmm. Anyway, here's the plan: Every team member (there are 13 of us) has a focus. Tommy and I are focused on leadership coaching and development with the director and staff of the Children's Rescue Center, and some leaders of Mercy Hospital. We are very sensitive to how little we know about these leaders, their specific situation and challenges, and training needs. So we will spend our first days listening, and hopefully building a trusting relationship. Then, we intend to build on some training that was done with them in March, and we will take a few materials to leave behind. After we return, the plan is for us to continue coaching via Zoom. I pray that what we do is helpful to them.

This is part of our handouts, from Exodus 18:13-26. Excellent advice that we never thought to use in US manufacturing plants!

·        Wisely listen to the advice of experienced people. (Exodus 18:14 17)

·        Share and delegate authority and responsibility so that workloads are manageable. (Exodus 18:18, 22)

·        Assign people based on competencies and character. (Exodus 18:21)

·        Make tasks clear so that everyone understands their responsibility. (Exodus 18:19 - 22)

·        Ensure that organizational structures are clear and well defined. (Exodus 18: 23-26)

Finally, we have to complete packing. Because you already know we are world travelers, you may think this is a breeze for us? Well, it is NOT. Our packing includes bed bags, towels, flashlights, Gold Bond powder, insecticide, malaria pills, snacks, miscellaneous meds - you name it. And our clothes have to be sprayed with Permethrin, a fabric insecticide to ward off mosquitoes! Here's the spray party we held with the Charleston portion of our mission team.

Oh, yes, as part of our luggage, we are also carrying medical supplies for Mercy Hospital that were donated by MUSC. (It is by far the cheapest way to get these supplies into Sierra Leone.) So, altogether our checked bags will consist of one trunk and one LARGE suitcase each. Additionally, we will have a roller board and tote bag each. It will take TWO cars to get us and all this stuff to the airport!!! I pray that somehow it will all come together in time.

When you next hear from me, the adventure will be well underway. We will leave Charleston with great anticipation and hands held in prayer. And yes - LOTS of mosquito spray!!!

Thank you for joining us virtually as we go!!