Exhausted. Full. Intoxicated.
38,000 feet. 0:47 minutes remaining. 547 mph . 11C. No seat in front. Extended leg room. Unable to sleep. 4:37 A.M. Amsterdam. Almost home.
The last six days spent in Kigali, Rwanda. A community embraced by champions for children; the sponsors and ministry of Compassion International. So many hungry images looping over, and over, and over.
A carousel of ivory sugared eyes and smiles that mock empathy. Caught, shackled by the moment you tumble into the ebony of their craving dreams. Lollipops, Fanta orange, Nesltes Crunch Bars… and their wonder of believing. They revel in simple treasures. They want what they have. They take what they're given. With grace. They don’t know any better.
They know. They have. Nothing. Everything. They love. They relish every day what so many of us search for all week long. We find it momentarily between bejeweled words and exalted notes. We toss it into wicker baskets as they pass by, and rush off to Sunday brunches and plasma entertainment.
Poverty. They gave it away with open hearts and empty hands. I left with everything I had lost along the way.
Empty. I hunger for all the nothing that they have.
Through them and each other, we can give it a way. Restlessly.
(b)
Please take a moment and visit www.compassion.com and consider how you might be the whole story for the whole story of one child's life. You, too, can give it away.
Posts
Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your trip and experience. What you share is moving.
ReplyDeleteSo much to share and know. More to follow and thanks.
ReplyDelete(b)
My daughter Victoria in Oregon just sent me this comment to post for her:
ReplyDeleteWow.
I am touched Dad.
That was the most real email I have received from you in a long time.
I am so touched that you were touched so deeply.
I cannot wait to learn more about this trip.
We'll need to schedule a phone date some time soon!
I love you, my little jet setter.
V