Dem

The plane engine drowned out Israel calling my name. It didn't matter, my mind was in another place as the pilot said to prepare for landing. I could see the people gathering around the air strip. I was nervous and anxious. Would the Dem people embrace me and my kids? What would they think of the pale skinned girl climbing out of the plane? I gave my nervous laugh as I stumbled on my skirt getting out. The Dem people looked on curiously I'm sure wondering what would be my next move. There was a stand still. They weren't running up to me, trying to hold my kids, or even smiling. Fear planted my feet and plastered a smile. It was all so intimidating. I whispered to my coworker, "what should I do?"  She mentioned that it would be good to greet the ladies. So I did, I walked up to each woman and did the traditional Dem "handshake thing"and said Hello. Oh gosh I was so awkward but managed to fumble through my first introduction to the Dem ladies. 

Its funny how I had built up that moment. Grand expectations of how I thought I would feel. All collapsing in my dose of reality. It had taken years of preparation all finally coming to fruition. Long before we knew the Dem tribe, myself and so many others had unknowingly prayed for them. People sacrificing money and time all for me to be standing there. Disappointment set in as I followed Jared up to the location of our future house. 

I walked in to see some tribal guys sitting on some bins we had just flown into the tribe. He pointed out a little old man standing in the corner. He was the one who walked mountains (literally) to meet Jared and our co-workers in Wano. Months ago, he had stated his case that he was growing old and the Dem needed to hear "Gods Talk." Time was running out.

I watched the old man walk out and immediately felt grief thinking he probably will never get that chance, but has laid the ground work for his people.  What I had seen in the Dem could not be unseen and what I felt could not be forgotten. That this old mans soul is at stack and many others. The callousness of saying that at numerous churches numerous times melted away. And the reality of this truth reached into the utmost parts of my heart. I don't want to forget that moment. 

My expectations trumped by reality that there is a job to be done. That my love for these people would be fleeting at times but that Gods would never waiver. As I write this I feel an overwhelming thankfulness to be doing this job! So thankful for the churches and individuals who make it possible by giving financially or standing with us in prayer. Thank you for allowing our family the chance to be moving into the Dem. Pray for us as we prepare to move in January. Pray for us as we show Christ love in actions long before we know their heart language. Pray for the Dem People...

 "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16