Psalm 91:1 – He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Jeremiah 6:16 – This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
These verses were a big part of what we were planning for the staff at the school this past week. Thursday and Friday were days of rest and renewal for the staff and leadership of the school. It is hard to create in this area where it is so hot, dirty and demands of everyday life are numerous. Just getting out of bed in the morning is exhausting.
The staff here are amazing. They have made huge sacrifices to come and be a part of something that is so much bigger than themselves. They give and it hurts. They are exhausted and weary. They love their students and pour into them academically, spiritually and emotionally. They face long hot days and then head home to deal with the demands of keeping a home, and speaking in a foreign language. They struggle with hurt, loneliness, anger and many other emotions. They are just like you and me, human, sinful and trying to follow the leading of Christ. Sometimes questioning and wondering why.
Guest speakers arrived last week. They came to bring words of encouragement, challenge and personal guidance for the staff. While they were busily investing in the staff, Stacy and I were preparing the meals and snacks in the kitchen. The staff came each morning and shared breakfast together before heading off to their days of renewal. It was a very satisfying time for all.
We really felt God asking us to come back and help care for the staff and leaders at Sahel. We wondered how it would happen and what it would look like. We wondered if it would meet needs or just be another thing on a long to do list. In fact, I believe God meet each of us and we all hope to see this happen again next year. God is good and in fact, these past few days have been very rewarding and fulfilling. It’s an honour to serve and I am so glad that we listened to the prompting that we felt from the Lord.
Stacy continues to serve now as he walks around campus fixing and replacing many things. He is in the heat, full of sweat trudging away, each step and each action a continued blessing.
Although the retreat is over, there continues to be much work for Stacy to do; we likely will not be here for enough days.
On a completely different note, life here in Africa continues to entertain us and I marvel at the ridiculous things we are able to endure because it is Africa. Oh that we could live with this same perspective in Canada.