Reentry...from Sudan to Fort Worth

One week and two days ago, my family and I arrived in the US after spending a month in Sudan, Africa. So much is running through my head that I could blog about. Today is one of the first days i can think somewhat clearly. I have a never-ending head cold that has taken up most of my mental abilities for the past week. So here i am attempting to write what has taken place in my heart and mind over the past week. I will not be offended in the least if you dont read this in full and i will apologize upfront for its randomness.
Most of you know that a great friend of my Rachelle Pichardo came with us to Sudan. She was an amazing team member. We were all so blessed to have her their. She recently blogged regarding her own reentry. I am going to copy and paste a segment of that. It sums up most of our convos while we were in Sudan and pretty much exactly what i would have written, only better.
"I think that as Americans, our first thought is to take these children to America for a "better" life...but, I learned, this is not the answer. It really isn't. What is "better" anyway? As Americans we think we have the best answers, but I learned quickly that we don't. I don't at least. These kids don't belong in America. and America is not always the best answer. These kids are so happy where they are- their life is happy; their life is good. What is best for them is for us to go to Sudan, train them to be disciples of Christ and build them to be leaders of their country to make a difference. They are coming out of decades of war...naturally, we just want to take them out of that, but that is not always the best thing. We need to make them into the best leaders possible so they can change their country for the best...these kids are already making a difference where they are and Sudan needs them...it really does. Sudan isn't just poverty, people dying, war, starvation, etc. It isn't just what you see on TV. It's a county where there is hope and a place where I see people coming together and a place I really see Christ evident. ....The experience was amazing, humbling and one that I learned so many life lessons from...one I will always keep with me. The people I met have forever changed me. The children taught me life lessons. The nation taught me more about life than I never would have imagined. I am a better person because of Sudan. "
So with this said, many of you have asked, "How can I help? What can we do? When can we go?" and to these questions I say the possibilities are endless. So many people are stuck with this longing to GO, physically, to Sudan, that quite possibly will never come to fruition. I am not trying to be a downer here, but I am getting at a point. The point is, God has placed you where you are... a mom, a student, a teacher, a business person, and made you with all kinds of abilities...song writers, artist, one who can relate with children, physical fitness, writers and hundreds of other things. So maybe you will GO, but what happens if you dont? We long for people to see that where they are and what they do is just as valuable to the kingdom as going to Sudan and ministering to orphans. In fact these two things do not have to be diametrically opposed. Here are some ways that some of our friends have used who and where they are to minister to the orphans in Sudan. We have friends who have written songs about them. We have used those songs in videos made by other friends who are good at videoagraphy. We have had friends who are writers, write blogs and articles. Rachelle has an agriculturalist friend write articles that will help the farmer that works at the orphanage. We have teachers that do units on Sudan with their class. We have moms who talk to their children about Sudan, have their children pray for them and write them letters. We have friends who work in places where God is blessing them financially and they give and give and give. We have a friend who runs and he started a website called "I run for orphans" irunfororphans.com, where people can run marathons and races to raise money and awareness for Sudan. The list is endless. So today my friends. We love you and hope you will be encouraged where you are! Sudan needs leaders for the next generation. Join us in helping this country come to know Christ!

On a lighter note...do you ever have a couple of songs you just cant stop listening too?
well for the last month mine have been "From the Inside Out", "Came to My Rescue," "None But Jesus," all from United we Stand- Hillsong United "Shine", "Thank You for Healing me" from Matt Redmans new Beautiful News. 'Glory in the Highest", from Tomlin's See the Morning
I am so into these songs, they seem to be exactly what my soul longs to sing to Our Lord. Yesterday I was in the gym running on the treadmill and i listening to these songs. Next thing I knew I opened my eyes to realized everyone was looking at me because I was running with my eyes closed and my hands in the air! I guess my heart couldn't hold back! hehe! then today I was running on the same treadmill and found myself doing sign language to Glory in the Highest so as not to belt it out loud...i am sure it looked more silly than raising my hands! haha!