Reality Check

Today while out and about, checking in with schools about teaching curriculum, greeting students and teachers alike, I came across an event that struck a chord in my heart and really brought some gravity to my time here. After barely leaving one of the school compounds I noticed the sound of wailing. Walking a bit down the path I noticed a group of women and some men gathered around weeping and crying out. As I stood there trying to figure out what was happening I noticed a woman sitting in the middle of the gathering with a still body wrapped in cloth. Even though I could not understand what people were saying, I quickly realized a young child had died not all that long before I came to walk by. This caught me quite off guard, and I did not know what to do. I wanted so badly to go and talk to those grieving and offer some form of condolences, but lacking the language skills to do so I just stood there. Also, not wanting to impose on the family in any way I tried to stay back. I had no clue how to react, I could not just walk away as if nothing was happening, yet I was absolutely powerless to do anything to help these people. So I did just about the only thing one can ever do in every situation. I began to pray. I just there, dumbfounded in the road praying. Praying what I do not even know. What good did my prayers do, again not a clue. But, there I was just praying, blown away by the fragility of life and how hard it is for many people here in Mundri to live.

This moment in many ways impacted me, but maybe the greatest way is the powerlessness of me. I can so often come into a situation thinking that I can fix it, if I just do this everything will be better. But, just like for this poor grieving family, I can't really do anything but pray. Thank God He listens to our prayers! They are sometimes the most powerful way that we can spend our time. 

That being said thank you for your prayers. I love you all.

Thomas

Prayer Requests:

-The family who lost a child today.

-Tomorrow I am starting an ACEM Supplementary Teaching Time for Students in Primary 8. I am covering 4 subjects (Science, English, Social Studies, and Christian Religious Education). I need your prayers for wisdom, love, knowledge, patience, endurance (as I am teaching for 9 hours between Friday and Saturday, and all to follow for a while).

-My quadriceps are acting all funky and this is stopping me from playing football. So quick healing would be appreciated because that will allow me to continue building relationships through sports. I have seen many friendships develop so far and I do not want to see this stop. So also pray for the relationships.