who are we?

This afternoon/evening we went to the lake with J&J’s invitation. What a pair of blessed souls! They utterly love these kids, the chaperons and ACC in general. They do their best to follow the guidelines we’ve set up. I hope with all my heart that they know our appreciation and gratitude for all they do and all they mean to the kids and the organization. It’s quite the undertaking for them, but it brings them so much joy.

It makes me think of how we’re impacted differently by the choir. I had only a concert and overnight stay to sell me to the choir. These people get to share Sunday worship services, dinners, events, and neighborly activities. Their kids can hang out all the time with them. Some get to share a regular Sunday School time with them. I don’t say this to set the kids apart as celebrities or untouchable queens and kings. I say it because there is no doubt in my mind that love and blessings are flowing in and through them and trickling into the lives that surround them. I know it to be true for myself, and that was part of the reason I signed up for this gig in the first place. I marvel at how their Christlike example can touch so many people in different profound ways.

Families talk about their hosting opportunities which last a night or two. They reminisce with such joy and appreciation for the time spent together. I know because my family happen to be one of those host families of old. So what are people who spend even more time saying about the children or their own changed lives? I pray that each interaction is another edifying and uplifting experience of Joy and Hope.

It’s easy how we can take for granted the great relationships and connections we have with special people like our parents, professors, pastors, co-workers, new and old friends. Of course, for most of us, these folks don’t hail from Uganda, have maybe never left the country, and probably couldn’t harmonize with 25 other random people if put in the same room (I’m not even going to bring up drumming and dancing.) And yet, these people in our lives have God’s favor upon them just for being alive. While some express this truth with enthusiasm and others don't, blessings and love can still flow through and between us all. If I was to go to a random host family without the kids, would I bring as much goodness to their house? When I interact with friends, do they go to bed at the end of the day thankful to know me? I hope so.

Being a celebrity is not on my 5 year plan right now, but neither is it on any of the lips of these children. We don't need to be. They will continue to live obediently and joyfully, being ambassadors of Christ as they study English, play Sunday School games, and eat meals with guests. It’s simple and yet requires us to pay attention to the blessings around us and how our own lives can be a gift.