(Photo: Happy Grace on the plane).After our first big plane ride this week we arrived into London Heathrow and had our first cultural exchange. We made it to the gate for our connection and Grace started nursing. Quickly we saw a little girl from Africa, prancing around the terminal as her mother talked on her cell phone. The little girl took an interest in Grace at once and started by circling us at a distance as she climbed on chairs and jumped about. Slowly her circle drew in until she was lifting the sheet that Grace was nursing underneath. Once Grace was done, we brought out her stacking cups, much to the delight of our new friend. Our friend helpfully corrected our understanding of the animal faces on the cups. What we thought was a zebra face was actually a giraffe, the elephant was actually a monkey, the swirl design was a lollipop, and the reindeer was another monkey. She was very happy to share her knowledge as we shared our cups and before we left (and before we could stop her) she shared her gum with Grace by shoving a piece of it into Grace’s waiting mouth.
When cultures come together things often don’t go as we plan or expect, but we still look forward to the exchanges to come, both the things we hope to share and the things we will take away. We come to Africa knowing that we may want to give much to the people we meet—we will want to meet their needs and give hope to their lives. But we also come knowing that we will receive much. As we enter this new culture we will be given a new appreciation for the diversity of humanity that God created and new eyes for the world around us.
PRAYERS ANSWERED
We’re back in Africa! Grace did awesome on the flights! She didn’t cry at all and her congestion wasn’t an issue. Megan is feeling better as well. We have had a great time getting to know our team members this week and have appreciated the conference and the chance to get used to the time zone before going to the island.
Megan’s uncle Paul went home last Friday evening. He died at peace and with his family beside him.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Please continue to pray for Paul’s daughters and family. Grace has had to adjust to a new time zone and a lot of new foods this week. Pray that her sleep patterns continue to improve and that her stomach and appetite will stay strong with all the newness. We leave for the island on Tuesday. Pray for our travels and the initial adjustment to the heat and culture. We may not be able to blog right away. We know the first few weeks will include settling in and a week-long home-stay with a local family. Pray for our first impressions and inevitable cultural blunders
