No Joy? Know Joy!
We’ve all heard the old Yankee saying, “you can’t get there from here.” Most of you could repeat the phrase with the pitch perfect yankee inflections devoid of any semblance of an “r.” That’s definitely true when traveling from New Hampshire to Malawi. Technically speaking, I suppose you can get there (trip #22 for me), but the trip doesn’t get any shorter with repetition and it is an epic journey, one which starts at 3am on one day and ends at 6pm the next day.
After years of traveling and moving luggage with great success, it finally happened - not one of our seven (7) bags arrived in Lilongwe. Instead, my Apple Tracker tells me that they are all hanging out in Nairobi. So, when it comes to luggage, “you can’t get there from here.” For me, it’s not a serious problem as I have plenty of clothes stored in Malawi, but for Nicole and Linda, it’s been a bit of a challenge. We’re now going on day two as I’ve been trying to create tasteful fashion combinations for two ladies out of my surplus clothes.
We also had many items with us that we were hoping to bring for Good Soil Academy and so we appreciate your continued prayers that somehow our luggage survives its sojourn on the tarmac in Nairobi. It’s disappointing, but what could be a “no joy” moment, was eclipsed today by too much joy to have more than a “no joy” moment. So what was so joyful about today? I thought you’d never ask. Today we saw teachers who have become a well-knit team - they care for one another, and they support one another. They have become friends. And when they are asked what brings them joy and happiness, they tell stories about the progress of their students. Note the ownership!
We saw students who have grown together as friends and teammates. They laugh together, sing together, dance together, cheer together, learn together, worship together, and pray together. Girls and young women who arrived malnourished are now strong, confident, and healthy — just seeing these changes fills our hearts with joy. We also see the results of the teachers who spend time after class working one-to-one and in small groups to see that students acquire the needed knowledge. Behind all of that effort we see the fruit of our principal’s efforts in encouraging and mentoring our teachers.
The bottom line of this short note is simply this; if you’re ever short on joy, (maybe in Malawi, sans luggage), just spend some time at Good Soil Academy. You’ll find plenty to be joyful about! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23.
For His Kingdom,
Dean