Yesterday I preached a (rather hasty) sermon at Mid-City and then went to lunch with several friends. Richard Samba took me to the airport and Deron, Leigh, and Matt followed. Nate Alcorn met me there to help with bags and to also say goodbye. We had a prayer together and I went through security. I don’t remember much of the time between security and boarding the plane because I was tired beyond belief, but I know that any coherent thoughts I had were about San Diego the place, San Diego the people. I said see you in awhile to the city as we lifted off into the cool clear night sky.
Chicago is some kind of cold for this time of year and we landed in thick fog. The pilot told me that he has to see the runway at 300 feet or they have to pull up and try again. They just barely saw it at 300 feet and we landed on time. There was a fresh few inches of snow on the ground here. I am packed for Congo’s equatorial rainforest weather, but I have a sweater and a windbreaker and some of my own natural insulation and I am doing alright.
We had mexican food tonight down near Michigan Avenue. It was my choosing since I realize that there aren’t many Mexican food joints in Kisangani much less Congo much less Africa. It was Mexican but it wasn’t like the Mexican food you get in San Diego or Phoenix. I guess that’s the way it should be.
It was a good first day on the job with HOPE. I’m with Dave Larson, the Director of Programs and Michael Smedley Africa Regional Director joined us today. I’m more excited about what I am doing by the hour. It’s great to be learning about this challenging field that helps people financially and cares for their spiritual growth as well.
I am soaking up the cold weather here in the hopes that it’ll take that much longer for the heat in the Congo to warm me to the bones.
Brian
Thank you, Brian, for sharing the adventure of following God’s call on this website! Thank you also for your sermon, for allowing yourself to be used for Him, ~ even in the distribution of your “goods”
and encouraging us all to continue being His Church. We miss you ~ and it’s wonderful to catch glimpses of your life through your writing. We hope you’ll continue to find time and opportunities to post!
Peace to you.
Brian,
Ah, my good friend. It’s sad to see you go, but good to see you serving the Lord in a different capacity. I will miss our late night Mimi’s meals with Deron’s witty comments, Kevin’s contemplations about which car to buy, and you’re insights into what makes Mimi’s so great. I appreciate the many wisdoms you’ve shared with throughout the years. I’ll miss you a lot but look forward to you return. As I was pondering about your departure last week, I could only think of one benefit of you leaving San Diego: I can now feel guilt-free about taking the last box of Pacific Natural Foods organic creamy tomato soup at Henry’s Market. Whew, that’s one weight off my shoulders.
Peace,
Dave