In Our Absence

Last night I had the pleasure of connecting with our Local Manager to hear how things are going on the other side of the pond.  She was in good spirits as we talked about work-related matters that are pressing at present.  She said the other staff are glad to be back at work and that there is a pretty positive vibe at the office right now.  And though I was certainly relieved to hear this, my heart couldn't help but long to be back in the thick of it again.

But two things have been a great encouragement to me recently, even though for the time being we are forced to be far away.  Firstly, we are looking to hire someone to handle our local fundraising and communications.  As Alice and I discussed the requirements of the position, I gave her a pop quiz on what kind of people we are looking for.  "What are the three characteristics we are looking for?" I asked.  She responded quickly, "Humble, Hungry, and Smart!"  She then proceeded to give a brief explanation of each of these traits.  She even gave an example of one staff member neither of us hired who does not exemplify these traits :)

The second encouraging thing was a text from the mother of two vulnerable boys living with a disability.  Here is a paraphrase of what she wrote:  "Your love gives our family the strength to carry on and to not feel alone.  Even though you are not family, you feel like family."  What a testimony to the impact of our team!

And though for a time we are apart, I am confident that God will use our absence to strategically move people to step up when it matters most.