Back home - what's next?

It is over a month since I returned from Pakistan. Still processing what all of this means for me, and for EMM. I have some thoughts to share about my experience and I have been slow to write them down. This has been difficult for me and I am not sure why. First off though, I want to express my gratitude.

Blossom Hill Mennonite, my home congregation, was instrumental in my support. You folks caught my vision and were totally behind my decision to go. Thank you.
Beyond BH, I also received very generous support from family, classmates, teammates, and friends. From Texas to Alaska, and some Canadian points in between, you made this trip possible. THANK YOU ALL.

The trip was powerful. I think I have dragged my feet for so long in writing this because I haven't been sure of all that it has done to me. I sat and had tea with people who I have been told are religious extremists, supporters of Al Qaeda, and generally hostile to American christians. I was welcomed, unconditionally into their homes and lives. I saw the devastation with which they live and I mourned with them the loss of their sons and daughters. They offered me peace, and I received it, knowing my country would not respect it.

We sat and discussed our faiths, our cultures, and most importantly our families. I was struck with how significant it was to them that we had left our families. One made a comment to me that our lives in the US are so busy and we are never home - that is why our women are unhappy. Interesting take.

sexual politics aside, it is obvious that family is important to Pakistanis and they valued that we had left family at home to be with them. It caused me to ponder.

I will also be uploading some recent news articles on our trip to give a couple other perspectives on the experience. I was impressed with the Lancaster New Era's reporting.

As to what is next? not sure. We will be deciding in the next week or so how to move forward with some of the relief funds donated. We didn't immediately find good uses for all of it while we were there. And I think there will be further opportunities to work in Pakistan, and perhaps another trip for me this year. Still working that out. For now, I will do what I can to assist from here and maintain contact with the friends I have made across the globe. And enjoy my family, perhaps not being quite as busy.

Again, your support for me was/is incredible, and it overwhelmed us. THANK YOU, and do not forget that winter is now here, and too many still need shelter.