Life After

I have had my trip to Vietnam as a focus for some months, though it feels like a much longer time. Now, being at home, falling into the routine of my regular life, returning all the many things I borrowed for the trip, repeating the details of the trip over and over to the many interested friends and supporters, I find myself still focusing on the trip... the trip next year, that is. Though the need is astounding, I left feeling that with God's help, I made a ripple, that all the hard work and raising of funds was worth it, not just because of the trips effect on me, though I am sure there is much to say on that subject. I actually feel that I may have made a difference to more than one person, that I might have influenced many hearts and minds in this foreign land with the love of Christ and the practicality of medical knowledge. And next year, I want the ripple to be bigger, multiplicable, waves of love and relationship and earnest service. I am even now making a plan, hoping that my time in the next year will not let me grow static, but will keep my focused on service. I owe my Lord so much more than that, and yet, it is one of the expressions that he asks of each of us in different ways. I want to live up to the challenge, to "live a life worthy of the calling." Lord help me to live that kind of life.

There was doubt along the way. First of all, funding, and God provided, and I am convinced that he had a good snicker at my foolishness. Then there was the doubt that I would be able to come away with the knowledge that I have described here; people were changed and touched, not though my strength and power, but through Christ in me and the team and the power and strength that he provided. And he wants to do this in every place, every day. This makes me smile. Thanks, Jesus!

We want to get some pictures up soon. Jessica has been trying to get on the blog and load some up, but has not been able onto the blog of late. I will attempt to load a couple of mine up, but she has all the good ones, so I will load some of those up when I get the disk from her.

Thanks again to everyone that helped make this trip possible, and please realize that the ripple that was created on the other side of the world is as much a testament of you and God in you as it is proof of God working through and leading our team.

Love to all--

Amanda