today's t-shirt.

So, I had this whole thing typed out the other day, and I did something wrong and it all disappeared. Well, once something is gone that I've labored over, I'm not really good at doing it justice again. Generally speaking, I'm a one-shot writer.

But, in case you were wondering, the title refers to the shirt I put on that day. My Malawi mission trip shirt. I was thinking about my visit to the small African country that day, and realized it's been 5 years since I went. I left on Palm Sunday, 2004 and returned the Monday after Easter.

It seems like a dream.

I have some regrets from the trip - looking back I realize that I complained too much and didn't have an open mind/spirit. Overall, though, I can't imagine not going - if nothing else, it provided great cross-cultural lessons and a new appreciation for other people around the world. I learned that when you visit Christians in developing countries, you don't minister to them much beyond the stuff you bring them. They minister to you.

I left Malawi just filled with awe that God's love could do such amazing works! These Christians weren't negative, they didn't squabble, they didn't point fingers or nitpick or condescend. They embraced each other, and us, and they glorified God in their daily living. They didn't give their leftovers to Him, they gave their BEST. I will be excited to rejoin them in Heaven and to watch them receive their eternal crowns! For people who have so little here on earth, what a fabulous inheritance awaits them in Heaven!

Sometimes I wonder if Dan and I shouldn't just pack up and move to southern Africa. I guess I would learn how to survive - even thrive there - and maybe I, too, could learn the secret to being content in all things!

What a thought...