Monday, 25 February 2008

• We're Back

  Furlough is over.  The goodbyes have been said.  The flights are finished.  The suitcases are cluttering the floor, waiting to be unpacked.  The memories of good times and meaningful reunions with friends & family will stay with us. 

  I'm sitting in an internet cafe in Warsaw, waiting for my turn in the immigration office . . . a common occurence in our life here in Poland.  This morning on my way in to the immigration office I experienced an epiphany of sorts . . . the whole experience of riding the train, making my way through the streets swirling with businessmen and students, walking past buildings originally constructed when America was ruled by naked savages, admiring noble statues of Polish poets and heroes, and feeling the hint of spring on the breeze under a gray sky with a sun valiantly trying to break through.  But I think the thing that got me the most was the faces.  The look of survival, of endurance, of determination in the Slavic features.  This part of the world has known hardship and betrayal, and remembers.  Every stone in the streets testifies to the injustices of the past.  The people of today remember, but they are moving ahead.  This country has much worth remembering, much that should not be forgotten.  These days faces are turned to the West and the "progress" of "civilization".  Will they realize the hopelessnes of piling up material gain?  Will they . . . set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God . . . ?  (Ps. 78:7)  May our hands be found working for that reality.  We're back.  We're home.  It's good--not easy, but good.  Greetings from Warsaw, and have a good day. 

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