I have mentioned that one of the great features of these trips are the relationships established between our teams and the people. I have a posted a couple of times about a young man named Parnel. He works with the youth of our church. He is a bundle of joy and energy, skinny as a bean pole, and energy like an energizer battery. He is very tall, and so was one of team members named Ray Hasse. I'm not sure how much that played a role in their connection, but they developed a wonderful and unique relationship. As I watched that tall lanky young man bend way over to give Ray a hug on his matress on the floor of the tent last night saying his last good byes, I was taken with the way these two people have bonded. Ray through the week became Uncle Ray. Parnel's affection and joy are very contageous. Ray didn't seem to mind his new found nephew and the affectionate affiliation he gained as Parmel continued to call him Uncle Ray. We laughed, but the truth is now Ray's infleunce has been poured into this young man's life. Any time God allows that, it is a good day for His children. What an awesome priviledge it is to continue to connect on a deeply relational level with these amazing people. We are now 34,000 feet in the air. I just snapped a picture of St. Marc from the window of the plane. As we fly northward to the life I know, part of my heart stays here; touched, impacted, changed forever as I am sure the rest of the team will testify. So go my thoughts for now. Blessing from a beautiful blue sky.
4 comments:
From Linda.
What a blessing to have formed such a wonderful friendship as you all have. So many of us over our life time never form that love between friends. I am sure in just a short period of time you all have bonded in a way so many never do. I am so glad you all are going to be home and to hear all that went on. I am sad that the children are so desperate. Sounds like you did have your hands full with kids day. But all worked out in Gods plan. I will miss the wonderful posts that you posted Pastor Doyle. They kept us in touch with the other side of the world that most of us will never know. Blessings to you all. Linda
I know the love those children feel towards "uncle Ray". Becasue I am lucky enough to be able to call him my dad.
to have experienced, in person Ray's interaction with the kids, every time puts a priceless feeling in your heart.jim & alisa
I'm an Aunt!!!!!!! Got an email from Parnel last night and he called me Aunt Deloris. He wanted to thank Ray for being such a special "Uncle" to him and tell him how much he loved him and will miss him. He's such a sweet young man. We will stay in touch and hope to see him on the next trip. Just goes to show how you can impact someone so easily by your actions, and it's a great reminder to all of us to treat each other with love and respect even if you don't know that you'll get the same back. You just might meet a Parnel. Deloris
Post a Comment