I have been in the country for just over 72 hours and it’s been a whirlwind of thoughts, and emotions. I’m struck with my inability to fully express myself, as I am usually very good with unpacking what is going on around me.

Today’s devotion focused on, the works God has prepared in advance for us to do and our ability to listen to him. “How does this play out in the real world?” was my question, and how do I know I’m not doing this for me but for the reasons God directed me to this place. As a social introvert it can take some time for my impact to be seen or felt. Although I know this, I always hope my impact will be revealed earlier so I can extend my time in those opportunities. I know I must be patient. James 1:19, so I wait.

Slowly but surely the impact of my presence began to take shape. As a group we challenged ourselves to listen to those “nudges” so often discussed at Journey. I had been nudged the prior day to engage one of the younger kids playing sports. Simple high fives and “good job” began a relationship. She began seeking me out when a play ended. We just completed an incredible game of American football which they have never seen before (That’s a hilarious and fun story for another day), and we’re riding the bus back to the center. I sat behind two girls and one of their friends was behind me. Matt began playing rock/paper/scissors/ with one, and it opened them up. Matt has an inviting and fun personality that brings others in. I am grateful for Matt’s engagement as it began a series of events.

Soon, one was sitting with me, and we were talking favorite animals, color, food and things. The ones in front were also involved and opening up. Then we began English lessons. She was pointing at eye lashes, “eye brow?”, no, eye lash, etc. She pointed at her feet and I said shoes, she said “Chama, in Amharic”. I said “my Chama are smelly” and she laughed with such enthusiasm and understanding, tapping her friends and retelling the story. The interaction grew and continued all the way back to the center. With this simple interaction, a relationship was born and now it will grow.

God has created me for subtle impacts, I’m not the loud one, I’m observant, I see emotions, I see feelings, but I must wait for those opportunities to arise. In a country so full of need, it’s easy to want to jump in and do something, anything, that may make a difference. One must stay true to how we were created though, for me, that means I must wait, I must be patient, I must trust the slow process of impact.

I believe the only answer to the myriad of issues confronting these lovely people will require the same process, one conversation about smelly shoes, one bright smile, one correction of eyebrow to eyelash at a time. The founders and staff at Bring Love In seem to know this. They are in it for the long game and their impact will be slow and steady but changing lives every step of the way.

The pain and suffering seen throughout my short time here is real and palpable. However, so is the love, the resilience, and the joy. There are no quick fixes in this world, so I will remain patient and observant and I will find those small moments and opportunities for impact. I thank God for the reminder and I am thankful for this opportunity.

– Dan