2014 LINK™ LiveTen24 Men's Service Mission Final Update | Departs Niger

THURSDAY

So, our last day here has arrived and what we've heard from most is, "I wish we weren't going home today". It's not that we don't want to go home, but it's hard sometimes to leave one great situation for another! It was a busy day, significantly so, as compressed into it have been debriefings, future plans, hopes, and commitments of a sort. Russ noted that a review shows that 8 out of 10 people coming home from a mission trip such as ours simply go back to their 'old ways' instead of following this transformative experience with a true change of heart and a change of life/lives. We've been reminded by TJ that the morning debrief Russ chaired was really significant for all of us, bringing up much that was close-to-the-heart. Some of it painful, but all of it born of a trust-to-speak that has grown up between us as we have shared so many experiences over these days, grown close and expressed many of our struggles, our losses, as well as our hopes and faith growing stronger from all of it.

Afterwards, we had a good meeting and discussion on servanthood between ourselves and the men who staff the LOC. This included testimonies of service to our communities and to our families, prayers for one another, and fellowship with many shared pictures within this broader group that now will span between continents.
 

Then there was the packing and cleanup which included leaving clothes, funds, and health care items for the LINK™ Niger staff and the LOC. The Lightys also prepared to leave tonight with Emma who is now officially their daughter. Emma is full of fun though we all wonder how she will take the cold weather when we get off the plane at Dulles tomorrow afternoon. A missionary family, The Johannsons, joined us for our last dinner tonight. They have been serving over here full time for some 4 years now. No doubt about it, just as we have grown to do, they love the people of Niger.

It has been a day of reflection, a bittersweet one at that. However, many of us plan on returning to Niger to continue carrying out our mission to minister to the people of this impoverished, but beautiful nation. God has been with us this whole time, and as believers, we know He will continue to be with us during our travels and when we return home. Lives have been changed, hearts have been softened, and great memories have been made. However, our mission is not complete. We have work to do when we get home and we're excited about continuing God's work within our own homes and communities. We will miss the great people of Niger, but will strongly remember their faith, their smiles, and the fun times we had here.

For our friends and families, we cannot wait to reunite with you. Please pray for safe travels and for Niger. God bless this nation.

**According to Air France, the team's flight has departed from Niamey.  If you wish to track their flight, you may do so at Air France's website; Niamey to Paris (AF547) Paris to Dulles (AF054). For your convenience, you may wish to consider using Flight Track (this free smart phone app is available by clicking here).