Hello Partners:
I'm back - safe and sound - and I believe all but the Andrews couple [Newton and Lydia] are now safely at home. We are now a family of volunteer missionaries, brought together by a spirit of solidarity with one another and with the larger human family, and by a common commitment to serve. The truth is "we make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give" . Each one of you has given much. Thank you so very sincerely for all that you have given to the people of
It was a good, if not perfect, mission. We touched lives at
many levels - professionals in and out of government, political leaders, the
media that conveyed our message into homes and offices, school children and the
teachers and principals who help to shape them, parents, churches and their
pastors and members, city folks looking on with curious eyes, university
educators, and common folks. Many of us worshiped together, a few of us prayed
with and for a family where one member was seriously ill. Some took special
interest in the needs of orphans in three homes. The special health needs of
women, no less than those of children, were also given special attention.
At the same time, the social and cultural dimensions of
holistic living were not overlooked as we spent an entire day exploring small
parts of the country, tasting its cuisine, appreciating a bit of its landscape,
it history, its art and architecture. Many of our women folk brought back
samples of its cloths and clothing to add to their collection of global dress
wear. And to top it all, that exquisite and unforgettable lunch on the last
Saturday in Couva prepared by that energetic chef, Romeo. What a nutritious,
colorful, tasty and healthy display!.
Each one of us brought with us a unique personality, unique
history and gifts, and I personally cherish everyone of you and look forward to
another mission with you some time in the not-too-distant future. (Some have
revived the idea of establishing a Caribbean branch of
HANDS. The feasibility of such a development will be pursued in due course).
Mother Theresa would
say if we have not done great things we most surly have done good things with
great love. And who can tell how far and wide the influence for good?
I trust that all is well with everyone. We will arrange a
time when we can get together and make an in-depth report and assessment of the
mission. Meanwhile we should maintain the flame of service in our own souls and
keep in touch with one another.
Hedrick Edwards
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