Saying Goodbye

It's almost midnight on our last night in Swaziland. We had our last time of sharing as a group. It was a long meeting, especially considering that we have all been up since 5 a.m. I've met a lot of new friends. This was an awesome team. However, we've not said our final goodbyes yet. We have a 4-5 hour bus trip to Johannesburg, and then 18 hours together on an airplane.

The more difficult goodbyes today took place at the Mercy Centers. After being with the kids all week, there were a lot of connections that were made. Sponsors got to know their sponsor children, but they all would have liked more time. Most will never see these children again in their lifetimes. Many wonder who is going to be there to hold and hug the children next week. Dee and I are fortunate. Leading trips like this, we are able to visit our sponsored children from time to time. So our goodbyes to Sophie and Zehtu were less emotional because we know we will see them again down the road.

I know that both the sponsor and the child will value the letters that are written more highly. They have that personal connection. One team member asked me if our coming - and leaving - did more harm than good? I tried to convince her that we all have had times in our lives that people crossed our paths and by word or deed, did something that made a lasting impact.

The value of a mission trip is not what we built; it's not the activities or crafts that we did with the children. The value to the child is showing them that they do have value - that we cared enough to come hold them, laugh with them, dance with them and look into their eyes with love and respect. But, perhaps the greatest value to the children is the change that happens on the team. These team members will be more engaged. They will write and encourage the child, and they will help friends, family and church members to step up and lend a hand. It doesn't stop the tears from flowing when we say goodbye. But it does give the trip greater meaning and purpose.

Even after traveling as much as I do, I never come back quite the same. I return more passionate to tell the story and get others involved. I think that will happen with other team members as well. The need is overwhelming, but it all boils down to helping make a difference for one child. That's something we can all do. One Child Matters!