The Call

On Friday, I received the call officially inviting me to join the team to Afghanistan in the spring. I accepted and feel quite honored to join this group of ten people headed to the other side of the world to provide humanitarian aid. I have been considering this for six months, and am confident I am right where I am supposed to be in this decision.

I have never sensed a call to go overseas. For years, my focus and mission has been community building in my immediate sphere of influence. In other words, my immediate neighbors. I am tremendously blessed with a number of neighbors I call dear friends. My relationships within this sphere are genuine. I am content. However, when I first learned about the Afghanistan trips, I have not been able to shake the call to go. I've been open to the timing, but when I saw a team of men going in the spring, I felt I needed to attend the interest meeting and interview for a spot.

Given the support of my wife and my employer, I am now scheduled to prepare for the trip. Much is needing to be accomplished - acquire my passport, visa, vaccinations and raising $3,500 by end of February. Seemingly large tasks in relatively short time, and yet I am very much at peace.

Join me in learning about a unique culture and people who are so very deserving of support.