Salt and Light: The Flavor Shines On

I’ve physically returned and settled in from my first international trip on behalf of Lutheran World Relief, but it’s far from over. The reflections linger. I expect the impact will be with me for life: especially the witness of local heroes, like Adrianna who is a teacher in one of the “last mile” communities where LWR works. Her father was killed several months prior on the same stretch of road on which our delegation had driven. Yet she bounded with elation about LWR’s partnership with her community, “you are a blessing from God.”

Funny how the math works, isn’t it. I’m the one who feels blessed by our gracious hosts, their testimonies of struggle, their perseverance in the face of adversity. Yes, LWR aims to deliver hope on behalf of our faithful constituents many of whom are U.S. Lutherans, but double yes, we are the greater recipients.

So, my official visit to Colombia is complete. But the work goes on there and here; for example, Mary Duvall and all U.S. leaders in that brave movement called Sal y Luz (“Salt and Light”) continue to speak and act for justice. They were mentioned with profound appreciation by many Colombians for their prayers and their advocacy efforts for the sake of the displaced, threatened or oppressed.

What’s next for me? My 23 hour travel begins on Saturday morning focusing me toward the Philippines and Indonesia.

I hope you’ll blog along with me.