7 days never seemed so short...or so long.
While we have arrived safe and sound back in LA, I think all of us also have left a little bit of ourselves in Waveland.
While there were certainly many moments of transformation during our trip, the highlight for me was our evening of supper, sharing and singing with some of the local residents of Waveland and the Amish/Mennonite folks from C.A.R.E. who were also staying at Gulfside Assembly.
After the evening meal the floor was opened up for people to tell their stories, share their pain, pray for hope, and thank God for the service of so many volunteers. We heard first hand accounts of the day of the storm and many stories of help and healing that followed
Once we were "storied-out" we began to sing. The Amish had brought their hymnals on the trip and we joined them, as best we could, in singing some of their favorite hymns.
The closing hymn was especially poignant for me. Since a number of the Amish folk were leaving the next day and we would be leaving in 2 days, everyone agreed that it should be something appropriate so "God Be With You 'till We Meet Again" was chosen.
Here are a few of the verses:
God be with you till we meet again;
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
Neath His wings protecting hide you;
Daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
When life’s perils thick confound you;
Put His arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Strike death’s threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.
You can see how this hymn served as a perfect final farewell to our new found friends.
Becky and I were particularly moved by this hymn. 5 years ago, when we arrived at UCSP (the church we were at before HUMC), we would sing this hymn at the end of each service as our Song of Benediction. So for us #42 not only stirred up memories of friends and family, but also served as a prayer for all of our NEW friends with whom we shared a truly special week.
So for anyone still reading in NJ, PA, MS, or CA:
"God be with you till we meet again!"
RevDave
1 comment:
As soon as I read the first lines of the hymn, I became tearful. How well I remember when you and Becky first arrived at UCSP, and #42 walked you down the aisle to the back of the church every Sunday. I am so moved by the compassion and aid you are rendering to our own refugees, and hope they are not displaced for much longer--it's been too long a process getting everyone home. God bless all of you for your wonderful work. Nancy
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