- the hope that the members of the team would be informed and transformed by the reality of life and ministry for the members of The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka and those to whom they minister. Whether it was through the Tsunami Recovery programs, the orphaned children at The Haven, the elderly residents at the Eventide Hostel or the youth at the Camp - we wanted to see (and experience as best we could) life as it really is.
- the intention to introduce them to a country and people that they would fall in love with and want to partner with. By looking into the eyes of a person whilst hearing their stories we are in danger of becoming companions in their journey.
It is rewarding to know that these goals (and others) have been achieved. We have been back three weeks now, the physical awareness that we travelled somewhere has gone, but the emotional ties remain. The team, and the Corps, are planning ways in which they can continue to partner with the people they met in Sri Lanka.
It is also encouraging to know that the feelings that this visit was worthwhile are not just held by those of us that went, but by the leadership of Sri Lanka as well. In a recent conversation the following acknowledgement was received:
I am once again convinced that one of the best ways to transform a life is to immerse it in the reality of another culture, and to sit eye to eye and share another's journey.I take this opportunity to thank you and the team members, the corps that supported and the division and New Zealand Territory for their love and willingness to help us generously. I am sure this will help in strengthening relationship between the two territories in the future.
