This photo was taken soon after arriving in Chad once we moved there. I remember watching the people and feeling so disconnected. The culture was beyond anything I had immersed myself into before - my language was limited, and while I felt a great desire to effectively bless them I felt little to no ability. Sicknesses began setting in as our bodies adjusted to our surroundings and in many ways I felt hopeless. We wanted great things but held only dust and desires. We arrived knowing only that God had called us but the road before us was unchartered. We needed to establish our organization in the country legally so we could obtain long-term visas but we didn't really know what God was calling us to do - only that he said go and our team wanted to enter Chad unconventionally. Questions outnumbered answers and the stress was building as we adapted and tried to navigate the uncertainty of the future.

As we begin this journey of looking back over our time in Chad I think it is appropriate to begin with the end. This was our last hike in Abéché as we looked out over the city . In the distance before your eyes reach the horizon is our home of the last 2.5 years. Our journey has been anything but smooth yet God proved himself faithful through all our circumstances. However, I must admit personally that I was not always grateful or satisfied with God's will for our lives and means of provision. Looking back into time allows a clarity that does not always exist for me in the present. While this photo was clear, allowing you to see the city in the distance; many days are filled with strong winds that lift the sands, blocking your view and throwing dirt in your eye. Such is life and such is life in Chad. I hope you enjoy this journey down memory lane.