Thanks

I see your house has sold, my friend, so money’s overseas –
My little contribution’s gone to help out children’s needs.
That makes me feel the full effect of wrapping up a gift
And knowing it’s delivered is what gives my heart a lift.

I think back to those summer days of toil, and aches and pain;
Of laughter, learning, hopes and fears in sunshine and in rain;
I think of that a lot these days as each week stretches on –
My renovation project here I seek to move along.

At breaks I eat the raisin bread I learned to make from you,
I measure much more carefully, no guestimating view;
I find my thoughts drift to my goals and how it all fits in;
And most of all I take my tempo from where I have been.

My house is filled with hardwood flooring like I saw you choose,
And as each board I fasten down I find them now infused
With love, and care, and gentle ways, of one now in the East –
How blessed I’ve been from two weeks given – not little in the least.

The haunting pictures of those kids, their needs, your caring acts,
And knowing that the world you work in now has friendship’s facts –
Not just a sentiment of care, but work and sweat and loss
Flows through my mind as I clear up my space and gyprock toss.

I think the first Apostles must have felt a bit this way
When they were left alone to walk into their global days –
Ten thousand little things absorbed by working with the Lord
Would flow into the tasks they did infused with way and word.

This little “missions trip” I took by driving ’cross my town
And spending two short weeks with you involved in mission’s round,
Has blessed me far beyond what I could hope, or think, or feel,
And now’s infused throughout our house in hardwood that is real.

So, far from fading to the past, those summer days so clear,
They permeate our house and home, bring Africa so near.
Each time I hammer, measure, saw, or see the end result,
I find my prayers and actions flavoured by what love’s about.

I may not go to Africa, or Mexico or such,
I may not have a lot of days to spend in quiet rush,
But what I do from here on is for me forever changed,
Because a couple pulled up stakes and far from Brandon ranged.

So, thanks my friend, and to your church who passed on word of want
You had for help in building – helping children who are gaunt
To live, and thrive, and grow,  and move into a future fair –
Then helping me to do some tasks before I would not dare. 

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