Sacrifice

Yesterday, at our community meeting, we had a local Liberian pastor as a guest speaker. He spoke on God's grace but there was one part of his talk that I have thought about all day. He mentioned how he was separated from his family during the civil war and at one point fled to Nigeria on a gun boat. He said he would go into the bush and cry from missing them, but would have to wipe off his face and put on a fake smile as he walked down the street. He then compared this feeling of separation and loneliness to our sacrifice in coming to Liberia. He said that he knew how we felt because we were far from loved ones and must get lonely too as we have to deal with this consequence of our sacrifice.

As he complemented us I wanted to laugh (not to be rude but out of shock). Yes, it is a big sacrifice being away from our family and friends and living here. It is very lonely at times and sometimes very hard. There are times when I cry or feel depressed as I remember all that I had or realize all that I am missing. But I would NEVER compare this to Rev. Jerry's experience! He was hiding from rebel troops and was separated from his family because of a 14 year war. He fled to another country out of a need for survival, not to do humanitarian work and bring social justice. I just thought it was amazing and unjust for him to think of these sacrifices and the sorrow that was caused as equal.

But his feelings are very similar to what we often get here. People are amazed that we would give of our time and resources in such a way for them. They see our sacrifices as huge when I just see it as what is expected. To change the world sacrifices will be required. Great sacrifices. This type of call will never be easy and it will never be without some type of sacrifice. Loving and caring for others, wanting a better world for all, forcing change has always required some sacrifice and has always had its share of sorrow. This has been since the beginning of the world and will be the norm long after we have passed on. People have always sacrificed in order to bring change.

There are some things that I know I have sacrificed to be here. And there are some sacrifices that I may not know about now or in the future. And there will be future sacrifice, both big and small, that I will make as I continue to serve. I guess I will have to remain honored, bewildered, and humbled as this lovely man compares his our sacrifices to mine. Hopefully I will always do the comparison justice.