I wonder what each woman thought as they were strategically packing chocolate chips, Dr. Pepper, coffee, and pumpkin scented candles in their suitcases. Precious luggage space and weight were taken up with these things.
But, when the teachers entered the room and saw their favorite items, the ones they cannot get in China, the things that will make their rooms feel more like a home, I think I knew what those women were thinking.
There was laughing and cheering. I dare to say there was joy over just-add-water-muffin-mix. While I know we give gifts simply to bless regardless of the response, responses like that give us a blessing boomerang effect.
We come to encourage; we are encouraged because we know we are being used. We are serving a purpose; we become a part of the work.
In this case, through a few dollars and some luggage space.
Tomorrow is fellowship and one-on-one time with teachers. Monday starts school visits and a bit more of a front row seat to the work. Adventure awaits…after sleep in a city that apparently never sleeps based on the construction right outside my hotel window.