Nongstoin

Next month I have the privilege of going back to Nongstoin once again. Every trip there is a lesson learnt. Lots of lessons learnt actually. The world is a big place. Nongstoin is a small town. God is a big God and Nongstoin and it's people matter to him. I wrote this on one of my last trips over there.  

Nongstoin, I will not miss your stares, my feelings of not belonging,

your dirty streets, your red teeth, my inability to communicate in your language, 

your lack of rubbish bins, your hostility towards your neighbours, 

your narrow thinking, your lack of democracy, 

your unwillingness to welcome the outsider, 

your power cuts and slow internet connection! 

But more than that Nongstoin, 

I will miss you because you are home to my amazing parents 
(and Soldier and Charlie)! 

I will miss your peaceful nights, the solace of the morning, 

your smiling faces, your strength in the midst of great hardship, 

the sound of the river in the quiet, your determination against all odds, 

your warmth, your singing, your courage, your children, 

especially the children of RightHope School - your hope for the future.