Community Reaction...

Hello All!

I have had some amazing experiences recently, regarding the community reaction towards my NBC25 Africa video. God works in such wonderful ways. Among an outpooring of e-mails and phone calls, a special man approached me from the Bay City area. He is a Priest from St. James Catholic Church and his name is Father Bob DeLand. A very out-going man with a heart of gold. He called me at the Television station and we had a great conversation about my up-coming Africa trip as well as his own traveling experiences. He has been a Missionary around the world. He mentioned travels in Austria, Nepal, and Nairobi Kenya. Among his duties as a priest, he also over-sees the St. James Catholic school system in Bay City. He asked if I would like to come and speak to the school children about my proffession and also my up-coming trip to Africa. Here's a few pictures from this well-behaved and very attentive classroom.

We had lots of fun talking about weather and Africa. They had great questions to ask. And they even gave me some great St. Patrick's day apparel for this up-coming holiday weekend! Father Bob asked me to go out to lunch with him after talking with the children. He even had a good chuckle when I unknowingly asked him [a Priest, mind you] if he was married. I gueess I have a pretty good excuse not being raised in the Catholic religion. Regardless, I think the entire school knew about my funny question before I left. :-) Anyways, his advice and kind words were such an inspiration to me. We talked about what to expect on my trip to Africa. He prepared me for the poverty, the disease, and the African hardships we would encounter while over there...But he also testified to their HOPE. And it went on from there...

He mentioned a word that really stuck with me. He said "Derek, go to Africa and EMBRACE those children. EMBRACE their families." When I later reflected on the word EMBRACE, it really "hit home" that this was indeed, my true intentions of the trip. Webster's Dictionary defines EMBRACE as the act to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly. After some praying and serious soul searching, I now know what God's purpose for me on this trip is. TO EMBRACE. I will willingly recieve these children and their families and help them to the best of my abilities. I really think the word speaks for itself. I will leave it right there.

But I do challenge you to EMBRACE what's important to you. Whether it be your family, friends, morales or idealistic values...take it to the next level. Never abandon what God has given you. Personally, god has given me this opportunity to travel to Africa. I will EMBRACE it with my heart and soul.

Derek