We got one final day in Nebraska, and what a day it was. We have learned, loved, laughed, cried, and let’s not forget eaten our way through Nebraska. Ten days with people who have become great friends, and now our trip comes to an end. As I reflect on the day from my apartment in Chicago I am saddened that we have left our new friends, but grateful for the time we spent with them and the things that we learned from them.
Today we got to witness first-hand the workings of a two point pastor. Beginning with a 9 a.m. service from the old red book and moving quickly to a 10:30 service from the green book, we saw the quick changes and hard work of a pastor serving two parishes. We then had the opportunity to sit in on a fifteen minute annual meeting, followed by a free lunch. We enjoyed our final Nebraska meal, lasagna and garlic bread, with Pastor Katherine and her congregation.
After lunch, the Spruth-Janssen family and some of our other friends from SE Nebraska came to see us off. We took pictures and told stories, then ended with a blessing ceremony. After the ceremony we said our goodbye and headed for the airport.
Now we are home preparing our projects and reflecting on our time in Nebraska. As I look back on the last ten days I can’t help but smile. Thank you to our host families and the pastors who gave us your time, your homes, and your wisdom over the last ten days. I speak for us all when I say we will never forget you. May God continue to bless all you do. And may this crazy world of ours bring us together again someday.
In the words of Green Day, “So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind. Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time. Tattoos and memories and dead skin on trial. For what it’s worth it was worth all the while. It’s something unpredictable but in the end it’s right. I hope you had the time of your life.” I know that we did.
May God bless you all. And God bless Nebraska.
~Josh
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