Whispers and Prayers

Days seem exciting, yet mundane.

Time passes slowly, yet it’s already almost been a year in this city.

Events are surrounded with grand plans, yet feel calm and expected.

Someone recently said they’d be worried if things were consistent and I let out a laugh. Yes, so true here. We plan as best we can and believe in doing the footwork. But then plan also for the unexpected and schedule in ample time for it to go off course and have to repeat a different day. (Lesson learned: Only ever make one appointment in a day and assume that will take all day).

But it’s the whispers…the prayers…the in-betweens. Those are the constant unexpected.

In the moments of witnessing hurt and pain in a fleeting second while passing a man yelling at his reflection in a car window. “Lord, grant this person a moment of peace and rest.”

When the wailing of a mother collapsing in the street pierces you as she received the news her son had killed himself. “Lord… Lord…please help comfort her. PLEASE.”

The end of day meetings where you learn what your kids go through on a daily basis once they leave the project. And hear again they need extra food as the money at home went elsewhere. “Lord, change the cycle! Let the families encounter you!”

Sitting in line for a government document, completely frustrated by the inability to get an answer or an exception or there to be any reason for the delay. “Lord, grant us a miracle… and kindness as we know you are the only way we have remained here this long.”

Moments…fleeting but constant and all encompassing. Those make up the day here. Every moment that needs prayer. Every hard situation evoking a need to feel something, do something, give something…A smile. A whisper. Another chance. A hug. A prayer.