thoughts from the McGregor clan

   This trip has been an adventure. Luke, Dad, Mr. Morefield, Noah, and I chased chimps through the rain forest in Gombe with some college students. The kids got to give lessons in the morning to the children from Hope of the Nations. I got p6 and p7 with about 50 kids when the usual was like 20 maybe. Loved the kids they were so alive and loved to play soccer. You could really see the difference between God working and the devil here. There were witchdoctors here casting spells on us, and at the same time there were Christian programs like Hope of the Nations at work to help. All in all this was an great trip, and I have many stories to tell to all of you when I get back. 
                       - Samuel


   Looking back, I’m gonna miss it. The spiritual forces of good and evil are so evident there, and you don’t have to look very far to find an adventure. The lawlessness and beauty of Africa resonate with my heart. There is a wildness deep down that Africa ignited in me, and I’m reluctant to go back to the states where it is suppressed by comfort and safety. I am so glad that God gave me this experience. He gave me a new lens that I prayed for, which was to be able to look past myself and focus on what God was showing me, and he showed me a masterpiece, and a mission. I will always remember running through the pouring rains of the Gombe forest, riding land cruisers, being attacked by a baboon, and having kids climbing all over me constantly. Thanks everyone.
                         - Noah 


   This was an amazing journey for me. All the new things I saw! My favorite part was when we got to teach all the kids Gods love for us. It was an awesome place to be in, but there was really hard times for us to go though. My friend got an ear affection and my mom fell and sprained her ankle. It got really hard. At one point I asked my dad, “daddy, why are so many bad things happening to us?” Later on, I thought, “Is Satin trying to get in the way of us teaching about God’s love?” I didn’t know anymore. God taught me that even in the ruff times, we can still trust in what God does for us. It was also really crazy. Kids every where asking me “where are you from?” and “Whats your name?” On this trip what God taught me most was that even when every path seems dark, theres still a light shining your way.
                        - Scarlet (or Skylar as the nationals called her!)


   Reading my kid’s blog is so moving to me! Because that is what this trip was about for me—watching their lens for the world change before my very eyes! During this trip I was basically a handicapped Mary Poppins. My primary job was to hobble around giving instructions to our children making sure they took all their medicine, applied all their sun screen, drank enough water, washed their hands, were prepared to lead their Bible study classes and to open their eyes to a much wider world. Mission accomplished! I loved watching my kids fall in love with God’s people and God’s creation. They were less fearful and timid than any adult. They jumped in and played hard. There were many questions and processing that went on throughout the weeks. I was blessed to be present with my children, in times of play, work, questions about culture/differing faiths/Jesus, and occasional tears! What can I say—I really enjoy these kiddos! (the Morefield’s kiddos too!) Thank you for praying for us and sharing in this journey! And I thank God for making this experience a reality. 
                         - Alison (Mama Noah)


   Only hours left until we head back across the crazy city of Dar es Salaam to the airport. As I look out over the Indian Ocean, I’m in a sort of bittersweet awe of what God has done. For us McGregors, this trip has been 7 years in the making—basically since Aly and I first came here. We’ve longed with all our hearts to bring our kids and watch as God opened their eyes the way He first did with ours. Africa does something to you… it breaks your heart, stirs your soul, and messes with your head just enough to make you view your life entirely differently. Listening to my kids over the past couple of days I am convinced this has all happened to them as well. 
   So. For my part, at the end of this trip I know there are 18 future pastors and ministers who (hopefully) understand just a bit more about the rigors of ministry and who (hopefully) have a bit more to go on when they read the New Testament. I also know that there are 5 McGregors who have gone through the African furnace together and have come out forever bonded and forever changed. My heart is full, and I am ready to come home. 
                                   - Jake

The kids at the primary school saying "thank you" to the crew

Jake's class saying "farewell" over a rare ice cream:)

Sunrise across the Indian Ocean