"Is it gone forever? I'm not certain. But I can tell you it was a good world to live in. I belong to it. So do you."
-George Orwell, Coming Up for Air
Only a two or three visits to the IDP Camp left and I can tell that a very big part of my time here will be sorely missed. The faces of the people, so battered by situation and circumstances will stay with me for the rest of my life, as though they were engraved on my mind. Such squaller and poverty, I would scarcely begin to tell you the overwhelming sense of hopelessness that pervades my thoughts.
Yet despite the images, many of these individuals stand out in my mind as they have gone against the cultural norm, and decided to take a different path through life. They have chosen a higher path, a path teeming with life, when others around them decided to wallow in their own frustrations and disappointments. They truly are those who understand the power and integrity of grace and compassion. These are the nameless and faceless who will be on my heart and mind.
Other Links on the IDP Camp:
– Coming Up for Air
– Coming Up for Air, Part 2
– Forgiveness
– Otto's Gift (Video)
– Faces of IDP (Video)
– The Last Day of IDP
Nicholas,
I love it when you let your writing flow, again I see this as a real gift of yours.
The people and their stories around the world are touching your heart. They have exposed your passion, compassion, and vulnerabilities. Now what will you do? What is NIcholas’ voice? Where will he release it? In what situation do you sense the greatest responsibility, the greatest authority?
I know it’s time for a rest, these questions can be answered later, but not too much later, b/c many have rested too long, they’ve forgotten the numerous atrocities that they’re not OK with…
Love you son,
pop
Nick, I have to agree with your Dad. You are a GREAT WRITER!
Also, YOU HAVE AN AMAZING HEART!
I am so proud of you! Love you much! See you soon!
xoxo
Love you Nicholas!!! Proud of you all!!! See you soon!!
Nick,
As I read this, it’s obvious that all of these incredible people have been forever etched on your heart. It makes me curious. What if we could actually see our heart as God does and see all of these “etchings?” You specifically would have etchings that are cultured in a sense…etchings of beautiful people in India, in Israel, in Kenya….and that’s just from the past year! Your heart is forever changed. God continues to make room in your heart for more and more of His children that need His manifest presence that you carry. Proud of you! See you soon.