WMF Board Meeting Weekend WMF USA Office Omaha, Nebraska

I (Mel) just returned from a trip to the US to attend the WMF Board Meeting Weekend. Board Meetings occur twice a year and are accompanied by new staff commissioning, departing staff farewell, and various other community events. I was feeling a little out of touch with the WMF community and wanted to get back in touch before my field visit to Peru in late July this year. I feel like this visit certainly accomplished that.

WMF Staff, Board and guests mingle

I was able to spend time with Chris and Phileena Heuertz (Directors and long time friends), as well other staff that work at the US office in Omaha. I had a lovely dinner with Hilary Wilken who is Phileena's new assistant. It was great to get to know her a little. I also got to meet the newest field staff members soon heading out to Calcutta and Bolivia. I also shared in a lunch for staff and guests at Silas and Kim West's house (who we visited when they served as WMF field directors in Nepal in 2003). I was able to meet and chat with most of the Board Members too.

Phileena and I

Chris and I

As far as being helpful, I was able to spend some time in the Adovacy Department giving some feedback on some policies. And it was good to have face to face time with Amanda and Silas in the Community Care Department as well as Tara (Medical Advisor) to continue with developing and fine tuning on staff health procedures.

Due to the Orthodox Easter holidays I was able to visit my friend Michele in Idaho during this trip without taking in extra days off school. Michele and I worked together at International SOS in Cambodia. It was s good to re-connect and debrief with each other.

Michele and I

I have to admit that I really enjoyed my layovers in London where I sat looking out at the rain and tarmac while drinking tea, journaling, and reflecting on the year so far. I found the time really valuable to regain some perspective. This year in Cairo has been more difficult for me than most. From my journal on the way:

Like a reflection in an outwardly lit glass, can I ever really ever see myself? I constantly look through myself to what's going on outside. I don't really want to look at myself anyway. I want to hide and avoid the pain. The shame. The stark reality that I am not as nice, good, pure, generous, right as I think I am. Learning of myself is not so painful in itself - I always knew it on some level. It's admitting to others, being vulnerable and acting on the self-awareness that causes discomfort.

And on the way back:

This has been a great trip. I feel grounded and inspired in a way that I have not for a while. Grounded by Michele's friendship - to be known and still loved - surrounded by certainty, steadiness, roots, and longing. Inspired by Chris's fresh way of seeing things. Inspired by Phileena's gentle strength. Inspired anew by WMF's identity - to center around a relationship with Jesus and live this out in our skin, to committnent to serving the least of us (those we mostly turn away from). Inspired to grasp my Egypt expereince and ride it all its worth. To really find out what God has in mind for Melanie in Egypt.

I appreciate your prayers.