"I can not let you do that."

Everything was finishing up well. Our flow data had all been collected, the solar system was handed off, and all two weeks of our work had been recorded in our engineering report. Having just packed up various plumbing parts and a couple of samples of water-tank material, I had just decided to clean up the area when Kyle and Noah approached with worried looks. "We just talked to someone who said we broke their water tank when we cut out the samples. We thought it was scrap but they were planning to repair it... They seemed pretty upset."

Our trip thus far had gone more or less as planned. By that I mean I was expecting to regularly need to adjust our plans while hoping that we would reach our goals even if by unexpected means. As I walked to where we had cut the samples from the tank I could only blame myself for this preventable failure. I had not taken the time to ask if we could cut the samples from what, to my eyes, was scrap. I knew from our research on supplies and materials locally available that this tank when whole was likely worth around $300; a serious loss in this context. I approached the storage shed where the man awaited. With the mutilated tank laying limply at my feet like a murder victim I knocked at the door with my best Twi greeting. "Etesen?" (how are you?) The fellow rose from his work returning my greeting with what probably meant, "Could be better." but I assumed the best and responded "eh-yeh" (I'm fine).

I explained the misunderstanding and told him I would set it right. I snuck in the Ghanaian finger-snap hand shake that I typically have a 20% chance of doing correctly. I landed the hand shake and he seemed placated when I told him I would work with the Estate Manager Samuel to set things right. Samuel had been our main contact all week and we had built what I felt was a good rapport. Walking back to the house I resolved that we would have to replace the tank. It galled me that I had made such a juvenile mistake as simply not asking but the heaviest weight was the idea of increasing the cost of the project by $300. Paying it out of personal tithe crossed my mind but it felt weird to use those funds to cover my mistakes. With a sigh I wiped my sweaty brow and stepped into the shade of a mango tree to make the phone call.

"Samuel, hello."

"Yes, Hello Caleb. How are you my brother."

"I am doing well... but I am afraid I have some bad news."

"Ohhhh, what is it?"

"I spoke to Victor up at the welding shed and he has informed me that the broken tank there was to be repaired. Earlier this week I cut some samples from that tank so I don't think you will be able to repair it now. I want to pay to replace that tank if that is ok."

"Nooo no no no. My Brother. You can not do that! I can not let you do that. You have come here spending your energy, and money, and life and you have been serving us... I can not let you do that. It is ok. There is no problem."

By now tears were coming to my eyes. Grace. He was showing me grace. And more, he was showing me genuine thanks. I thanked him and finished the conversation. With an involuntary smile and moist eyes I shook my head at the beauty of the interaction.

Most of the people we work with are thankful for our work. They are certainly at least congenial. But, I have spent enough time in cultures that uphold your honor by not telling you what they really think about your work and it leaves a constant question in the back of your mind. It is hard not to question how our host communities view us and our work. We must appear as a motley crew of nerds as we run around measuring poop-flow and incessantly asking how many lightbulbs they have. I hope they at least get a good laugh out of us, I know I do!

These unfiltered tumble-off-the-tip-of-your-tongue words were a pure insight, a clear window, into the heart of the Village of Hope. In that moment of vulnerability I heard a heart-level thankfulness for what we were doing.

If you are a parent of a team member reading this you should know that your child has been amazing. They have poured themselves out and their actions have affected the world for good. Thank you for encouraging them in this journey.

If you are a supporter of our team reading this then you should know that there is already a return on your investment. In humble and important ways God is using your investment to bless not only the Village of Hope far into the future but also the young engineers who have made your investment complete through their service these past two weeks.

If you are reading this simply as a bystander, a spectator, to this journey then you should know that we invite you to take part in giving thanks for this beautiful thing that God has begun.

Thank you all and we love you. As I type this the call to board our plane has gone out. You will receive us full and challenged and blessed. Take some time to take one of us out for coffee to hear the stories and celebrate what God is doing in the world.

Blessings,

Caleb

#trip #getaway #America