My wife, Abby, and I were h.e.a.r.t. students in the Fall of 2006. So much has changed since then and often I find myself contrasting what I knew with what I am now experiencing. Back then, the trees were just starting to recover from the wrath of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne in 2004; there were no MAV groups, no school field trips, and a young stranger named Phil Murphy returned from Haiti about half way through the term to teach our Appropriate Technology course. These changes and so many more have left me feeling a little like the Pevensie kids when they returned to the magical world of Narnia in C.S. Lewis’ masterpiece Prince Caspian. And yet, as great as my time as a student was it’s exciting to return to the village for an even greater adventure!
The Scott Family; Dan, Abby, Eli, Liam & Ari
When we arrived at h.e.a.r.t. I don’t think any of us were sure of what to expect. Our three young boys (Eli- 5, Liam- 3, & Ari- 1) have certainly stirred things up around here and have challenged Abby and I with how we understand parenting in such a dynamic and tightly-knit community. There have been times of laughter, times of frustration, tears shed for our friends far away, and times of utter exhaustion. But above all, this last month or so has been filled with exciting moments of seeing their little eyes light up at the sight of new friends and family in the village as well as the many new experiences they’ve gotten to join us in.
This is the beginning of an exciting time in the life of my family. We are appointed missionaries with Africa Inland Mission heading to Mbarara, Uganda and we came back to h.e.a.r.t. as interns to refresh my Appropriate Technology skills/knowledge as well as to get our family prepared to live in a way that is not the conventional American lifestyle. We’ve already learned so much about ourselves and the way we cope with change, but there’s so much yet to do and learn. I’m looking forward to hearing what the Lord has planned for my family and I as well as h.e.a.r.t., and of course to share them with those of you who are following along and supporting this ministry!
Mbarara, Uganda at Sundown
Post by Dan Scott