Collision (46 page)

40

The jeep honked its welcome. It was only a few seconds before the large gate swung open and then only a few seconds more before the children ran, laughing and smiling, toward the car.

I climbed out and let the children smother me in affection. It felt like an emotional balm or something strange like that, all the pain and grief of Kei’s loss being soothed by the joy of the children she loved so much.

I played with them, hugged each one, and then stood. Just as I did, a small bundle of energy toddled her way out of the house and in my direction. She wore the brightest smile I’d ever seen.

It was Innocent. I’d know her face anywhere. I’d stared at it in pictures almost every day I wasn’t with her in person.

I walked to her, knelt down, and held out my hand. She looked at it, her brow crumpled, and then looked up at me for a brief second before running into me and wrapping her arms around my neck.

As I scooped her up and stood, it was at that moment that I found it, my true purpose. It swept over me like a tidal wave, as did all the emotion I’d felt since the day I met Kei.

I realized I was exactly where I belonged.

I was home, and Kei was prancing.

FAVOR OF GOD
MINISTRIES

Favor of God Ministries was Stefne Miller’s host during her mission trip to Gulu, Uganda, in November 2007. In
Collision
, the majority of Cabot’s thoughts, experiences, and e-mails home during his time in Africa were taken directly from Stefne’s journal of her time there.

It was during her ten days with this wonderful organization that Stefne and her traveling group had the opportunity to pray with patients in hospitals, worship with and minister to prisoners, take part in various ministry opportunities at several of Northern Uganda’s IDP camps, and her favorite, spend time at the House of Hope children’s home.

During her time with FOG, she was also walked the land that was later to be used to build a Bible College and children’s village (like the ones mentioned in this novel).

The work of Favor of God Ministries is vital to the spiritual health of the war-torn area. They strive to see revival in all areas of life—spiritual, physical, social, emotional, economic, academic, and moral. Their goal is to continue to reach out throughout northern Uganda and in the neighboring countries of southern Sudan and D.R. Congo, where the LRA are very active and causing unimaginable devastation.

For more information about and/or to make a donation to this wonderful organization, please visit:

www.favorofgod.org