We traveled from Nairobi to Bangkok with a layover in Qatar along the way. We went to the city of Hua Hin for our second last debrief. One night we were going to have a session on the roof. I was still getting over jet lag and had just woken up. I was a bit grouchy, a little dazed and pretty groggy. But up I went and when I got there, the whole squad was waiting. They told me to look behind a short wall. I saw something black. It was a guitar case. I opened it up and inside was a brand new guitar.
Suddenly lights pop behind my eyes as cameras are flashing all around me and Pappy pulls out a video camera. Dania, the sweet, beautiful and wonderful girl with the most beautiful servant heart who was heading up this whole conspiracy was explaining why. All I caught was something about how the whole squad pitched in and they tried to get it in Africa but ran out of time. (Reflecting on it later I was grateful I didn’t have to drag it through airports all the way to Asia.) People were cheering and clapping. I think. I don’t remember much. Just the feeling of being completely overwhelmed.
I buried my face in my hands. I think. I do remember feeling shocked. I remember thinking “Oh no! I’m not crying! I should cry, it would make everyone feel better and show that I really appreciate it. I have to cry!” I tried. But I couldn’t. Maybe it was cause I just woke up and my brain still felt fuzzy and sluggish. I felt bad. It was this big epic thing they did for me I felt like they were waiting for me to cry. But all I could do was gape at them, try to smile and convey my gratitude. Words failed me. But then a new sensation hit me. Suddenly I was weak in the knees. I wouldn’t be able to stand for much longer. Wide eyed and with my new precious prized possession in hand, i wobbled over to a bench or wall and sat down. Cameras were still lighting up the dark roof and I wondered if this might be what its like for celebrities and their paparazzi.
“Play it!” someone shouted. “We tuned it this afternoon.” I couldn’t think of a song to play in all the mayhem and my brain scrambled. Then it came, clear as day. “So Good to Me” by Cory Asbury. I played the first chord…oogh…I guess the tuning didn’t stay through all the heat. But I soldiered on and began singing to try and cover up the clashing notes. But I had just woken up so my voice was thick and extra raspy. Oh well, it didn’t matter. God deserved the praise for this.
To be continued…
