Out of the corner of my eye I saw a family walk past me when the father turned around and asked "Bob Scott?" I was taken back until I realized it was Chris Burge who was part of a Kansas City Church I had been involved with years before.  I would have to say it’s been at least 20 years since I last saw Chris. It was really wonderful to reconnect with him and meet his wife and children.

In the course of the conversation, Elizabeth asked what they were doing at the airport. When Chris answered “We are dropping our daughter Emily off as she’s on her way to Johannesburg” I was stunned for a minute. Elizabeth and I looked at each other and starting grinning and Chris for a second was mystified. Elizabeth then asked Emily if she was on the KCI to Dulles flight leaving in a few minutes. When she answered “yes” Elizabeth looked at Chris and said “so is Bob, he’s on his way to Johannesburg as well.” Now Chris was in shock! When I saw that teary fatherly look in his eyes, I just knew what was coming next and said“ yes, I’ll look after your little girl.”

Emily and I traveled the whole trip together and discovered that the YWAM base she is doing her DTS at is just a few minutes down the road from a meeting I’m having on Tuesday. I plan on stopping in to make sure Chris’s little girl is all settled in.

At church on Sunday, during his message, Pastor Glen Kahler talked about how we have lost the sense of community and helping raise one another’s children. Just like in his neighborhood, growing up in my neighborhood, I had many mothers and father's all looking out for me. Each one was concerned for my well being and making sure I grew up with character. I’m thrilled to be able to apply the message so soon!