Mission Trip 2006
Reflections
by Stuart Clark

"You can't be truly happy unless you are helping others" was said by Shelby Brownfield, my shallow well team partner, this past '06 trip. I'm retired and fish-hunt-golf and travel a lot yet never realized that helping others is more gratifying than doing things for one's self.

"The poorer they are the happier they are" was said by Reverend Jeff Grote, another shallow well member. He said this after a prayer that culminated our '05 trip to Malawi when I became quite emotionally disturbed from all that I'd seen over there. Although it's said in the bible that god favors the poor, I never grasped it until I'd experienced it. Those Malawians may be poor materially but they have it over us, the way they talk, laugh & smile, sing & dance, and they are fun to be with.

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Stuart Clark

"The first one-third of our life's revolve around our youth & education; the second third to our profession or business; and the third to retirement which may be the most rewarding part of our life because we have more time to do god's work." Rick Stevens from my Presbyterian church said this, as has been the case with me. God must have a grip on the rest of the MMM workers too as they keep going back year after year. My '05 partner George Lewis is going back next year and he'll be (77). Shelby will be (75) and I'll be (68).

I feel blessed to be a part of the well team adventure. I learn from them and look forward to going back.

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