The delegates were all at the airport by 3:45 A.M. Shannon made sure that everyone got checked in and that the luggage that the delegates had to check was taken care of. Then, after a few short minutes of good-byes, our friends disappeared through the security check point. There was an emptiness that left us somber. After a week of activity together we now had only memories to cherish. Yes, there will be e-mails, letters and phone calls during the year. And, yes, we will have a chance to see them again next year, God willing, when we form a delegation from SJA to travel to TNII. But for right now, there is a profound emptiness. When we touch the memories, though, we see that this emptiness is filled with faces, laughter, tears, joy and hope. Peace is possible. The struggle is worth it. We are on the journey together.
(Submitted by Ross Starkson)